Check out educational gifts
Nov. 15:
The Woodlands Children’s Museum invites gift buyers to its one-night “All Wrapped Up” holiday shopping event featuring a lineup of local vendors selling a variety of educational toys and games along with children’s books and clothing. The event is for adults. 5-9 p.m. Free. The Woodlands Children’s Museum, 4775 W. Panther Creek Drive, Ste. 280, The Woodlands. 281-465-0955. www.woodlandschildrensmuseum.org
Light up a tree at Market Street
Nov. 21:
Market Street’s annual tree-lighting ceremony, Market Street in Lights, kicks off the shopping center’s holiday season. The event features the lighting of a 70-foot Christmas tree in addition to live entertainment and carriage rides. 6-8 p.m. Free.Market Street, 9595 Six Pines Drive, The Woodlands. 281-419-4774. www.shopatmarketstreet.com
Go holiday shopping with the Junior League
Nov. 21-24:
Personalized gifts and holiday decor will be on display at the Junior League of The Woodlands’ annual Holiday Market fundraising event. All proceeds benefit the Junior League’s work in north Houston. 7:30-10:30 p.m. (Nov. 21), 9 a.m.-6 p.m. (Nov. 22-23), 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (Nov. 24). $15. The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center, 1601 Lake Robbins Drive, The Woodlands. 888-746-7455. www.jlthewoodlands.org/holiday-market
Take in a holiday festival
Nov. 23:
The Woodlands’ annual Lighting of the Doves Festival symbolizes the start of the holiday season in the township. The festival features live performances, vendors booths, snow play areas, children’s activities and a dove-lighting ceremony. 3-9 p.m. Free. Town Green Park, 2099 Lake Robbins Drive, The Woodlands. 281-210-3800. www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov
Shenandoah residents celebrate tree lighting
Dec. 3:
The annual Lighting of the Angels for Shenandoah residents and their guests includes animal rides, music, performances and an ice slide. The event is only open to Shenandoah residents. 6-8 p.m. Free. Shenandoah Public Works Building, 29955 I-45 S., Shenandoah. 281-298-5522. www.shenandoahtx.us
Take part in a luminary work day
Dec. 7:
Shenandoah residents are able to help make luminaries to light areas around town for the holidays on Christmas Eve. Volunteers can participate throughout the morning event. 9 a.m.-noon. Free. Shenandoah Public Works Building, 29955 I-45 S., Shenandoah. 281-298-5522. www.shenandoahtx.us
Join in on Santa’s Ho Ho Ho Down
Dec. 7: A country breakfast and photo opportunity with Santa start a morning that also includes snow play and sensory play, art projects and letter writing. 8-11 a.m. $15-$30. The Woodlands Children’s Museum, 4775 W. Panther Creek Drive, •Ste. 280, The Woodlands. 281-465-0955. www.woodlandschildrensmuseum.org
Paddle for presents at Jingle Boats
Dec. 7 and 14:
Families can get in a kayak to find floating presents on Lake Woodlands and then return to the boat house for treats and a visit with Santa. The event is recommended for children age 10 and under with their families. 1-3 p.m. $35-$40. Riva Row Boat House, •2101 Riva Row, The Woodlands. 281-210-3800. www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov
Join a hometown hayride
Dec. 13:
Families can attend Oak Ridge North Hometown Hayride and meet Santa. 5 p.m. Donation required (two nonperishable items). Marilyn Edgar Park, 26531 S. Hillside Drive, Oak Ridge North. 281-292-4648. www.oakridgenorth.com
Make a gingerbread house with Mrs. Claus
Dec. 13-14:
Children join Mrs. Claus in building their own gingerbread houses with graham crackers and decorating with icing and candy. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $5 (in addition to museum admission).
The Woodlands Children’s Museum, 4775 W. Panther Creek Drive, Ste. 280, The Woodlands. 281-465-0955. www.woodlandschildrensmuseum.org
Hunt for candy canes by flashlight
Dec. 13-14, 19, 20-21:
Several Woodlands Township parks offer hot cocoa, cookies and a flashlight candy cane hunt throughout December. Attendees should bring a flashlight and a camera for a photo with Santa. The event is for children ages 5 and older. 5:30 p.m. $10-$15. Locations vary by date. 281-516-7348. www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov
Have breakfast with Santa
Dec. 14 and 21:
The event includes a continental-style breakfast, a special craft, holiday music and photographs with Santa. Discounts are available for families of two or three. 10 a.m. $40-$45. The Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park, 6464 Creekside Forest Drive, The Woodlands. 281-516-7348. www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov
Decorate a gingerbread house
Dec. 14:
Children ages 5-12 can build and decorate a gingerbread house with gumdrops, peppermints, frosting and other candy. Parent participation is required. 1 p.m. $20-$25. The Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park, 6464 Creekside Forest Drive, The Woodlands. 281-516-7348. www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov
Bake at the North Pole
Dec. 15:
The North Pole Bakery event lets children ages 3-12 decorate cookies, treats and a holiday apron before taking a picture with Santa. 1-2:30 p.m. $20-$25. Bear Branch Recreation Center, 5310 Research Forest Drive, Spring. 281-210-3950. www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov
Bring a pet to Feliz Navi Dog
Dec. 15:
Residents can bring their dogs to Bear Branch Dog Park for a treat hunt and holiday pageant with hot cocoa. 3 p.m. $5 (per dog). Bear Branch Dog Park, 5200 Research Forest Drive, The Woodlands. 281-210-3800. www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov
Have milk and cookies with Santa
Dec. 21:
Participants can hear a Christmas story, decorate cookies, make a holiday plate and take a picture with Santa. The event is for ages 3-12. 1 p.m. $15 (resident), $20 (nonresident). The Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park, 6464 Creekside Forest Drive, The Woodlands. 281-516-7348. www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov
Learn archery with elves
Dec. 21:
An introduction for beginner archers consists of an hour of instruction and an hour of games as well as hot cocoa and snacks. The event is for children age 9 and older. 2:30-4:30 p.m. $30-$40. The Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park, 6464 Creekside Forest Drive, The Woodlands. 281-516-7348. www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov
Count down to New Year’s
Dec. 31:
Children can celebrate the new year by making hats and creative art projects. Presale tickets are available for members Nov. 25. 9:30-11:00 a.m., 11:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m., 2-3:30 p.m. $5-$10. The Woodlands Children’s Museum, 4775 W. Panther Creek Drive, Ste. 280, The Woodlands. 281-465-0955. www.woodlandschildrensmuseum.org
