Give during the holiday season
Through Dec. 4
Interfaith of The Woodlands collects new toys and gifts for children and teens during the winter holiday season. Toys are due by noon Dec. 4.
Time: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (Mon.-Tue., Thu.), 2-4 p.m. (Wed.), 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (Fri.)
Cost: Free (cost of donation)
Interfaith of The Woodlands
4242 Interfaith Way, The Woodlands
281-367-1230
www.woodlandsinterfaith.org
Through Dec. 4
Montgomery County Food Bank holiday food drive will run through early December. There will be two drop-off locations for donations. Donations accepted include canned meat, grains, fruit juices, canned vegetables, beans, peanut butter, canned fruit, cereals, snacks and monetary donations.
The Woodlands United Methodist Church, 2200 Lake Woodlands Drive,The Woodlands
Conroe Founder’s Plaza, 205 Metcalf St., Conroe
www.mcfoodbank.org
Drop off toys for children
Through Dec. 6
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office is holding its fourth annual Community Christmas Toy Drive, “Operation Blue Elf.” New, unwrapped toys can be dropped off at many locations in Montgomery County. A full list of locations, including locations in Spring, Shenandoah and The Woodlands, is available on the project’s website.
Locations vary.
936-538-3456
www.operationblueelf.com
Be a princess for a day
Nov. 18
Children can meet Princess Elsa and Princess Anna as part of the festivities for Princess Day, where children are encouraged to wear their finest royal clothes.
Time: varies
Cost: $7 (museum admission)
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. 20-Dec. 31
Market Street’s annual tree-lighting ceremony will kick off the shopping center’s holiday season. Social distancing will be observed at the event, which will include a salute to health care heroes.
Time: 5 p.m. • Cost: Free
Market Street
9595 Six Pines Drive, The Woodlands.
281-418-4774
www.shopatmarketstreet.com
Visit with Santa at the mall
Nov. 20-Dec. 31
Santa Claus will be visiting The Woodlands this holiday season with a number of safety measures in place, including social distancing, hand sanitizers, daily health and temperature checks, and frequent cleanings. Reservations are encouraged.
The Woodlands Mall
1201 Lake Woodlands Drive, The Woodlands
281-363-3363
www.thewoodlandsmall.com
Meet Santa safely
Nov. 21-Dec. 24
Market Street will hold a socially distanced photo opportunity with Santa Claus. The set will allow for a safe distance to be maintained, in accordance with current coronavirus-related restrictions. Reservations are required. A virtual Santa experience will also be available. Time: Times vary.
Cost: Photos available for purchase.
Market Street
9595 Six Pines Drive, The Woodlands
281-418-4774
www.shopatmarketstreet.com
Celebrate the Lighting of the Doves
Nov. 21
The Woodlands Township residents celebrate the start of the holiday season at the 38th annual Lighting of the Doves festival. This year’s event, which has been modified for COVID-19, will be limited to Santa Claus’ arrival to Town Green Park, the dove lighting ceremony and fireworks. No vendors, snow play areas or concessions will be available this year. Time: 4-8 p.m. • Cost: Free
Town Green Park
2099 Lake Robbins Drive, The Woodlands
281-210-3800
www.thewoodlandstownshp-tx.gov
Visit a holiday market
Nov. 21
Piney Rose, a floral shop, is holding a holiday market, featuring local vendors, at the store’s parking lot. About 10 businesses will set up tents to sell a variety of items, such as cookies and gifts.
Time: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. • Cost: Free
Piney Rose parking lot
2714 Research Forest Drive, The Woodlands
936-524-1540
www.pineyrose.com
See a holiday concert
Nov. 27-28, Dec. 18-19
Glade Cultural Center presents two holiday concerts this fall—one each in November and December. A “Holiday Extravaganza” concert is scheduled for Thanksgiving weekend, and a December “Holiday Big Band” concert will follow. Additional concerts may be added for the season. Time: 8 p.m.
Cost: $25
Glade Cultural Center
2000 Woodlands Parkway, The Woodlands
832-557-8781
www.gladeartsfoundation.org
Begin the holiday season
Nov. 29
Oak Ridge North’s annual lighting of its Christmas tree and city holiday greeting sign will cap off the Thanksgiving holiday weekend this year. Attendees at the tree-lighting ceremony can also join in a singalong.
Time: 5 p.m. • Cost: Free
114 Robinson Road, Oak Ridge North
281-292-4648
www.oakridgenorth.com
Celebrate in Shenandoah
Dec. 1
Shenandoah residents and their guests can enjoy the 23rd annual Lighting of the Angels, a family-friendly lighting ceremony. According to information from the city, the event will include animal rides, and music will be featured after the ceremony.
Time: 6-8 p.m. • Cost: Free (residents)
29955 S. I-45, Shenandoah.
281-298-5522.
www.shenandoahtx.us
Run for arthritis support
Dec. 11-13
The Arthtitis Foundation’s annual event is going virtual this year. Participants will run their favorite 5K course at their own time and pace throughout the three days.
Time: Times vary.
Cost: $35 (registration fee)
Locations throughout The Woodlands
713-253-0688
http://events.arthritis.org
Santa will visit The Woodlands
Dec. 12
Children’s Museum for a sing-along live music performance with Joe McDermott. Children can get their picture taken with Santa, enjoy a snow play area and make a Christmas craft. Hot chocolate and treats will be available along with breakfast items to go.
Time: 8-11 a.m.
Cost: $25 (child), $10 (adult).
The Woodlands Children’s Museum,
4775 W. Panther Creek Drive, Ste. 280, The Woodlands.
281-465-0955.
www.woodlandschildrensmuseum.org
Bring the family pet to Feliz Navi Dog
Dec. 13
Residents can bring their dogs to Bear Branch Dog Park for a treat hunt and holiday pageant.
Time: 3-4 p.m. • Cost: $5 (per dog)
Bear Branch Dog Park
5200 Research Forest Drive, The Woodlands
281-210-3800
www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov
Hunt for candy canes
Dec. 11-12, 17-19
Families can bring a flashlight to hunt for candy canes in a township park. The event is intended for children age 5 and older.
Time: 5:30-6:30 p.m. • Cost: $10-$15.
Terramont Park • 281-210-3800
www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov
Celebrate in Oak Ridge North
Dec. 18
Oak Ridge North’s Christmas in the Park celebration will take place at Marilyn Edgar Park. A bounce house and a snowfield will be set up in the park for attendees. Refreshments will be available, and a tractor ride will run through the neighborhood.
Time: 5 p.m. • Cost: Free
Marilyn Edgar Park
26531 S. Hillside Drive, Oak Ridge North
281-292-4648
www.oakridgenorth.com
Jingle Boats
Dec. 18, 20, 27
Families can get in a kayak and search for presents on the shores of Lake Woodlands. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Time: 2-3 p.m.
Cost: $40 (per two-person kayak)
Riva Row Boat House
2101 Riva Row, The Woodlands
281-210-3800
www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov
Decorate a gingerbread house
Dec. 19
Children ages 5-12 can build and decorate a gingerbread house with gumdrops, peppermints, frosting and other candies. Parent participation is required.
Time: 10 a.m.-noon, 1-4 p.m.
Cost: $20-$25.
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. 19
An introduction for beginning archers consists of instruction, games, hot cocoa and snacks. The event is for children age 9 and older.
Time: 10 a.m.-noon, 1-3 p.m.
Cost: $30-$40.
The Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park 6464 Creekside Forest Drive, The Woodlands
281-516-7348
www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov
See a holiday classic
Two productions of "The Nutcracker" are scheduled in The Woodlands area this year.
Nov. 21-22
Boni’s presents The Woodlands Dance Company in “The Nutcracker” ballet, featuring a young cast of dancers.
Time: 2 p.m, 8 p.m. Cost: $25
Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, 2005 Lake Robbins Drive, The Woodlands
281-364-3010.
www.woodlandscenter.org
Nov. 27-29
Vitacca School for Dance presents “The Nutcracker” in a socially distanced setting with tables for families in The Woodlands Resort ballroom. Tables are sold by the number of seats, and limited seating is available.
Time: 7 p.m. (Fri.), 1 p.m., 6 p.m. (Sat.-Sun.)
Cost: $50-$185
The Woodlands Resort, 2301 N. Millbend Drive, The Woodlands.
281-367-7185.
www.vitaccadance.com
