Nov. 18
See Market Street’s tree lighting
The annual Christmas tree lighting at Market Street will be held along with a synchronized music and light display. 6 p.m. Free. Market Street, 9595 Six Pines Drive, The Woodlands. 281-419-4774. www.shopatmarketstreet.com
Nov. 19-21
Get ready for the holidays
The Junior League of The Woodlands is holding its 17th annual Holiday Market. The shopping event features a variety of items and vendors offering items from flower arrangements to personalized gifts to holiday ornaments. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. (Fri.-Sat.), 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (Sun.). Ticket pricing TBA. The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center, 1601 Lake Robbins Drive, The Woodlands. www.jlthewoodlands.org
Nov. 19
Enjoy a Thanksgiving Blessings luncheon
Those age 50 and older can join staff at Big Stone Lodge for a Thanksgiving luncheon including turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, candied yams, green beans, cranberry sauce, rolls and dessert. 11 a.m. $11. Big Stone Lodge, 709 Riley Fuzzel Road, Spring. 281-350-1029. www.hcp4.net/bsl/events
Nov. 20
View the annual Lighting Of The Doves
The Lighting of the Doves Festival is the ceremonial illumination of the giant doves throughout The Woodlands. The festival is held at Town Green Park and will include live music, snow play areas, vendor booths, children’s activities, strolling entertainment and a special appearance by Santa Claus. The festival includes a fireworks display. 3-9 p.m. Free. Town Green Park, 2099 Lake Robbins Drive, The Woodlands. 281-210-3800. www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov
Nov. 26-28
Watch ‘The Nutcracker’ live
“The Nutcracker,” presented by Vitacca Vocational School for Dance, takes place this year at The Woodlands Resort. Guests will enjoy the ballet performance at an audience table that includes concessions. Show times vary. $55-$205. The Woodlands Resort, 2301 N. Millbend Drive, The Woodlands. 281-367-7185. www.vitaccadance.com
Nov. 28
Watch a live tree lighting
Oak Ridge North will light the 35-foot tall Oak Ridge North Christmas tree and Merry Christmas sign. The lighting will take place at the intersection of Robinson Road and the I-45 frontage road. 5:30 p.m. Free. Robinson Road and I-45 frontage road. 281-292-4648. www.oakridgenorth.com
Nov. 30
Shop for holiday gifts
The Christmas Gift Market returns to The Woodlands Country Club in November 2021. The market is located in the ballroom of the country club and outside in front of the clubhouse. Vendors selling clothing, gifts, gourmet food items, furniture and decor will be set up in booths throughout the market. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Free (admission). The Woodlands Country Club, 100 Grand Fairway Drive, The Woodlands. 936-900-1900. www.bigtop.show
Nov. 30
Watch the lighting of the angels
The city of Shenandoah invites Shenandoah residents to celebrate the start of the holiday season with the 24th annual Lighting of the Angels. Enjoy family-friendly entertainment that will include animal rides, music, performances and an ice slide following the lighting of the angels in the city. Santa is expected to make an appearance at the event. 6-8 p.m. Free. Public Works Bay at the Municipal Complex, 29955 I-45 N., Shenandoah. 281-298-5522.
www.shenandoahtx.us
Dec. 5
Attend a Grand Chanukah celebration
Market Street will hold Chabad of The Woodlands for its Grand Chanukah celebration. Rogers Park, the country’s only Hasidic folk-rock band, will perform and a menorah will be lit by Rabbi Mendel Blecher. 4-5:30 p.m. Free. Market Street, 9595 Six Pines Drive, The Woodlands. 281-419-4774. www.shopatmarketstreet.com
Dec. 11
Meet Santa and his reindeer
Santa will visit with children for a photo opportunity with live reindeer. 8-10 a.m. Price $15-$30. The Woodlands Children’s Museum, 4775 W. Panther Creek Drive, Ste. 280, The Woodlands. 281-465-0955. www.woodlandschildrensmuseum.org
Dec. 11
Shop a local flea market
Various village associations of The Woodlands will host the winter flea market at the Town Center parking garage. All proceeds from the sale of spaces are shared by the village associations to fund scholarships and programs. 7-10 a.m. Free. The Town Center parking garage, Six Pines Drive and Lake Robbins. 281-210-3976. www.woodlandsfleamarket.org
Dec. 11
Have cookies with Santa
Participants can join Santa and his elves for some milk and cookies at The Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park. Registration is required. 1-3 p.m. $15 (resident), $20 (nonresident), $5 sibling discount. The Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park, 6464 Creekside Forest Drive, The Woodlands. 281-210-3950. www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov
Dec. 11
Participate in a holiday-themed run
B.I.G. Love hosts an annual fundraiser that supports over 100,000 children with cancer and their families across Texas. This year, the 14th annual fun run will be held at Town Green Park. A virtual option will be available as well. Attendees are invited to dress in holiday attire and participate in a run. 7:30 a.m. (registration), 8:30 a.m.-11:15 a.m. (race start times). $20-$30. Town Green Park, 2099 Lake Robbins Drive, The Woodlands. 888-522-7339. www.biglovecancercare.org
Dec. 15 and 18
Craft with Mrs. Claus
Children can spend the day at The Woodlands Children’s Museum with Mrs. Claus building a gingerbread house with graham crackers and candy. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $5 (in addition to $7 admission). The Woodlands Children’s Museum, 4775 W. Panther Creek Drive, Ste. 280, The Woodlands. 281-465-0955. www.woodlandschildrensmuseum.org
Dec. 17
Watch a Christmas parade
Oak Ridge North hosts the city’s annual parade and party in the park. Families are invited to enjoy hayrides, hot cocoa, pictures with Santa and snow. The hayride will leave from Marilyn Edgar Park and tour the city’s Christmas lights. Admission to the ride is two nonperishable items that will be donated to Nourishment for the Needy. 5 p.m. Free (donation required). Marilyn Edgar Park, 26531 S. Hillside Drive, Oak Ridge North. 281-292-4648. www.oakridgenorth.com
Dec. 18
Make a gingerbread house with Santa
Families can join Santa in building and decorating a gingerbread house. Registration is required. 10-11 a.m., 1-2 p.m. $15 (resident), $20 (nonresident), $5 sibling discount. The Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park, 6464 Creekside Forest Drive, The Woodlands. 281-210-3950. www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov
Dec. 19
Eat breakfast with Frosty and Santa
Families are invited to enjoy breakfast treats with Frosty the Snowman and Santa Claus. Families can create a holiday wreath at the event and take photos with Santa and Frosty. 9:30-11 a.m. $20 (resident), $25 (nonresident). The Recreation Center at Bear Branch Park, 5310 Research Forest Drive, The Woodlands. 281-210-3950. www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov
Dec. 19
Watch a holiday pooch pageant
Dog owners can bring their canine companions for a treat hunt and pageant. 11 a.m.-noon. $10 (per dog). Bear Branch Dog Park, 5200 Research Forest Drive, The Woodlands. 281-210-3950. www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov
Dec. 31
Children’s Museum Count down to a new year
Children can attend a daytime New Year’s Eve party. 9:30-11 a.m., 11:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m., 2-3:30 p.m. Price TBD. The Woodlands Children’s Museum, 4775 W. Panther Creek Drive, Ste. 280, The Woodlands. 281-465-0955.
www.woodlandschildrensmuseum.org
Gift donation opportunities
Nov. 15-20Operation Christmas Child
Samaritan’s Purse, an international relief organization, is accepting donations of school supplies, hygiene products and toys. The following locations around The Woodlands are accepting donations from Nov. 15-20:
- Oak Ridge Baptist Church, 500 E. Oak Hill Drive, Spring
- Faith Bible Church, 5505 Research Forest Drive, The Woodlands
- Gracepoint Fellowship Baptist Church, 426 Corporate Wood Drive, Magnolia
- Mims Baptist Church, 1609 Porter Road, Conroe
Nov. 10-Dec. 4
Help others in need
The Montgomery County Food Bank is hosting Stock the Sleigh, in which volunteers organize food drives and collect donations before a drop-off event Dec. 4. Participants can host a food drive, donate, volunteer or become a sponsor. Montgomery County Food Bank, 1 Prospect Point, Conroe. 936-271-8800. www.mcfoodbank.org
