Holiday festivities are underway in The Woodlands, and on Hughes Landing Boulevard events are planned at the Hughes Landing Band Shell through the end of the year, where "Light the World" Giving Machines are in place beginning Dec. 18.

The Giving Machines are vending machines where people can donate items such as food, clothing and medical care to people in need, with prices ranging from $5-$250, according to a news release. The Giving Machines are part of the “Light The World” initiative by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, according to the release.

Events such as live music and entertainment are planned on a daily basis through Dec. 24 at the band shell in conjunction with the project, and events will resume after Dec. 25 through the end of the year, according to a news release.

What's happening?

Following are some highlights of events in the week leading up to Dec. 25. This list is not comprehensive. Additional activities will take place Dec. 26-29.


Dec. 18
  • 10:30 a.m., Giving Machines launch at Hughes Landing
  • 11 a.m., Mrs. Texas
  • 11:15 a.m., Howard Hughes Tree Tops
  • 1 p.m., yoga
  • 5 p.m., Santa Claus and crafts for kids
  • 6 p.m., balloon artist, face painting and lawn games
  • 6:30 p.m., Hawaiian fire knife dancers
Dec. 19
  • noon, The Grinch appears
  • 6:30 p.m., Shelley Gifford on harp
Dec. 20
  • All-day events include holiday photos, card decorating and hygiene kit assembly
  • 11 a.m., Howard Hughes Tree Tops
  • noon, vocalist Ian Ramirez
  • 1 p.m., Interfaith Child Development Center Children's Choir
  • 1:30-3:30 p.m., Tomball High School Choir
  • 5:30-6:30 p.m., Ramon Torres
Dec. 21
  • 10 a.m., Ethos Music School
  • noon, Sarah Kelly Music School
  • 2:30 p.m., Serenity Equine, interactive steer roping demonstration
  • 4 p.m. Santa and Mrs. Claus with balloon artist, juggler and lawn games
  • 6:30 p.m., Woodlands Stake Choir
Dec. 22
  • 2 p.m., Santa Claus
  • 6 p.m., Klein Oak High School Mariachi Band
  • 7 p.m., Christmas carol sing-a-long
Dec. 23
  • 10 a.m., Christmas cardio dance party
  • noon, Jill Jemsen and students
  • 5 p.m., Miss Teen Houston Latina
  • 6 p.m., Tomfoolery Band
Dec. 24
  • 11 a.m., Grand Oaks High School and Friends Choir
  • 1 p.m., Grand Oaks High School String Orchestra
  • 3 p.m., mixed choral and string performance
What else?

On Christmas Day, Dec. 25, winter and holiday photo opportunities will be available in Hughes Landing throughout the day. Additional activities will take place through Dec. 29.