Local emergency assistance organization Society of Samaritans will distribute 500 holiday baskets to families in need on a first-come, first-served basis for its annual Thanksgiving dinner giveaway event. Holiday baskets contain food items for families to cook dinner. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Magnolia Bible Church, 31611 Nichols Sawmill Road, Magnolia. 281-259-8452. https://societyofsamaritanstx.org
Nov. 25: Attend a food drive
Families Feeding Families will host its 10th annual food distribution event for families in need. Event participants will be able to attend the drive-thru event to receive a hot meal and other assistance items, such as clothing vouchers, goodie bags and gift cards. The event will also offer faith-based assistance, such as prayer support. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. 22601 Lutheran Church Road, Tomball. 281-351-8223. www.salem4u.com
Nov. 28-29: Watch 'The Nutcracker Suite'
Dance enthusiasts can catch one of three holiday performances of “The Nutcracker Suite” hosted by the Texas Academy of Dance Arts on Nov. 28-29. Tickets for in-person and livestreamed shows will be available for purchase on the organization’s website. 3 p.m. (Sat., Sun.), 6 p.m. (Sat.). $20-25. Concordia Lutheran High School, 700 E. Main St., Tomball. 832-663-5336. https://dancetada.com
Dec. 3: Sip and shop for a cause
Adelyne’s will hold a “Sip and Shop” event, featuring snacks and drinks, in which 15% of every purchase will benefit Tomball-based nonprofit New Life Adoptions. Interested participants unable to attend the event can shop online during the event times and leave “New Life Adoptions” in the comments section. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free to attend. 11715 Spring Cypress Road, Tomball. 281-205-7421. https://shopadelynes.com
Dec. 4-19: Enjoy holiday lights
Tomball United Methodist Church will host its Trail of Lights event, an outdoor walking trail decorated for the holidays. The trail will be open on Friday and Saturday evenings Dec. 4-19. Families can enjoy homemade cookies and hot chocolate as well as pictures with Santa and a 30-foot Christmas tree. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. 1603 Baker Drive, Tomball. 281-351-1249. www.tomballumc.org
Dec. 5: Go Christmas camping
The Wilderness Campground hosts a celebration for campers and the public with holiday music, photos with Santa and a Christmas dessert table. In addition to hot chocolate and roasted marshmallows, the event includes a holiday movie showing outdoors. 6-8 p.m. Free. 14310 FM 1488, Magnolia. 281-804-8683. www.battlecryministries.org/wilderness
Dec. 5: Wave to Santa
The Greater Magnolia Parkway Chamber of Commerce presents The Magic of Christmas Parade of Lights event in partnership with Precinct 2 Commissioner Charlie Riley and the city of Magnolia. The parade begins at Magnolia Junior High School on Nichols Sawmill Road and travels to Commerce Street, Sixth Street and Unity Park. According to Chamber President Sandy Barton, the parade will also honor local law enforcement agencies. The parade will feature a visit from Santa Claus. 5:30 p.m. Free. 281-356-1488. 31138 Nichols Sawmill Road, Magnolia. www.greatermagnoliaparkwaycc.org
Dec. 5: Eat breakfast with Santa
Enjoy breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Abandoned Animal Rescue's fourth annual pancake breakfast. In addition to breakfast, the event will also include holiday-themed music and tours of the facility. Monetary donations and financial gifts are encouraged. 10 a.m.-noon. Free to attend. 32632 Wright Road, Magnolia. www.aartexas.org
Dec. 5: Take photos with Santa
Montgomery County Precinct 2 Commissioner Charlie Riley hosts “Hometown Christmas,” a holiday-themed, family-friendly event with children’s activities, such as photos with Santa Claus, camel and pony rides, and face painting. 1-4 p.m. Free. Unity Park, 19450 Unity Park Drive, Magnolia. 281-259-6492. www.charlieriley.org
Dec. 5-18: Make holiday crafts, see lights
Harris County Precinct 4 is hosting a holiday craft pickup drive-thru event on a first-come, first-served basis. Event attendees will have the opportunity to wave at Santa Claus as well as view the holiday lights installation at Burroughs Park. 6-9 p.m. (lights), 6-8 p.m. (craft pickup). Free. Burroughs Park, 9738 Hufsmith Road, Tomball. 832-927-4444. www.hcp4.net
Dec. 12: Celebrate Christmas at The Grounds 1488
A holiday-themed event will be held at the creative community space The Grounds 1488. The event features music, vendors and Santa. 3-7 p.m. Free. 11512 FM 1488, Magnolia (behind Acton Academy). www.facebook.com/thegroundsmagnoliatexas
Dec. 19: Send a card
Decorate cookies, play games and win prizes at the Holiday Shindig event. In addition to free martial arts lessons and craft activities, children can make holiday cards for elderly residents in nursing homes. Noon-2 p.m. Free. 32818 Tamina Road, Magnolia. 346-345-7100. https://thewayfamilydojo.com
