Families Feeding Families invites the community for its 11th annual event featuring a free Thanksgiving meal, health services, community resources and giveaways. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Salem Community Center, 22601 Lutheran Church Road, Tomball. www.familiesfeedingfamilies.com
Nov. 26-28: Visit the Texas Renaissance Festival
Festivalgoers can enjoy a Celtic Christmas-themed weekend at the Texas Renaissance Festival, which will be open for its final weekend of the season. See live entertainment and shop from local merchants while traveling back in time to the Christmas wonderland. 9 a.m.-7 p.m. daily. Cost varies; children age 12 and younger receive free admission on Sundays and half-price admission on Saturdays. 21778 FM 1774, Todd Mission. 800-458-3435. www.texrenfest.com
Dec. 3-5: See ‘The Nutcracker’ in Tomball
After being closed to the public for the 2020 season, the Houston Repertoire Ballet is returning to Tomball for its 22nd annual performance of “The Nutcracker,” the nonprofit organization announced in an Oct. 25 release. Five performances will be held Dec. 3-5 at Tomball High School. A live orchestra will not be included for the 2021 performances due to health restrictions; therefore, ticket prices are lower this season, according to the release. 7 p.m. (Dec. 3-4); 2 p.m. (Dec. 4); 1 p.m., 4:30 p.m. (Dec. 5). $18 (students and seniors), $23 (adults). Tomball High School, 3033 Quinn Road, Tomball. 281-940-4721. www.hrbdance.org
Dec. 4: Spend a family day in Magnolia
Montgomery County Precinct 2 Commissioner Charlie Riley will host his annual family fun day in Magnolia. The event includes camel rides, face painting, pictures with Santa, inflatables for youth and other activities as well as snacks available for purchase. Families are invited to bring lawn chairs and picnic baskets. 1-4 p.m. Free. Unity Park, 19450 Unity Park Drive, Magnolia. www.facebook.com/commissionerriley
Dec. 4: Celebrate the holidays in Tomball
The city of Tomball presents its annual Deck the Depot celebration for the family. Guests can enjoy photos with Santa, live entertainment and a kids zone with activities. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Free (admission). Tomball Historic Depot Plaza, 201 S. Elm St., Tomball. 281-351-5484. www.tomballtx.gov
Dec. 4: Catch a parade in Magnolia
Community members can enjoy the annual parade of lights presented by the Greater Magnolia Parkway Chamber of Commerce. The parade begins and ends at Magnolia Junior High School and runs along Nichols Sawmill Road, Commerce Street, Sixth Street and Unity Park Drive. 5:30 p.m. Free. Unity Park and Nichols Sawmill Road, Magnolia. 281-356-1488. www.greatermagnoliaparkwaycc.org
Dec. 4: Visit a holiday wonderland
Harris County Precinct 4 hosts a holiday wonderland at Burroughs Park, which will include snow activities, crafts, a petting zoo, holiday lights, photo opportunities and other activities for the family. 4-8 p.m. Free. 9738 Hufsmith Road, Tomball. www.hcp4.net
Dec. 10-12: Attend Germanfest
The annual German Christmas Market in Tomball includes street vendors, live music, a carnival, food, and street performers. Santa will also make an appearance Saturday. There is also a complimentary shuttle from designated parking areas near HCA Houston Healthcare Tomball to the festival grounds. 6-10 p.m. (Dec. 10), 10 a.m.-10 p.m. (Dec. 11), 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (Dec. 12). Free (admission, parking, shuttle). Old Town Tomball, 201 S. Elm St., Tomball. www.tomballgermanfest.org
Dec. 11: Browse an artisan market, car show in Magnolia
Guests can visit a holiday artisan and vintage market from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at 20603 Sapphire Circle, Magnolia, which will include handmade goods, sweets, and a food truck. Neighborhood happenings also include a car show from 9 a.m. to noon at 28601 Sapphire Circle and a train ride, toy drive, face painting, petting zoo and visits with Santa from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at 20327 Sapphire Circle. A new, unwrapped toy grants admission for a train ride. Free (admission). Indigo Lake Estates. www.handmadewinter.weebly.com
Dec. 11: Enjoy breakfast
The Magnolia Education Foundation will host a come-and-go pancake breakfast with Santa for families to enjoy with Santa photos, letters to Santa, arts and crafts, caroling, raffles and other activities. 8-11 a.m. Free (children age 4 and younger), $8 (advance tickets), $10 (at the door). Magnolia Event Center, 11659 FM 1488, Magnolia. www.facebook.com/magnoliaedfoundation
Dec. 18: Have an evening under the stars
Guests can listen to The Monarch Chamber players perform “The Nutcracker” live while the ballet is shown on a giant movie screen outdoors. 6-8 p.m. Free. Burroughs Park, 9738 Hufsmith Road, Tomball. www.hcp4.net
