Nov. 18-25: Operation Christmas Child
Community members can pack a shoebox gift filled with toys, school supplies and hygiene items as part of Samaritan Purse’s Operation Christmas Child project. During National Collection Week, packed boxes can be dropped off at various locations—including several churches in the Tomball and Magnolia area—to be sent to young children around the world. Locations can be found by city or ZIP code on the project website. Times vary. $9 (suggested donation per box)
Locations vary
828-262-1980
www.samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child
Nov. 22: City Christmas tree lighting
The city of Tomball hosts its second annual Christmas tree lighting event for families to enjoy. The holiday event features live entertainment, complimentary cookies, snacks and hot chocolate, and children’s activities. 7 p.m. Free (admission, parking)
Tomball Historic Depot Plaza
201 S. Elm St., Tomball
281-351-5484
www.tomballtx.gov
Nov. 23: Tomball Holiday Parade
Hosted by The Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce, the 54th annual Tomball Holiday Parade returns with James Drury—star of the TV series “The Virginian,” which aired in the 1960s—as grand marshal. The theme of the parade is “A Classic TV Christmas.” The parade travels along West Main Street from Elm to Buvinghausen streets. 10 a.m.-noon. Free (admission, parking)
Main Street, from Elm to Buvinghausen streets
866-670-7222
www.tomballchamber.org
Nov. 23: Thanksgiving crafts
The Malcolm Purvis Branch Library in Magnolia invites community members of all ages to stop by and make a fun holiday craft. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free
Malcolm Purvis Branch Library
510 Melton St., Magnolia
936-442-7704
www.countylibrary.org/malcolm.htm
Nov. 23-Dec. 14: Santa at the farm
Santa and Mrs. Claus visit Spring Creek Growers for the holiday season. Families can take photos with the Clauses. The Christmas tree farm opens Nov. 23 for the 2019 season, offering cut-your-own, precut and living Christmas trees. Dates, times vary. $10 (per family for photos with Santa with personal camera)
Spring Creek Growers
23803 Decker Prairie-Rosehill Road, Magnolia
281-259-8114
www.springcreekgrowers.com
Nov. 27: Families Feeding Families
A local organization prepares nearly 2,000 hot meals for people in need throughout Tomball, Magnolia and Waller the day before Thanksgiving. The ninth annual event also includes free haircuts, flu shots, free clothing and toys, and children’s activities. Volunteers are needed. The event has moved to Salem Lutheran Church this year. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free
Salem Lutheran Church
22601 Lutheran Church Road, Tomball
www.familiesfeedingfamilies.com
Nov. 29-Dec. 1: Texas Renaissance Festival
The final weekend of the 45th season of the Texas Renaissance Festival features a Celtic Christmas theme to celebrate the holidays. This three-day festival weekend features Renaissance-themed live entertainment, interactive characters, games, and hundreds of shopping and food vendors throughout the 55-acre festival grounds. The Texas Renaissance Festival is located just north of the city of Magnolia. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. (gates open). Free (age 4 and younger, children age 12 and younger every Sun.), $17 (ages 5-12), $34 (adult)
Texas Renaissance Festival
21778 FM 1774, Todd Mission
800-458-3435
www.texrenfest.com
Dec. 5-7: ‘A Very Tomball Christmas: Home for the Holidays’
Fine arts groups from Lone Star College-Tomball present a Broadway-style musical drama featuring LSC-Tomball musicians, guest artists, Santa Claus, children’s choirs and storytellers. 7 p.m. $5-$10
LSC-Tomball Performing Arts Center
30555 Hwy. 249, Tomball
281-401-1889
www.lonestar.edu/tomball-pac
Dec. 6-8: 'The Nutcracker'
The Houston Repertoire Ballet presents its 21st annual performance of “The Nutcracker” with live music by the Cypress Philharmonic. An abbreviated arts and education performance is held Dec. 6 for younger audiences. Fri. 7 p.m.; Sat. 2 p.m., 7 p.m.; Sun. 1 p.m., 4:30 p.m. $20-$25
Tomball High School Theater
30330 Quinn Road, Tomball
281-940-4721
www.hrbdance.org
Dec. 6: A visit with St. Nicholas
St. Matthias the Apostle Catholic Church in Magnolia presents a family event with photo opportunities with St. Nicholas, a sweet shop and a craft fair. 4-9 p.m. Free (admission), $5 (photos with St. Nicholas)
St. Matthias the Apostle Catholic Church
302 FM 1774, Magnolia
www.st-matthias.net
Dec. 7: Pancake breakfast
Abandoned Animal Rescue hosts a pancake breakfast with tours of the animal shelter, pet adoptions and visits with Santa Claus. 10 a.m.-noon. Pet adoptions held noon-3 p.m. Free (donations accepted)
Abandoned Animal Rescue
32632 Wright Road, Magnolia
281-789-4142
www.aartexas.org
Dec. 7: Deck the Depot
The event, hosted by the city of Tomball, features school choirs and orchestras, activities, crafts, vendors, food, and a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus at The Depot. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free (admission, parking)
Tomball Historic Depot Plaza
201 S. Elm St., Tomball
281-351-5484
www.tomballtx.gov
Dec. 7: Parade of Lights, tree lighting
The Greater Magnolia Parkway Chamber of Commerce hosts “The Magic of Christmas” Parade of Lights through the city of Magnolia. The parade, sponsored by Precinct 5 Constable Chris Jones, starts at Magnolia Junior High School and travels on Nichols Sawmill Road, Commerce Street, Sixth Street and Unity Park Drive. The city of Magnolia’s Christmas tree lighting will be held immediately after the parade at Williams Pavilion in Unity Park with caroling by Magnolia ISD choirs, cookies and hot chocolate, and nonprofit vendors, according to Tana Ross, planning technician and economic development coordinator for the city of Magnolia. 5:30 p.m. Free
Magnolia city streets and Unity Park
19450 Unity Park Drive, Magnolia
281-356-1488
www.greatermagnoliaparkwaycc.org
Dec. 8: Christmas in the Woods
Inspiration Ranch hosts a holiday event open to the community. Activities include photos with Santa, a hayride, shopping vendors, crafts, games, a showing of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and opportunities to support Inspiration Ranch such as adopting a horse or purchasing raffle tickets. 2-8 p.m. Free admission (tickets available for purchase for activity stations)
Inspiration Ranch
33029 Wright Road, Magnolia
281-719-9322
www.inspirationranch.org/christmas
Dec. 13-14: Candlelight tours
The Tomball Museum Center hosts a holiday open house event with candlelight tours of the historic buildings. The event also includes adult and children’s choirs, refreshments, live music, and visits with Santa Claus. 6-9 p.m. Free (donations accepted)
Tomball Museum Center
510 N. Pine St., Tomball
281-255-2148
www.tomballmuseumcenter.com
Dec. 13-15: Tomball German Christmas Market
The annual event honoring Tomball’s German history includes four live music stages, more than 200 street vendors, ethnic food, beer and wine, a petting zoo, street performers, and antiques. 6-10 p.m. (Fri.), 10 a.m.-10 p.m. (Sat.), 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (Sun.). Free (admission, parking and shuttle)
Old Town Tomball
201 S. Elm St., Tomball
www.tomballgermanfest.org
