From seasonal markets and visiting Santa to enjoying holiday light decorations and ringing in the new year with friends, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the holidays in Pearland and Friendswood. The information for each event is accurate as of press time and is subject to change.
Nov. 6: Celebrate Dia De Los Muertos
Visitors can enjoy traditional dances performed by matachines, flower decorations, drinks and entertainment. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $3 per car. Cole’s Flea Market. 1014 N. Main St., Pearland. 281-485-2277. https://bit.ly/3gIGSaF
Kid friendly
Nov. 12 -Jan. 1: Travel through the galaxy lights
Visitors can enjoy a festive themed array of dazzling lights. 6-10 p.m. $15.95 (members), $19.95 (public). Space Center Houston. 1601 NASA Parkway, Houston. 281-283-4755. www.spacecenter.org/galaxy-lights
Kid friendly
Nov. 20: Play in a softball tournament
Participants can compete in an adult softball tournament that contributes to a toy drive. $25 per team. Friendswood Sports Park. 9 a.m.-9 p.m. 2910 W. Parkwood, Friendswood. 281-996-3228. www.ci.friendswood.tx.us/384/blue-santa-shootout-softball-tournament
Nov. 24: Run in the Pearland Turkey Trot
Participants can challenge themselves to either a 6- or 4-mile running course or a 1-mile walking course. There will also be a special kids course. 7:30 a.m. (first race begins). $20-$60. Independence Park. 3449 Pearland Parkway, Pearland. 832-683-4243. www.pearlandturkeytrot.com
Kid friendly
Nov. 25-26, Dec. 1-3, 8-10, 15-23: Ride the Christmas train
Visitors can take a ride on a small open-air train and view various Christmas displays. 6-9 p.m. $10-$12. Victory Camp. 1407 Victory Lane, Alvin. www.thechristmastrain.com
Kid friendly, Food and drink available
Dec. 2: See the hometown Christmas tree lighting
Visitors can see a tree-lighting ceremony and a fireworks show presented by the University of Houston-Clear Lake. 6-9 p.m. Free. Independence Park. 3449 Pearland Parkway, Pearland. www.parks.pearlandtx.gov/special-events/hometown-christmas-festival/tree-lighting
Free, Kid friendly
Dec. 2-4: Celebrate the holiday in the park
Residents can enjoy three holiday parades and get pictures with Santa. 5-9 p.m. (Dec. 2), 9 a.m.-9 p.m. (Dec. 3), noon-5 p.m. (Dec. 5). Free. League Park. 512 Second St., League City. www.leaguecityproud.com
Free, Kid friendly, Food and drink available
Dec. 3: Visit Santa in the park
Visitors can enjoy amusement rides, live music and face painting. 3-8 p.m. Free. Stevenson Park. 1100 S. Friendswood Drive, Friendswood. 281-996-3220. www.ci.friendswood.tx.us/386/santa-in-the-park-december
Free, Kid friendly, Food and drink available
Dec. 3: View the hometown Christmas parade
Viewers can enjoy the sight of dozens of floats and more. 6 p.m. Free. Bay Area. Route goes east from Old Alvin Road to Pearland Parkway. 281-412-8900. www.parks.pearlandtx.gov/special-events/hometown-christmas-festival/parade
Free, Kid friendly
Dec. 3: Run in the Flapjack Fun Run
Participants can run/walk in a 5K with a course for kids. 8-8:20 a.m. (races begin). $25-$55. Stevenson Park. 1100 S. Friendswood Drive, Friendswood. www.ci.friendswood.tx.us/385/flapjack-5k-fun-run-walk-december
Kid friendly, Food and drink available
Dec. 4: Run in the Santa Dash
Participants can run to support families with cancer. A holiday market with carnival games and Santa photo opportunities is held after. 8:30 a.m. (first race begins). $20-$35. Pearland Town Center. 11200 Broadway St., Pearland. http://secure.qgiv.com/event/biglovesantadash2022
Kid friendly, Food and drink available
Dec. 10: Watch the Christmas Boat Lane Parade
Viewers can enjoy the sights of dozens of brightly decorated boats that will travel from the South Shore Harbour Marina to Galveston Bay. 6 p.m. Free. Nassau Bay. 281-488-7676. www.clearlakearea.com/events/annual-events/christmas-boat-parade
Free, Kid friendly
