The holiday season is bringing music, festive traditions and opportunities to give back at Lone Star College-Montgomery as the campus prepares to host its annual Holiday Benefit Concert on Dec. 3 and community tree lighting celebration on Dec. 4.
The two-day celebration invites families from Conroe, The Woodlands and surrounding communities to enjoy live performances and seasonal activities while supporting local causes and celebrating student achievements.
What can visitors expect at the Dec. 3 holiday concert?
The Holiday Benefit Concert will begin at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3, in the Mainstage Theatre in Building D, featuring seasonal favorites performed by students and community musicians.
The approximately 90-minute concert will showcase four musical ensembles alongside special performances by the college's dance department.
Featured ensembles include:
Chamber Choir: An audition-based vocal ensemble featuring student singers.
Concert Choir: A group bringing together college students and community members.
Montgomery Chamber Orchestra: An instrumental ensemble featuring string and wind musicians.
Symphonic Band: A concert band showcasing the college's instrumental musicians.
"While it’s a festive evening, this concert is truly a capstone performance for our students to showcase everything they’ve worked toward all semester," said Michael Walsh, Dean of Instruction for the Creative Arts and Education Division. "Beyond the music, it's about bringing our community together for a wonderful night of entertainment that directly supports a meaningful cause."
How does the concert support local nonprofits?
Each year, Lone Star College-Montgomery selects a nonprofit organization to benefit from concert ticket sales, typically raising approximately $2,500.
This year's beneficiary is Angel Reach, a Conroe-based organization supporting young adults transitioning out of foster care.
Previous beneficiaries include Guitars 4 Vets, which provides veterans with musical instruments and instruction, and Sleep in Heavenly Peace, which builds beds for children in need.
All ticket proceeds will benefit Angel Reach. The theater seats approximately 325 people, and Walsh encourages attendees to reserve tickets early because the annual performance typically sells out.
Tickets are available through the Lone Star College-Montgomery performing arts website.
What activities are planned for the Dec. 4 tree lighting?
The celebration continues Friday, Dec. 4, with the free Maverick Merry & Bright Holiday Tree Lighting beginning at 5:30 p.m. outside Building C.
The evening will offer seasonal entertainment and family-friendly activities before the official tree lighting at 6:30 p.m.
Activities include:
Photos with Santa Claus
Live musical performances by college students
Food trucks and hot chocolate
Holiday crafts, a festive movie and children's activities
A scholarship raffle supporting Lone Star College-Montgomery students
The event is free and open to students, faculty, staff and community members.
Why does Lone Star College-Montgomery bring the community together through the arts?
At Lone Star College-Montgomery, the opportunity to make music isn't limited to enrolled students. Community members of all ages and backgrounds can participate in the college's musical ensembles, creating connections beyond the classroom.
Walsh recalled a jazz ensemble that brought together musicians ranging from 16 to 80 years old, all learning and performing alongside one another. For him, those experiences demonstrate how the arts can bridge generations.
"Lone Star College is a community college and we're here to serve the community," Walsh said. "We provide the community not just with education and skills and certifications so that they can join the workforce, but we also provide the community with entertainment opportunities.”
Through events like the holiday concert and tree lighting, the college hopes to introduce more Conroe and The Woodlands-area residents to its campus, where they can attend performances, explore the arts or become performers themselves.
Plan your visit
Whether attending a performance, celebrating the season with family or supporting local students, community members are invited to join Lone Star College-Montgomery for two festive evenings.
Location: Lone Star College-Montgomery, 3200 College Park Drive, Conroe
Holiday Benefit Concert: Dec. 3 at 7 p.m., Mainstage Theatre, Building D; tickets required
Holiday Tree Lighting: Dec. 4 at 5:30 p.m., outside Building C; free admission
Learn more: Holiday concert | Holiday tree lighting
Frequently asked questions
When is the Lone Star College-Montgomery Holiday Benefit Concert?
The Holiday Benefit Concert will take place Thursday, Dec. 3, 2026, at 7 p.m. in the Mainstage Theatre in Building D. The approximately 90-minute performance will feature seasonal music from four college ensembles and special appearances by the dance department.
Is the Lone Star College-Montgomery holiday concert free?
No, tickets are required for the Holiday Benefit Concert. All ticket proceeds will benefit Angel Reach, a Conroe-based nonprofit supporting young adults transitioning out of foster care. Attendees are encouraged to reserve seats early because the event typically sells out.
What time is the Lone Star College-Montgomery holiday tree lighting?
The free holiday tree lighting celebration will begin Friday, Dec. 4, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. outside Building C. The official tree lighting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., followed by student musical performances and a scholarship raffle.
What family-friendly activities will be available at the holiday tree lighting?
Families can enjoy photos with Santa Claus, live musical performances, food trucks and seasonal activities. The celebration is open to students, faculty, staff and residents from Conroe, The Woodlands and surrounding communities.
Can community members participate in Lone Star College-Montgomery's musical ensembles?
Yes. Lone Star College-Montgomery welcomes community members of different ages and musical backgrounds to participate in its ensembles, including choir and band. These opportunities allow residents to perform alongside students, develop musical skills and connect with others through the arts.