Tomball Christmas Festival & Tree Lighting Ceremony
The tree lighting is the main draw at this annual Tomball Christmas celebration—which takes place at Horseshoe Park in Tomball—but Santa and Mrs. Claus make appearances as well, along with helper elves. Activities include a southern sleigh ride, a rock wall, laser tag and bungee jumping. Live Christmas themed music will also be performed throughout the event, which lasts from 10 a.m.–10 p.m. Dec. 15 and 10 a.m.–7 p.m. Dec. 16. Gifts and stocking stuffers are available for purchase and holiday food and beverages are served. Admission is free. 877-778-8745, www.rgpevents.com/christmas.html
Christmas in a Kayak
Join Santa at noon on Dec. 22 for some fun in the sun at Christmas in a Kayak in The Woodlands. Santa joins kayakers for a trip down The Woodlands Waterway to Northshore Park. The event also includes a gift hunt. The event is open to all ages, but children must be accompanied by an adult to ride a kayak. Cost is $45 for a parent/child pair. Riva Row Boathouse, 2101 Riva Row, The Woodlands. 281-210-3950
WIllowbrook Mall
Santa arrived early at Willowbrook Mall and is offering his services until Dec. 24. Beginning at 6 p.m. daily, children can have their photos taken on the Santa set in JCPenny’s courtyard. In addition, the mall provides the opportunity for family pets to have their picture taken with Santa on Dec. 10 and 17. Various photo packages are available.
Magnolia Hometown Christmas
People who attend the Magnolia Hometown Christmas will find a variety of activities and entertainment to take part in throughout the weekend, but those looking for Santa Claus should stop by the Historic Magnolia Depot between noon and 3 p.m. on Saturday Dec. 8. The event, hosted by the Magnolia Historical Society, also features a chili cook-off, a Christmas market and performances from Magnolia ISD schools. Festivities begin at 4 p.m. Friday with the lighting of Christmas lights, followed by carols by the community choir and area churches. On Saturday, the Christmas Market opens, and blacksmith demonstrations and children’s activities are ongoing. New activities this year include a climbing wall and a mechanical bull. The Magnolia Holiday Parade, hosted by the Magnolia Chamber of Commerce, kicks off Dec. 8 at 10 a.m. from Unity Park Drive. Admission is free. 940-368-5335. www.magnoliatxhistoricalsociety.com
Katy Mills
On Dec. 8—for one day only—animal lovers can bring their pets in for a photo with Santa at the Katy Mills Mall. Pets must be domestic and on a leash or in a carrier. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets. Various photo packages are available, and visitors are asked to submit their favorite holiday pet photo for a chance to win a prize.
Santa visits Rob Fleming Park
Santa will visit Rob Fleming Park Dec. 15 in The Woodlands for breakfast with children by the fireplace beginning at 10 a.m. The event, sponsored by The Woodlands Township, includes donuts, kolaches and a cereal bar for the kids. Those in attendance can also enjoy carolers and pictures with Santa. $30 per family of four, $5 for additional family members. The Lodge at Rob Fleming Park, 6055 Creekside Forest Drive, The Woodlands. 281-210-3950
Traders Village
For those planning on visiting Traders Village for the holidays, they will be greeted by Santa and his helpers upon arrival. The man in red and his elves will welcome patrons every day until Dec. 19. Once inside, visitors can have their photos taken with Santa for a small donation, courtesy of the Cy–Fair Go Texan Committee of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Admission to the market is free. Parking is $3.
Santa at Tomball Fire Department
Santa and Mrs. Claus pay a visit to the Tomball Fire Department on Rudel Drive Dec. 15 from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Children and families can have photos taken with Saint Nick by a professional photographer. Local firefighters will also be on hand to talk with kids and give tours of the facility. Other festivities include bounce houses, face painting, a petting zoo and pony rides. Refreshments are also available. Admission is free. 281-351-7101, www.ci.tomball.tx.us/fire
Katy area
Santa will be leaving the North Pole to travel around Katy all through December beginning at 6 p.m. each night. On Dec. 11, he will be at Wood Creek Reserve and Pin Oak; on Dec. 13, he will be visiting residents at Hunters Terrace, Pine Forest, Huntington Court and Manor Wood; on Dec. 14, Santa will travel to Old Town Katy, Falcon Point Apartments and Danover; on Dec. 17, he will be at Lakes of Katy and Katy Lakes Estates; and on Dec. 18, Santa will come to Falcon Point. Visitors are asked to donate canned goods and new, unwrapped toys to Santa or directly to the fire station at 1417 Avenue D, Old Town Katy.
Towne Lake
Every Sunday leading up to Christmas, Santa Claus will be at Towne Lake’s Welcome Center from 1–4 p.m. There will also be special appearances by Mrs. Claus along with activities for children and light refreshments.. On Dec. 9 and 16, photos with Santa are offered for free. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own cameras.



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