Festivals, concerts, plays and more, there are lots of events in the area to keep your calendar booked.
‘Love and Money’ [Through Dec. 2]
Cornelia Cunningham is a wealthy widow who is determined to donate almost everything she owns before her life of grace and privilege ends. Her plans hit a snag when an ambitious and ingratiating young man, who may be the grandson she never knew she had, arrives to claim his inheritance.
8 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays through Dec. 2; Island ETC, 2317 Mechanic St., Galveston; 409.762.3556 or islandetc.org
Dickinson Festival of Lights [Through Dec. 23]
Holiday cheer spreads to Dickinson as lights illuminate Paul Hopkins Park for the annual Festival of Lights. The free walk-through event features massive light displays and an appearance from Santa. Concessions are available for purchase.
6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 1-3, 8-10, 15-23, weather permitting, Paul Hopkins Park, 1000 FM 517, Dickinson, www.dickinsonfestivaloflights.org
Darst art show [Through Dec. 24]
The Galveston Art League will display a retrospective show of selected works of art by late island artist Lise Darst.
Noon to 6 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays through Dec. 24; Galveston Art League Gallery, 2117 Postoffice St., Galveston; www.galvestonartleague.com
Magical Winter Lights [Through Jan. 2]
The 2017 festival will feature seven themed sections, a Holiday Market Square, photo opportunities with Santa Claus, nightly acrobatic performances, authentic arts and crafts created by Chinese artisans, amusement rides and games, live entertainment and an expanded dinosaur exhibit complete with dinosaur rides.
5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through Jan. 2, closed Dec. 4 and 11; Gulf Greyhound Park, 1000 FM 2004, La Marque; www.magicalwinterlights.com
Ice Land: Rainforest Holiday [Through Jan. 7]
A skilled team of master ice carvers has charted your course for a journey through the rainforests of the world to see monkeys, birds, butterflies and other creatures. Your hosts on this journey are the leaf cutter ants carrying Christmas lights and other decorations to a magical place.
10 a.m. to 11 p.m. through Jan. 7, noon to 11 p.m. Dec. 25; Moody Gardens, 1 Hope Blvd., Galveston; 800.582.4673 or www.moodygardens.com
Festival of Lights [Through Jan. 7]
As one of the largest holiday celebrations in the region, Festival of Lights has become a holiday tradition for families and groups alike. Enjoy more than 1 million lights within 100 sound-enhanced animated light displays and nightly live entertainment.
6 p.m. to 11 p.m. through Jan. 7; Moody Gardens, 1 Hope Blvd., Galveston; 800.582.4673 or www.moodygardens.com
Dickens on The Strand [Dec. 1-3]
The annual holiday street festival, based on 19th-century Victorian London, features parades, nonstop entertainment on six stages, strolling carolers, roving musicians, bagpipers, jugglers and a host of other entertainers. Costumed vendors peddle their wares from street stalls and rolling carts laden with holiday food and drink, Victorian-inspired crafts, clothing, jewelry, holiday decorations and gift items. The festival weekend also features crowd-pleasing favorites like the Whimsical Whisker Revue, a facial hair contest for the bearded and the dandy; the Dickens Victorian Bed Races; Victorian Costume Contest; and daily parades through the Historic Strand District.
Dec. 1-3; Downtown Galveston; www.dickensonthestrand.org
Photo by Stuart Villanueva
Special events
Dickens Champagne Reception [Nov. 30]
Join the Galveston Historical Foundation as it welcomes Charles Dickens’ descendants Lucinda Dickens Hawksley and Jane Dickens Monk to the island for the annual Dickens on The Strand festival.
6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Nov. 30; Bishop’s Palace, 1402 Broadway, Galveston
A Grand Strand Soirée [Dec. 1]
This special event gives participants an opportunity to mingle with Charles Dickens’ descendants while enjoying food and drink from stations throughout Bishop’s Palace.
6:30 p.m. Dec. 1; Bishop’s Palace, 1402 Broadway, Galveston
Saint Arnold’s Strand Walking Tour [Dec. 1-3]
Learn about the history of The Strand National Historic Landmark District and enjoy some of Saint Arnold Brewing Company’s signature ales during this tour. You’ll stop at three festival pubs as you walk through the festival grounds with your guide, learning about the people and places of early Galveston.
Dec. 1-3; Hendley Green, 2028 Strand, Galveston
Breakfast with Dickens [Dec. 2-3]
Join Jane Dickens Monk, the great-great-granddaughter of Charles Dickens, and Chef Mary Bass as they prepare a traditional English breakfast in the historic 1859 Ashton Villa.
8 a.m. Dec. 2 and 10 a.m. Dec. 3; 1859 Ashton Villa, 2328 Broadway, Galveston
Salute to Sunset on the Elissa [Dec. 2]
The Galveston Historic Seaport will transform to a London wharf for this toast to the end of the day and beginning of the evening. Participants are invited aboard the tall ship Elissa for heavy appetizers, cocktails, cannon fire and special guests leading up to Pickwicks’s Lanternlight Parade.
4:30 p.m. Dec. 2; Texas Seaport Museum, 2200 Harborside Drive, Galveston
Photo by Stuart Villanueva
Holiday in the Park [Dec. 1-3]
Presented by League City Proud, Holiday in the Park is the highlight of the holiday season. This year’s theme encourages parade participants, vendors and attendees to find a way to show off their favorite holiday movie. Festivities include three parades — a children’s parade at 10 a.m. Dec. 2, The Grand Night Parade at 6 p.m. Dec. 2 and the Costume Contest and Pet Parade at 1 p.m. Dec. 3.
Dec. 1-3; League Park, 512 Second St., League City; www.leaguecityproud.com
Holiday Homes Tour [Dec. 1]
The 28th annual “A Victorian Christmas” Holiday Homes Tour will feature three East End neighborhood homes and a neighborhood bed-and-breakfast, all decorated for the holiday season. The East End Historical District Association cottage will be open for light refreshments, and guests will enjoy a variety of holiday music at the association’s Darragh Park and at some of the residential locations.
5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Dec. 1; various locations; East End Historical District Association cottage, 1501 Postoffice St., Galveston; 409.765.1894, www.thegrand.com or www.eastendhistoricaldistrict.org
Holiday Handbell Concerts [Dec. 1]
The 1859 St. Joseph’s Church, the state’s first wooden-built church and well known for its exceptional acoustics, will host three holiday hand bell concerts.
5:30 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Dec. 1; 1859 St. Joseph’s Church, 2202 Ave. K, Galveston; www.galvestonhistory.org
WinterFest [Dec. 1-2]
The fifth annual Galveston County Fair & Rodeo WinterFest is jammed-packed with events for all ages. Dec. 1 festivities include a tree-lighting ceremony, Christmas movie, hayrides and Santa’s Barnyard. On Dec. 2, there will be a 5K Jingle Bell Fun Run, Magical Sleigh and Pet Parade, Winter Snow Land, Mutton Bustin, Pee Wee Reindeer games and a washer tournament. Attendees are encouraged to bring nonperishable food items. Collected canned goods and other items will be donated to local charities. In addition, military holiday cards and care package supplies will be collected.
Dec. 1-2; Galveston County Fair & Rodeo Fairgrounds, Jack Brooks Park, state Highway 6, Hitchcock; galvestoncountyfair.com
Courtesy photo
‘A Christmas Carol’ [Dec. 1-2]
A timeless tale of hope and redemption, “A Christmas Carol” has enchanted audiences around the world since it was first published in 1843. The miserly Ebenezer Scrooge, his overworked-underpaid clerk Bob Cratchit, the angelic Tiny Tim, and the Ghosts of Christmases Past, Present and Future come together in a highly entertaining theatrical performance.
8 p.m. Dec. 1 and 3 p.m. Dec. 2; The Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice St.; 409.765.1894 or www.thegrand.com
‘A Christmas Carol’ [Dec. 1-17]
Ebenezer Scrooge is cut off from the joys of Christmas and any warm human contact by his own miserly ways. The songs and music make for a lively, entertaining, heartwarming evening for the entire family.
8 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. Sundays from Dec. 1-17; Bay Area Harbour Playhouse, 3803 state Highway 3, Dickinson; 281.337.7469 or www.harbourtheater.com
‘A Christmas Carol’ [Dec. 1-17]
Miser Ebenezer Scrooge is visited on Christmas Eve by three magical spirits who take him on a journey through his painful past, gloomy present and possibly fatal future as he learns how his actions have affected those around him. “A Christmas Carol” instills a powerful message about redemption and the spirit of the holiday season.
8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. Sundays from Dec. 1-17; Clear Creek Community Theatre, 18091 Upper Bay Road, Nassau Bay; 281.335.5228 or clearcreekcommunitytheatre.com
Galveston Symphony Orchestra [Dec. 3]
Conducted by Trond Saeverud, this ensemble of highly skilled amateur and professional musicians will perform music by Copland, Coleridge-Taylor, Bennett and Rachmaninov. In celebration of Dickens on The Strand, Queen Victoria, portrayed by Anne Boyd, will attend the concert.
4 p.m. Dec. 3; The Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice St., Galveston; www.galvestonsymphony.org
An Evening with Lyle Lovett [Dec. 4]
One of America’s most loved singer-songwriter-composers returns to The Grand for a night filled with his witty stories, wry lyrics, and boundary breaking blend of country, swing, jazz, folk, pop and blues.
7:30 p.m. Dec. 4; The Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice St., Galveston; 800.821.1894 or www.thegrand.com
La Marque Christmas Parade [Dec. 6]
Sleigh bells will be ringing during the La Marque Christmas Parade, which will begin at Bobby Beach Park on Westward and end at Walter Fiegal Park on Bayou Road with the lighting of the Christmas tree and a visit from Santa Claus.
5:30 p.m. Dec. 6; La Marque; 409.935.1408 or www.texascitychamber.com
Festival of Trees ‘Holiday in the Woods’ [Dec. 7]
The 24th annual Festival of Trees gala, benefiting Interfaith Caring Ministries, will feature a seated dinner service, live entertainment, live and silent auctions and a wine pull.
6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Dec. 7; Lakewood Yacht Club, 2425 NASA Parkway, Seabrook; 281.332.3881, Ext. 1103 or www.icmtx.org
Seaside Church Bethlehem Street Market [Dec. 9]
Seaside Church will have its annual Bethlehem Street Market featuring vendors, shopping, homemade soups, brisket, a bake sale and bounce house for the kids
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 9; Seaside Church, 16534 San Luis Pass Road, Jamaica Beach; 409.354.9792 or www.facebook.com/BethlehemStreetMarket
Courtesy photo
Nutcracker Afternoon Tea [Dec. 9]
Treat your favorite little girl or boy to the Nutcracker Afternoon Tea featuring teatime fare of finger sandwiches, cookies, punch and, of course, tea. Get your photo with dancers from the City Ballet of Houston’s “Nutcracker.”
12:30 p.m. Dec. 9; The Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice St., Galveston; 800.821.1894 or www.thegrand.com
Holiday with the Cranes [Dec. 9-10]
As sandhill cranes begin to arrive on Galveston Island to roost and forage, the Galveston Island Nature Tourism Council presents Holiday with the Cranes featuring educational and entertaining learning, outdoor adventure, cocktails and conversation.
Dec. 10-11; various locations in Galveston; www.galvestonnaturetourism.org
‘The Nutcracker’ [Dec. 9-10]
City Ballet of Houston returns to The Grand 1894 Opera House to celebrate with its production of “The Nutcracker.” An annual holiday favorite, “The Nutcracker” tells the story of a young girl who dreams of a Nutcracker Prince, a Sugar Plum Fairy and a fierce battle against a Mouse King. Following the afternoon performances, attendees will have an opportunity to hear a brief presentation about the ballet and meet the dancers.
2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9 and 2 p.m. Dec. 10; The Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice St., Galveston; 800.821.1894 or www.thegrand.com
Christmas Boat Lane Parade [Dec. 9]
The 56th annual Christmas Boat Lane Parade will feature hundreds of decorated boats. Beginning at South Shore Harbour Resort & Conference Center, the parade is on the League City side of Clear Lake. It will take about 45 minutes for the first boat to make it down to the Kemah Boardwalk, 215 Kipp Ave.
6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 9; Clear Lake; www.kemahboardwalk.com
Crystaland Christmas Parade [Dec. 9]
The Crystaland Christmas Parade, sponsored by the Bolivar Chamber of Commerce, begins at the Courthouse Annex Building, 946 Noble Carl Road, in Crystal Beach. Afterward, Santa will greet all the kids with a gift and picture taking. Hot dogs, cookies and drinks will be served.
6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 9; Crystal Beach; www.bolivarchamberofcommerce.com
Holiday Charity Ball [Dec. 9]
The Holiday Charity Ball is the Junior League of Galveston County’s largest annual fundraising event. This year’s gala invites guests to celebrate
Bollywood-style. Enjoy live entertainment, fine dining and a unique array of silent and live auction items. This year, the league will honor Margie Peters Kusnerik.
7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Dec. 9; Galveston Island Convention Center at The San Luis Resort, 5600 Seawall Blvd., Galveston; www.jlgalveston.org
A Holiday Evening with ‘The King’ [Dec. 15]
Join the Butler Longhorn Museum for a holiday performance by Vince King as Elvis. King will perform Elvis songs and traditional holiday music.
6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Dec. 15; Butler Longhorn Museum, 1220 Coryell St., League City; www.butlerlonghornmuseum.com
Cirque Joyeux Noel Dinner and Show [Dec. 15-25]
Enjoy a holiday buffet dinner then sit back for a one-hour Christmas spectacular featuring soaring acrobatics, gravity defying feats, amazing aerialists, mesmerizing illusions, hilarious comedy and much more.
6:30 p.m. Dec. 15-25; Moody Gardens Convention Center, 7 Hope Blvd., Galveston; www.moodychristmasshow.com
Courtesy photo
The Texas Tenors: ‘Deep in the Heart of Christmas’ [Dec. 15]
Texas favorites J.C. Fisher, John Hagen and Marcus Collins treat audiences to a unique blend of country, classical, Broadway and current pop music.
3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Dec. 15; The Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice St., Galveston; 800.821.1894 or www.thegrand.com
Jerry Jeff Walker [Dec. 16]
One of the Lone Star State’s most popular musical ambassadors returns to The Grand for an evening filled with heart-tugging ballads, spirited melodies and down-home fun.
8 p.m. Dec. 16; The Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice St., Galveston; 800.821.1894 or www.thegrand.com
Christmas Day Brunch [Dec. 25]
Hotel Galvez is widely known for its Sunday Brunch, and the hotel brunch on Christmas Day is bigger and more popular. The hotel features all the traditional entrees along with special features created by the executive chef.
Dec. 25; Hotel Galvez, 2024 Seawall Blvd., Galveston; 409.765.7721 or www.hotelgalvez.com
In case of cancellations or changes to events, check with venues for updates. To submit an event, send pertinent information to calendar@coastmonthly.com.
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