Festivals, concerts, plays and more, there are lots of events in the area to keep your calendar booked.
Dickens on The Strand [Nov. 30 to Dec. 2]
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.
Nov. 30 to Dec. 2; Downtown Galveston; www.dickensonthestrand.org
SPECIAL DICKENS EVENTS
Dickens Champagne Reception [Nov. 29]
Join the Galveston Historical Foundation as it welcomes Charles Dickens’ descendants Oliver Dickens, 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. 29; 1838 Menard House, 1605 33rd St., Galveston
Holiday Handbell Concerts [Nov. 30]
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. Nov. 30; 1859 St. Joseph’s Church, 2202 Ave. K, Galveston
Dickens Soirée [Nov. 30]
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. Nov. 30; Bishop’s Palace, 1402 Broadway, Galveston
Saint Arnold’s Strand Walking Tour [Nov. 30 to Dec. 2]
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.
Nov. 30 to Dec. 2; Hendley Green, 2028 Strand, Galveston
Breakfast with Dickens [Dec. 1-2]
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 1892 Bishop’s Palace.
8 a.m. Dec. 1 and 10 a.m. Dec. 2; 1892 Bishop’s Palace, 1402 Broadway, Galveston
Salute to Sunset on the Elissa [Dec. 1]
Participants are invited aboard the tall ship Elissa for heavy appetizers, cocktails, cannon fire and special guests leading up to Pickwick’s Lanternlight Parade.
4:30 p.m. Dec. 1; Texas Seaport Museum, 2200 Harborside Drive, Galveston
‘A Christmas Carol’ [Nov. 30 and Dec. 1]
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 this companion event to Galveston’s Dickens on The Strand.
8 p.m. Nov. 30 and 3 p.m. Dec. 1; The Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice St.; 409.765.1894 or www.thegrand.com
WinterFest [Nov. 30 and Dec. 1]
The sixth annual Galveston County Fair & Rodeo WinterFest is jammed-packed with events for all ages. Nov. 30 festivities include a tree-lighting ceremony, Christmas movie, hayrides and Santa’s Barnyard. On Dec. 1, 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.
Nov. 30 and Dec. 1; Galveston County Fair & Rodeo Fairgrounds, Jack Brooks Park, state Highway 6, Hitchcock; galvestoncountyfair.com
Quilt Exhibit [Through Dec. 1]
Join the Texas City Museum for its annual exhibition of quilts by local quilters.
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Dec. 1; Texas City Museum, 409 Sixth St. N., Texas City; 409.229.1660 or www.texascitycommunitycalendar.com
‘Annie – The Musical’ [Nov. 30 to Dec. 16]
A charming orphan girl finds a home with a New York millionaire but must dodge the clutches of her cruel orphanage mistress in this musical based on the popular Harold Gray comic strip.
8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. Sundays from Nov. 30 to Dec. 16; Bay Area Harbour Playhouse, 3803 state Highway 3, Dickinson; 281.337.7469 or www.harbourtheater.com
‘Miracle on 34th Street’ [Nov. 30 to Dec. 16]
By chance, Kris Kringle, an old man in a retirement home, gets a job working as Santa for Macy’s. Kris unleashes waves of good will with Macy’s customers and all of New York City, but some think he’s crazy and should be locked up. Especially at stake is one little girl’s belief in Santa. In a dramatic decision, the court confirms Kris as the true Santa, allowing Susan and countless other children to experience the joy of childhood fantasy.
8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. Sundays from Nov. 30 to Dec. 16; Clear Creek Community Theatre, 18091 Upper Bay Road, Nassau Bay; 281.335.5228 or clearcreekcommunitytheatre.com
Photo by Stuart Villanueva
Dickinson Festival of Lights [Through Dec. 23]
Holiday cheer spreads to Dickinson as lights illuminate Paul Hopkins Park for the 21st 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. through Dec. 23, weather permitting, Paul Hopkins Park, 1000 FM 517, Dickinson, www.dfoltx.com
Magical Winter Lights [Through Jan. 6]
The 2018 festival will feature eight 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. 6; Gulf Greyhound Park, 1000 FM 2004, La Marque; www.magicalwinterlights.com
Ice Land: Pole to Pole [Through Jan. 6]
A skilled team of master ice carvers has taken 2 million pounds of ice to create a festive journey from the North to South Pole. See polar bears, penguins, humpback whales, snowy owls, walrus and, of course, reindeer. Glide down the giant glacier slide and enjoy a drink inside an igloo at Shiver’s Ice Bar.
Through Jan. 6; Moody Gardens, 1 Hope Blvd., Galveston; 800.582.4673 or www.moodygardens.com
Festival of Lights [Through Jan. 6]
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.
Through Jan. 6, Moody Gardens, 1 Hope Blvd., Galveston, 800.582.4673 or www.moodygardens.com
Holiday Gift Shop [Dec. 1]
Get a jump on your holiday shopping at the Texas City Garden Club’s 47th annual Holiday Gift Shop.
9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 1; Nessler Center, 2010 Fifth Ave. N., Texas City; www.facebook.com/GardenClubTC
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 is “The Spirit of Christmas,” and participants are asked to dress up as their favorite holiday character.
Dec. 1-3; League Park, 512 Second St., League City; www.leaguecityproud.com
G. Lee Gallery art demonstrations [Dec. 1-2]
G. Lee Gallery artists will be giving free art demonstrations — How do they do it and make it look so great?
1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 1 and noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 2; G. Lee Gallery, 2217 Strand, Suite 107-B, Galveston; 409.370.7350
Big Band Holidays [Dec. 2]
The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, led by Wynton Marsalis, comprises 15 of the finest jazz soloists and ensemble players today. This versatile orchestra performs a vast repertoire ranging from original compositions and commissioned works to rare historic compositions and masterworks.
4 p.m. Dec. 2; The Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice St.; 409.765.1894 or www.thegrand.com
La Marque Christmas Parade [Dec. 5]
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. 5; La Marque; 409.935.1408 or www.texascitychamber.com
Festival of Trees ‘Winter Wonderland’ [Dec. 6]
The 25th 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. Dec. 6; Lakewood Yacht Club, 2425 NASA Parkway, Seabrook; 281.332.3881, Ext. 1111 or www.icmtx.org
Catholic Daughters Arts & Crafts Show [Dec. 8]
More than 40 vendors will participate in the annual Catholic Daughters Arts & Crafts Show. There also will be a bake sale, and barbecue from the Knights of Columbus will be available for purchase.
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 8; Nessler Center, 2010 Fifth Ave. N., Texas City; 409.766.0006 or mgoodman1947@gmail.com
Seaside Church Bethlehem Street Market [Dec. 8]
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. 8; Seaside Church, 16534 San Luis Pass Road, Jamaica Beach; 409.354.9792 or www.facebook.com/BethlehemStreetMarket
Holiday with the Cranes [Dec. 8-9]
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. 8-9; various locations in Galveston; www.galvestonnaturetourism.org
Photo by Jennifer Reynolds
Christmas Boat Lane Parade [Dec. 8]
The 57th 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. 8; Clear Lake; www.kemahboardwalk.com
Crystaland Christmas Parade [Dec. 8]
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 9 p.m. Dec. 8; Crystal Beach; 409.684.5940 or www.discoverbolivar.com
Holiday Charity Ball [Dec. 8]
The Holiday Charity Ball is the Junior League of Galveston County’s largest annual fundraising event. This year’s “Fly Me to the Moon” gala will honor Jeannie Janota. Guests will enjoy live entertainment, fine dining and a unique array of silent and live auction items.
7 p.m. Dec. 8; Galveston Island Convention Center at The San Luis Resort, 5600 Seawall Blvd., Galveston; www.jlgalveston.org
Jerry Jeff Walker [Dec. 8]
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. 8; The Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice St.; 409.765.1894 or www.thegrand.com
Holiday Delights at The Bryan Museum [Dec. 9]
Enjoy traditional hot wassail, cookies, cocoa, holiday cheer, pictures with Santa, and photo-ops throughout the museum and gardens. The kiddos can make an ornament to take home and decorate holiday arts and crafts.
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 9; The Bryan Museum, 1315 21st St., Galveston; www.thebryanmuseum.org
‘All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914’ [Dec. 9]
This moving retelling of a powerful historic event recounts the moment during World War I when Allied forces and German soldiers laid down their arms to celebrate Christmas Day 1914 together — sharing food and drink, singing carols and playing soccer.
4 p.m. Dec. 9; The Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice St.; 409.765.1894 or www.thegrand.com
Nutcracker Afternoon Tea [Dec. 15]
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. 15; The Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice St.; 409.765.1894 or www.thegrand.com
‘The Nutcracker’ [Dec. 15-16]
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 6:30 p.m. Dec. 15 and 2 p.m. Dec. 16; The Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice St.; 409.765.1894 or www.thegrand.com
Cirque Joyeux [Dec. 21 to Jan. 4]
Cirque Joyeux Dinner and Show guests will enjoy a holiday buffet dinner and a one-hour Christmas spectacular featuring soaring acrobatics, gravity defying feats, amazing aerialists, mesmerizing illusions, hilarious comedy and much more. New this year are matinee performances on select afternoons at a lower cost. Dinner is not served at the matinees.
6:30 p.m. Dec. 21-22, 24-25, 28-29 and Jan. 1-4; 3:30 p.m. Dec. 23, 30-31; Moody Gardens Convention Center, 7 Hope Blvd., Galveston;
www.moodychristmasshow.com
‘A Charlie Brown Christmas Live on Stage’ [Dec. 23]
This new touring production of “A Charlie Brown Christmas Live on Stage” by Charles M. Schulz features everyone’s favorite Peanuts gang — Linus, Lucy, Snoopy, Sally and more, all led by the lovable Charlie Brown — as they discover the true meaning of Christmas.
1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Dec. 23; The Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice St.; 409.765.1894 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 entrées 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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