Festivals, concerts, plays and more, there are lots of events in the area to keep your calendar booked.

‘Mary Poppins’ [Through Dec. 15]

When the boisterous children of the wealthy and uptight Banks family are faced with the prospect of a new nanny, they are pleasantly surprised by the arrival of the magical Mary Poppins. Embarking on a series of fantastical adventures with Mary and her chimney sweep friend, the siblings try to pass on some of their nanny’s sunny attitude to their preoccupied parents.

8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. Sundays from Nov. 29 to Dec. 15; Bay Area Harbour Playhouse, 3803 state Highway 3, Dickinson; 281.337.7469 or www.harbourtheater.com

Gingerbread Polar Express [Through Jan. 2]

In honor of The Polar Express Train Ride at the Galveston Railroad Museum, The Tremont House is creating a special “Polar Express”-themed gingerbread house, which will be on public display in the hotel lobby.

Through Jan. 2; The Tremont House, 2300 Mechanic St., Galveston

Magical Winter Lights [Through Jan. 5]

The 2019 festival will feature eight themed sections, photo opportunities with Santa Claus, nightly acrobatic performances, authentic arts and crafts created by Chinese artisans, amusement rides and games, live entertainment and 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. 5; Gulf Greyhound Park, 1000 FM 2004, La Marque; www.magicalwinterlights.com

Ice Land: Christmas Around the World [Through Jan. 12]

A skilled team of master ice carvers has taken 2 million pounds of ice to create a festive journey around the world. Travel from Russia and Egypt to China and beyond to see how other cultures celebrate the season.

Through Jan. 12; Moody Gardens, 1 Hope Blvd., Galveston; 800.582.4673 or www.moodygardens.com

Festival of Lights [Through Jan. 12]

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

The Night Before Christmas Gingerbread Village [Through Jan. 2]

In celebration of the holidays, the Hotel Galvez is creating a special “The Night Before Christmas”-themed gingerbread village. This famous poem will be recreated in gingerbread for guests to enjoy. The gingerbread house is on public display in the hotel lobby.

Nov. 28 to Jan. 2; Hotel Galvez, 2024 Seawall Blvd., Galveston

Sunday Brunch with Santa [Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22]

Sunday Brunch with Santa offers children the opportunity to personally speak with Kris Kringle and share their Christmas wishes as their families enjoy a grand dining experience.

Dec. 1, 8, 15 and 22; Hotel Galvez, 2024 Seawall Blvd., Galveston; 409.765.7721

Origami Box Workshop [Dec. 1]

Debra Davis, an origami teacher and artist for 20-plus years, will help Galveston Art League workshop participants to create one-of-a-kind origami gift boxes. Davis will provide the papers to make the boxes. Beginners are welcome. Register and pay the $45 fee online.

1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 1; Galveston Art League Gallery, 2117A Postoffice St., Galveston; www.galvestonartleague.com or 409.938.1671

Galveston Symphony Orchestra [Dec. 1]

The Galveston Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Trond Saeverud, will perform its classical masterworks concert program of Weber’s “Freischütz Overture;” Mendelssohn’s “Violin Concerto” with Grace Park, violin; Debussy’s “Berceuse Heroique;” and Hindemith’s “Symphonic Metamorphosis.”

4 p.m. Dec. 1; The Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice St., Galveston; www.galvestonsymphony.org

La Marque Christmas Parade [Dec. 3]

Catch the spirit of Christmas 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. Enjoy popcorn and hot chocolate courtesy of the La Marque Lions Club and Snow King.

6 p.m. Dec. 3; La Marque; 409.935.1408 or www.texascitychamber.com

Festival of Trees ‘Holiday Masquerade’ [Dec. 5]

The 26th 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. The Interfaith Caring Ministries provides services to anyone within the Clear Creek and Friendswood school district system in need.

6 p.m. Dec. 5; Bay Oaks Country Club, 14545 Bay Oaks Blvd., Houston; 281.332.3881, Ext. 1111 or www.icmtx.org

Special artist exhibit [Dec. 5-29]

Artists from two Galveston facilities – Transitional Learning Community at Galveston TideWay and Sunshine Training Center – will display dozens of their works in a special exhibit near the front of the Galveston Art League Gallery. Both of these facilities use art as a key part of their programming.

Noon to 6 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays from Dec. 5-29; reception for featured artists, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 13; 2117A Postoffice St., Galveston; gallery2117@gmail.com or 409.938.1671

WinterFest [Dec. 6-7]

The seventh annual Galveston County Fair & Rodeo WinterFest is jammed-packed with events for all ages. Dec. 6 festivities include a craft market, gingerbread house contest, Candy Land Game Trail, tree-lighting ceremony, Christmas movie, hayrides and Santa’s Barnyard. On Dec. 7, there will be a 5K Jingle Bell Fun Run, Winter Snow Land, mutton bustin, Pee Wee Reindeer Games, pie and cookie contests and more. Attendees are encouraged to bring nonperishable food items. Collected canned goods and other items will be donated to local charities.

Dec. 6-7; Galveston County Fair & Rodeo Fairgrounds, Jack Brooks Park, state Highway 6, Hitchcock; galvestoncountyfair.com

Holiday in the Park [Dec. 6-8]

Presented by League City Proud, Holiday in the Park is the highlight of the holiday season. This year’s theme is “Hats off to Frosty.” The event features three parades, holiday shopping, food vendors, entertainment and more.

Dec. 6-8; League Park, 512 Second St., League City; www.leaguecityproud.com

Dickens on The Strand [Dec. 6-8]

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.

5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Dec. 6, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Dec. 7 and noon to 6 p.m. Dec. 8; downtown Galveston; www.dickensonthestrand.org

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SPECIAL DICKENS EVENTS

Dickens Champagne Reception [Dec. 5]

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 7:39 p.m. Dec. 5; Bishop’s Palace, 1402 Broadway, Galveston

Holiday Handbell Concerts [Dec. 6]

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. 6; 1859 St. Joseph’s Church, 2202 Ave. K, Galveston

Dickens Soirée [Dec. 6]

Attendees at this special event will enjoy live music, food and wine, a special aerial acrobatics performance and appearances by special guests.

6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 6; Bishop’s Palace, 1402 Broadway, Galveston

Saint Arnold’s Strand Walking Tour [Dec. 6-8]

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.

Dec. 6-8; Hendley Green, 2028 Strand, Galveston

Breakfast with Dickens [Dec. 7-8]

Join Jane Dickens Monk, the great-great-granddaughter of Charles Dickens, and a guest chef as they prepare a traditional English breakfast in the historic 1859 Ashton Villa.

8:30 a.m. Dec. 7 and 10:30 a.m. Dec. 8; 1859 Ashton Villa, 2328 Broadway, Galveston

Morning Tea with the Captain’s Wife [Dec. 7]

Participants are invited to the tall ship Elissa for tea and cookies. The captain’s wife will show what life was like for a sailor on the high seas. Watch the crew maneuver the ship at the dock, set sails and climb in the rigging.

11 a.m. Dec. 7; Texas Seaport Museum, 2200 Harborside Drive, Galveston

Salute to Sunset on the Elissa [Dec. 7]

Participants are invited aboard the tall ship Elissa for heavy appetizers, cocktails, cannon fire and special guests leading up to Pickwick’s Lanternlight Parade.

5 p.m. Dec. 7; Texas Seaport Museum, 2200 Harborside Drive, Galveston

The Queen’s Feast [Dec. 7]

This special evening dinner features a four-course meal, a reading from Ollie Dickens of “A Christmas Carol,” complimentary Champagne toast to the Queen and more.

6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Dec. 7; 1859 Ashton Villa, 2328 Broadway, Galveston

Dickens After Dark [Dec. 7]

Holders of this limited ticket will gain access to a specially curated evening of art, music and performance inside the historic 1878 First National Bank Building located within the Dickens on The Strand grounds. Guests will be greeted with unique performances, drink and revelry.

8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Dec. 7; Galveston Arts Center, 2127 Strand, Galveston

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Holiday Homes Tour [Dec. 6]

The 30th annual “A Victorian Christmas” Holiday Homes Tour will feature four East End neighborhood homes 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. 6; Various locations; East End Historical District Association cottage, 1501 Postoffice St., Galveston; www.eastendhistoricaldistrict.org

‘A Christmas Carol’ [Dec. 6-7]

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. Dec. 6 and 3 p.m. Dec. 7; The Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice St.; 409.765.1894 or www.thegrand.com

‘Dashing Through the Snow’ [Dec. 6-22]

It’s four days before Christmas in the tiny town of Tinsel, Texas, a colorful parade of eccentric guests arrive at the Snowflake Inn and deck the halls with holiday hilarity. Trina, the harried yet upbeat innkeeper of this B&B, has more than she can handle coping with these nuttier-than-a-fruitcake lodgers.

8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. Sundays from Dec. 6-22; Clear Creek Community Theatre, 18091 Upper Bay Road, Nassau Bay; 281.335.5228 or clearcreekcommunitytheatre.com

Santa on 6th Street [Dec. 7]

Santa is coming to 6th Street in downtown Texas City. Guests can enjoy hot chocolate and cookies, food trucks, live music, kids activities, shopping and more.

3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 7, Santa arrives at 5:30 p.m.; 505 Sixth St. N. and Showboat Pavilion, 416 Sixth St. N., Texas City; www.texascitycommunitycalendar.com

Crystaland Christmas Parade [Dec. 7]

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. 7; Crystal Beach; www.discoverbolivar.com

Holiday Sing-Along [Dec. 12, 19]

The Tremont House’s Duo du Jour will lead guests in a holiday sing-along accompanied by everyone’s favorite Christmas songs. Wear your pajamas in honor of The Polar Express Train Ride at the Galveston Railroad Museum. Enjoy carefully crafted winter drink specials and complimentary hors d’oeuvres during the holiday cheer.

7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Dec. 12 and 19; The Tremont House, 2300 Mechanic St., Galveston

Nutcracker Afternoon Tea [Dec. 14]

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. 14; The Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice St.; 409.765.1894 or www.thegrand.com

‘The Nutcracker’ [Dec. 14-15]

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. 14 and 2 p.m. Dec. 15; The Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice St.; 409.765.1894 or www.thegrand.com

Holiday with the Cranes [Dec. 14-15]

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. 14-15; Various locations in Galveston; www.galvestonnaturetourism.org

Christmas Boat Lane Parade [Dec. 14]

The 58th 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. 14; Clear Lake; www.kemahboardwalk.com

Holiday Charity Ball [Dec. 14]

The Holiday Charity Ball is the Junior League of Galveston County’s largest annual fundraising event. This year’s “Rio Carnaval” gala will honor sustaining member Doryn Danner Glenn. Guests will enjoy live entertainment, fine dining and a unique array of silent and live auction items.

6:30 p.m. Dec. 14; Galveston Island Convention Center at The San Luis Resort, 5600 Seawall Blvd., Galveston; www.jlgcriocarnaval.com

Holiday Delights at The Bryan Museum [Dec. 15]

All trails will lead to The Bryan Museum and converge under the Lone Star for a day of purely Texas festivities, music, holiday foods and, of course, Santa. And what could be more Texas than Santa’s two lead longhorns arriving just in time for a few photos before heading back to the ranch to get ready for the big night? Warm yourself at the Cowboy Campfire for some hot chocolate and music and then enjoy the beautifully decorated museum galleries while you hunt for Santa’s 12 Missing Mischievous Elves who escaped from the North Pole and found a new home in Galveston. The halls will ring with the sounds of traditional carols throughout the day, and guests will enjoy Texas holiday goodies such as pralines, gingerbread and churros. Specially themed Texas crafts will be available for children to make and take. And, of course, the ever-popular sugar cookie decorating activity will provide lots of sprinkles and stars.

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 15; The Bryan Museum, 1315 21st St., Galveston; www.thebryanmuseum.org

Galveston College Community Chorale Concert [Dec. 15]

Under the direction of Michael Gilbert, with accompaniment by nationally acclaimed concert organist Ron Wyatt, the Galveston College Community Chorale’s annual holiday concert is an island tradition. The free event is open to the public.

7 p.m. Dec. 15; Moody United Methodist Church, 2803 53rd St., Galveston; 409.944.1302 or gc.edu

Cirque Joyeux [Dec. 20-30]

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. Dinner is not served at the matinées.

6:30 p.m. Dec. 20-21, 23-25, 27-28 and 30; 3:30 p.m. Dec. 22, 26, and 29; Moody Gardens Convention Center, 7 Hope Blvd., Galveston; www.moodychristmasshow.com

Galveston Island Market [Dec. 21]

The Galveston Island Market offers a festive outdoor event where local artisans, handcrafters and growers can showcase their creations.

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 21; Mechanic and 22nd streets, Galveston; www.galvestonislandmarket.com

The 5 Browns – Holiday [Dec. 21]

The 5 Browns take The Grand stage for an evening of classical music and holiday favorites performing individually and together in various combinations from duo to complex five-piano arrangements. The 5 Browns — Ryan, Melody, Gregory, Deondra and Desirae — all attended New York’s Juilliard School. In fact, they became the first family of five siblings ever accepted simultaneously.

8 p.m. Dec. 21; 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

‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical’ [Dec. 28]

First airing in 1964, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” has become a beloved Christmas classic. Come see all of your favorite characters from the special, including Santa and Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius, the Misfit Toys and, of course, Rudolph, as they come to life in this musical.

1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Dec. 28; The Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice St.; 409.765.1894 or www.thegrand.com

New Year’s Eve Dinner and Special Jazz Night [Dec. 31]

Celebrate New Year’s Eve with a four-course dinner at Galvez Bar & Grill followed by live jazz with Reg and Cary. Dinner is served from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Reg and Cary will play from 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

Dec. 31; Hotel Galvez, 2024 Seawall Blvd., Galveston; 409.515.2145 or www.hotelgalvez.com

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In case of cancellations or changes to events, check with venues for updates. To submit an event, send pertinent information to calendar@coastmonthly.com.