KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Thu, Dec 11: A Charlie Brown Christmas at Queensbury Theatre Dec 11-21
Fri, Dec 19: Trans-Siberian Orchestra at Houston Toyota Center
Fri, Dec 19: Elf In Concert at Jones Hall
Wed, Dec 31: Noon Year’s Eve at CityCentre
Wed, Dec 31: New Year's Palooza: Family Celebration at Moody Gardens
Fri, Jan 9: Star Wars: Return Of The Jedi In Concert at Jones Hall
Fri, Jan 16: Cirque Kalabanté at The Grand 1894 Opera House
Mon, Jan 19: 2026 MLK Unity Parade at Kauses 4 Kids
Fri, Jan 30: Humble Rodeo
Tue, Feb 3: International Math Contest at RSM Foundation |
Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
When my husband and I started planning a family, we talked a lot about the kind of parents we hoped to be. Naturally, we looked back on our own childhoods. David had story after story about his parents—their quirks, what they cared about, who they were. But when I tried to do the same, I came up oddly blank. I could tell you what I loved as a kid, but not much about what made my
own parents’ hearts sing. I remembered that my dad had a garden when I was little, but I couldn’t say whether he enjoyed digging in the dirt, liked making things grow, or was just trying to save money on vegetables. That realization stuck with me. I didn’t want my kids to grow up seeing me as a blur in the background of their story; I wanted them to see me clearly: as someone who had favorite things, real interests, and a sense of enjoyment they could understand. I wanted them
to grow up expecting that adulthood could be full of that, too... all of the vivid experiences that make up the inner life of a regular person, especially the joys. I started using the phrase "live what you love" as a kind of parenting guidepost. Our kids are always watching, taking cues about what adulthood looks like. If all they ever see is grownups stressed, rushing, and tired, they’ll assume that’s the default. But if they also see us delighted by a song, energized by a
game, inspired by something we've learned, genuinely laughing with people we love... that’s powerful. It shows them that joy isn’t something you age out of, it’s something you grow into. The holidays are packed with tasks and to-do lists, but they’re also full of opportunities for joy. So tune your radar to what YOU love, and if you catch yourself smiling at paper snowflakes or belting out a corny carol, don’t downplay it. Let yourself have that moment. When your kids see the
joy you've just pushed into the room; it's a gift to their present and to their future.
—Debra Ross, publisher
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KidsOutAndAbout.com: Discover more. Do more. Connect more. If you like my publisher's column, you can easily scroll through past columns in the "Notes from Deb" section of our site. |
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Discover an immersive Christmas experience at Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens. A dazzling bridge brings you into a winter wonderland featuring thousands of lights throughout the 14-acre estate.
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Come experience a new version of a classic! The Artz presents a high-flying aerial edition of the Nutcracker in a new and exciting way. The Aerial Nutcracker is sure to get kids and parents into the holiday spirit. All ages welcomed.
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Start off the holidays with afternoon tea and a live performance of the story of The Nutcracker, presented by BalletForte. Fort Bend's top holiday event for over two decades!
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St. Thomas High School invites prospective families to our Open House to explore Houston’s premier all-male college preparatory school. Come and experience our comprehensive curriculum, vision for education, and beautiful campus in person. Meet our faculty, connect with athletic teams, clubs, and fine arts, and tour our facilities.
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Houston Repertoire Ballet (HRB), Houston’s premier pre-professional ballet company, celebrates its 30th season, beginning with its 27th annual performance series of The Nutcracker featuring exquisite professional guest artists Anabel Katsnelson as the Sugar Plum Fairy and Alexander Peters as the Cavalier, both of Miami City Ballet, along with Eli Waunch as the Snow King, and Joseph Modlin as Herr Drosselmeyer, accompanied by the HRB Company Orchestra directed by Tarana Taylor. Eli Waunch appears courtesy of Houston Ballet Academy, official school of Houston Ballet, Julie Kent & Stanton Welch AM, Artistic Directors.
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Houston’s beloved holiday tradition returns -- bigger and brighter than ever! The Reliant Lights Mayor’s Holiday Spectacular is back on Saturday, December 6, 2025, transforming Hermann Square at City Hall into a magical winter celebration. This year, we’re excited to unveil a new format: a dazzling holiday concert experience featuring the lighting of the towering holiday tree, and heartwarming moments for the whole family. And the highlight? A major headliner artist will take the stage to make this year’s show truly unforgettable.
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Get ready for a magical evening at the City of Tomball’s annual Deck the Depot Tree Lighting on Dec. 6, starting at 4 p.m.! Join Santa and his merry crew for a festive celebration full of holiday cheer. Savor free hot chocolate and delicious treats (while supplies last), and get into the spirit of the season with cheerful tunes and local performances. Later in the evening, gather around as Mayor Lori Klein Quinn lights up the Christmas tree, officially kicking off the holiday season in Tomball. Plus, don’t miss our first “snow” of the season! Bundle up, enjoy the twinkling lights, and capture memorable moments with Santa. It’s the perfect way to start your holiday celebrations. Admission and parking are free!
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The Mikuláš Holiday Market at Czech Center Museum Houston is a vibrant gathering of community, brimming with festive cheer. This holiday season, immerse yourself in the magic of Czech traditions and explore a world of unique treasures at our Mikuláš Makers Market!
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Get ready for an evening of joy, Friday, December 5. We invite you into the heart of the City for the annual Christmas Tree Lighting at Sugar Land Town Square. It’s the most wonderful time of the year and Sugar Land welcomes all families to come together and revel in the spirit of the season during this enchanting event. Onsite food and beverages are available for purchase and event entry and parking is FREE.
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Ready to step into a world of adventure, heart, and unforgettable tunes? Meet *Oliver!* — the timeless musical that brings Dickens’ classic tale to life with a twist of song and soul. From the bustling streets of London to the heartwarming journey of a boy who dares to dream, this show has it all: drama, laughs, and melodies that stay with you long after the curtain falls.
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Feel the Christmas Spirit come alive as Pearland Parks & Recreation kicks off the Hometown Christmas Festival. Join us for an evening of stage entertainment, shopping, music, lights, inflatables, food trucks and much more! Our lively stage program will feature a visit from City Council, community leaders, Santa Claus and Mayor Cole as they come together to spread Christmas cheer for Pearlanders far and near.
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It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play brings the beloved holiday classic to life in a unique and heartwarming way. Set in a 1940s radio station, the show features live sound effects, commercial breaks, and a talented cast bringing the iconic characters of George Bailey, Mary Hatch, and Clarence the angel to the stage. Experience the timeless story of hope, community, and redemption like never before. With captivating performances and nostalgic charm, this live radio broadcast will make you feel the magic of the season. Don’t miss this unforgettable journey through Bedford Falls that will warm your heart and inspire your spirit!
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- Party at the Pavilion - Bellaire Town Square - 7001 5th St,
Bellaire, TX 77401, December 5, 2025, 7-9 pm
- Storytime on The Terrace - Montrose Collective - 888 Westheimer, Houston, TX 77006, December
5, 2025, 10:30-11 am
- East River's Beats on the Bayou - East River - 2920 Riverby Rd., Houston, TX 77020, December 5, 2025, 6-9
pm
- Hometown Christmas Festival - Independence Park- Pearland - 3449 Pearland Parkway, Pearland, TX 77581, December 5, 2025,
6-9 pm
- Christmas Tree Lighting in Sugar Land - Sugar Land Town Square, Sugar Land, TX, December 5, 2025, 5-8
pm
- Memorial City Reindeer - 303 Memorial City Mall, Memorial City, Houston, TX 77024,
December 5, 2025, varies
- Fields of Honor: A luminous Tribute at San Jacinto - San Jacinto Museum and Battlefield Association - 1 Monument Circle, La Porte, TX 77571, December 6, 2025, 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
- Malcolm Purvis (Magnolia) Library: Saturday Family Movies & Fun - Montgomery County Memorial Library System - Malcolm Purvis Library - 510 Melton, Magnolia, TX 77354, December 6, 2025, Movies will play at 10 am and 2 pm
- Yoga on the Lawn - First Colony Mall - 16535 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, TX 77479, December 6, 2025, 10-11 am
- A Night in Bethlehem - 11522 Telge Road, Cypress, TX 77429, December 6-7, 2025, 5-8 pm
- Hangar Hang Out - CAF Houston Wing - 18000 Groschke Road Hangar B-5, Houston, TX 77084, December 6, 2025, 10 am-3 pm
- Deck the Depot - Tomball Railroad Depot Plaza, South Elm Street, Tomball, TX, December 6, 2025, 4-8 pm
- Kingwood’s Annual Christmas in the Park -
Town Center Park, North Main Street, Kingwood, TX, December 6, 2025, 11 am-5 pm
- Reliant Lights Mayor's
Holiday Spectacular - Hermann Square, Bagby Street, Houston, TX, December 6, 2025, see website for time
- Craft the
Season - Houston Center for Contemporary Craft - 4848 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002, December 6, 2025, 10 am-5 pm
- Hands-On Houston: Woven Stars - Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, 4848 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002, December 6, 2025, 11 am-3 pm
- Storytime for Toddlers, Babies, & Kids - Barnes & Noble Booksellers - Houston Champions, Farm to Market
1960 Road West, Houston, TX, December 6, 2025, 12 pm
- Cozy Holiday Movie & Cocoa Day at Freed CC - Freed Community Center, Shadyvilla Lane, Houston, TX, December 6, 2025, varies
- Katy Exchange - Historic Downtown Katy - 5718 Second
Street, Katy, TX 77493, December 6, 2025, 10 am-4 pm
- Christmas at the Park - Katy Heritage Park, George Bush Drive,
Katy, TX, December 6, 2025, 6-9 pm
- Hometown Christmas Parade - Pearland Parks and Recreation - 4141 Bailey Rd., Pearland, TX
77584, December 6, 2025, 6 pm
- Open House- St. Thomas High School - 4500 Memorial
Dr, Houston, TX 77007, December 7, 2025, 1-3:30 pm
- Holiday Delights: A Boot-Scootin’ Bash - The Bryan Museum, 1315 21st Street, Galveston, TX 77550, December 7, 2025, 10 am-2 pm
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The Houston area offers a delightful selection of Christmas tree farms that bring the magic of the holiday season to life. Families can enjoy the cherished tradition of selecting the perfect tree while exploring picturesque landscapes and engaging in
festive activities.
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KidsOutAndAbout's 2025 holiday events list for Houston: 101 ideas for local holiday fun in our area. Christmas concerts, lights, trees, nativities, and more. Plus, activities for Chanukah, Kwanzaa, and New Year's Eve.
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Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the Houston area. From Arcades to Ziplines our Big List will help you think outside the box and plan the party of your kids' dreams! KidsOutAndAbout has dozens of ideas!
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2025's winners in KidsOutAndAbout's survey of the Top 20 Places to Take Kids in the Houston area: Houston, The Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sugar Land, and beyond. Our Top 20 results page includes a list of your top picks, plus winners in special categories
like Top Arts Educator, Top Sports Educator, and Top STEM Educator!
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Here's to seizing opportunities to learn wherever they appear!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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