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:
The Christmas I was 10, my sister and I woke up at our usual ridiculously-early hour and raced downstairs to the tree. Something was different: fewer gifts than usual, no giant boxes, no bike-shaped mystery lumps. But nestled among the smaller packages were envelopes that turned out to be plane tickets to Bermuda. We were leaving that very morning, which explained
why my parents had not objected to being awakened at 5:30. Decades later, I don’t remember what else I got that year—or most years—but I remember being bundled up and giddy, heading to the airport while it was still dark. I remember pink sand, caves, and the little cakes they served at teatime. It's all still as fresh to me as the air was at Grotto Bay Beach. That trip taught me something I wouldn’t have been able to say at the time: Presence creates
the memories, not the presents. Of course, we all want our kids to have a magical holiday. But when we think back to our own childhoods, what sticks isn’t the stuff, it’s the doing. The zoo trips, the plays, the sporting events, the concerts, the hands held during the adventures. That’s why my long-time holiday mantra is “Do it, don’t dust it.” Experiences are the gifts that last the longest, especially when we do them together. They don’t pile
up in a closet; they plant themselves in our memory. So if you’re still pondering what to give the people you love this year, consider a show, a class, a day trip, a membership, a season pass. Something that says “I see you, you matter, let's do it together." Need ideas? Head to our Local Memberships & Season Passes page! It's your ticket to the perfect gift... and it's guaranteed clutter-free.
—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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I'm thrilled to announce that my new book The Eclipse Effect: How to Seize Extraordinary Moments to Build Strong Communities (co-authored with Jamie Carter) is now published and shipping across North America! It’s packed with inspiring, true stories of everyday leaders who stepped up during the 2024 eclipse to bring people together, spark change, and strengthen their communities. Told with warmth and insight, this book makes a perfect holiday gift for the visionary, organizer, or community-builder in your life. Click the graphic to order from Amazon on print or Kindle; for other ordering options (including educator and bulk orders), or to see an annotated table of contents and the introduction, head to https://theeclipseeffect.com.
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Curious how your AI know-how compares to other parents? We surveyed over 300 of you, and the results are in! The big takeaway? You aren't alone in feeling overwhelmed. While most parents have a basic grasp of the technology, over 52% feel unequipped to actually guide their kids through it. The number one thing you requested help with was "Digital Defense"—specifically, how to spot misinformation and fake news. You can read the full, fascinating report at kidsoutandabout.com/research. Ready for round two? Help us dive deeper by taking our new, quick 13-question survey here: https://forms.gle/1nTsaG384SW8cUpL7.
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San Jacinto Family Day: Corn Husk Angels December 13, 2025 - 11:00 am to 3:00 pm Kids had to make their own toys on the Texas frontier, and a corn husk doll was a staple of a Texas childhood in the 1830s. Join us to learn about dolls on the frontier and make your own holiday corn husk angel to take home. We'll provide the materials; all you need is your creativity and seasonal spirit! Cost: Free to attend.
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Help Your Child Thrive Inside and Outside the Classroom BrainAbouts® empowers young people to make smarter decisions, manage stress, and build confidence with neuroscience-based lessons. Parents love how the program connects real-life skills with academic success, preparing children for bright, resilient futures. Support Your Child’s Growth so Discover BrainAbouts®
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Cool waterside deck Chanukah party overlooking Crystal Lagoon! Featuring: Grand Menorah Lighting, kosher hot dogs, latkes, sufganiyot, chocolate gelt and more, beverage bar for adults (a la carte), music, crafts for kids, raffle and free prizes! Advance RSVP encouraged
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The classic animated television special A Charlie Brown Christmas comes to life in this faithful stage adaptation in which Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the rest of the Peanuts gang discover the true meaning of Christmas. Followed by an encore performance of your favorite Christmas hits!
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Join us for an uplifting and joyous celebration of Chanukah as we gather together for nightly menorah lightings at H-E-B! We’ll kindle the lights, sing festive songs, share warm latkes and sufganiyot, and embrace the spirit of hope, unity, and Jewish pride. Whether you’re coming with family, friends, or by yourself, you’re warmly invited to connect, celebrate, and bring light into the season. Bring your smiles, your voices, and your heart — we’ll bring the glow.
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At St. Pius X High School, we believe the best way to understand the spirit of our community is to experience it firsthand. Our Open House invites prospective students and families to step inside campus life, meet our dedicated faculty and staff, and see what it means to become a Veritas Man or Woman. Whether you’re drawn to our college-prep academics, championship athletics, fine arts programs, or faith-centered community, this event is designed to showcase the opportunities that make SPX unique.
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Celebrate the season with us at Lumos for a FREE, family-friendly holiday morning filled with pancakes, play, and a touch of Christmas magic. FREE Kids’ Breakfast Children 13 and under enjoy a complimentary pancake breakfast — complete with holiday toppings: sprinkles, whipped cream, and more. Santa is Coming to Lumos! A special visit from Santa will add extra sparkle to your morning. Bring your cameras to capture the moment.
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Step in and celebrate the seasons with cozy craft, cheerful games, and festive fun for the whole family! Join us for a magical holiday experience filled with joy, laughter, and heartwarming memories you are soon to make!
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Join us for a morning full of cheer at La Segarra, our new home community in Brookshire, TX. This festive feast features mini pancakes stacked high enough to make even the grouchiest heart grow three sizes and a hot cocoa bar loaded with the merriest of toppings.
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Join us for TADA's 11th Annual Performances of The Nutcracker happening Dec 13 &14! The whole family will enjoy this gorgeous Christmas ballet classic filled with magic, mystery, and a dash of humor, plus enjoy a visit with Santa and some Christmas shopping at our holiday market happening in the lobby throughout the weekend! We have so many wonderful local vendors every year, so be sure to arrive early before the performance to find the perfect gifts!
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Join us for the annual Tomball German Christmas Market, December 12-14, 2025 With a great line-up of vendors, contests & entertainment – it’s fun for the entire family. Most importantly, admission and parking are FREE!
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Instead of performing Charles Dickens’ beloved holiday classic for the umpteenth time, three actors decide to perform every Christmas story ever told – plus Christmas traditions from around the world, seasonal icons from ancient times to topical pop-culture, and every carol ever sung. A madcap romp through the holiday season!
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Join us as we take this beloved tradition and turn everything around. This time, the rats mean business. KIDS GET IN FREE with a report card. A special showing for our immediate community of neighbors, family and friends.
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Come on down to the library to sit down and create while chatting about your favorite part of the holidays! All art forms welcome.Teen Takeover is a program created by teens for teens.
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- The Aerial Nutcracker Community Show - The Artz - The Artz, Inker Street, Houston, TX, USA, December 12, 2025, 6:00PM-8:00PM
- Memorial City Reindeer - 303 Memorial City Mall, Memorial City, Houston, TX 77024, United States, December 12-14, 2025, varies
- Tomball German Christmas Market - Old Town Tomball, Farm to Market 2920, Tomball, TX, USA, December 12-14, 2025, Friday: 6-10 pm / Saturday 10 am to 10 pm / Sunday: 10 am to 6 pm
- Teen
Takeover: Cozy Holiday: Chat and Create! - Atascocita Branch Library, Pinehurst Trail Drive, Atascocita, TX, USA, December 12, 2025, 4-5:45 pm
- Storytime on The Terrace - Montrose Collective - 888 Westheimer, Houston, TX 77006, December 12, 2025, 10:30-11 am
- Christmas Boat Parade at Kemah Boardwalk - Kemah Boardwalk, 215 Kipp Ave, Kemah, TX 77565, United States, December 13, 2025, Boats will pass
the Boardwalk at approximately 7-8 pm
- Christmas with the Fishes - Sea Center Texas, 302 Medical
Drive, Lake Jackson, TX 77566, United States, December 13, 2025, 1-3 pm
- Cozy Winter Wonderland Open House - 8410 Delta Down Dr, Fulshear, TX 77441, United States, December 13, 2025, 10 am-12 pm
- Jingle Bell Breakfast at Lumos - Embers Grill @ Lumos, 22296 Market Pl Dr, New Caney, TX 77357, United States, December 13, 2025, 10:00 a.m.
- Meet Santa / Conoce a Papá
Noel - Aldine Branch Library, 11331 Airline Drive, Houston, TX 77037, United States, December 13, 2025, 1-2:30 pm
- River Ranch Celebrates Christmas Jamboree Dec. 13 - 15 River Ranch Boulevard, Dayton, TX 77535, United States, December 13, 2025, 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Board Games at the Library - Flores Neighborhood Library, 110 North Milby Street, Houston, TX 77003, United States, December 13, 2025,
12-2 pm
- Winter Family Fun at the Library! - Flores Neighborhood Library, 110 North
Milby Street, Houston, TX 77003, United States, December 13, 2025, 2-4 pm
- Pearl Fincher Museum: Winter Family Day - Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts, Cypresswood Drive, Spring, TX, USA, December 13, 2025, 10:00AM
- La Segarra presents A Merry Breakfast with a Mean One - La Segarra, 360 Stone Place Trail, Brookshire, TX 77423, December 13, 2025, 9 am - 11 am
- Malcolm Purvis (Magnolia) Library: Saturday
Family Movies & Fun - Montgomery County Memorial Library System - Malcolm Purvis Library - 510 Melton, Magnolia, TX 77354, December 13, 2025, Movies will play at 10 am and 2 pm
- San Jacinto Family Days - San Jacinto Museum and Battlefield Association - 1 Monument Circle, La Porte, TX 77571, December 13, 2025, 11 a.m. to 3
p.m.
- Discover St. Pius X High School - St. Pius X High School, West Donovan Street, Houston, TX,
USA, December 14, 2025, 1-3 pm
- Chanukah Menorah Parade - Chabad Outreach of Houston - 11000 Fondren Rd, Houston, TX 77096, United States, December 14, 2025, 5 pm
- 30th Annual Menorah Lighting at Houston City Hall - Houston City Hall, Bagby Street, Houston, TX, USA, December 14, 2025, 6:30 pm
- HEB Menorah Lighting - Meyerland Plaza, Meyerland Plaza, Houston, TX, USA, December 14-16, 2025, varies
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Take out your calendar - you have a lot of scheduling to do to fit in all the incredible Holiday Break camps taking place in and around our area! If we're missing a camp that should be on this list, please email us to let us know.
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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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