Holiday Time 2012 Houston - Special Events

SPECIAL EVENTS

Zoo Lights
Sparkling lights, life-size animal sculptures, strolling carolers and the opportunity to visit the animals after dark are part of the appeal of this new holiday event at the Houston Zoo. Zoo Lights will be open 6-10 p.m. Friday through Jan. 5 (with the exception of Christmas Eve). Admission is $10 (free for ages under 2); the last ticket will be sold at 9 p.m. Information: 713-533-6500

Moody Gardens’ Festival of Lights
With its mile-long trail of lights and sound-enhanced, animated displays, the holiday festival draws more than 85,000 visitors annually. Festivities include ice skating, musical entertainment and snow tubing on real snow. Open Thursday through Sunday, Nov. 29-Dec. 1, Dec. 6-8 and daily Dec.13-Jan. 5. Hours are 6-10 p.m. Admission is $6.95. Some attractions, such as ice skating and snow tubing, require an additional fee. Moody Gardens is located at One Hope Boulevard in Galveston. Information: 800-582-4673

Dickens on the Strand
The Strand historical district is the home to this popular family festival, which re-creates Victorian England. Festivities include a daily parade, bed races, strolling entertainers and costumed historical characters and Victorian-inspired crafts. Festival hours at 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Dec. 1 and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Dec. 2. Tickets are $14 ($8 for ages 7-12). Information: 409-765-7834

Gingerbread Fun at the Omni Hotel
Santa will host a gingerbread-decorating party 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 1. Festivities will include refreshments and photos with Santa. Free admission, but reservations are required. Guests also are asked to bring one new and unwrapped toy for the U.S. Marines Toys for Tots program. The hotel will debut its Gingerbread Village 4-7 p.m. during a party that includes holiday fare and a cookie bar, hot chocolate, hot cider and an adults-only hot chocolate. Free admission, but reservations are required. The Omni Hotel is located at Four Riverway (off Woodway Drive at the West Loop). To reserve your spot at either event, email dtapping@omnihotels.com.

Christmas Cruises
See downtown’s holiday lights by boat when you take a 30-minute pontoon boat ride along Buffalo Bayou. The tours will be offered 5 p.m.-8 p.m. Dec. 1, Dec. 8 and Dec. 15. The cruises depart Allen’s Landing, 1001 Commerce. Paid parking ($5) available in Spaghetti Warehouse lot. Cash-only admission is $7 ($5 for ages 4-12) on a first come, first-served basis.

Holiday Workshop at Rienzi
Learn to make a needlepoint Christmas ornament during a workshop 1-4 p.m. Dec. 1. No needlepoint experience is required. Participants should bring a 6 inch by 7 inch stretcher bar, scissors and tacks. Cost is $20 and includes all other supplies. The museum house filled with European decorative arts is part of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Rienzi is located at 1406 Kirby Dr. Reservations required. Information: 713-639-7800

Golden Candlelight Tea
Hats and gloves are encouraged at this event that recreates a 19th-century tradition and kicks off the Heritage Society’s holiday season. Held 3-5 p.m. Dec. 2 in the organization’s tea room, tickets are $50 ($35 for ages 12 and younger). Information: 713-655-1912

Christmas Boat Lane Parade
More than 100 festively decorated and brightly lit boats will cruise the Clear Lake channel from South Shore Harbor Marina and the Nassau Bay Lagoon to Galveston Bay beginning at 6 p.m. Dec. 8. More than 100,000 people are expected turn out for this 51st boat parade. Vantage points include the Kemah Boardwalk.

Rienzi Holiday Home Tour
Enjoy wine, eggnog and live music during a tour of this festively decorated house museum 5:30-7:30 p.m. Dec. 19. Admission is $20; 1406 Kirby Dr. Information: 713-639-7800

A Charlie Brown Christmas-Unscripted
ComedySportz, the city’s oldest improv troupe, offers a send-up of Charles Schultz’s holiday classic and, as always, it will need some guidance from the audience. Performances are 10:30 p.m. Fridays through Dec. 28. Ages 17 and older only. Tickets are $12. The ComedySportz Arena is located at 901 Town & Country Blvd. Information: 713-868-1444

Carriage Ride at Market Street
Horse-drawn carriage rides are available 6-9 p.m. Fridays-Sundays through Dec. 9, Dec. 14-23 and Dec. 27-30 in The Woodlands’ Market Street entertainment district. The 30-minute tours, which take a route through the district’s holiday light display, board in front of the Cinemark at Market Street, 9595 Six Pines Drive. Cost is $8 per person, $15 per couple, $50 for a party of four. Information: 936-499-4760

Visit my Food Blog at http://southerncookingwithtodd.blogspot.com/