Holiday Time 2012 Houston - Free Events

IKEA Houston Silver Screen at Discovery Green
Each Thursday through Jan. 24, visitors to this downtown park can enjoy a free movie under the stars. Picnics are encouraged, as are lawn chairs and blankets. Food and drink are available. All screenings start at 6:30 p.m. Upcoming films include “A Christmas Story” (Thursday), “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (Nov. 29), “ELF” (Dec. 6), “Gremlins” (Dec. 13), “Arthur Christmas” (Dec. 20) and “When Harry Met Sally” (Dec. 27).

Macy’s Mistletoe on the Go
You’re going to need a bigger ChapStick. A four-foot mistletoe hanging from a 15-foot candy cane is the latest addition to downtown holiday fun. The mistletoe will spend a week at five downtown destinations. The kiss-stops include City Hall (Nov. 26–Dec. 2), Market Square Park (Dec. 3-9), Hobby Center (Dec. 10-16), Wortham Center (Dec. 17-23) and Discovery Green (Dec. 24-Jan. 1). Houstonians are encouraged to snap a photo of their kiss and share it on the Downtown District’s Facebook page: Facebook.com/VisitDowntownHouston. For every posted photo, Macy’s will donate $1 (up to $5,000) to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Gingerbread Build Off
One of the sweetest events of the season will be 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 8 at Hermann Square, 900 Smith St., in front of City Hall. Dozens of teams of architects, design students and gingerbread enthusiasts will build cleverly decorated structures and vie for prizes, including best in show, tallest structure, most creative and fan favorite. Structures must be completed by 3 p.m. for judging. Winners will be announced at 4 p.m. Free admission for spectators.

Lasers, Lights & Magic in the Park
Fifteen-minute holiday-themed laser shows can be viewed at 6 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday through Dec. 31 at Saengerfest Park, which is located at 22nd Street and Strand in Galveston’s historical downtown district. Free.

Holiday in the Park
“A Tribute to Santa’s … Elves & Workshop at the North Pole” is the theme of this year’s festival Nov. 30-Dec. 2 at League Park in League City. Events include three parades, carnival, holiday market, pet parade, costume contest and plenty of carolers. The grand night parade starts at 6 p.m. Dec. 1. A snow hill (for ages 4 and younger) opens at 1:30 p.m. Dec. 2. 200 N. Park, League City. Free admission.

Miracle on Morton Street
Downtown Richmond is transformed into a winter wonderland for this event 10 am.-7 p.m. Dec. 1 in the city’s historical district. Festivities include musical performances by local choirs and bands, narrated wagon rides, a craft marketplace and an opportunity to chat with Santa. Free. Information: 832-752-9645

Old Fashioned Christmas at Jones Park
It’s a 19th-century celebration complete with a tree lighting, wassail and a visit from Saint Nick 4-7 p.m. Dec. 1 at Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center, 20634 Kenswick, in Humble. Free admission. Reservations required. Call 281-446-8588.

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