Houston Family Magazine November 2022 Issue

We plan for the unexpected so you don’t have to.

We know when you’re expecting, unexpected things can happen. That’s why from the second you find out you’re going to be a mother to the moment you’re holding your baby, we’re right there with you. Located within the Texas Medical Center, The Fetal Center is affiliated with McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, UT Physicians, and Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital, and provides specialized care personalized to you and your baby, well before your baby’s first breath.

memorialhermann.org/fetal

Lindsay and Kendall were living a nice life in Temple, Texas, in the spring of 2017. They had careers they loved—she’s a dermatologist; he’s an ophthalmologist. They had a 15-monthold boy named Hays and a new baby on the way. Still, the couple felt that this pregnancy was going to be different.

An ultrasound at 18 weeks confirmed their suspicions

Their baby had spina bifida. A portion of her lower spinal cord was exposed. The long-term effects could be seizures, bowel and bladder control issues, and difficulty walking. She might also need a special shunt to regulate her brain’s fluid levels.

“It was gut-wrenching,” said Lindsay. But she knew in her heart they would find their way through.

Early in-utero spinal repair offered hope. Lindsay and Kendall met with specialists at two prominent centers in Houston, including The Fetal Center at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital. The Fetal Center is a national referral center and an international leader in fetal diagnosis, fetal intervention and comprehensive fetal care for infants with congenital anomalies or genetic abnormalities. In collaboration with affiliated pediatric sub-specialists at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, the team offers patients a complete range of prenatal testing and fetal interventions with a coordinated program for mother and child before, during and after birth.

The Fetal Center team

During their visit to The Fetal Center, the couple met with KuoJen Tsao, MD, Stephen Fletcher, DO, and other members of the team to learn about their approach to performing spina bifida repair in utero. Dr. Tsao is The Children’s

Fund, Inc. Distinguished Professor in Pediatric Surgery at UTHealth Houston, a co-director of The Fetal Center and a pediatric surgeon at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital. Dr. Fletcher is a professor in the Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery at UTHealth Houston and a pediatric neurosurgeon at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital.

Dr. Tsao and Dr. Fletcher were part of the physician team affiliated with The Fetal Center that was the first in Texas to perform fetal surgery for the repair of myelomeningocele, the most severe form of spina bifida, in May 2011. This procedure followed the published results from the seven-year multicenter clinical trial, the Management of Myelomeningocele Study (MOMS), in March 2011, which aimed to improve outcomes in fetal spina bifida patients. Overall, The Fetal Center’s patient outcomes data mirrored or were better than those reported in the MOMS trial.

Life-altering surgical decisions

After exhausting interviews, tests and scans, the couple chose The Fetal Center’s approach, which involved two C-sections, one to repair the spinal cord defect, the second to deliver their baby girl, Eliza. It would be difficult on Lindsay, but she accepted that.

“Children’s Memorial Hermann felt more comfortable to us, more like home,” Lindsay said.

“They spent so much time with us, answering all our questions,” Kendall added.

At 21 weeks, the results of a fetal MRI, extensive 3D ultrasounds, echocardiograms, EKGs and blood tests were more encouraging than expected. Eliza’s brain growth was still an issue, but she was moving her legs a lot and showed no signs of club feet, which was very promising.

“While none of this is a guarantee, she may be able to walk!” Lindsay blogged to friends and family.

Praying for courage and life

At a day shy of 25 weeks into Lindsay’s pregnancy, Dr. Tsao, Dr. Fletcher and the affiliated surgical team performed the repair procedure at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital on what Lindsay describes as the “single scariest day of her life.”

The surgery went smoothly. Lindsay spent the next 77 days on bed rest. Eliza made steady progress.

On August 24, 2017, mere hours before Hurricane Harvey hit Houston, Eliza was delivered, weighing 5 pounds, 9 ounces. After 13 days in the Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital and 10 days recovering in Houston, all four members of the family headed home to Temple, eager to enjoy their miraculous “new normal” together, something they could hardly imagine when their journey began.

Five years later

Five years later in 2022, the family is doing great. Eliza started Kindergarten this year and is thriving. Not only is she walking independently, but she is also running and jumping. While she does face some challenges, she has never needed a shunt to regulate her brain’s fluid levels and she continues to meet her milestones.

“You would never know Eliza has a special story,” Lindsay says. “She is a smart, happy kindergartener, has many friends and loves her big brother. We are incredibly grateful to The Fetal Center team for all they did to help her and our family.”

@mariahevansonphotography

Calendar of Events

You may notice the days getting shorter and the air crisper, but November weather in Houston usually offers mellow sunny days for strolling through any of the city's many parks and by the end of the month, enjoy the unveiling of spectacular holiday window displays and dazzling lights and decorations as they begin to sparkle across the city.

Lift up thy Cares at the Texas

Renaissance Festival (weekends through Nov. 27 and Thanksgiving)

Bring family and friends to the magical kingdom, an enchanted world filled with kings and queens, knights and nobles, fairies and elves, pirates and peasants, and other fanciful delights.

texrenfest.com

21778 Farm to Market 1774, Todd Mission 9am-8pm All ages, $13+

Texas-sized fun at Dewberry Farm!

You’ll find old favorite attractions (the Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch!) and some delightful new ones — plus a whole lotta good things to eat and drink!

dewberryfarm.com

Dewberry Farm

Every Day. All ages

Teach You Tuesday: Make a wreath Are you looking for classes that inspire, motivate, and teach you? This month we partner with Pop Shop America to create a fall foliage wreath in time for the holidays.

https://midtownhouston.com

Bagby Park

5:30pm. Age: 21+

Solstice by Studio Irregular with programming

Solstice is comprised of a series of mirrored and LED arches that reflect the transformation of Earth when the sun is at its closest and furthest from the equator. Guests will be able to experience the longest day of the year to the shortest in an explorative and interactive format.

https://www.discoverygreen.com/solstice

Discovery Green

Daily until 11pm. All ages

Enjoy a literary experience! Spend the morning with a story followed by a craft that accompanies the reading. All craft supplies are included.

Levyparkhouston.org

Levy Park 10am. Age: 2-5

La Traviata (until Nov. 6)

When the glamorous courtesan Violetta and the young Alfredo fall for each other, it’s as if nothing can tear them apart. But as tragedy unfolds over three sublime acts, family, classism, and deceit plague their relationship.

https://www.houstongrandopera.org/ events-tickets/2022-23-season/la-traviata/ Brown Theater 8pm. All ages

NOVEMBER 2

Nature Hikes at the Arboretum Venture out for a family-friendly hike through the Houston Arboretum. Explore the ecosystems to learn about the local wildlife, plants, and natural history.

houstonarboretum.org

Houston Arboretum and Nature Center All day. All ages.

Japan Junction: The One-Inch Boy” and Chitose Candy Bag

Join us for a kamishibai reading of "Issunboshi” or “One-Inch Boy" as we celebrate Shichi-go-san.Shichi-go-san, which literally means seven, five, three in Japanese, is a rite of passage celebrating the healthy growth and development of young children.

Levyparkhouston.org

Levy Park. 4:30pm. All ages

NOVEMBER

Screening: Decision to Leave

Go out to the movies. In the thriller Decision to Leave, a detective is assigned a murder case in the mountains. While investigating the crime, he meets the victim’s mysterious wife (and can’t help but both suspect and be intrigued by her. www.mfah.org Fine Arts Museum Houston 7pm. Age: recommended for a mature audience

$5 Thursdays at the Lone Star Flight Museum

The admission includes all the hangars. https://lonestarflight.org/events/5thursdays-at-lsfm/ Lone Star Flight Museum

All day. All ages

NOVEMBER

Kristin Wolfe Jensen, bassoon

ROCO’s Principal Bassoonist, curates a program centered around our gratitude for educators across the world, featuring chamber music for double reeds, and an interactive Q&A Roco.org St John the Divine 7:30pm. All ages

MFAH Playdate

This 45-minute program invites children 4 and younger, with their adult caregivers, to join a Museum educator for a multi-sensory experience in the galleries. Participants sing songs, listen to storybooks, and join in fun games and activities, all while being introduced to ideas and themes found in the art on view at the MFAH. https://www.mfah.org/ Museum Fine Arts Houston 11:30-12:15pm. Age: up to 4 years old.

Screening: Broker

Two men occasionally steal babies from a church’s baby box and sell the children for adoption on the black market. When a young mother has a change of heart and returns to the church, she invites herself to join the men on a road trip to interview her baby’s potential parents.

https://www.mfah.org/ Museum Fine Arts Houston 7pm. Age: recommended for mature audiences. Admission $10.

Forever Tango

This performance tells the story of the birth of the tango in 19th century Argentina where thousands of men, having abandoned a disintegrating Europe to emigrate to South America, found themselves in the crowded abattoirs, the bars and street corners of the arrabales, and in the enramadas.

https://www.milleroutdoortheatre.com/ monthly-schedule/ Miller Outdoor Theater

7pm. All ages

NOVEMBER

The Novelist’s Film

A novelist is disenchanted with her writing. When she runs into the filmmaker whose project to adapt one of her novels fell through, she resolves to make a film starring a popular actress.

https://www.mfah.org

Museum of Fine Arts Houston 3:00-4:40pm. All ages

Chalk on the block

Enjoy the interactive 3D sidewalk chalk art that will make you feel as if you have stepped into another dimension. This month, artists’ designs will be inspired by the fall.

https://midtownhouston.com/ events/2022-10/

Bagby Park 10am-noon. All ages.

Family Storytime & Craft

The big to do photo credit: Texas Renaissance Festival, Todd Mission, TX

HANDS-ON HOUSTON FAMILY FESTIVA

Join HCCC for the return of our HANDSON HOUSTON FAMILY FESTIVAL, a free community event for families and visitors of all ages.

https://crafthouston.org/events/hands-onhouston-family-festival/#more-22142

Houston Center for Contemporary Craft 11am-3pm. All ages

Art in the Park

Learn Spanish while exploring different art techniques! Students, ages 3 to 12 will create a unique art piece while improving their speaking and listening skills en español.

https://www.discoverygreen.com/5433782 Discovery Green Noon. All ages

Diggin’ Old Stuff

A family friend dig at Kleb Woods Nature Center. Participate in an archaeological dig, forge your own keepsake, and tour the 1896 Kleb house! All are welcome to attend this free family-friendly event.

https://apps.hcp4.net/med/Event/ Detail/9110

Kleb Woods Nature Center in Tomball 9am-3pm. Age 7+

Movie under the stars: The Secret Life of Pets

Figure out what our pets do while we aren't home! Who knows... maybe you'll find a new movie buddy amongst the adoptables! https://apps.hcp4.net/med/Event/ Detail/9167

Ray Miller Park, Elridge Parkway 5:30pm. All ages

The Wreckers

The resolute Thirza whose husband, the preacher Pascoe, declares to the coastal community that shipwrecks along their shore are meant to be pillaged—and meant to be premeditated by leaving the lighthouse dark. But Thirza’s heart and conscience are not with her husband or with his dangerous methods.

https://www.houstongrandopera.org/ events-tickets/2022-23-season/thewreckers/ Brown Theater 7:30pm. Age: 13+

Majic Under the Stars

Do you believe in Magic?

https://www.woodlandscenter.org/events Cynthia Woods Michell Pavilion 4:30pm. All ages

Movie under the stars: the Mighty Ducks

An egotistical young lawyer, Gordon Bombay, convicted of drunken driving is sentenced to coach a kids’ hockey team made up of misfits.

https://www.milleroutdoortheatre.com/ monthly-schedule/ Miller Outdoor Theater 7pm. All ages

NOVEMBER

Fall Festival “Dream with Alebrijes”

You are invited to this family-friendly festival that features the unveiling of temporary sculptures by six Houston Latinx artists. The artists have created large-scale, fantastical figures inspired by the Mexican folk-art tradition of alebrijes.

https://www.mfah.org/calendar/fall-festivaldream-with-alebrijes/202211061300

Museum of Fine Arts Houston

1-6pm. All ages. Free admission for all activities with the purchase of a regular entry ticket.

Family Zone

On selected Sundays, families are invited to visit the MFAH Family Zone. You’ll find engaging gallery activities with coloring sheets, colored pencils, books, and more. Knowledgeable staff members are on hand to help answer questions about the works of art on view.

https://www.mfah.org

Museum of Fine Arts Houston 1-4pm. All ages

Screening: Seire

This indie horror film takes inspiration from the folk belief seire, which protects newborn babies from bad luck—as long as they are isolated from visitors. Following the birth of their baby, a husband is more skeptical than his wife about the custom.

https://www.mfah.org

Museum of Fine Arts Houston 4pm. Age: recommended for a mature audience. $10 admission

NOVEMBER

Take

NOVEMBER

Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary

Escape to this small but enchanting nature sanctuary for a reprieve from the city. Within its 17.5 acres of hardwood and pine forest and freshwater habitats, the Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary provides an important home for native wildlife.

houstonaudubon.org

Edith Moore Nature Sanctuary 7am-7pm. All ages

NOVEMBER 9

Shell-ebrate Turtles

All are welcome at this program designed especially for school-aged children. Each class includes a 30-minute presentation followed by an activity. Registration is required and space is limited. Email johnpaullanding@hcp4.net or call 713-2743131 to sign up.

https://apps.hcp4.net/med/Event/ Detail/9108

John Paul Landing Environmental Education Center 2-3pm. All ages

Nature Story Time and Discovery Center

Enjoy storytime on the front lawn of the nature discovery center. Please bring your own blanket.

naturediscoverycenter.org

Nature Discovery Center 4pm. Age: 0-5

NOVEMBER

František Kupka’s “The Yellow Scale”

More than any other canvas, The Yellow Scale represents a turning point as Kupka was about to embark on a path that would ultimately lead to pure abstraction. This talk places the unforgettable painting in the context of Kupka’s contributions to the Czech avant-garde, his exploration of music and color, and the portrait’s philosophical underpinnings.

https://www.mfah.org

Museum of Fine Arts Houston 6:30pm. All ages

Samba Class

Learn a popular Brazilian dance style during this exciting class. Samba is a partner dance from Rio de Janeiro that evolved as a ballroom dance to the Brazilian samba musical rhythms. Bringing a dance partner is not necessary to participate. The class is free and open to all skill levels. Instruction is provided by the Brazilian Cultural Institute. https://midtownhouston.com/ Midtown Park 7-9pm. Age: 16+

MOVIES UNDER THE STARS:

PITCH PERFECT

Forget about trekking to the theater for your movie fix and head to Market Square Park for a free outdoor movie under the stars.

https://marketsquarepark.com/calendar/ Market Square 7pm. All ages

Houston Cinema Arts Festival (Nov. 10 -17)

The 14th Annual Houston Cinema Arts Festival will take place virtually and at driveins across Houston. The festival will feature over 20 films, Q&A sessions, performances, and workshops.

https://www.cinemahtx.org/ Various times. Age: 15+

The Nutcracker Market (Nov. 10-13)

Shop for some amazing treasures to set under your tree this holiday season.

https://www.houstonballet.org/about/ nutcracker-market/tickets--events/ nutcracker-market-tickets-and-events/ admission/

NRG Stadium

All day until 5pm or 7pm. All ages

NOVEMBER

Veterans Day We Remember

Holst’s The Planets (Nov. 11-13)

Fasten your seatbelts and blast off to the stars when acclaimed conductor Gemma New leads Holst’s sonic, celestial showpiece, which vividly portrays each planet’s astrological persona, from menacing Mars to jolly Jupiter and beyond. https://houstonsymphony.org/tickets/ concerts/holsts-the-planets/ Jones Hall 2pm or 8pm. All ages

NOVEMBER

Fortune

Be there as ROCO’s In Concert series continues with “Fortune”, on November 12 at The Church of St. John the Divine! Conductor Delyana Lazarova makes her ROCO debut in a concert inspired by fantasy and fortune Roco.org

The Church of St John the Divine 7:30pm. All ages

Studio Saturday at Rienzi “Drawing Architecture”

Zeroing in on Rienzi’s building and the beautiful shadows that it casts, participants focus on contour drawing and the use of negative space while using charcoal drawing pencils to create shadows and silhouettes. Supplies are provided.

https://www.mfah.org

Museum of Fine Arts Houston 10am-noon. Age: 8+

WOVEN CLAY BASKET WORKSHOP

Learn how to create a wonderful centerpiece for the holiday season. First, cut and weave slabs of clay to create a ceramic vessel, and then drape your woven clay over a shallow form to create the shape of a bowl or vessel. Vessels will be fired after the workshop and glazed by HCCC staff to make sure the vessel is food safe.

https://crafthouston.org/events/woven-claybasket-workshop/ Houston Center for Contemporary Craft 11am-2pm. All ages

The Jet Setters Ball

This year’s event will take you back in time to the decade of air travel grandeur. Think Howard Hughes, Frank Sinatra, Audrey Hepburn, Jackie and Ari Onassis, Liz Taylor and Richard Burton in their chic cocktail attire, sipping their favorite vodka gimlet, while crossing the sky. Guests will have plenty of time to mingle, enjoy delicious 60s-themed drinks, experience the museum’s stellar collection of vintage to present day aircraft, and even step aboard one or two of them.

https://lonestarflight.org/events/jet-settersball/

Lone Star Flight Museum 6:30pm. Age: 21+ Black tie attire is required.

Children's Festival:

Under the Sea (Nov. 12 & 13)

Dive into fun all weekend long November 12th and 13th with high energy shows, hands-on activities and adventure for all ages - all activities and live performances for just $10 a ticket!

https://www.woodlandscenter.org/cf-22 Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion Noon-5pm. All ages

NOVEMBER

Botanic Garden

Take the family on a stroll among beautiful plants and trees as you engage your senses while discovering the unexpected in Houston’s new living museum for plants and discover an oasis of learning. hbg.org

Houston Botanic Garden 9am-5pm. All ages. Weekdays: $12.50 adults, $8 students & children

Weekends: $15 adults, $10 students & children

Book Reading and discussion The Invisible Spy by Lisa McMann

Lisa McMann will be at Blue Willow bookshop to celebrate her new book, The Invisible Spy.

https://www.bluewillowbookshop.com/ event/lisamcmann22 Blue Willow Bookshop 5pm. All ages

Take

NOVEMBER

Coffee Cake Book Club

Coffee Cake Book Club meets the third Wednesday of each month to discuss contemporary and classic authors with like-minded individuals. Email Valerie at girlboss@bluewillowbookshop.com for an invitation.

bluewillowbookshop.com 11am. Age: 15+

Planes, Trains and Automobiles: Bank of America Screen on the Green®

Pack a picnic and a blanket to enjoy a family movie under the stars.

https://www.discoverygreen.com/5474452

Discovery Green 7pm. All ages

Decoding Animal Communication

All are welcome at this program designed especially for school-aged children. Each class includes a 30-minute presentation followed by an activity. Registration is required and space is limited. Email klebwoods@hcp4.net or call 281-357-5324 to sign up.

https://apps.hcp4.net/med/Event/ Detail/9111

Kleb Woods Nature Center 10am. All ages

Sip & Sparkle

Stroll through the zoo wine sipping along the way or if you prefer beer, Saint Arnold beer will be offered until closing.

https://www.houstonzoo.org/events/sipand-sparkle/ Houston Zoo

Until 10pm. Age 21+ for wine tasting

The Polar Express (runs from November 18 – December 31)

The magical story comes to life the minute the train departs the Palestine Depot for the journey to the North Pole on select days in November and in December.

texasstaterailroad.net/events/polarexpress/ Texas State Railroad. Palestine Depot

Select days and times. All ages. Ticket prices vary.

Zoo Lights Grand Opening! (November 18-January 8, 2023)

Sip hot chocolate as you stroll through the beautiful Houston Zoo. Interact with Candy the Zoo Lights Zebra presented by HEB, take a selfie on a giant ice throne, and take a socially distanced photo with Santa in his workshop.

Houstonzoo.org Houston Zoo

5:30-10:30pm. All ages. Admission tickets are required.

Movies under the Stars: The underdog The Kurt Warner Story

The story of the American Football hero who went from supermarket employee to two-time Most Valuable player! Based on a true story.

https://www.milleroutdoortheatre.com/ monthly-schedule/ Miller Outdoor Theater 7pm. All ages

Family Capoeira

Family Capoeira class is a unique AfroBrazilian martial art that develops discipline, coordination, strength, and rhythm. Instruction is provided by the Brazilian Cultural Institute and is open to families of all sizes and skill levels. https://midtownhouston.com/ Midtown Park 10am. All ages

Flea by Night

Flea by Night is an open-air market featuring local artisans and small business owners selling vintage, handmade, recycled, repurposed and local goods.

https://www.discoverygreen.com/flea Discovery Green 6-10pm. All ages

The Nutcracker (Nov. 21 & 22)

This fairytale ballet boasts an enchanting Tchaikovsky musical score and a timeless story of a child’s belief that good triumphs over evil and that dreams really can come true. Our young cast of dancers invites you to share their journey to the magical Kingdom of Sweets.

woodlandscenter.org

The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion 2pm & 8pm. All ages

Baytown Nature Center

Great place to spend the morning, bring the whole family for a fun educational adventure. Then stay to picnic, hike, or fish. baytown.org

Baytown Nature Center. 6213 Bayway Dr. Baytown 10am-noon. All ages

Tough Broads Out at Night Book Club

Tough Broads Book Club meets the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. This month's book will be The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K Le Guin.

https://www.bluewillowbookshop.com/ event/tough-broads-out-night-book-club-70 Blue Willow Bookshop 7pm. Age: 21+

Thanksgiving Weekend Pass

Get down to the weekend for a long weekend of fun! Weekend Adventure Pass Valid for FOUR days instead of three! Thursday – Sunday for $49.99 www.kemahboardwalk.com Kemah Boardwalk

All day. All ages

Disney’s Fantasia (Nov. 25-27)

This Thanksgiving weekend, treat the entire family to the classic that’s captivated generations—Disney’s Fantasia! Stunning animation fills the giant screen at Jones Hall while the Symphony brings the soundtrack to life, including favorites like Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, Pomp and Circumstance, Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite, and, of course, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice.

https://houstonsymphony.org/tickets/ concerts/thanksgiving-weekend-disneysfantasia/ Jones Hall

2pm or 8pm. All ages

Houston Ballet: The Nutcracker

A classic tale of adventure for the holiday season.

https://www.houstonballet.org/ seasontickets/pdps/2022-2023/thenutcracker/

Jones Hall

2pm or 7:30pm. All ages

MOVIES UNDER THE STARS: LIGHTYEAR

Forget about trekking to the theater for your movie fix and head to Market Square Park for a free outdoor movie under the stars.

https://marketsquarepark.com/calendar/ Market Square Park 7pm. All ages

Houston Grand Opera presents HGO Digital: Bon Appetit!

Renowned mezzo-soprano and HGO Studio alumna Jamie Barton stars as Julia Child in Lee Hoiby’s one-woman opera. Based on an episode of Child’s TV program, The French Chef, brings audiences into the chef’s storied kitchen as she bakes a chocolate cake.

houstongrandopera.org/events-tickets/hgodigital/bon-appetit/ virtual 7:30pm. All ages

Waugh Bridge Bat Colony

An estimated 300,000 Mexican free-tailed bats emerge from the Waugh Bridge every evening at dusk to find food.

Buffalobayou.org

Waugh Bridge Dusk. All ages

Galveston Holiday Events

Holiday in the Gardens (Nov. 19 – Jan. 7)

Stroll through Festival of Lights, a milelong trail of illuminated holiday displays, live music, festive food and more. Other attractions include an Arctic Ice Slide, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer 4D experience, Holiday 3D films and train rides. Moodygardens.org

A Railroad Christmas (Nov. 27 through Dec. 23)

Visitors will have the opportunity to get a photo with Santa as Mr. Claus. On Fridays and Saturdays, guests can enjoy Movies at the Museum in the courtyard. galvestonrrmuseum.org

Polar Express in Galveston (Nov. 11 – Dec. 23)

This immersive family-oriented experience makes a great gift.

https://galvestonrrmuseum.org/event/thepolar-express-train-ride/

Dickens on the Squares (Dec. 2-4)

Brush off your bowlers and prepare your petticoats as Galveston Historical Foundation presents the 49th annual Dickens on The Strand. Held the first weekend in December, the annual festival is a holiday tradition with great family programming, live entertainment, special events and more.

galvestonhistory.org

Holiday with the Cranes (Dec. 10-11)

Bird lovers can learn about them and see them up close. A presentation and selfguided field trips on the island’s West End is included.

galvestonnaturetourism.org

photo

Santa Hustle 5k Run, Galveston

Christmas Tree Lighting Festivities

Reliant Lights Mayor’s Holiday Spectacular (Nov. 30)

Ring in the season with the Mayor's Holiday Spectacular in the heart of downtown Houston. The spectacular event is a holiday tradition of music, lighting the official tree, Santa, and family fun which will be reimagined this year to follow health and safety guidelines.

houstontx.gov/mayorsholiday

Zoo Lights (November 18-January 8, 2023)

300,000 LED lights illuminating more than 50 animal-themed light displays, 15 miles of tree-lighting, and seasonal songs and stories. Sip hot chocolate as you stroll through the Zoo and take in the whimsical colorful projections over 15 feet tall, life-size lighted animal sculptures. houstonzoo.org

Gaylord Texan’s Lone Star Christmas (November 13 - January 3)

Enjoy the magic at Gaylord’s winter wonderland with 2 million lights, a 54- foottall Christmas tree, family events of snow tubing, gingerbread decorating corner and build-a-bear workshop.

Christmasatgaylordtexan.com

Uptown Holiday Lighting (November 24)

This fun-filled family event kicks off the holiday season with more than half a million twinkling lights, a sparkling electric light parade, an exciting holiday stage show and a special appearance by Santa Claus. The annual festivity will be adapted to follow new health guidelines.

uptown-houston.com

Holiday Lighting Celebration (November 24)

The historic Hotel Galvez & Spa invites guests to celebrate the start of the holidays with the official City of Galveston Holiday Lighting Celebration, a special appearance by Santa Claus, and live holiday entertainment by local performers. hotelgalvez.com

Exhibiting Now

Museum of Fine Arts Houston

www.mfah.org

Tues.-Wed. 10am-5pm., Thurs. 10am-9pm., Fri.-Sat. 10am-7pm., Sun. 12:15-7pm.

adult; $16 senior

and under

$12 children

The Sugar Shack

and students (19+)

Barnes painted two versions of The Sugar Shack, which depicts dynamic, elongated figures dancing in a crowded Black music hall in segregated mid-century North Carolina.

Through December 31, 2022

Houston Museum of Natural Science

www.hmns.org 9am-5pm Mon-Sun

$25 adult, $16 children 3-11, senior 62+ and college students FREE every Thursday 2-5pm

King Tut’s Tomb Discovery Experience

Experience the dark and winding tunnels that led to Tutankhamen’s burial chambers, explore the countless golden treasures he took with him into the afterworld, and explore the brightly colored, floor-toceiling hieroglyphics that detail his life and offer prayers to the gods to ensure a blessed life after death.

Through November 30, 2022

The Health Museum

www.thehealthmuseum.org

Hours: Mon.-Sat. 9am-5pm., Thurs. 9am-7pm., Sun. 12-5pm

Admission: $10 adult, $8 senior 65+, free for children under 2 FREE on Thursdays 2-7pm

DeBakey Cell Lab

Gear up with a

Holocaust Museum

www.hmh.org

Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9am-5pm., Sat. 10am-5pm., Sun. 12-5pm

Admission: $22 adult, Seniors (age 65 and above) $16, $16 for active-duty military and AARP members. Free for children, students and college-level students with valid ID FREE admission on Sundays

Christmas Tree Farms

Dewberry Farm dewberryfarm.com 7705 FM 362, Brookshire

Spring Creek Growers springcreekgrowers.com 23803 Decker Prairie-Rosehill Road, Magnolia

Red Caboose Christmas Tree Farm 14558 Tree Farm Road, Magnolia

Holiday Acres theholidayacres.com 9029 Mustang Bayou Road, Manvel

High Star Christmas Tree Farm highstarfarm.com 19020 Becker Road, Hockleyl

Old Time Christmas Tree Farm oldtimechristmastree.com 7632 Spring Cypress Rd. Spring

Double Creek Farm doublecreektreefarm.com 1288 Oakdale Loop, Livingston

HOPE: Stories of Houston Survivors

This annual exhibition

throughout the exhibition.

Through November 30, 2022

Charlotte Salomon: Life? Or Theatre?

Discover

will also be

Charlotte Salomon – which through imagery

story of Salomon’s

Through December 4, 2022

theatrically

Lone Star Flight Museum

Visit the aerospace museum and its 25 aircrafts. www.lonestarflight.org

Aerospace Museum, Houston Hours: Tues.—Sat. 9am-5pm, Sun. 12-5pm

$14 child, $18 adult

The Texas Aviation Heritage Gallery

A

photo credit: Houston Zoo Lights

photo credit: Dewberry Farm, Brookshire

STAGE CENTER

Cypress Falls Choir

Cypress Falls Choir is the performing and touring Chamber Choir of Cypress Falls High School. Audience will hear the sounds of vocal harmony in this choir performance. Selections range from pop culture to Western Choral Music. Young Audiences of Houston’s mission is to educate and inspire children through the arts, to make the arts an integral part of the school curriculum, and to advance the field of arts in education through teacher professional development training and community partnerships. https://www.milleroutdoortheatre.com/monthly-schedule/

A Texas Carol

Fortune

Bolcom‘s Dedication, orchestrated by Edmund Ciorek, and Judah Adashi‘s the sun begins to fade, as part of ROCO’s FIFteen Project. Also featured will be Finding Rothko by Adam Schoenberg, ROCO’s Season 18 Composer-in-Residence, inspired and accompanied by the visionary abstract paintings of Mark Rothko, along with Caroline Shaw’s elegant Entr’acte for strings. Completing the evening is Joseph Haydn’s Symphony No. 100, also nicknamed the “Military Symphony,” for its vivid second movement musically depicting battle. Tickets are Pay-What-You-Wish.

Saturday, November 12, 2022 | 5:00 pm ROCO.org

The Nutcracker

The ultimate holiday tradition returns with all of the grandeur that audiences love about Stanton Welch’s The Nutcracker. The grand sets. The stunning costumes. The iconic score. From snowflakes to sword fights to the Christmas tree that reaches the sky, The Nutcracker truly is the perfect holiday experience for the whole family. Be there as Clara and Drosselmeyer make their journey to the Kingdom of Sweets and meet the Sugar Plum Fairy and her prince in the land where the real magic happens. One of the most splendid ever staged, Stanton Welch’s The Nutcracker features hundreds of roles and a myriad of exquisite details that will leave you finding something new in every performance. Tickets start at $35.

November 25 - December 27, 2022. houstonballet.org

Edward Albee’s Seascape

You can make wonder happen.

There is nothing like the wonder of a young child. But not every child has the same access to education. We are working to change that by providing innovative learning opportunities for Houston’s most vulnerable 0-5-year olds.

If you share our passion for making wonder happen, we invite you to for Children with a year-end gift keyword “QualityED” to 41444.

Together, we can usher in a future bright with possibility for every child.

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