Although I live here, I'm always looking for something new and different to do during the holidays. I thought I'd ask if my fellow Houstonians (or others who have been here) have any favorite things to share?

Lights, shopping, activities - any suggestions welcome!

ttt

Something we always enjoyed was seeing the spectacular Christmas lights at virtually every house in Green Tee Terrace in the Pearland area. There was always a line of snaking traffic thru the golf course subdivision and the residents really put a lot into their decor every year.

Thanks for a new spot! I've been to Candlelight Forest for years to see the lights. There is also a great neighborhood off of 249 past Willowbrook Mall.

I'm all for variety!

Be sure to ask around if they still do it since I haven't been to Green Tee myself since I left Houston over a decade ago.

I'll check on it before I make that drive!

Did you see the dining out near the Galleria thread? I thought you might have some good suggestions to add to it. There is a family coming for a football game for New Years Eve.

I added to it, but only in response to your wonderful suggestions.

none of the activities/locales suggested are actually in houston. within houston proper, the heights and river oaks are both great places to drive around. if we're going to pretend that pearland is houston, someone might as well suggest going as far as the strand in galveston.

Hey, texin, you're right! Since moldyhotelsaregross lives IN Houston and was looking for something "new and different", other than the lights on Post Oak, Galveston is another great idea! I totally forgot about Dickens on the Strand until you mentioned it. Thanks!

It was so nice of you to register today just to put down other posters and their comments.

BTW moldy, my mom went on a tour in Green Tee the other night and said it's still fabulous as ever.

Terrific!

I'm looking forward to showing a friend Prestonwood soon.

Have you done "Tuna Christmas" in Galveston, or "Christmas Carol" at the Alley? Both generate good cheer.

Offer to work as a volunteer at one of the shelters near Reliant -- serving at a meal, wrapping gifts, helping around the place -- is another way to get in the spirit.

Jim

JimF, more great ideas! I saw "A Tuna
Christmas" in Houston a few years ago and it was hilarious!

I fully agree with volunteering. I never did it at Christmas, but I worked numerous Thanksgiving food lines for the less fortunate over the years I was in the US, and good old mom had to just wait until I could get to her house for leftovers that night. I've always missed being able to do that where I live now. What a blessing to be able to participate in something so giving on a holiday...no matter what city you are in.

Jim -

I do volunteer at Christmas! I will be working for Elves and More in about a week. Have you heard of them? They will give out more than 20,000 bicycles and other gifts for non-bicycle riders this year. It is a monumental effort to build that many bicycles and wrap even more gifts in a limited time.

I've been to Tuna Christmas YEARS ago. I had completely forgotten about it!

I will be helping the Elves and More project on Saturday.

Something to add to your list for next year is the Clear Lake Chirstmas boat parade.

Another neighborhood to check out the lights that is known for their fabulous displays is Pecan Grove in Richmond.

Also, Herman Park has a really nice light display with a lighted walk around the lake , carolers, hot chocolate and snacks for sale, etc. A beautiful experience. Also, I think this weekend, the Zoo will be open until 8 pm with a festival of lights display throughout. We went last year and it was all so beautiful.

LDLee, you beat me to it! I saw a snippet about a boat parade on CNN this a.m. and it reminded me about the Clear Lake Christmas Boat Parade that I always enjoyed so much.

I meant to post it as another idea here first thing this morning, but then had too many fires to put out instead upon my arrival here at the office.

Also, for next year, walk through Lights in the Heights. Usually the second weekend in December in Woodland Heights.