Save the date! | Community

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NOVEMBER 7–8, 2025CORNELIUS NURSERY – CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE

WHAT: Annual holiday open house featuring live music, complimentary treats, and festive décor demonstrations. Learn how to make the signature Cornelius Bow, create teardrop door décor, and design decorative Christmas accents. Santa visits on Saturday, Nov. 8 (Voss Rd. location only).
WHERE: Cornelius Nursery, 2233 S. Voss Rd., Houston, 77057
WHEN: Friday–Saturday, Nov. 7–8; demonstrations throughout both days
COST: Free
INFO: calloways.com

NOVEMBER 8, 2025PERIWINKLE WALK IN THE PARK 

WHAT: Family-friendly 5K walk benefiting The Periwinkle Foundation’s programs for pediatric cancer patients at Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Center.
WHERE: Evelyn’s Park, 4400 Bellaire Blvd., Bellaire, 77401
WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 8; registration 8 a.m.; walk 9 a.m.–noon
COST: Minimum $100 fundraising goal includes 2025 event T-shirt
INFO: periwinklefoundation.org/events/walk-in-the-park

BACH SOCIETY HOUSTON PRESENTS BLUES TO BACH: KELLY HALL-TOMPKINS IN CONCERT

WHAT: Internationally renowned violinist Kelly Hall-Tompkins—celebrated for her versatility as both classical and jazz soloist—joins Bach Society Houston for a special afternoon performance. Founder of Music Kitchen – Food for the Soul, Hall-Tompkins has brought chamber music to more than 18,000 homeless shelter clients worldwide.
WHERE: Christ the King Lutheran Church, 2353 Rice Blvd., Houston, 77005
WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 8, 3–4:30 p.m.
COST: Pay-what-you-wish tickets (suggested $35 general, $10 students)
INFO: bachsocietyhouston.org/2025-2026season

REEVES ART + DESIGN – “ALL EYES ON HER” OPENING NIGHT

WHAT: One-week, female-powered art show curated by Gary T. Murphy, featuring works by Houston women artists and youth artists, plus a couture collaboration with Danny Nguyen Couture. A portion of proceeds benefits Dress for Success Houston.
WHERE: Reeves Art + Design, 2415 Taft St., Houston, 77006
WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 8, 6–10 p.m. (Exhibit runs Nov. 10–15, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.)
COST: Free
INFO: Dress for Success Houston beneficiary

COMMUNITIES IN SCHOOLS – BRIGHTER FUTURES BBQ

WHAT: Fundraiser with barbecue, libations, music and silent auction benefiting Communities in Schools of Houston. (All-day giveback at The Pit Room Montrose, 1201 Richmond Ave., with 100% of food & beverage revenue donated to CIS.)
WHERE: The Pit Room – Memorial City, 10301 Katy Fwy., Houston, 77024
WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 8, 6–10 p.m.
COST: $300 individual; tables $1,800 (6) / $3,000 (10)
INFO: cishouston.org/bbq

THE BLUE BIRD CIRCLE – ANNUAL CHRISTMAS MARKET

WHAT: Holiday market featuring ornaments, vintage brooches, dolls, Spode “Christmas Tree,” nutcrackers and more. Proceeds support pediatric neurology at Texas Children’s Hospital. The Blue Bird Circle Pediatric Neurology Clinic was recently ranked No. 1 in the U.S. and worldwide for pediatric neurology and neurosurgery by U.S. News & World Report; every purchase supports ongoing care and research.
WHERE: The Blue Bird Circle Shop, 615 W. Alabama St., Houston, 77006
WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 8, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
COST: Free
INFO: thebluebirdcircle.com • IG/Facebook @thebluebirdcircle

MEMORIAL PARK CONSERVANCY – MEMORIAL GROVES OPEN HOUSE

WHAT: Community open house unveiling final design for Memorial Groves, a Master Plan project honoring WWI history with new recreation, play and educational amenities.
WHERE: Cullen Running Trails Center, 7575 North Picnic Ln., Houston, 77007
WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 8, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
COST: Free

NOVEMBER 10, 2025ARCHAEOLOGY NOW PRESENTS GREAT DISCOVERIES OF MEDICINE: ANCIENT MESOPOTAMIAN MEDICINE

WHAT: Luncheon with Dr. Irving Finkel of the British Museum and Dr. Peter Hotez of Baylor College of Medicine exploring ancient Mesopotamian healing practices and their connection to modern medicine.
WHERE: The Health Museum, 1515 Hermann Dr., Houston, 77004
WHEN: Monday, Nov. 10, 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m.
COST: $30
INFO: archaeologynow.org/legacies-irving-finkel • tinyurl.com/GreatDiscoveries

HOUSTON HEIGHTS ASSOCIATION – BUSINESS MEMBER SHOWCASE

WHAT: A community networking event highlighting local businesses that help make The Heights thrive. Enjoy light bites, family-friendly snacks, and door prizes while meeting business owners and neighbors.
WHERE: Historic Houston Heights Fire Station, 107 W. 12th St., 77008
WHEN: Monday, Nov. 10, 6:30 p.m.
COST: Free
INFO: houstonheights.org

NOVEMBER 11, 2025TRUTH AND CONSEQUENCES (MEDICARE CHANGES)

WHAT: Rosanade Childress, a Houston AARP volunteer, presents “Medicare 101: Understanding Your Benefits,” covering upcoming changes, qualifications, and impacts. Includes refreshments, a veterans recognition, and community donations drive for Friends4Life Pet Shelter.
WHERE: Candlelight Park Community Center, 1520 Candlelight Ln., Houston, 77018
WHEN: Tuesday, Nov. 11, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
COST: Free
INFO: aarp.org/tx

NOVEMBER 12, 2025THRIVE OVER 55 SENIOR EXPO

WHAT: Senior resource expo with free admission, food & drinks, drawings, games, activities, and expert guidance on health, finances, and legal concerns. Opportunity to meet service providers, get advice, and connect with peers.
WHERE: Missouri City Community Center, 1522 Texas Pkwy., Missouri City, TX 77489
WHEN: Wednesday, Nov. 12, 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
COST: Free (registration encouraged)
INFO: tinyurl.com/fortbendstexpo • 713-371-3740

NOVEMBER 13–16, 202545TH ANNUAL HOUSTON BALLET NUTCRACKER MARKET

WHAT: Four-day holiday shopping tradition with 270+ merchants and 25+ newcomers offering holiday décor, gourmet treats, apparel, jewelry, and gifts.
WHERE: NRG Center, 1 NRG Park, Houston, 77054
WHEN: Thu, Nov. 13, 10 a.m.–8 p.m.; Fri, Nov. 14, 10 a.m.–7 p.m.; Sat, Nov. 15, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sun, Nov. 16, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
COST: $20 GA (one-day, cash/check at window); Early Bird $60 (Thu/Fri 8:30 a.m. entry + repeat admission)
INFO: nutcrackermarket.com • Ticketmaster.com • select H-E-B Business Centers

NOVEMBER 14, 2025 – FEBRUARY 22, 2026RADIANT NATURE AT HOUSTON BOTANIC GARDEN

WHAT: Immersive lantern festival returns with all-new illuminated tunnels, giant Zodiac animals (celebrating the Year of the Fire Horse), glowing Texas bluebonnets, interactive mirror room, “rain cloud,” angel wings photo op, and more. Food, beverages, and holiday marketplace on site.
WHERE: Houston Botanic Garden
WHEN: Opens Friday, Nov. 14; 6 p.m. evenings on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and select weeknights through Feb. 22, 2026
COST: Tickets from $28.50; $2 off Thursday & Sunday nights
INFO: hbg.org (Houston Botanic Garden); advance parking reservations recommended

NOVEMBER 15, 2025GRETA KATHERINE TORANZO – BIRTHDAY PARTY & LIFE CELEBRATION

WHAT: Community celebration honoring Greta Katherine Toranzo with sweets & treats, bracelets, arcade games, slime, kids’ games, and a tree dedication. Guests are invited to bring their blue “Greta” yard bows to include in the live art. Donations in Greta’s honor support her memorial fund.
WHERE: Sinclair Elementary, Houston
WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 15, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
COST: Free; donations encouraged via @givewithgreta (Venmo)
INFO: Memorial fund information available on-site; all are welcome

GIVE THANKS FAMILY FUN WALK & COOK-OFF

WHAT: Gratitude-themed community walk benefiting Kids’ Meals, Inc. Includes a 1-mile interactive nature walk; “Bites of Thanks” cook-off (holiday dishes judged by influencers and VIPs); and an end zone celebration with music, vendors, turkey giveaways, and family activities. Goal: fund 9,000 meals for preschool-aged children facing food insecurity.
WHERE: Pomona by Hillwood, 4545 Pomona Pkwy., Manvel, 77578
WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 15, 1–5 p.m.
COST: Adults (13+): $20 early bird → $25 (Nov. 1–14) → $30 day-of; Teens (13–17): $15; Kids 12 & under: Free; Family 4-Pack: $70 → $95; VIP Judge Pass: $100
INFO: runsignup.com/Race/Info/TX/Manvel/TheGiveThanksFamilyFunWalk

BRAINABOUTS® – INAUGURAL BINGO BASH

WHAT: Outdoor, family-friendly Bingo Bash benefiting BrainAbouts®, a neuroscience-based prevention program helping teens make safer choices. Proceeds support expansion of BrainAbouts® in Greater Houston schools.
WHERE: Evelyn’s Park Conservancy, 4400 Bellaire Blvd., Bellaire, 77401
WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 15, 2–5 p.m.
COST: $50 individual tickets; sponsorships $500–$15,000
INFO: johnfontainejrcharity.org/bingo-bash

THE GROW & GATHER MARKET – CELEBRATING 27 YEARS OF CENTRAL CITY CO-OP

WHAT: Pop-up market celebrating Central City Co-Op’s 27th anniversary with local farmers, artisans, food, live music, and wellness activities including a morning sound bath. Vendors include Mala Market, Vivre Coffee Collective, Florelle Floristry Studio, Zo-Zo Fresh Juices, and more.
WHERE: 2515 Harvard St., Houston, TX 77008
WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 15, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
COST: Free
INFO: @centralcitycoop on Instagram • Eventbrite RSVP

ISLAMIC ARTS FESTIVAL

WHAT: Two-day family festival showcasing Islamic art from artists across the U.S., with henna, Ebru (marbling), live calligraphy, workshops, kids’ activities, and global food.
WHERE: University of Houston, Student Center South, 4455 University Dr., Houston, 77204
WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 15 & Sunday, Nov. 16; 10:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. both days
COST: Free
INFO: islamicartssociety.org

NOVEMBER 18, 2025THE HEIGHTS MAHJONG TOURNAMENT

WHAT: Enjoy an evening of drinks, light bites, and friendly competition at the Heights Mahjong Tournament, hosted with That’s aMAHJzing. Prizes awarded to the top three winners. Proceeds benefit the Houston Heights Association.
WHERE: Historic Houston Heights Fire Station, 107 W. 12th St., 77008
WHEN: Tuesday, Nov. 18, 6 p.m.
COST: Early Bird tickets available through Oct. 18
INFO: tinyurl.com/heights-mahjong

NOVEMBER 22, 2025CULTURAL CONNECTIONS: NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH CELEBRATION

WHAT: Celebrate the rich traditions, music, and art of Native American communities through performances by Danza Azteca Macuilxochitl and Native American Hoop Dancer Lyndon Alec. Includes crafts, balloon twisting, and face painting for all ages.
WHERE: Oak Forest Neighborhood Library, 1349 W. 43rd St., Houston, 77018
WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 22, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
COST: Free
INFO: houstonlibrary.org

NOVEMBER 21 – DECEMBER 28, 2025COCA-COLA’S CLASSIC CHRISTMAS – ALPINE ADVENTURE

WHAT: Massive immersive holiday lights/experience (90,000+ sq. ft.) themed around Santa and Mrs. Claus’ cozy mountain hideaway. Features millions of lights, falling snow, “Slip N Slide Summit” ice slide with thrill and beginner lanes, outdoor ice skating, Santa-in-his-ski-gondola photo ops, Mrs. Claus story time, holiday movie screenings, après ski dance party, live music, karaoke, ugly sweater contests, festive treats, and more.
WHERE: Katy Mills, 5000 Katy Mills Cir., Katy
WHEN: Nightly programming Nov. 21–Dec. 28
COST: Ticketed; group packages for 26+ available
INFO: ClassicChristmas.com

DECEMBER 6, 202521ST ANNUAL HEIGHTS HOLIDAY MARKET

WHAT: Community-driven, artist-led market featuring local handmade goods across jewelry, apparel, home décor, fine art, ceramics, bath/body and more.
WHERE: Workplace 1919, 1919 Decatur St., Houston, TX 77007
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 6, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
COST: Free
INFO: IG @heights.holiday.market • Facebook: Heights Holiday Market