It’s a busy time of year with lots of hustle and bustle. Or is it? With the kids out of school on holiday break, we bet you’re hearing them say, “I’m bored, there’s nothing to do.” If you’re shaking your head yes, keep reading. We’ve compiled a list of things for them and you to do in Bridgeland, the Cypress area, and a little beyond as well. We hope these suggestions help you to revive your holiday spirit and keep everyone in your home feeling enthusiastic, engaged, and festive.
Bridgeland offers a variety of programming for residents of all ages throughout the year, and several holiday camp options for sports-minded children during the holiday break from school. Keep an eye out for listings within weekly email updates from Bridgeland’s HOA under the Be More Connected heading.
Soccer Camp runs from December 12-20. Choose from 2-day or 4-day camps for ages 3-9. Training at the open field at Dragonfly Park, prices start at $75 per player. Access to Bridgeland events can be found at Bridgelandlife.com.
Bridgeland Soccer Academy is also offering a New Year’s Soccer Camp that will take place on Tuesdays in January. For ages 3-9 also at Dragonfly Park field.
Tennis Camp is available for children 4-17 at the Lakeland Activity Center courts on December 22-23 and December 26-27. $120 per player. Check the registration page on Bridgelandlife.com as lesson times vary by age.
Planning ahead for the school year? Winter/Spring Tennis lessons run from January 15 through May 26. Registration is now open on Bridgelandlife.com. Lessons start at $450 per player for the 18-week lessons.
December holiday Story Time at Longwing Landing takes place on December 21 from 6-7:30 p.m. Get ready for a festive evening with a visit from Buddy the Elf, story, craft, snack and an indoor “snowball” fight. Registration is not required; snacks and craft available while supplies last. Sign up on Bridgelandlife.com
Need some fun for your kids and flexibility for you? Adventure Kids Playcare is offering daily Holiday Camps throughout the holiday break! Schedule online here.
The family dog is always on the nice list and Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming, located in Lakeland Village Center, has a variety of holiday-themed toys and treats that are made with all natural ingredients and no added preservatives to add to their stocking. Bring your dog with you to shop and snap a few photos at their winter wonderland backdrop.
Get your New Year’s resolutions started on the right foot, so to speak, and join Bridgeland’s 6th Annual 10-Miler taking place on January 7 at Festival Park. Options available to sign up for 10 or 5 miles or even a 5K.
For activities happening outside of Bridgeland, get your creative juices flowing on Saturday, December 16 at Painting with a Twist with a painting project that’s fun for the whole family. Join them from 1-2:30 p.m. to create your very own painting of neon trees. A date night is offered on December 17 that can include making your own candle in addition to painting a set of canvases. Check their calendar for other painting projects throughout the month.
Houston Tidelanders Chorus will perform some Christmas favorites – in a cappella –as well as other familiar tunes on Saturday, December 16, from 2-4 p.m. at the Windwood Presbyterian Church located at 10555 Spring Cypress Road, Houston. Tickets purchased in advance are $20. Tickets will be $25 the day of the performance and at the door.
Glitter Quake Cupcakes & Cereal Bar located at 16718 House & Hahl Road is offering a Native American taco making class from 2-4 p.m. on December 17. After you eat your taco, we’re betting you’ll find something yummy for dessert!
The learning can continue over the holidays at iCode Cypress. Their schedule includes two Christmas break classes, one in Graphic Design and another called Ginger-neering lab. Children ages 10-14 will learn about design using Canva, while ages 7-10 will learn about engineering and circuitry as they build a gingerbread house. iCode Cypress is located at 25282 Northwest Freeway Suite 260. Call 832-653-9010 or email [email protected] for more information.
Wrap up your holiday shopping and support local artisans at the Bellaire Open Air Holiday Market on Sunday, December 17 from 12-4 p.m. Evelyn’s Park Conservancy is located at 4400 Bellaire Boulevard.
Also on December 17, the Fairfield Holiday Market offers another opportunity to pick up some last minute gifts. Brought to you by Your Neighborhood Farmers Market, you’ll find a 30-foot vegetable table, crafts for the kids, free popcorn and a snow park. It all takes place at Fairfield Plaza, 15103 Mason Rd from 11 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Downtown Houston offers events where friends and family can experience Christmas classics. It’s a great way to get kids introduced to the ballet, symphony and theater. At the Wortham Theater, watch as Clara’s dream unfolds in Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. Performed by the Houston Ballet through December 27.
Tickets are still available for The Houston Symphony performances of Handel’s Messiah on December 15-17 and A Very Merry Pops from December 20-23. This concert promises to get everyone in your family in the holiday spirit with toe-tapping favorites that you’ll be singing the whole way home. Bothperformancesat Jones Hall.
See the Alley Theater’s adaptation of A Christmas Carol and watch the transformation of Ebenezer Scrooge as he meets the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future. Performed through December 30.
If you care to take a little drive up Highway 290, you’ll find Santa’s Wonderland in College Station. It’s touted as the world’s largest Christmas park and you even get to meet Santa! Take hayride tours, go snow tubing, see lights, attractions, stroll through shops, listen to music and more. This Texas-sized experience is located at 18898 Highway 6 College Station, through December 30.
Driving in the opposite direction to Galveston is Moody Gardens. It’s a good place to take guests this holiday season to experience the magic of more than 2 million holiday lights along a mile-long trail. Ongoing through January 6.
Everyone will marvel at the sight of giant gumdrops, lollipops and gingerbread men at the City Place Giant Gingerbread Village. The outdoor marvel is on display until January 7, 2024. City Place is located at 1250 Lake Plaza Drive, Spring. Admission is free.
Color Me Mine: Paint plates, bowls, coffee mugs and seasonal décor and even create a one-of-a-kind gift. 24140 Highway. 290, Ste. 300, Cypress. Check their website for more information.
This time of year offers a time to reflect on our bounties, and so some may wish to use the time over the holidays to give back by uplifting others. A few area organizations that could use a helping hand – at any time of year – are listed below. If you already volunteer with an area non-profit, why not bring a friend along? As the saying goes, the more, the merrier.
Cy-Hope works to make life better for underserved students in our district. From their centers to resale shop, and donations, numerous opportunities exist where you can help out.
Habitat for Humanity Northwest Harris is seeking short- and long-term volunteers. Visit their website to see where you can have the greatest impact.
Cy-Fair Helping Hands brings hope to the homeless and hungry. They are looking for Day Center volunteers as well as food pantry volunteers. Please fill out an application on their site.
Cypress Assistance Ministries offers household goods, food, clothing, financial assistance and classes in ESL and GED to those experiencing hardship. Volunteers are always welcome.
You could volunteer at any of our area hospitals, such as Memorial Hermann, where adults can provide patient, clerical and hospitality support. They also have a junior volunteer program for high school students at least 15 years of age. Click the link to learn more.
Houston Methodist offers a variety of volunteer opportunities including musician volunteers, pet therapy, and an extension of their spiritual care department as a chaplaincy care volunteer. Fill out an application within the provided link.
HCA of Houston is another local hospital that welcomes volunteers that are 18 years and older. A teen program for those 15-17 is offered during the summer months. An application can be found in the link above.
No matter how you choose to fill your time, we wish you the merriest of holidays and a season filled with laughter, love, family and friends.