< Previous80 COASTMONTHLY.COM | DeCeMber 2024 SAVE THE DATE DECEMBER EVENTS Festivals, concerts, plays and more, there are lots of events in the area to keep your calendar booked ‘THE LUCKY SPOT’ [Through Dec. 14] Island eTC presents one of Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright beth Henley’s most colorful tales, which follows a hilarious band of ne’er-do-wells trying to scratch dreams from the Louisiana mud. It is Christmas eve, 1938, and 15-year-old Cassidy Smith is very pregnant with the child of 40-ish reed Hooker. Cassidy is desperate to marry reed; reed is desperate to open the hottest new taxi-danc- ing emporium in Louisiana; and neither are prepared for the arrival of reed’s wife, Sue Jack Hooker, a dangerous beauty who has just been let out of the penitentiary. 8 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays through and 2:30 p.m. Nov. 24; no performance Thanksgiving Day; Island ETC, 2317 Mechanic St., Galveston; 409.762.3556 or islandetc.org other holiday favorites: Festival of Lights, outdoor ice rink, Texas-sized Arctic Slide, train rides and holiday-themed 3D films. Through Jan. 1; Moody Gardens, 1 Hope Blvd., Galveston; 409.744.4673 or www.moodygardens.com JINGLE ON THE BOARDWALK [Dec. 1-22] Welcome the season with Santa, holiday music, movies, a toy drive and more at the Kemah boardwalk. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from Dec. 1-22; Kemah Boardwalk, 215 Kipp Ave., Kemah; www.kemahboardwalk.com TEXAS CITY CHRISTMAS PARADE [Dec. 5] The city of Texas City will celebrate the holiday season with a Texas-themed parade beginning at the corner of Palmer Highway and Phoenix Lane (Nessler Park Complex) and travel east down Palmer Highway to Sixth Street and end on Fifth Avenue North. After the parade in front of the Showboat Pavilion, there will be a visit with Santa, awards presentation and entertainment. 5:30 p.m. Dec. 5; Texas City; 409-643-5990 or www.texascitytx.gov WINTERFEST [Dec. 6-7] The 10th annual Galveston County Fair & rodeo WinterFest is jammed-packed with events for all ages. This kickoff to the holiday season features a Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, craft market, Texas-style winter activities, Santa’s Village, Christmas caroling on hayrides and more. 5 p.m. Dec. 6 and 9 a.m. Dec. 7; Galveston County Fair & Rodeo Fairgrounds, Jack Brooks Park, state Highway 6, Hitchcock; galvestoncountyfair.com HOLIDAY IN THE PARK [Dec. 6-8] Presented by the League City Proud Organization, this three-day family friendly event features holiday shopping, food vendors, entertainment and three pa- rades, including the Grand Night Parade. 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Dec. 6, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 7 and noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 8; League Park, 512 Second St., League City; https://theleaguecityproudorg.com/ holiday-in-the-park EAST END HOLIDAY HOMES TOUR [Dec. 6] Tour the interior of four exquisite properties and enjoy the exterior beauty and grandeur of many more homes throughout the 58 blocks of Galveston’s east end Historical District, all while listening to a roaming variety of holiday music. The elegant homes of the east end Historical District are the products of skilled european immigrants during a time when Galveston was the wealthiest city in Texas. These homes were designed for prosperous merchants and entrepre- neurs wanting to display their wealth and impress their neighbors in a variety of architectural styles. 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Dec. 6; various locations; East End Historical District Asso- ciation cottage, 1501 Postoffice St., Galveston; www.eastendhistoricaldistrict.org FRIDAY NIGHT PIPES [Dec. 6] Trinity episcopal Church’s annual pipe organ concert will feature a selection of pieces performed by world-renowned concert organist bruce Neswick. Audience members will have the opportunity to sing a selection of favorite Christmas carols with Neswick’s accompaniment. 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Dec. 6; Trinity Episcopal Church, 2216 Ball, Galveston; www.trinitygalv.org/pipes or 409.765.6317 FILe PHOTO: STUArT VILLANUeVA THE POLAR EXPRESS TRAIN RIDE [Through Dec. 23] Set to the soundtrack of the motion picture, The Polar express will be theatri- cally recreated to immerse passengers in the sights, sounds and intrigue of this classic children’s tale while they are whisked away for a magical one-hour trip to meet Santa. Through Dec. 23; Galveston Railroad Museum, 2602 Santa Fe Place, Galveston; 409.765.5700 or www.galvestonrrmuseum.org HOLIDAY IN THE GARDENS [Through Jan. 1] Moody Gardens pulls out all the stops to get guests in the holiday spirit. Ice Land returns with a festive journey from the North to South Poles along with COASTMONTHLY.COM | DeCeMber 2024 81 www.GalvestonRRMuseum.orgwww.GalvestonRRMuseum.org 2602 Santa Fe Pl Galveston, TX 77550 409-765-5700 Think of Us for end of year giving... Think of Us for end of year giving... 2618 Broadway galvestoncm.org 409-572-2544 Give the Gift of Membership & Play all Year! Visit Us! Enjoy old fashioned fun in Tiny Tim’s Playland! Dickens on the Strand Festival GALVESTON CHILDREN’S MUSEUM ‘THE NUTCRACKER’ [Dec. 6-8, 13-15, 19-22] The bay Area Houston ballet & Theatre presents “The Nutcracker,” a classical ballet performed in two acts to Tchaikovsky’s music. based on a surreal short story by e. T. A. Hoffmann, “The Nutcracker” tells the story of Clara, a young girl who dreams of having adventures with a nutcracker that she receives for Christmas. It’s a classical holiday tradition filled with toy soldiers, dancing snowflakes and the magical Land of Sweets. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6-7, 13-15, 19-21 and 2 p.m. Dec. 7-8, 14-15, 21-22; The Bayou Theater at University of Houston-Clear Lake, 2700 Bay Area Blvd., Houston; www.bahbt.org DICKENS ON THE STRAND [Dec. 6-8] Galveston’s popular Victorian holiday festival returns for its 51st installment. For a complete list of special events on tap during Dickens weekend, see Page 84. ‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’ AT THE GRAND [Dec. 6-7] ebenezer Scrooge, the most unrepentant and miserly of fellows, is made to see the light as he’s visited by the ghosts of his own life: Jacob Marley and the Christmas Spirits of Past, Present and Future. This new adaptation of Dickens’ ever popular classic fills the stage with lush costumes, stunning sets, song, dance, a heavy dose of humor and a timeless message. 8 p.m. Dec. 6 and 3 p.m. Dec. 7; The Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice St., Galveston; 409.765.1894 or www.thegrand.com HOLIDAY DELIGHTS AT THE BRYAN MUSEUM [Dec. 8] The bryan Museum invites guests to “A Coastal Christmas” featuring ocean- themed decorations, games, crafts and mermaid photos to go along with its interactive Coastal Cowboys exhibit. In addition to the aquatic flair, this year’s Holiday Delights also will include pictures with and letters to Santa, petting zoo, elf hunt, food trucks, crafts, music and storybook readings. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 8; The Bryan Museum, 1315 21st St., Galveston; thebryanmuseum.org SNOW SPECTACULAR [Dec. 14] The city of Texas City is bringing a winter wonderland to the Nessler Center Complex for this outdoor community event. There will be large and small snow slides, big kid and little kid snow play areas, photos with Santa, holiday ven- dors, arts and crafts and more. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 14; Nessler Park, 2010 Fifth Ave. N., Texas City; 409-643-5990 or www.texascitytx.gov FILe PHOTO: COUrTeSY82 COASTMONTHLY.COM | DeCeMber 2024 “Five Star Foundation lives up to its name... Five stars from start to finish!” FOUNDATION & CONSTRUCTION Foundation & Structural Repair Specialists Historical Homes Beach Front Homes Pier & Beam • All Masonry Repairs Carpentry • Piling Install 409.370.0088 andrea@sandnsea.com ______________________________ sandnsea.com Andrea P. Sunseri, REALTOR ® Pirates Cove 14115 Grambo Blvd Scan for more details SAVE THE DATE THE NUTCRACKER AFTERNOON TEA [Dec. 14] Treat your favorite little girl or boy to The Nutcracker Afternoon Tea featuring teatime fare of finger sandwiches, cookies, punch and, of course, tea. Get your photo with dancers from the City ballet of Houston’s “Nutcracker.” 12:30 p.m. Dec. 14; Edna’s Room at The Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice St; 409.765.1894 or www.thegrand.com HOLIDAY WITH THE CRANES [Dec. 14-15] As sandhill cranes begin to arrive on Galveston Island to roost and forage, the Galveston Island Nature Tourism Council presents Holiday with the Cranes featuring educational and entertaining learning, outdoor adventure, cocktails and conversation. Dec. 14-15; Various locations in Galveston; www.galvestonnaturetourism.org ‘THE NUTCRACKER’ [Dec. 14-15] City ballet of Houston returns to The Grand 1894 Opera House with its produc- tion of “The Nutcracker.” An annual holiday favorite, “The Nutcracker” tells the story of a young girl who dreams of a Nutcracker Prince, a Sugar Plum Fairy and a fierce battle against a Mouse King. 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Dec. 14 and 2 p.m. Dec. 15; The Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice St.; 409.765.1894 or www.thegrand.com CRYSTALAND CHRISTMAS PARADE [Dec. 14] Golf carts, UTVs and other vehicles will be decked out with Christmas lights, tin- sel and yuletide décor as they parade on the beach. The parade route begins at the Courthouse Annex building next to the Crystal beach Fire Department, 930 Noble Carl Drive on bolivar Peninsula. Then, the route will travel down Crystal beach road, turn left at the beach before making its way back to the fire station. After the parade, a visit with Santa Claus is scheduled. Children will be able to get their picture taken with the jolly guest. In addition, hot dogs, cookies and drinks will be served by the Lighthouse Krewe. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Dec. 14; Crystal Beach; www.discoverbolivar.com FILe PHOTO: JeNNIFer reYNOLDS COASTMONTHLY.COM | DeCeMber 2024 83 SERVICE SPECIAL With This Ad expires 12-31-24 $ 69 409.925.8275 TACLBO22538E FINANCING AVAILABLE FREE ESTIMATES KEEP IT LOCAL! www.AffordableAirTX.com CHRISTMAS BOAT LANE PARADE [Dec. 14] Presented by the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, the 63rd annual Christmas boat Lane Parade will feature hundreds of decorated boats. begin- ning at South Shore Harbour resort & Conference Center, the parade is on the League City side of Clear Lake. It will take about 45 minutes for the first boat to make it down to the Kemah boardwalk, 215 Kipp Ave. 7 p.m. Dec. 9; Clear Lake; www.clearlakearea.com or www.kemahboardwalk.com HOLIDAY FANTASY: A LIVE SHOW SPECTACULAR [Dec. 19-30] Moody Gardens and Mirage entertainment present this original one-hour holiday show featuring live performances of musical theater-style song, dance, stunts, acrobatics, comedic antics and Christmas magic. Dec. 19-30; Moody Gardens Hotel, 7 Hope Blvd., Galveston; www.moody gardens.com MUSIC IN THE HISTORIC DISTRICT [Dec. 20] Join the League City Folk Association for a night of music in historic League Park. Twelve to 16 musicians from all genres will take the stage. 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Dec. 20; League Park, 512 Second St., League City; www.leaguecitycvb.com ROCK THE DOCK REINDEER RAVE [Dec. 21] rock the holidays with black lights, neon light show, great music, ugly sweater contest and more at the Kemah boardwalk. Dec. 21; Kemah Boardwalk, 215 Kipp Ave., Kemah; www.kemahboardwalk.com ‘A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION CHRISTMAS’ [Dec. 21] Garrison Keillor, the creative mastermind behind the legendary radio broad- cast, brings his signature storytelling, humor and entertainment, accompanied by musical collaborators Prudence Johnson, Dan Chouinard and more, for a special holiday performance. 8 p.m. Dec. 21; The Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice St., Galveston; 409.765.1894 or www.thegrand.com In case of cancellations or changes to events, check with venues for updates. To submit an event, send pertinent information to calendar@coastmonthly.com. FILe PHOTO: STUArT VILLANUeVA84 COASTMONTHLY.COM | DeCeMber 2024 SAVE THE DATE DICKENS ON THE STRAND [Dec. 6-8] For 51 years, Galveston Historical Foundation’s Dickens on The Strand festival has highlighted downtown Galveston’s Victorian-era architecture while providing a one-of-a-kind holiday destination filled with the sights and sounds of Charles Dickens’ work. This year’s event continues that tradition with new entertainers and events, returning favorites and family friendly programming. 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Dec. 6, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Dec. 7 and noon to 6 p.m. Dec. 8; downtown Galveston; www.dickensonthestrand.org SPECIAL DICKENS EVENTS JUBILATION RINGERS HANDBELL CONCERT [Dec. 6] The 1859 St. Joseph’s Church, the state’s first wooden-built church and well known for its excep- tional acoustics, will host three holiday hand bell concerts. 5:30 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Dec. 6; 1859 St. Joseph’s Church, 2202 Ave. K, Galveston THE SMOKING BISHOP’S SOIRÉE [Dec. 6] Named for the iconic drink featured in “A Christmas Carol” and featuring specialty acts, award-winning performers and a carefully curated food and drink menu, this kickoff to the annual festival is not to be missed. Attendees will enjoy live music, food and wine, a special aerial acrobatics performance and appearances by special guests. 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 6; Bishop’s Palace, 1402 Broadway, Galveston SAINT ARNOLD’S STRAND WALKING TOUR [Dec. 6-8] Learn about the history of The Strand National Historic Landmark District and enjoy some of Saint Arnold brewing Company’s signature ales during this tour. 7 p.m. Dec. 6; 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7; and 1 p.m. Dec. 8; Hendley Green, 2028 Strand, Galveston MRS. TICKIT’S ENGLISH BREAKFAST [Dec. 7-8] Start your Dickens day with a one-of-a-kind expe- rience in one of Galveston’s most beloved historic homes, the 1859 Ashton Villa. Take in an english breakfast with special guests, performances by vi- olinist emlyn Drake and more in a holiday setting inside the house. 8:30 a.m. Dec. 7 and 10:30 a.m. Dec. 8; 1859 Ashton Villa, 2328 Broadway, Galveston FIL e PHOTOS: J e NNIF er re YNOLDS COASTMONTHLY.COM | DeCeMber 2024 85 ChristmasLoanChristmasLoan JingleAllTheWayInAndGetA Limitedtimeoffer.$1,200LoanavailableNov.1throughDec.31. Mustqualify;othertermsavailable.Forinformation,rates,andto apply,visitwww.coastalcommunityfcu.org. 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Participants are invited aboard the tall ship elissa for heavy appetizers, cocktails, cannon fire and special guests leading up to Pickwick’s Lanternlight Parade. 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Dec. 7; Galveston Historic Seaport, Pier 22, Galveston CABARET OF CURIOSITIES [Dec. 7] A “spirited” evening of music, performance and more. 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Dec. 7; 2228 Strand, Galveston In case of cancellations or changes to events, check with venues for updates.86 COASTMONTHLY.COM | DeCeMber 2024 BIRD’S EYE VIEW AMERICAN CROW CORVUS BRACHYRHYNCHOS story and illustration by CHRISTINA MATTISON EBERT I have a lovebird, and in her seed mix are clunky peanuts in the shell she always pushes out of her dish. Not wanting to waste perfectly good food, I place them on our balcony ledge. It takes about 10 seconds for an American crow to swoop down and partake of the goods. I can attest that, up close, they’re also quite striking with their glistening black plumage, steady gaze and elegant curved beaks. 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