The 'Ber Months

Fall festivities in League City include markets, music + magic

BYO chair for live music.

Photo courtesy of League City CVB

As autumn arrives on the Texas Gulf Coast, League City transforms into the perfect destination for travelers seeking a mix of seasonal festivities, outdoor adventure, and unforgettable shopping experiences.

Nestled between Houston and Galveston, this scenic waterside city offers something for everyone, whether you’re a foodie, thrill-seeker, history buff, or shopaholic. From dazzling airshows to bustling artisan markets and haunted history tours, League City is your go-to fall escape.

Shop + celebrate at fall festivals and markets

League City’s fall markets and festivals are a shopper’s paradise. Start with the Harvest Festival in League Park on October 12. Experience autumn traditions like hayrides, pumpkin carving, and costume contests. Stroll through the artisan and craft vendor market to get a head start on holiday shopping with unique handmade goods.

League City Harvest Festival Harvest Festival.Photo courtesy of League City CVB

For green thumbs, the Bay Area Plant Swap & Shop at the League City Civic Center (also on October 12) is a must. Swap plants with fellow enthusiasts or browse vendor booths to find the perfect addition for your garden.

On October 19, the Sunset Bazaar takes over League Park at dusk, offering 60 booths of artists, makers, and bakers. Bring the kids along in costumes for “Tent or Treat,” and enjoy live music while you browse for seasonal treasures.

Frightfully fun adventures for all ages

Looking for some spooky excitement? Head to Boo on the Boardwalk at Kemah Boardwalk, happening every Friday through Sunday in October. Along with classic boardwalk rides and games, you’ll find Halloween movie nights, costume contests, haunted houses, kids’ crafts, and trick-or-treating. This family-friendly festival has plenty of activities for visitors of all ages.

League City Boo on the Boardwalk Boo on the Boardwalk.Photo courtesy of League City CVB

Space Center Houston is home to Galaxy Frights during the last two weekends in October. With trick-or-treating, a kinetic light show, photo opps, tasty food, and more, this Halloween event offers a truly unique and educational experience that — dare we say — is out of this world.

Eyes on the skies at Wings Over Houston Airshow

Don’t miss the Blue Angels, skydiving teams, historic airplanes, and other extraordinary aircraft take to the skies at the Wings Over Houston Airshow on October 26-27.

Wings Over Houston Airshow.Photo courtesy of League City CVB

Along with witnessing jaw-dropping feats of aerial acrobatics, you can tour inside both modern and historic aircraft and warplanes, meet aviation legends and war heroes, enjoy a kids’ carnival, and visit merchandise booths. Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for a thrilling weekend, this high-octane event will leave you breathless.

Step back in time with historic tours and live music

League City’s Historic District is the perfect setting for a mix of haunted history and laid-back live music.

Sign up for a Murder and Mayhem WALKabout, hosted by the League City Historical Society every Friday and Saturday in October, and the first weekend of November. This walking tour through the historic streets of League City highlights tales of crime and chaos from the late 1800s.

League City Murder and Mayhem WALKabout Murder and Mayhem WALKabout.Photo courtesy of League City CVB

Prefer something more relaxing? On October 20, the Southern Shanks Band takes the stage at League Park for an afternoon concert. Bring a chair and settle in for live music with friends and family. For music under the stars, catch League City Folk Association’s Music in the Historic District event on October 25, where more than a dozen performers will play a variety of genres including bluegrass, country, folk, and blues. Warm drinks and snacks will be available for purchase from SoulFreak Railroad Café.

Save the date for holiday cheer

As the holiday season approaches, League City keeps the festivities going.

Mark your calendar for Shop-Small Saturday at League City’s enchanting Nutcracker in the Park event on November 30 in the Historic District. This all-day market features local artisans and vendors along with photo opps and holiday activities for kids, including ballet lessons with the Sugar Plum Fairy. The event culminates in a Christmas tree lighting at sunset, kicking off the holiday season with nostalgic small-town charm reminiscent of your favorite Hallmark movies.

League City Sugar Plum Fairy Weekend Sugar Plum Fairy Weekend.Photo courtesy of League City CVB

For a truly magical experience, don’t miss the Sugar Plum Fairy Weekend at South Shore Harbour Resort on November 22–23. Hosted by the Bay Area Houston Ballet and Theatre, this event includes dinners, breakfasts, teas, and ballet vignettes with the cast of The Nutcracker. Beginning December 6, the ballet company will perform The Nutcracker over several weekends in December, offering more opportunities to make heartwarming holiday memories.

Get all the details about celebrating the holidays in League City at leaguecityholidays.com. For more information and event details, head to visitleaguecity.com.

vacation festivals halloween wings over houston crime walking tour the nutcracker kemah boardwalk space center houston haunted history tour promoted

only the best in HOU

Houston's IAH soars as 4th best airport for holiday travel in 2024

George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston

George Bush Intercontinental Airport/Facebook

Houstonians are in safe hands at George Bush Intercontinental Airport.

Houston's punctual and award-winning George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) has just been rated the fourth best airport in the country for the upcoming holiday travel season, so says a new report by travel experts Locals Insider.

The study examined the percentage of on-time departure flights at 50 of the biggest airports in America to discover the 10 best and worst airports for traveling during the holidays. Departure statistics and reasons for delays were analyzed from November 17, 2023 to January 3, 2024.

According to the report's findings, IAH had an on-time departure rate of 85.8 percent during the 2023 holiday period. That means out of the 13,921 total scheduled flights departing from the airport, only 1,976 flights were delayed. That's a pretty good track record.

IAH has been working hard to deliver the best travel experiences for its passengers, including opening its new Terminal D, investing in much-needed bathroom upgrades, showing off its award-winning art and entertainment program, and providing top notch dining experiences.

Though IAH appeared on Locals Insider's top 10 best list, Houston's William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) descended onto the travel guide's 10 worst U.S. airports for holiday travel this year.

Appearing at No. 8, HOU isn't the worst offender on the list, but its holiday season delay and cancellation rate in 2023 was 22 percent.

"Although Houston’s William P Hobby experiences fewer departing flights compared to other airports on our top 10 list, it’s still prone to disruptions," the report's author wrote. "Overall, more than one in five (22 percent) of departing flights are either delayed or canceled during the holidays."

The study's data found 1,178 holiday flights at HOU were cancelled in 2023, and only 19 were delayed.

Ranking as the No. 1 best airport for holiday travel is Washington Dulles International Airport in Washington, D.C., which had an 88.6 percent on-time departure rate.

For Houstonians that will be traveling this holiday season, Locals Insider recommended five best-practice tips for a smooth travel experience: Book an early morning flight as those are less prone to delays (additionally, book a direct flight), apply for TSA PreCheck to avoid long screening processes, and budget more time to arrive early to the airport.

The report also suggests packing light and shipping gifts to their intended destination ahead of time.

"Even the TSA recommends shipping your wrapped gifts rather than packing them in your luggage or carry-on," the report said.

The top 10 best U.S. airports for holiday travel in 2024 are:

No. 1 – Washington Dulles International
No. 2 – Minneapolis-St. Paul International
No. 3 – Salt Lake City International
No. 4 – George Bush Intercontinental
No. 5 – Ronald Reagan Washington National
No. 6 – Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International
No. 7 – Newark Liberty International
No. 8 – Detroit Metro Wayne County
No. 9 – Chicago O'Hare International
No. 10 – Charlotte Douglas International

The Bureau of Transportation Statistics defines the Thanksgiving travel period from November 17-28, and the winter holiday travel period from December 14 through January 3, 2024. The study included data from both holiday travel periods, sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics, Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and Airline Service Quality Performance System (ASQP).

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Fall festivities in League City include markets, music + magic

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