A Magical Holiday Adventure

From Nutcracker teas to merry parades: League City’s ultimate holiday guide

This holiday season, why not make your getaway a journey of enchantment, excitement, and memory-making in League City? Here, the spirit of the season is everywhere, from treasured Nutcracker-inspired teatimes and breakfasts with Santa to merry markets and dazzling parades. League City has everything to make your holidays feel like a Hallmark movie come to life.

Events kick off in November and keep the holiday magic flowing until New Year’s Eve, offering numerous ways to celebrate for every age. Here are some must-do experiences that will fill your calendar with joy:

North Pole magic at South Shore Harbour Resort
Step into a winter wonderland at South Shore Harbour Resort, where a towering, six-foot-tall gingerbread house greets guests through December 24. On Saturday mornings, join Santa for a holiday-themed breakfast buffet and capture a moment with the Big Guy himself.

For a grown-up twist, check out the resort’s holiday brunches on Sundays with live music and mimosas. Call 281-334-3078 for reservations and enjoy a weekend of holiday bliss.

The Nutcracker South Shore Harbour Resort A moment of joy and Nutcracker magic at BAHBT’s Sugar Plum Fairy Gala at South Shore Harbour Resort.Photo courtesy of League City CVB

Photo courtesy of League City CVB

Snag a photo with the Big Guy himself.

For a touch of Nutcracker magic, join the beloved Breakfast and Tea with the Sugar Plum Fairy event from Bay Area Houston Ballet and Theatre’s production of The Nutcracker. Perfect for all ages, this event includes a charming tea on November 23 from 2-4 pm (breakfast is already sold out, with limited seats remaining for the tea). Guests can enjoy the Nutcracker Boutique, catch a ballet preview, and snap a magical photo with the Sugar Plum Fairy.

You can even dine with Clara and friends during a Nutcracker-themed dinner the night before, on November 22. For hotel and dinner reservations, call 281-334-1000 and mention “Sugar Plum” for special room rates.

The main event, The Nutcracker ballet, runs December 6-8, 13-15, and 20-22 at Bayou Theatre. Be sure to book your tickets for this holiday classic.

Festive outdoor fun
Kick off the holiday season at League City’s historic League Park, with Nutcracker in the Park on November 30. Happening from 8 am-2 pm, this merry extravaganza offers shopping from local artisans, ballet lessons, and tons of family fun. Come back the next day to ring in the holiday season at the city's official Christmas tree lighting, from 6-7 pm on December 1.

Continue the festivities with League City’s most celebrated event, Holiday in the Park, from December 6-8. Featuring the biggest holiday parade in Galveston County, this weekend-long celebration has everything from a children’s parade and a vibrant holiday market to food vendors and live entertainment. It’s an absolute must-do for families!

Holiday in the Park League City Get into the holiday spirit with some festive shopping at Holiday in the Park, December 6-8.Photo courtesy of League City CVB

December 14-15 invites you to stroll through history at Old League City Christmas. Discover vintage vehicles, historic demonstrations, porch parties, and the beautiful Airing of the Quilts in the charming Historic District, all from 10 am-3 pm each day.

And don’t forget the merry Christmas Boat Parade on December 14 at 6 pm. This cherished, 60-year tradition of sailing from Clear Lake to Galveston Bay has illuminated boats creating a spectacular light show on the water. Read more about how this tradition came to be here.

Grab a seasonal drink and stroll through League Park on December 21, during Soulfreak Railroad Café’s holiday Makers Market. With local art, homemade food, and handmade jewelry and crafts, it’s easy to find one-of-a-kind gifts for everyone on your list (or just treat yourself!), all while supporting local makers. Stop by League City’s Visitor Center inside the café while you’re there for the latest visitor guides, League City merchandise, and more.

Holiday cheer for all
On December 10, head to Hometown Heroes Park for a festive breakfast with Santa from 8:30-10:30 am. Kids will love the crafts, games, and photos with Santa. Register early, as spaces fill up quickly.

Celebrate the season with stories, crafts, and cookies at the Helen Hall Library open house on December 5 from 6-8 pm. Or step into the magic of Harry Potter at the library’s Yule Ball on December 14 from 2-4 pm. Dress up, dance, sip butterbeer, and enjoy crafts and trivia, all with a wizardly twist at the Johnnie Arolfo Civic Center.

Ring in 2024 with glam
End the year in style at South Shore Harbour Resort’s NYE celebration, themed "Hollywood Glam." Dance into the New Year with live music, a delicious four-course dinner, and a sparkling champagne toast. With discounted rooms and festive details galore, it's the perfect way to welcome 2024. Reserve a table by calling 281-532-7120 or email nmatthews@sshr.com.

Make this holiday season your most magical yet with League City’s endless array of festivities. Book your stay, gather your loved ones, and dive into a hometown holiday experience you’ll never forget.

vacation holidays promoted

HAUTE PROPERTIES

Southern Living picks Texas Hill Country as location of 2026 Idea House

Southern Living Idea House Fredericksburg

Rendering by Jon Messer.

Southern Living Idea House will be open for tours beginning September 18.

Whether Texas is part of the South may still be an open question, but Southern Living is settling the debate with a big investment. The Birmingham, Alabama-based lifestyle magazine will build its newest Idea House in the Hill Country town of Fredericksburg.

For more than 35 years, Southern Living has drafted Southern builders, architects, and designers to build new homes that not only showcase the latest innovations in home design but are the epitomes of Southern style. This year, the magazine chose Fredericksburg's Friedën community, a 130-acre development featuring parks, nature trails, and lakes.

"We're excited to call Fredericksburg home for the year and to celebrate the distinct character of the Texas Hill Country,” says editor-in-chief Sid Evans in a release. “Surrounded by rolling hills and wide-open views, this home reflects the region's natural beauty and the relaxed spirit of the Lone Star State."

The design of the versatile home proves the modern farmhouse trend still has some legs. Southern Living’s designers update the look by ditching whitewashed everything for a more contemporary color palette that blends in with the Hill Country’s natural landscape. Floor-to-ceiling windows further “dissolve the boundaries” between the interior and the great outdoors.

To bring their vision to life, Southern Living drafted a local team, including builder Kurk Homes, architect Andrew Bray of Mustard Architects, landscape designer Melissa Gerstle, and interior designers Jean Liu, Marcus Mohon, and Paloma Contreras. But real estate gawkers will have to wait to see most of the details. The house won’t be unveiled until September 18, when public tours open and the October issue hits stands.

Southern Living, however, did tease a few details, saying the home is being built for “multi-generational” living with sustainable products and appliances, a motor court entry, and a private casita. No doubt, interior design buffs will also find inspiration in the decor's bold choices. Last year’s Idea House in Virginia mixed in everything from garden florals and African mudcloth to animal prints and kitchsy cottagecore art.

The Idea House will be open to the public for tours from September 18 through December 20, 2026. Tickets will be available beginning in April, with a portion of the proceeds supporting area charities. After the open house, the home will be available for sale at an undisclosed price.

homes home design interior design fredericksburg hill country southern living