Fun Winter Events you can get to in less than an hour

To describe Texas in one word: hot. Texas is hot all year round, even during the supposed to be season of cold. For family and friends alike, here are some events that one can get to within an hour radius of Katy to help spread the winter cheer, even without the cold this year.

Gingerbread Jog 5K
Saturday, Dec. 12, 2015 6:45 a.m.
Pregnancy Help Center of West Houston
23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd.
Run, run, as fast as you can for a 5K, kids’ one-mile fun run, and one-mile family run and walk to support young women in need and their children during the Christmas season. There will be crafts for the kids and an awards ceremony.
Link: https://thedriven.net/event.race_reg/eid/2950034568

Holiday SAT and ACT Classes
Dec. 21- 28, 2015
Katy Scholars
22756 Westheimer Pkwy.
Still struggling to study for the upcoming SAT or ACT over the break? Not a problem- this year, Katy Scholars are offering a holiday class schedule for students who cannot fit SAT or ACT prep into their school year schedule. These classes will be held from Monday the 21st to Thursday the 24th and the following Monday the 28th. You can sign up now through the class calendar through their website or over the phone.
Link: http://www.katyscholars.com/

The Nutcracker (Allegro Ballet of Houston)
Saturday, Dec. 19th at 1:30 pm or 6:30 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 20th at 2:30 p.m.
6331 Hwy Blvd, Katy, TX 77494
Katy High School PAC
Get ready for a classic; Allegro Ballet of Houston will be presenting its 11th Annual full-length production of The Nutcracker. There are three different chances to see the production on the 19th and 20th, so don’t miss out. Tickets costs range from $20-$30, and more information can be found on their website.
Link: https://tickets.shovation.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=219

Holiday Sit and Drink
All Season Long
Starbucks
23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd Katy, TX 77494
Everyone knows the idea of sitting by the fire with a nice warm drink. For a limited time, Starbucks presents the Holiday Spice Flat White; a Christmas Blend Espresso Roast with velvety-steamed whole milk infused with cinnamon, ginger and cloves. If that doesn’t suit you taste, you will find multiple other holiday specials like the Peppermint Mocha, the Chestnut Praline Latte, the Caramel Brulée Latte and many more.
Link: http://www.starbucks.com/

Ice Skating
Mon. – Fri. 1:00 pm to 4:30 p.m.
Bear Creek Roller Rink
5210 Hwy 6 North, Houston, TX 77084
Even though it might not snow in Katy, within an hour, you can get to a place that is as cold as winter itself. At Bear Creek Roller Rink, one gets the chance to enjoy some good old-fashioned ice-skating that is fun for the entire family for the low price of $6 per person.
Link: http://www.bearcreekskate.com/

Polar Express Pajama Party
Monday, Dec. 14, 2015 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 17, 2015 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Katy Budget Books
2450 Fry Rd.
What’s more fun than hanging out in your pjs. Come to Katy Budget Books with your friends or some younger siblings for the holiday reading of the classic The Polar Express in your pajamas. While sibling will be having story-time, you’re free to enjoy some nice reading of your own, or you can join in on the reading; nobody’s judging. They’ll have treats and goodies for the younger readers at this special holiday story time.
Link: http://www.katybooks.com/event/polar-express-pajama-party-ii

Zoo Lights
Nov. 20, 2015 – Jan. 9, 2016
Houston Zoo
6200 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030
Zoo Lights is one of the most magical and brightest nights of the season. Now with more than 2 million lights, the Houston Zoo sponsored by TXU energy lights up the holiday with beautiful, colorful lights while Zoo animals prepare for hibernation. This is one of the most memorable event in the Houston area, so don’t miss out.
Link: http://www.houstonzoo.org/zoolights/