Holiday cheer can be felt in Woodland Heights for the annual Lights in the Heights Yuletide event. Returning on Saturday, Dec. 12, the event is smaller this year, but the homes will still illuminate for the season for this evening.

From 6 to 9 p.m., folks are welcome to walk throughout the neighborhood and "ooh" and "aah" over the twinkling lights, Christmas carols and holiday fun. Note that there won’t be any street closures this year and most events will be contained to private parties at the homes in the neighborhood — those looking to soak up holiday cheer are still welcome to wander through the neighborhood, though.

Dec. 12 marks night one of the neighborhood-wide illumination, so those interested in checking out the holiday lights further are welcome to stroll through throughout December. There is no cost to explore the neighborhood, just be sure to bring your camera or smartphone to photograph the impressive displays! Make the short drive from Siena at Memorial Heights to check it out.

Lights in the Heights in Woodland Heights
Saturday, Dec.12, 6-9 p.m.
www.woodland-heights.org/calendar/lights-in-the-heights

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr felixtsao

If you've been struggling to find a unique gift for a friend or significant other, wait until Dec. 5. That's the day when the First Saturday Arts Market will bring giftable handcrafted items to Houston—just as it does every month. Only 10 minutes away from Siena at Memorial Heights, the outdoor market runs year-long from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the first Saturday of every month.

It's a good place to go treasure hunting because a slew of different artisans show off their masterpieces here. You'll find everything from bold, abstract paintings to subdued, black and white photographs. That's not to mention the jewelry, sculptures, and other handmade works on display at the First Saturday Arts Market. Head there this December to check off any last-minute holiday gifts on your list.

First Saturday Arts Market
11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 5
540 W. 19th Street
Houston, TX 77008
firstsaturdayartsmarket.com

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr Thragor

On Nov. 21 and 22, Vintage Flea fills Silver Street Studios with goods from vintage vendors and antiques vendors, making for a vintage lover's dream!

The flea market features more than 50 local, or Texas-based, vendors selling things like furniture, jewelry, antique kitchen items, clothing, paintings and much, much more. In addition to folks vending vintage and antique goods, food, beer and wine will be available for purchase, and several food trucks are expected to be there, too.

Since the flea market is so popular, tickets are required for entry. Tickets are $7 online and $10 at the door for those over the age of 12 and free for children under 12. Scoop up your tickets today to get in on the flea market action — it's happening only 1.5 miles from Siena at Memorial Heights!

Vintage Flea at Silver Street Studios
Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 21-22
1501 Silver Street
Houston, TX 77007
www.facebook.com/events

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr Su–May