Giving Tuesday is fast approaching on Nov. 28 giving Houstonians an opportunity to give back to the community. We rounded up a few organizations across the Houston area that are making a positive impact in the region for those looking to participate. BakerRipley has been serving the greater Houston area since 1907. The nonprofit organization describes itself as a place of opportunity by providing a wide range of services, including Head Start, day care, after-school programming, senior-citizen care, disaster relief, job training and more. Communities in Schools Houston serves more than 170 schools across Greater Houston by placing at least one full-time CIS Student Support Manager on each campus to deliver comprehensive direct services and to provide referrals to community resources that are tailored to fit students’ specific needs. Whether a student needs someone to talk to, healthcare services, school supplies, or a safe place to live, CIS is there to help.  Good Reason Houston works to improve public education by sharing data, building coalitions, empowering parents and advocating for students. Good Reason currently serves over 11 public school districts and systems with 500,000 students in Houston.  Houston Food Bank distributes food and other essentials to those across the greater Houston region that lack access to nutritious food. Houston Food Bank also provides programs and services aimed at helping families achieve long-term stability including nutrition education, health management and help in securing state-funded assistance. Whether its food, funds or time volunteering, Houston Food Bank offers many ways to give back to the community.  Mental Health of Greater Houston is one of Houston’s longest-serving mental health education and advocacy organizations focused on shaping the mental health of people and communities. To better serve the Houston community, Mental Health of Greater Houston provides a plethora of mental health resources and services and helps facilitate change in systems and legislation.  The Bridge Over Troubled Waters provides support and safety to those who are or have been affected by domestic and sexual violence. With offices in Pasadena and Baytown, The Bridge offers a variety of services including crisis intervention, a 24-hour hotline, emergency shelter, counseling and support groups and so much more.  The Rose actively supports breast health and awareness by offering comprehensive breast cancer screening, diagnostics, biopsies and treatment to nearly 40,000 women in Houston annually. The Rose ensures all women have access to care by eliminating barriers, including cost and lack of insurance.  United Way of Greater Houston helps Houstonians overcome barriers to achieve success and thrive by providing tools, resources and educational support to individuals and families. United Way helps fund dozens of partner nonprofits that also directly serve the community. Learn more about Giving Tuesday.

The holiday season is officially upon us, which means Houston is about to undergo a magical transformation into an enchanting winter wonderland. To get into the spirit, we’ve rounded up a few fun-filled festivities happening in the Houston area.      Galaxy Lights at Space Center Houston Now – Jan. 7 | 6:00 – 10:00 pm  Space Center Houston offers a celestial holiday experience with magical lights and space-inspired displays as you journey through the cosmos and planets, where you might even see a real spaceship! Visitors can enjoy fireside smores and hot cocoa while gazing at a sparkling 20-foot tree.   Texas Winter Lights  Now – Jan. 8 | 5:00 – 10:00 pm  Marriott Marquis Houston’s rooftop transforms into the ultimate holiday getaway with dazzling lights, festive drinks and private igloos overlooking Houston’s breathtaking skylines. Other activities include holiday movie screenings, silent disco, trivia night and a virtual reality sleigh ride experience.    Click to expand Frostival at Discovery Green Nov. 17 | 5:00 – 10:00 pm Discovery Green’s Frostival offers an evening filled with holiday cheer where guests can make snow angels, take pictures with Santa, hit the ice at the park’s outdoor skating rink and enjoy a live performance by DJ Mohawk Steve featuring nostalgic hip-hop and H-Town favorites.    Dasher’s Light Show Nov. 17 – Dec. 31 | Times Vary Houston’s very own drive through light show is the ultimate holiday experience for the entire family, including your four-legged furry friends! With locations at Sam Houston Race Park and Big Rivers Waterpark and Adventures, load up the car, grab some hot cocoa and enjoy twinkling lights, colorful tunnels and holiday music.    Click to expand Houston Zoo Lights  Nov. 17 – Jan. 7 | 5:30 – 10:30 pm  A favorite amongst Houstonians – the Houston Zoo lights features life-size LED animal-themed displays, a towering 33-foot tree and a 125-foot-long infinity tunnel decorated in colorful lights. Take a stroll through the Zoo’s enchanted forest and view a canopy of glowing flowers and butterflies in the Hanging Pollinator Garden. Be sure to stop by Santa’s workshop for a picture with the man himself!   Click to expand Magical Winter Lights  Nov. 17 – Jan. 7 | 5:00 – 10:30 pm  Explore immersive themed exhibits decorated in lights and lantern displays ranging from a galactic space maze to a botanical garden. Offering jaw dropping photo ops, visitors can take selfies by a massive, glistening tree, an enchanting castle, underwater sea creatures and even life-size dinosaurs! A carnival-like experience will also be available, offering rides, games and food.    Moody Gardens Holiday in the Gardens Nov. 18 – Jan. 6 | 11:00 am – 9:00 pm Moody Gardens’ iconic Holiday in the Gardens has become a holiday tradition for most Houstonians. From glistening trails lined with lights and displays to a massive interactive ice sculpture room – Ice Land, there are no shortage of things to do. Other activities include outdoor ice skating, 3D and 4D movie screenings, pictures with Santa and fireside smores.    Deck the Park Dec. 1 | Begins at 5:00 pm  Hosted at Memorial Park’s Eastern Glades, this annual celebration is the perfect holiday excursion for the entire family. Enjoy hot cocoa and watch as a beautiful 26-foot tree will light up the entire park. Visitors can expect cookie decorating, letters to Santa, food trucks and a live screening of Home Alone 2.