December 8, 2020

Celebrating the Holidays, 2020 Style

The holiday spirit is alive and well in Bellaire, but our celebrations will be quite a bit different this year.  The City’s special events team, along with our community partners, have been working hard to continue our annual traditions, albeit modified, and invite you to join in the festivities.  See below for some great holiday happenings around town.  From our family to yours, we wish each of you a happy, healthy and blessed holiday season, and remind you to please be safe if you’re planning your own small gatherings.

Gingerbread Cottages—To Go!

The Bellaire Library’s annual holiday Gingerbread Cottages Craft is being offered as a take-home project this year.  Construction elves are already in action acquiring building materials and preparing kits for distribution starting December 16.  Registration is now open, while supplies last.  Contact the Library to sign up.

Letters to Santa

Since we can’t have Holiday in the Park at Bellaire Town Square, take a drive through Santa’s Workshop instead, this Thursday evening in the parking lot at City Hall.  Be sure to bring your letters for our elves to hand deliver to Santa, who will be there for all to see from the comfort of their own vehicles!  The winning entries in the Southwest News Christmas Coloring Contest, another Holiday in the Park tradition, will be on display in Santa’s Workshop as well.

Open Air Markets at Evelyn’s Park

For a fun and safe outdoor holiday shopping experience, look no further than Evelyn’s Park.  There are two more Open Air Markets scheduled before Christmas, one this Friday featuring Shopaholic Sanctuary, and an HTX Market on Sunday, December 20.  Find unique, one-of-a-kind gifts while supporting local artisans and food vendors, and of course Betsy’s will be serving and always hits the spot when you’re ready for lunch or a tasty snack.  These events are completely outdoors with public health safety measures in place, including cashless payment.  Come on out and enjoy the Park while getting some of your holiday shopping done.

Bellaire Chanukah Festival

The Shul of Bellaire will once again host its community Chanukah celebration, open for all to come and experience the Jewish Festival of Lights, this Sunday afternoon.  This year’s theme is an expression of appreciation to all our heroes on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic, to be symbolized by a giant “Gratitude Menorah” at Bellaire Town Square, offering eight unique opportunities for us to say thank you!  Enjoy a grand fire magic show, individually wrapped Chanukah treats and crafts to go.  Face coverings and social distancing will be strictly enforced.  Admission is free but registration in advance is required.

Santa Sightings

After receiving your letters and getting his elves started on your lists, Santa will be back in Bellaire one more time to continue spreading Christmas cheer—riding atop the fire truck!  Brought to you by the Bellaire Police and Fire Departments, Santa Sightings will take place all next week.  Be on the lookout for Santa on your block between 6:00 and 8:30 p.m.:

  • Monday, December 14:  Section D
    South of Bellaire Blvd., inside the Loop

  • Tuesday, December 15:  Section E
    South of Bellaire Blvd., between 610 & S. Rice

  • Wednesday, December 16:  Section B
    North of Bellaire Blvd., outside the Loop

  • Thursday, December 17:  Section C
    North of Bellaire Blvd., inside the Loop

  • Friday, December 18:  Section A
    South of Bellaire Blvd., west of S. Rice

Christmas Tree Recycling

Bellaire Public Works is pleased to offer the Christmas tree recycling program again this year, available to residents from December 28 through January 15.  Trees may be dropped off at any time in the designated collection area in the parking lot at the southeast corner of Baldwin Avenue and Edith Street.  Please remove all ornaments, tinsel, tree stands and lights, and note that flocked trees cannot be accepted for recycling.

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