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The residents of Woodland Heights will once again line the streets with luminaries (candles in paper bags) and deck their halls to impress visitors for the 20th Anniversary of Lights in the Heights. A parade starts everything off, and then visitors are free to roam the streets and check out all the uniquely decorated houses. Some local homeowners offer tours of their homes, provide entertainment or throw private parties (so be sure you knock before just walking in.)

The Candlelight Tour is similar, except there’s a fee. Visitors are welcome to tour the historic homes near the Heritage Society to the tunes of carolers, while kids make crafts, meet Santa and listen to story-tellers. Admission also includes entry to the Heritage Society’s latest exhibit, “Sounds of the Past,” featuring vintage phonographs, radios and disc records.

If both festivals sound like winners, no worries — although Lights in the Heights is a today-only event, The Candlelight Tour runs from Friday, December 7, through today. Lights in the Heights starts at 6 p.m. in Woodland Heights (check the Web site for participating areas). For information, visit www.woodland-heights.org. Free. The Candlelight Tour starts at 6:30 p.m. on Friday and today. 1100 Bagby. For information, call 713-655-1912 or visit www.heritage-society.org. $5 to $10.
Fri., Dec. 7, 6:30 p.m.; Sat., Dec. 8, 2007