Last year's surprise holiday hit was Hansel and Gretel, an 1893 opera by Englebert Humperdinck presented by Rec Room that blew our theater critic away with its beguiling style, finesse and disquieting undertones. Ditch the orchestra for a pianist, throw in a pill-popping mom and a beer-guzzling dad, and it's no wonder the children have found themselves lost in the woods, only to fall into the clutches of Megan Berti's cackling witch with Rastafarian blue hair. Audience members will be immersed in a fairytale fog, encircled by twigs and branches and an arm's length away from the singers. It's an intimate space, seating just 30, so there were many of us who couldn't get in to see this showstopper during last year's sold-out run. Here's another chance.
7:30 p.m. Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, December 6-22, Rec Room, 100 Jackson, 713-344-1291, recroomarts.org, $15 to $30.

By land and by sea, it's expected that more than 100,000 spectators will be enjoying the annual Christmas Boat Lane Parade.
Photo by Eddie Harper/PhotosbyEddieHarper.com
6 p.m. December 7, Christmas Parade, downtown Kemah near 6th and Bradford, 7 p.m. Tree Lighting, Visitors Center, 604 Bradford, Kemah.
8-10 a.m. December 8, Pancakes and pictures, Jimmie Walker Community Center, 800 Harris, Kemah, visitkemahtx.com/151/Seasational-Fun.
6 p.m. December 8, Christmas Boat Lane Parade, public viewing along the Kemah Boardwalk, both sides of the Kemah/Seabrook Channel, Nassau Bay Lagoon, South Shore Harbour Marine and Clear Lake Shores, clearlakearea.com/events/annual-events/christmas-boat-parade.
"Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!" It's time for all costumed holiday revelers and antler-bedecked athletes to head out to CityCentre for the 8th Annual Rudolph Fun Run, hosted by Tri Events. This popular west Houston shopping district has been decked out with Christmas decorations so come join in the 5K Fun Run, the Dasher 10K or the Cupid 1K, then smile for the camera and you might win a gift certificate for best Christmas costume. Stay after for pix with Santa Claus and special treats. Best of all? This event does allow running/jogging strollers, so bring the little tyke along.
7:45, 8 and 8:05 a.m. December 8, CityCentre, 800 Town and Country Boulevard, 713-254-6870, runsignup.com/Race/TX/Houston/RudolphFunRun, $18 to $45.

Last year's Grand Prix de Show winner was "Nightmare Before Christmas" by Jackson & Ryan Architects. They're the ones to beat at the 10th Annual Gingerbread Build Off.
Photo by Rhonda Hudnall Photography
10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. December 8, Hermann Square, 900 Smith, 713.520.0155, aiahouston.org/v/site-home/Gingerbread-Build-Off/39, free.

Stroll through the cozy historic homes at Sam Houston Park and celebrate the season over a warm hearth at The Heritage Society's Annual Candlelight Tour.
Photo by Arie Moghaddam
5-9 p.m. December 8, The Heritage Society, 1100 Bagby, 713-655-1912, heritagesociety.org/annual-candlelight-tour, $10 to $15 (free for children 5 and under).

Enjoy great storytelling and classic music from Bing Crosy and The Andrews Sisters when A.D. Players presents A Bing Crosby Christmas.
Photo by Amy Boyle
7:30 p.m. December 10-11, A.D. Players at The George Theater, 5420 Westheimer, 713-526-2721, adplayers.org/bing-crosby-christmas, $25 to $75.