If you haven't joined our Facebook group or liked our page, please go to the links below as we will be having coupons and specials just for our Facebook followers.

Inside Woodlands Facebook Page

Inside Woodlands Private Facebook Group

Holiday Safety Tips To Help Keep You Safe...

With the holiday season driving a spike in online shopping, local households face growing concerns about “porch pirates” eyeing packages left on doorsteps.

Thieves often strike when parcels are visible and unattended, heightening stress during what should be a festive time.

Residents can safeguard their gifts by scheduling deliveries for times when someone is home, or choosing secure pickup at lockers or stores.

Installing visible security cameras or a video doorbell not only deters theft but also provides evidence if incidents occur.

Opting for signature-required delivery ensures packages are handed directly to a person, not left outside.

Many families are now investing in lockable porch boxes for added security.

Prompt text or email alerts from carriers help residents retrieve deliveries quickly, bringing extra peace of mind for a safer, happier holiday season.

Why Supporting Inside Woodlands Matters

Inside Woodlands is more than a newsletter — it’s your community’s voice. When you support or sponsor us, you help highlight local businesses, promote family events, and share stories that larger media often miss.

Your sponsorship keeps our content free and accessible, while offering your business trusted visibility with engaged, community-minded readers.

Support Inside Woodlands — and help strengthen the heartbeat of The Woodlands.

Put your business in front of local readers.

Get discovered by your neighbors. 

Promote your business in our next issue and boost local sales. Reserve your newsletter ad spot today

email us at iw@mpacmediagroup.com or (866) 440-1001

Family Friendly Events This Weekend in The Woodlands

❄ Winter Wonderland

A festive snow hill with real snow, music, and family activities.
Date and time: Friday, December 12, 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Location: Rob Fleming Park

⛸ The Ice Rink at Town Center

Indoor ice skating for all ages, open all weekend.
Dates: Open daily through mid January
Typical weekend hours:
• Friday 2:00 PM to 11:00 PM
• Saturday 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM
• Sunday 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Location: 2005 Lake Robbins Drive

🎄 Holiday on The Waterway

A beautiful walk along the Waterway with sparkling holiday lights.
Dates: Nightly through early January
Best time: 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM
Location: The Woodlands Waterway near Waterway Square

🌟 Festival of Lights at Woodlands Church

A large walk through Christmas light displays with a family friendly atmosphere.
Dates: Nightly through December 30
Time: Begins at 6:00 PM
Location: 1 Fellowship Drive

🎅 Photos with Santa

Holiday photo sessions with Santa for kids and families.
Dates: Daily through December 24
Times: Vary by location, typically 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Locations: Market Street and The Woodlands Mall

🎁 Winter Makers Market

Outdoor holiday market with local vendors, food trucks, and games.
Date and time: Saturday, December 13, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Location: Rob Fleming Recreation Center and Outdoor Campus

🦢 Swan Boat Rides and Kayaking

Relaxing swan boat or kayak rides under holiday lights along the Waterway.
Dates: Nightly through early January
Time: 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: Riva Row Boat House, 2101 Riva Row

✨ Evening Lights Walk at Market Street

Holiday lights, music, and festive decorations for an easy family outing.
Dates: Nightly through December
Light show time: 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Location: Market Street, 9595 Six Pines Drive

🛍 Holiday Shopping Outings

Family friendly holiday shopping surrounded by Christmas decor and music.
Dates: All December
Location: Market Street and The Woodlands Mall

🌳 Parks and Trails Family Day

Enjoy playgrounds, open green spaces, walking and biking trails.
Date and time: Anytime
Locations: Northshore Park, Town Green Park, Rob Fleming Park, and trails throughout The Woodlands

Advertise your business in our local newsletter for as little as $25 a week and connect with real customers right here in the community.

We only allow 1 business per category, do not let your competitors get the jump on you. 

How To Choose and Care for a Live Holiday Tree

Though artificial Christmas trees have come a long way, few things compare to the fresh scent and natural beauty of a live tree. Whether your family picks out a real tree as an annual tradition or this is your first time considering a live tree for the holidays, this guidance can help you choose the right one and care for it throughout the season.

1. Measure Your Space
Before you head to your local tree farm, measure the ceiling height where you plan to set up the tree, subtracting the amount of room your star or topper will account for. Similarly, measure the width to ensure the tree doesn’t encroach too much on furniture or traffic flow.

2. Choose the Right Tree
While the options can be overwhelming once you’re among the field of available trees, consider what shape would fit best in your space: Do you want a fuller or slimmer tree to fit a tighter space? Is a uniform shape without large gaps in the needles important or do you need stronger branches better equipped for handling heavier ornaments? Don’t forget to also consider trunk size – and consider bringing your stand with you to ensure your preferred tree fits – as trees with short or crooked trunks may be unstable.

3. Inspect for Freshness and Quality
To ensure a safe, long-lasting, beautiful tree throughout the holidays, look at it from all angles and inspect the needles and branches. Needles should be green, not dry or brittle, and firmly attached to the branches, which should be flexible and not snap easily. If you run your hand through the branches and they break or needles fall off, it may be wise to look at other trees. Remember, if your tree has been cut too early, it may sit too long and dry out before Christmas arrives, so try and buy your tree as close to setup time as possible.

4. Set Up with Care
Before placing your tree in the stand, make a fresh cut about 1 inch from the base of the trunk to open the pores for water absorption. Place it away from heat sources – vents, fireplaces, direct sunlight – as they will dry it out faster. Remember to water daily (or at least check it daily), keeping the water level above the base of the trunk.

5. Plan for Disposal
Once your tree has dried out – branches may be brittle and lots of needles may have fallen off – it’s time to remove it. Remove all decorations then check to see if your city offers tree recycling or chipping service. Many offer these services for free for a limited time after the holidays but may require you to drop the tree off or cut it into smaller pieces for pick up.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

5 Tips to Get Your Home Ready for Holiday Hosting

Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner with friends or a full-blown holiday gathering, preparing your home for guests doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little organization and a few simple steps, you can create a space that feels warm and welcoming, allowing you to focus on what really matters: spending time together.

Declutter and Deep Clean
Start by refreshing high-traffic areas, including the living room, kitchen and bathrooms. Clear off counters and coffee tables, dust surfaces, vacuum carpet, mop tile or hardwood and wipe down glass or mirrors.

Tidy Up the Kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of many gatherings, meaning it’s important to clear both refrigerator and counter space to make room for food, drinks and serving dishes. Before guests arrive, ensure your oven, microwave, dishwasher, garbage disposal, coffee maker and other appliances are working properly. Don’t forget to stock essentials like paper plates, silverware, napkins, ice and paper towels so you’re not scrambling later.

Refresh Guest Spaces
If visitors will be staying overnight, prep sleeping areas by changing the sheets, fluffing the pillows and stocking extra blankets. Thoughtful touches like fresh towels, water bottles and a charging station can make guests feel at home.

Create a Functional Flow
Think about how guests will move through your home. Designate areas for food, drinks, games and mingling, arranging furniture to encourage conversation. If you’re expecting a large crowd, add extra seating options.

Add Seasonal Touches
For seasonal warmth, swap out throw pillows, add greenery and candles or hang a wreath or other decorations. Scattering cozy blankets and simmering a pot of cinnamon and citrus on the stove can also help create a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Get your home ready to welcome guests.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

Tips for Parents to Minimize Stress and Maximize Joy During the Holidays

Stress and parenting go hand in hand, but during the holiday season, many parents find their stress levels rising to new heights. Between coordinating schedules, shopping, traveling and managing children’s expectations – plus the disruption to the school routine that everyone had finally settled into – the season can feel more like mayhem than merry.

However, by thoughtfully planning and implementing a few practical strategies, parents can protect their well-being and support their families. Early childhood experts from The Goddard School share guidance to help parents stay grounded and make the most of their meaningful family moments this holiday season.

Clarify Priorities
One of the most empowering steps is to decide in advance what truly matters to your family. Consider:

• Which traditions or gatherings are nonnegotiable?
• Are there holiday events you can skip this year without regret?
• What obligations are you taking on out of habit rather than genuine desire?

By reducing the number of “must-do” activities, you can avoid overextending your family. It’s OK to decline invitations when your calendar is already full.

Establish a Budget
Holiday spending can weigh heavily on your mind. Create a family holiday budget that includes gifts and activities, then stick to it. Use the opportunity to teach your children about responsible spending and gratitude. Remember, the most meaningful gifts are often those made with time, attention or creativity, not the highest price tag.

Set Boundaries
Stress often arises when family dynamics, expectations or traditions clash. You can reduce this by setting boundaries and communicating them early. Speak openly with the relatives and friends you’ll see about what’s comfortable for your family and what isn’t (e.g., physical space, travel, topics to avoid). Let your children know what to expect, as the lack of routine during this time can be particularly challenging. Modeling clear boundaries helps your children learn to express their own needs, too.

Prioritize Your Physical and Emotional Health
Amid the hustle, your own basic care often slips, but your well-being is key to being present for others. Consider establishing routines, such as:

• Sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours per night whenever possible.
• Nutrition: Keep healthy staples in the mix, even if treats abound.
• Movement: A short walk, stretch breaks or gentle exercise may help reset your nervous system. Stepping outside can be especially helpful.

Also, if illness strikes, listen to your body and give yourself permission to pause. Pushing through tends to backfire.

Design a Stress Rescue Plan
Even the best-laid plans don’t prevent tension or unexpected emotional triggers. Anticipate stress by creating fallback strategies. For example, plan to use a playlist, a quick breathing exercise or a sensory object to help you regroup when your stress escalates. These strategies work for children as well.

If you’re worried about unwanted questions – such as a family member asking about politics or your plans to have another child – rehearse your response in advance with a friend. When these stressful moments arise, having a toolkit gives you a sense of control.

Unplug and Be Present
Screens are omnipresent. While they serve a purpose, they can be an unwelcome distraction, especially when you’re spending time with loved ones you don’t get to see often. Try to designate screen-free times, such as during meals, after dinner or when gifts are being exchanged. Use screens intentionally, such as video calling out-of-town family members, rather than passively scrolling. Focus on in-person connection by playing games, telling stories, making crafts or taking walks. Remember to lead by example, as your children are watching. Being fully present at key moments is the one gift your family will remember above all else.

As the holidays approach, the pressure to do it all can loom large. By clarifying priorities, setting boundaries and safeguarding your health, you can minimize stress and maximize joy. That said, even with careful planning, things can go off course, and that’s OK. Practice self-compassion and allow for imperfections. Enjoy every laugh, surprise and even the occasional moment of calm.

Photos courtesy of Shutterstock

Take on Dinnertime with Tasty Taco Cups

(Family Features) Take Taco Tuesday up a notch with these easy Taco Cups that save room on your plate for dips, salsa and sides. Whether you like them mild or spicy, lightly topped or fully loaded, they’re a perfect solution for weeknight family dinners or weekend get-togethers. Find more Cookin’ Savvy creations at Culinary.net.

Taco Cups
Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”
Servings: 4-6

1 1/2    pounds ground beef
1-2       tablespoons taco seasoning
1          package (8 count) flour tortillas
shredded cheese
lettuce
cilantro
sour cream
salsa
guacamole (optional)
black olives (optional)

Heat oven to 350 F.

Brown ground beef with taco seasoning.

Cut tortillas in half then in half again, making four pieces. Place two pieces in each hole of muffin tin. Place browned ground beef in each hole then top with shredded cheese. Bake 15 minutes, or until tortillas reach desired crispiness.

Using knife, shred lettuce and cilantro. Top each cup with sour cream, salsa, lettuce and cilantro, as desired. Add guacamole and olives, if desired.

Tackle Game Day Gatherings with 7 Superstar Dishes

Creating a winning game day gathering means good times with fans of your favorite team, but it starts with a game plan that includes delicious appetizers, snacks and finger foods to make pregame, halftime and postgame the highlight of the party.

Start with a star ingredient like fresh, versatile California grapes, which are ideal for snacking on their own or pairing with meats and cheeses for a go-to-anytime platter. Better yet, incorporate them into satisfying recipes like these that fuel your crowd for the action on the field.

To find more game day dishes worth sharing with your teammates.

1. Game Day Grape Football Bowls– A perfect fit for a football watch party, these delicious bowls are a winning way to kick off game day. Just warm and stretch waffle cone bowls slightly into football shapes, fill with fresh red grapes and top with white chocolate laces to get your crowd ready with a sweet treat.

2. Guacamole with Grapes – No tailgate or homegate is complete without chips and dips. This all-star version of guacamole calls for fresh grapes to add championship flavor and texture instead of tomatoes, keeping guests coming back for more during all four quarters.

3. Sweet and Spicy Nachos – Loaded with chicken, jalapenos, diced avocado and halved grapes then drizzled with chipotle barbecue sauce, these nachos are filling and flavorful. Don’t wait – they’ll be gone before halftime.

4. Fresh Grape Salsa – Skip the storebought salsa for this fresh, homemade version where California grapes replace tomatoes as the star of the show. The MVP of your party, grapes’ juicy sweetness balances the bite of chopped green onion, Anaheim chilies, cilantro and more.

5. Korean Barbecue-Spiced Flank Steak and Grape Skewers – If a heartier solution is called for to match the excitement on the gridiron, these spicy-sweet steak skewers can be your secret weapon. Requiring only 6-8 minutes on the grill, you can prepare them well before game time and cook right before kickoff for a sizzling main course.

7. Dill Pickle Marinated Grapes and Cheese – The No. 1 rule of homegating: Keep it simple. Marinate grapes, leftover pickle juice, onion, olive oil, Havarti cheese and red pepper overnight then thread the grapes and cheese onto toothpicks before your fellow fans arrive for an easy, delicious snack.

Fun Frozen Dog Treats

Fun Frozen Dog Treats

After a long day at work or an eventful weekend, don’t just treat yourself to a delicious dessert – make sure you’re treating your pets, too. These homemade dog treats are easy to make with organic ingredients so you can show your pets some love while feeling confident that you aren’t putting their health in jeopardy.

Gather just a few ingredients and cute dog-shaped ice molds (like paws or bones) to give Fido the attention he deserves. The best part: these treats keep well in the freezer, meaning you can make a bigger batch to stay stocked up on your furry friends’ new favorite treat.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Peanut Butter Banana Paw-sicles

• 1/2       cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2          tablespoons organic peanut butter (no salt added, no xylitol)
• 1          medium ripe banana

1. In blender, blend Greek yogurt, peanut butter and banana until smooth.
2. Place silicone molds on baking tray to prevent spills. Fill molds with blended mixture and freeze 3 hours, or until firm.
3. Store in freezer-safe container or zip-top bags.

Berry Good Dog Bones

• 10        fresh strawberries
• 1/2       cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2          tablespoons raw honey

1. Remove stems from strawberries and slice in half. In blender, blend strawberries, Greek yogurt and honey until smooth.
2. Place silicone molds on baking tray to prevent spills. Fill molds with blended mixture and freeze 3 hours, or until firm.
3. Store in freezer-safe container or zip-top bags.