Several events are planned in The Woodlands area this weekend, including an author luncheon, a historical marker dedication and holiday activities such as a race. This list is not comprehensive, and events are subject to change.

The John Cooper School 21st Author Series Luncheon
Attendees can celebrate literature at The John Cooper School’s annual author luncheon featuring Fiona Davis, the New York Times bestselling author of "The Lions of Fifth Avenue."

• Dec. 5, 10 a.m.
• $175 (admission)
• The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center, 1601 Lake Robbins Drive, The Woodlands

• Dec. 7, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
• $35 (fee includes skates)
• The Ice Rink, 2005 Lake Robbins Drive, The Woodlands

David Yurman opened on Nov. 23 at Market Street in The Woodlands, a spokesperson confirmed in an email.

What you need to know: David Yurman is a fine jewelry brand that offers pieces such as bracelets as well as other items for men and women, according to its website. It is among several new openings at Market Street, including Gorjana and Pink Chicken.

• Opened Nov. 23
• 9595 Six Pines Drive, Ste. 650, The Woodlands

Texas Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine is marking its 50th anniversary this year, celebrating five decades of providing orthopedic and sports medicine care to patients across Tomball and the North Houston region, a representative confirmed.

The impact: Founded in 1975, the practice has grown from a small orthopedic office into a multispecialty provider offering care in joint replacement, sports medicine, spine, foot and ankle, hand and upper extremity, trauma, and physical therapy.

Today, Texas Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine operates two clinics across the area, including its long-serving clinic in Tomball.

Over the years, the practice has expanded its services to include on-site MRI, rehabilitation, casting, bracing, and comprehensive orthopedic treatment.

• 13603 Michel Road, Tomball; 9319 Pinecroft Drive, Ste. 200, The Woodlands

Travelers will be able to fly directly to Rome from George Bush Intercontinental Airport, or IAH, beginning May 1, 2026, Houston Mayor John Whitmire announced Dec. 2.

In a nutshell: Italian airline ITA Airways will offer the flights to Rome Fiumicino Airport, Whitmire said during a press conference. The new Houston connection marks the ninth U.S. destination for the airline, officials said.

Joerg Eberhart, CEO and general manager of ITA Airways, said the airline will start with three nonstop flights per week in May and ramp up to five flights per week by June. The flights are already available for purchase through the airline, he said.

Quote of note: “If we look at what’s going on in the Italian economy and the Houston economy, this gives us now the opportunity to go to Italian companies and try to track more of them and locate their U.S. headquarters here in Houston because we’ve got this great service now,” Houston Airports Director of Aviation Jim Szczesniak said.