Here are six new businesses to keep an eye out for in 2026, as previously reported by Community Impact. This list is not comprehensive, and details are subject to change.

Woody’s Hideaway
Karaoke, swing golf bays and darts are some of the activities Woody’s Hideaway will offer customers when it opens in early 2026. The business will be located along West Dallas Street in Conroe.

• Opening in early 2026
• 1128 W. Dallas St., Conroe

• Opening this spring
• 1414 N. Loop 336 W., Conroe

A 15,003-square-foot location of La-Z-Boy is coming to Conroe, according to a filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. The store will be located at 1660 Shafie St., Conroe, within Grand Central Park.

More details: According to the filing, construction is anticipated to begin in February and wrap up in June, costing $1.5 million. Details are subject to change. The retailer offers a variety of furniture for rooms, including living rooms, kitchens and bedrooms, according to its website.

• 1660 Shafie St., Conroe

Area residents ages 50 and older can explore everything from history and creative writing to hands-on hobbies through Lone Star College System’s Academy for Lifelong Learning, a low-cost program offering classes, activities and social connections across the system’s campuses, as stated in a Lone Star College Dec. 19 news release. 

Quote of note: "I have enjoyed the ALL courses tremendously, especially those that I have been able to attend remotely. I enjoy meeting other people and sharing ideas as well as learning new things,” LSC-Montgomery ALL member Frank Imburgio said. 

The details: The Academy for Lifelong Learning offers short, interest-based courses designed for older adults, with topics that range from Intro to Birding and History of Ancient Rome to Basics of Home Repair and Backyard Chicken Farming, according to the release. Other options include classes and activities such as Tai Chi for Beginners, Competitive Chair Volleyball, intermediate ceramics, French cooking and practical sessions like Travel on a Budget and Smart AI Skills for Seniors. 

Ring in the new year with various celebrations going on across the Greater Houston area.

High Noon Countdown 2026: Attendees can ring in the New Year with a balloon drop extravaganza at The Woodlands Children's Museum.

• Dec. 31, 9:30-11 a.m., 11:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m., 2-3:30 p.m.
• $10 (adult), $25 (child)
• The Woodlands Children’s Museum, 4775 W. Panther Creek Drive, Ste. 280, The Woodlands

• Dec. 31, 8:30 p.m.-Jan. 1, 12:30 a.m.
• $30 (individual ticket), $50 (couple admission)
• Tomball VFW, 14408 Alice Road, Tomball

• Dec. 31, 9 p.m.-Jan. 1, 2 a.m.
• $99.29 (per ticket)
• 401 Franklin St., Houston