In response to growth along the Grand Parkway, Montgomery County Precinct 3 will use road bond funds and federal funding to improve traffic flow in the area along Rayford Road and Birnham Woods Drive, officials said.

What's happening: The first set of eight projects that are planned has an estimated cost of about $4.8 million, of which $3.28 million will be federal funds administered through the Houston-Galveston Area Council.

The details: The next wave of road projects will advance as more development comes in.

A demographic study commissioned by Conroe ISD in 2022 projected 1,695 more homes would be built in Woodson’s Reserve by 2032, which has spurred the district to plan for two additional schools in the area.  

Orange Pocket, an Asian pop culture gift shop, opened in Shenandoah on Dec. 20 next to the AMC IMAX Theatre, according to a news release from Visit Shenandoah.

What to expect: The shop offers pop culture and novelty gifts and collectibles such as blind boxes, plush toys, accessories and beauty items as well as Japanese snacks and drinks.

• Opened Dec. 20
• 8850 Metropark Drive, Ste. 500, Shenandoah

Here are eight fine dining restaurants near Downtown Houston that will be open on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. This list is not comprehensive, and details are subject to change.

Trattoria Sofia: The Houston Heights restaurant serves authentic, rustic Italian food in an intimate, romantic setting, with a focus on seasonal items and fresh ingredients. Popular pastas include the cacio e pepe, lamb ragu and shrimp scampi.

• Open 4-9 p.m. on Christmas Eve
• 911 W. 11th St., Houston

B&B Butchers: The fine-dining steakhouse on Washington Avenue will be open Christmas Eve, serving Royal White Sturgeon Caviar, Snake River Farms Pork Chop and brisket ravioli.

• Open 11 a.m.-9 p.m. on Christmas Eve 
• 1814 Washington Ave., Houston

Remi
The restaurant at Hotel Granduca is hosting a festive, family-style feast with sparkling bubbles, gourmet dishes and seasonal treats.

• Open 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. on Christmas Day
• 1080 Uptown Park Blvd., Houston

With the holiday season right around the corner, see what grocery stores in the Houston area will be open and closed Dec. 24-25. This list is not comprehensive.

Trader Joe's

• Dec. 24: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Dec. 25: Closed

• Dec. 24: 6 a.m.-9 p.m. (stores), 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (pharmacy)
• Dec. 25: Closed

• Dec. 24 6 a.m.-8 p.m. (stores), Closes at 5 p.m. (pharmacy),  7 a.m.-7 p.m. (curbside), 7 a.m.-6:30 p.m. (home delivery)
• Dec. 25: closed

In the Greater Houston area in November, single-family rental leases grew 10.2% year over year, while lease prices remained statistically flat, with a 0.4% increase to $2,244, according to the Houston Association of Realtors’ November 2025 Rental Market Update report released Dec. 17.

More details: This November, there were 3,459 leased homes, compared to 3,139 last November, according to the report. Active listings also increased, with 11,933 single-family homes available.

What they're saying: “As the year moves into its final stretch Houston renters are receiving a welcome gift in the form of more options and stable prices,” HAR Chair Shae Cottar with LPT Realty said via news release. “As interest rates continue to ease, we may see more people feel confident about making the transition from renting to buying in the new year.”