Performing Arts
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A Christmas Carol
NOV. 16 – DEC. 28, 2025
Alley Theatre
Head to the theater to kick off and celebrate throughout the holiday season! Rediscover the timeless tale of Ebenezer Scrooge's transformation as he encounters the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. Be transported into Victorian England with dazzling costumes and stunning sets. Join the Alley Theatre for a Dickensian celebration of love, redemption, and the true spirit of Christmas!
Irving Berlin's White Christmas
DEC. 9 - 24, 2025
Theatre Under The Stars | The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts
Celebrate the season with Theatre Under The Stars’ dazzling production of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas—the ultimate family holiday tradition! Inspired by the beloved 1954 film, this festive Broadway musical sparkles with romance, nostalgia, and show‑stopping numbers like “Blue Skies,” “I Love a Piano,” and “White Christmas.” And yes, it really snows on the audience in the finale! Make magical memories with the whole family at a heartwarming musical you can only experience like this in Houston.
Elf In Concert
DEC. 19 - 21, 2025
Houston Symphony | Jones Hall
Buddy was accidentally transported to the North Pole as a toddler and raised to adulthood among Santa’s elves. Unable to shake the feeling that he doesn’t fit in, the adult Buddy travels to New York, in full elf uniform, in search of his real father. This holiday season, relive this heartwarming holiday classic on a giant screen at Houston Symphony as every note of John Debney’s wonderful score is played live to picture in Elf ™ in Concert!
The Nutcracker
NOV. 28 - DEC. 28, 2025
Houston Ballet | Wortham Theater Center
Houston Ballet Principals Beckanne Sisk as the Sugar Plum Fairy and Chase O’Connell as the Nutcracker Prince with Artists of Houston Ballet and Students of Houston Ballet Academy in Stanton Welch’s The Nutcracker. Photo by Lawrence Elizabeth Knox (2022). Courtesy of Houston Ballet.
Experience the ultimate holiday enchantment with Stanton Welch’s The Nutcracker, a cherished Houston tradition. After the annual Stahlbaum Christmas party, embark on a journey through the dazzling Land of Snow to the radiant and jubilant Kingdom of Sweets alongside Clara, Drosselmeyer, and the Prince. Witness their reunion with the Sugar Plum Fairy amidst the clouds, where true magic unfolds. Renowned as one of the most magnificent productions ever staged, Welch’s The Nutcracker boasts hundreds of characters, intricate sets, and breathtaking details that will mesmerize audiences, offering discoveries with every performance. Various show times available.
A Charlie Brown Christmas
DEC. 11 - 21, 2025
Queensbury Theatre
Everyone's favorite blockhead is back at Queensbury Theatre! Back by popular demand. The classic animated television special A Charlie Brown Christmas comes to life in this faithful stage adaptation in which Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the rest of the Peanuts gang discover the true meaning of Christmas.
Very Merry Pops!
DEC. 11, 13 & 14, 2025
Houston Symphony | Jones Hall
Houston’s biggest holiday spectacle returns to Jones Hall with the Houston Symphony! Cozy up with friends and family and celebrate the best time of the year with Ali Stroker, the Houston Symphony, and a very merry chorus. Featuring sparkling decorations, your favorite carols, and a special visit from Santa, this concert delivers instant holiday cheer.
Light Up the Night! A Hanukkah Celebration
DEC. 14, 2025
Jewish Federation of Greater Houston
Join the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston for the first night of Hanukkah as they Light Up the Night! The organization’s annual celebration from 5pm to 7pm will feature fireworks, an 80s-themed roller rink, and more. It’s a night of fun, lights, and fun you won’t want to miss!
Mariachi Sol De Mexico de José Hernández presents: José Hernández’ Merry-Achi Christmas
DEC. 15, 2025
Houston Symphony | Jones Hall
Join the Houston Symphony to celebrate a Feliz Navidad with José Hernández and his world-renowned, platinum-selling Mariachi Sol de México, performing treasured holiday classics such as El Niño del tambor (Little drummer boy), Himno de la alegría (A song of Joy), the Nutcracker Medley and many more holiday favorites with a surprising Mariachi twist. José Hernández, a grammy-winning world-renowned musician, composer, music educator and seven-generation mariachi, leads the way to this amazing celebration with sabor a México at Jones Hall for one night only right before Christmas Eve.
This performance does not include the Houston Symphony.
Who’s Holiday!
DEC. 18 - 21, 2025
The Garden Theatre | MATCHl
The Garden Theatre is thrilled to bring back an unlikely holiday classic, Who's Holiday!, starring the incomparable Chaney Moore as Cindy Lou Who. Who's Holiday! is a wildly funny and heartfelt adults-only comedy that tells the story of Cindy Lou Who, now all grown up and residing in a beaten-down trailer in the snowy hills of Mount Crumpit, as she recalls (in between bong rips) that Christmas Eve she first met the Grinch and the twisted turn of events her life has now taken.
Family Holiday Fun
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Zoo Lights at Houston Zoo
NOV. 21, 2025 - JAN. 4, 2026
Unearth new worlds of whimsy and wonder when you spend your holiday at TXU Energy presents Zoo Lights! This holiday lights experience invites you to explore the fantastical and let your imagination run wild as you adventure through the Zoo as you’ve never seen it before. From fanciful bursts of color in Houston Zoo’s Enchanted Forest to the dazzling sights at Iridescent Immersion, there’s no end to the delights waiting for you!
Reliant Presents Deck The Hall
DEC. 6, 2025
Get ready to celebrate the season in style - The Mayor's annual holiday show has a new name and an even bigger spirit! Deck the Hall will feature R&B legend Brian McKnight as the headliner for an unforgettable night of music and magic. The evening will begin with the Mayor's annual countdown to the holiday tree lighting, followed by a festive concert experience that captures the joy of the season. This year also brings an exciting new addition: the Winter Wonderland kids' activity zone, presented in partnership with the Houston Public Library. Families can enjoy games, entertainment, crafts, and more in this fun-filled space designed for kids of all ages to experience the magic of the holidays together.
Breakfast with Santa at the Aquarium
DEC. 6, 13, 14, 20-24, 2025
Santa will travel all the way from the North Pole to Houston’s Downtown Aquarium for breakfast with boys and girls on the nice list! Dine with Old Saint Nick and the official mascot of the Downtown Aquarium, Sharkey, while enjoying a delicious breakfast buffet! (Reservations required.)
DEC. 10, 2025 - JAN. 4, 2026
For three weeks only, experience the magic of the holiday season reimagined through art and technology. This limited engagement brings together two audience favorites — Spectacular Factory and Tingle Bells — in one joyful, multi-sensory celebration for the entire family. From vivid visuals and dynamic soundscapes to touch-based experiences, The ARTECHOUSE Holiday Special transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary — a festive fusion of creativity, innovation, and cheer for visitors of all ages.
Classic Christmas at Katy Mills
NOV. 21 – DEC. 28, 2025
Houston’s most magical Christmas experience returns this holiday season, completely reimagined with a brand-new trail, fresh story moments, and dazzling surprises waiting around every turn. Light sculptures, outdoor ice skating, a snow slide adventure, and even Santa & Mrs. Claus all await at this immersive holiday experience. Activities this year include the Home Depot Craft Corner, an all-new trail experience, Refreshment Ridge, the Coca-Cola Truck Bar, and even more fun for the whole family to enjoy!
Celebrating Kwanzaa at Children’s Museum Houston
DEC. 26, 2025
Learn all about Kwanzaa and how it is celebrated through visual arts and music! Children’s Museum Houston Educators are planning a celebration complete with Kwanzaa Art Workshops where kids will learn about Kwanzaa, the holiday's rich traditions, and create a special craft to take home! Also happening is the “Joy of Djembe Drumming” where children are invited to celebrate the spirit of Kwanzaa with an interactive performance featuring lively drum circles that bring community and rhythm together!
Holiday Festivals and Markets
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Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market
NOV. 13-16, 2025
NRG Park
Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market has become the signature holiday fundraising shopping event in Texas that kicks off the holiday season! It is a one-stop shop featuring hundreds of merchants, offering unique items for everyone, including home décor, gifts, food, apparel, toys, accessories and more. It is the best way to shop and give back during the holidays, as proceeds from each admission and special event ticket that is purchased, plus 11% of all the merchandise you buy, goes back to Houston Ballet.
Home for the Holidays in Old Town Spring
NOV. 22 – DEC. 21, 2025
Head to Spring for “Lights of Old Town Spring” for the 45th Annual Home for the Holidays Celebration! Festivities will take place every weekend from November 22, through December 21. The hometown holiday festival features a spectacular display of twinkling lights, entertainment, family-friendly activities and photos with Santa every weekend! The festival has something for everyone - shopping, eateries, wine bars, hat bars, art parties, and so much more. Don’t miss the tree lighting on Nov. 22 to kick off the holiday season!
Holiday in the Gardens at Moody Gardens
NOV. 22, 2025 – JAN. 3, 2026
Head to Moody Gardens for the beloved seasonal celebration Holiday in the Gardens. The property transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season and is filled with festive attractions for all ages. Guests can explore the award-winning ICE LAND exhibit with towering ice sculptures, stroll through the Holiday Lights Trail featuring millions of sparkling lights and animated displays, enjoy outdoor fun on the ice rink and Arctic Slide, and catch special holiday-themed films. The Moody Gardens Hotel also offers festive getaway packages, family-friendly events, and dining experiences, making it the perfect destination to celebrate the holiday season on the Texas Gulf Coast, so book your stay today!
52nd Annual Dickens on The Strand
DEC. 5 - 7, 2025
Brush off your bowlers and prepare your petticoats as Galveston Historical Foundation presents the 52nd annual Dickens on The Strand. Held the first weekend in December, the annual festival is a holiday tradition with great family programming, live entertainment, special events and more. Dickens on The Strand, based on 19th-century Victorian London, features parades, non-stop entertainment on four stages, new additions like Tiny Tim’s Play Land, Shopkeeper Skills Village, and roaming characters throughout the festival. Costumed vendors peddle their wares from street stalls and rolling carts laden with holiday food and drink, Victorian-inspired crafts, clothing, jewelry, holiday decorations, and gift items.
