Your Guide to December

November 15 - December 29, 2024

Usher in the spirit of the season with Houston tradition of “A Christmas Carol.” With rich Victorian costumes, exciting magical elements, and beautifully sung holiday carols, Charles Dickens' beloved story of Scrooge and his miraculous transformation is a must-see holiday activity. This Alley Theatre production is the perfect way for families to recapture the nostalgia of Christmases past and to create memories for many Christmases to come.

November 8 - December 23, 2024

Head to Galveston for a train ride to the North Pole! Board a train car to dance with elves, enjoy hot chocolate, and perhaps Santa will even make a visit. This magical train ride is based on The Polar Express book and movie, and is always a favorite holiday activity for families. Plus, the Galveston Railroad Museum is an absolute delight to visit, full of locomotive history and interesting exhibits. Tickets are limited, but still available! Throw on some holiday jammies and head down to Galveston for a magical night living a Christmas classic.

December 12, 14, & 15, 2024

If you need a bit of holiday cheer, you must head to the Houston Symphony’s Very Merry POPS concert. Fun, upbeat and full of top talent, POPS is the perfect way to get in the spirit of the season! Join the Symphony and Chorus for this heartwarming concert, brimming with traditional carols, festive favorites, and plenty of yuletide cheer. 

December 1 - 31, 2024

Change up your date nights and friend dinners by heading to Houston’s Rooftop Cinema Club instead! With multiple screenings each day and a stellar holiday movie lineup, this is the perfect opportunity to snuggle up with your significant other or spend a day with your besties. From Christmas classics like Home Alone, The Holiday, Die Hard – it’s a Christmas movie – and National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, you’re sure to find a movie that suits your taste!

November 29 - December 29, 2024

One of Houston’s ultimate holiday traditions is the Houston Ballet's ‘The Nutcracker’ performance. A visual delight, the ballet company’s grand sets, stunning costumes, iconic score, and storied talent bring this story to life every year. Be there as Clara and Drosselmeyer make their journey to the Kingdom of Sweets and meet the Sugar Plum Fairy and her prince in the land where the real magic happens. Be sure to grab your tickets in advance as this is a popular holiday spectacular!

Saturdays in December

Embrace the spirit of the season with the delightful Teddy Bear Tea at the St. Regis hotel. In a fun twist on tea time, the St. Regis is transformed into a magical Christmas wonderland full of activities for kids of all ages. Everyone is invited to enjoy a ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas marionette show, cookie decorating, face painting, balloon animal artist, Ice Princess story time and magic show. Guests are welcome to bring a new teddy bear that will be donated to the Houston Area Women’s Center. This sweet tradition requires a reservation, so be sure to plan in advance. Plus, there are plenty of holiday packages to enjoy a holiday stay at the St. Regis!

December 1, 15 & 22, 2024

Forget your typical mall Santa and head to Discovery Green to ice skate with him instead! Children of all ages are invited to skate with Santa Claus this holiday season at the Green Mountain Energy Ice rink. Round up the family and glide beneath the glittering holiday lights and sites of downtown Houston! Tickets are $18 + tax, and skate rental is included. Plus, there’s more to discover nearby at City Lights Downtown Holiday Magic. 

December 31, 2024

Ring in 2025 on the Kemah Boardwalk! You don’t even have to make it to midnight to revel in the new year. At 9:30 p.m. there will be an amazing fireworks display at the storied boardwalk. For those wanting a full day of celebration, there will be free concerts and fun beginning at 1:30 p.m. in the plaza. There are also ten waterfront restaurants, 13 amusement rides, midway games, shopping and Boardwalk Inn, which makes it the perfect getaway to close out 2024.