Houston is busy in November as it celebrates the Mexican tradition of Día de los Muertos and it starts gearing up for the holidays with multiple celebrations. You’ll want to pencil these Houston events into your calendar so you don’t miss out on the fun.
Night Market
Nov. 4, 6 – 10 p.m.
Drawing inspiration from street markets commonly found in East and Southeast Asia, the Asia Society Texas' Night Market celebrates Houston's AAPI communities through food, arts, and activities. Patrons will enjoy a curated selection of food, home goods, art, and apparel from 60+ local vendors and artisans. Additional attractions for family-friendly fun include a Diwali-inspired funfair, Green Garden Lounge, all-access beer garden, sumo wrestling, Bollywood and K-pop dance performances, along with Otaku Alley which highlights all things manga, anime, and cosplay. Further, the event is free and open to the public!
Good Brick Tour
Nov. 5 – 6, Times Vary
Who doesn’t love a house tour? Now’s your chance to experience five exceptional historic homes across various Houston neighborhoods. Houses include Queen Anne-style home in the old Sixth Ward, a modernized Montrose duplex, a mid-century Fifth Ward gem and a lovingly restored Craftsman home in the First Ward. Patrons will get to know the interesting histories of the respective neighborhoods and homes. This event has the makings of a perfect fall weekend!
2022 Nutcracker Market
Nov. 10 – 13, Times Vary
Make your list and check it twice, because you’re sure to find every gift you need at the Houston Ballet’s Nutcracker Market. As Houston’s signature holiday fundraising shopping event, Nutcracker Market truly kicks off the holiday season! It is a one-stop shop featuring hundreds of merchants with unique items, including home décor, gifts, food, apparel, toys, accessories and more. However, the best part is that when you shop, you’re also giving back, as proceeds from each admission and special event ticket purchased, plus 11% of all the merchandise you buy, goes back to Houston Ballet Foundation. Shop until you drop, but tickets are required.
Tokyo Night Festival
Nov. 11 – 12, 3 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Want to experience Japan in Houston? Head to the Tokyo Night Festival. This festival started as an idea from Chef Naoki Yoshida with a goal to bring together chefs inspired by Japan in an effort to create their version of inspired Japanese street food. Now, this festival is the largest attraction in Houston for the Japanese communities to support one another to represent Japanese food and culture. Aside from food, there will be plenty of live entertainment and Japanese expos for the entire family to enjoy. Children ages five and under have free admission; military, children (ages 6-15) and seniors (60+) will have discounted options available at the door. Just another way Houston celebrates our city’s amazing cultures!
A Christmas Carol
Nov. 18 – 20, 22, 25-27, Times Vary
Usher in the spirit of the season with this magical and new interpretation of “A Christmas Carol” by visionary Tony Award® winners — playwright Jack Thorne (“Harry Potter and the Cursed Child”) and director Matthew Warchus “Matilda.” With rich Victorian costumes, exciting magical elements created by acclaimed illusionist Jim Steinmeyer, 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.
Lightscape Presented by Reliant
Nov. 18 – 27, Entry 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.; Trail closes at 10 p.m.
Head to the Houston Botanic Gardens for Lightscape, presented by Reliant. This internationally acclaimed lights and music experience includes dazzling new displays along with the exclusive-to-Texas, “Bluebonnets” installation. Visitors will be the first in the U.S. to see “Framed” and “Nautilus Forest,” all created by Mandylights, a visual arts house with bases in Australia and the United Kingdom.The Houston Botanic Garden recommends purchasing early, to ensure getting your preferred date and timed entry before the exhibit sells out. Admission is timed at 15-minute intervals and perfect for all ages.
73rd Annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade
Nov. 24, 9 a.m.
Why watch a Thanksgiving parade on television when you can experience the real thing in downtown Houston? Before you carve the turkey, head to the 73rd Annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade. This event is one of the oldest Thanksgiving Day parades in the country and unique to Houston. Each year, several thousands of Houstonians line the streets to cheer on participants and enjoy the family-friendly atmosphere. The parade will traverse over 20 city blocks and will feature elaborate floats, colorful marching bands, high-flying balloons and other uniquely Houston entries. This fun event always leaves us thankful for our city!
Levy Park Family Movie Night With Santa!
Nov. 25, 7 p.m.
There’s nothing like a bit of nostalgia to kick off the Christmas holidays. This November, Levy Park invites families to enjoy the outdoor screening of a classic holiday film “The Santa Clause.” Parents are sure to remember this 1994 holiday family-comedy featuring Tim Allen. As a quick refresh, divorced dad Scott Calvin and his son discover Santa Claus has fallen off their roof on Christmas Eve. Scott reluctantly takes the reins of the magical sleigh and finds out he is now the new Santa and must convince a world of disbelievers, including himself. Bring some snacks, a blanket and even hot chocolate for a fun night of laughs and Christmas hijinx.
An Evening with Nigella Lawson
Nov. 27, 7:30 p.m.
For the foodie, cocktail enthusiast or someone who needs a night out, head to “An Evening with Nigella Lawson.” As an internationally renowned food writer and TV cook, NIgella Lawson is legendary in the culinary space. Her successful television programs have made her a household name around the world and she’s heading to Houston’s Wortham Center to share her story, expertise and insight. Tickets are required.
Where to Stay
If you’re looking for a place to stay in Houston, we recommend the Four Seasons Hotel Houston. From now through the end of the year, guests can get a complimentary third night with every two consecutive paid nights. This deal is perfect for long weekend and holiday getaways! Plus, with its Downtown location, you’re perfectly situated to enjoy many of the listed events like The Nutcracker and the Thanksgiving Day parade.
Heading to the Theatre District for one of the season’s amazing shows like“Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Songbook?” Stay at Hotel Icon and enjoy the Cultured Cuisine package. Hotel Icon offers a three-course, pre-theatre dinner for two including a champagne toast at the on-site Line & Lariat restaurant. Your stay also includes complimentary transportation to the nearby Theatre District in one of the hotel’s house cars. Valet parking is also included in the Cultured Cuisine package.