Asia Society Night Market
ASIA SOCIETY TEXAS CENTER
NOVEMBER 1, 2024
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. Even better, the event is free and open to the public!
Ice Spectacular
THE GALLERIA
NOVEMBER 9, 2024
The Galleria's 35th Annual Ice Spectacular will kick off the holiday season with the lighting of its 55-foot Christmas tree, featuring 450,000 twinkling lights and 5,000 ornaments in a variety of colors and shapes. An iconic and time-honored holiday tradition, the 45-minute tree-lighting show will feature a performance by “The Voice” Season 25 contestant Zoe Levert. The event will culminate with the lighting of the tree by Skating Santa and a fireworks display. Families are invited to enjoy holiday activities throughout The Galleria beginning at noon and the show will commence promptly at 6 p.m.
Nutcracker Market
NRG CENTER
NOVEMBER 14 - 17, 2024
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 shopping event, the 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!
The Ice Opening Night
DISCOVERY GREEN
NOVEMBER 15, 2024
Be the first to kick off the season at Green Mountain Energy Ice at Discovery Green! The first 50 people in line at 5 p.m. skate for free. Plus, enjoy live entertainment from 7 to 10 p.m. and see Atlas by Jen Lewin. The newest winter art installation along the Brown Promenade is open for viewing for the first time this evening. The Lake House will be serving classic American fare such as burgers, salads and tacos. Plan to spend the evening and make it a season to remember! The Ice will stay open through February 2, 2025. View details and buy your tickets (all tickets must be purchased online).
Dia de Los Muertos Parade
SAM HOUSTON PARK
NOVEMBER 2, 2024
Head downtown to the heart of Houston for the 2024 Dia de Muertos Parade! Honoring the Mexican tradition and celebration of Dia de Muertos with ofrendas, lively performances, and stunning costumes. The parade starts at 7:00 pm but the festivities will be on beginning at 2:00 pm! Don't miss this cultural event that brings the spirit of Dia de Muertos to life right here in H-Town.
Good Brick Tour
NOVEMBER 9 - 10, 2024
Who doesn’t love a house tour? Now’s your chance to experience five exceptional historic homes and buildings across various Houston neighborhoods. Houses include a Victorian cottage in the Sixth Ward, a Houston Heights classic, and a mid-century home near Rice...plus this year, visitors can step into the historic Eldorado Ballroom and South Main Baptist Church (photo above)! Patrons will get to know the interesting histories of the respective neighborhoods and homes. This event has all the makings of a perfect fall weekend.
Christmas Tree Lighting at Wortham Theater Center
NOVEMBER 27, 2024
Houston First Corporation, Houston Ballet, Houston Grand Opera, DACAMERA, and Mercury Chamber Orchestra invite the public to kick off the holiday season in the Theater District at the 34th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony at Wortham Theater Center. At the center of this annual holiday tradition is the lighting of the spectacular, nearly 30-foot Christmas tree by The Nutcracker’s beloved Sugar Plum Fairy. In addition to the tree adorned with more than 19,000 dazzling lights, a giant Gingerbread House will captivate, tempt, and delight the little ones. The festivities include a live musical performance by the Brooke Wyatt Trio presented by DACAMERA. A quartet from Mercury Chamber Orchestra will provide entertainment as well. There will be holiday arts and crafts provided by the Houston Ballet and DACAMERA, cookies and refreshments. Santa himself will make an appearance and take photos with guests, whether they’ve been naughty or nice. This event is free. View details.
75th Annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade
DOWNTOWN
NOVEMBER 28, 2024
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 75th 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 fab event always leaves us thankful for our city!
Shucked: A Musical Comedy!
HOBBY CENTER
NOVEMBER 19 - 24, 2024
Get ready for a laugh-out-loud night at the Hobby Center this November with Shucked! Featuring a Tony Award-winning creative team and a Grammy-winning songwriting duo, Shucked offers a unique blend of sharp humor, a catchy score, and plenty of quirky charm. With its corn-themed puns and witty innuendos, this two-hour musical promises to be a fun and unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages.
Movie Night Under the Stars!
ROOFTOP CINEMA CLUB
Various Dates, Times
Spend a cozy night at Rooftop Cinema Club near the Galleria for a November movie night! With hilarious shows like Superbad, rom-coms like the Holiday, and exciting new releases like Wicked, there's something for everyone! When finally gets chilly in Houston, grab a ticket that includes a hot beverage, grab your seat, and enjoy your favorite film under the stars and city lights.
The Nightmare Before Christmas in Concert!
JONES HALL
NOVEMBER 16 - 17, 2024
Is it a Christmas movie? Is it a Halloween movie? Split the difference this November and head to Jones Hall to watch The Nightmare Before Christmas with the Houston Symphony orchestra playing live as the movie is projected on a big screen! With two showings on the 16th and one on the 17th, you have three chances to catch this iconic movie at a perfectly spooky evening.
Looking for even more? Visit the THINGS TO DO page and check out the Marketplace for savings on Houston experiences, tours, tickets, and more!
Where to Stay
FOUR SEASONS HOTEL HOUSTON
If you’re looking for a place to stay in Houston, check out the Four Seasons Hotel Houston. This location is perfect for long weekend and holiday getaways! Plus, with its Downtown location, you’re perfectly situated to enjoy many of the listed events...especially the Thanksgiving Day parade. And you're not too far from NRG to head to the Nutcracker Market! Book in advance for 25% off your stay!
Explore our Houston Hotel Guide to find more of the best deals on accommodations around the city.
