Performing Arts
Back to Top of ListA Christmas Carol
Nov. 15 – Dec. 29 2024
Alley Theatre
Houston’s seasonal favorite, A Christmas Carol, is a new adaptation of the classic story pared down to its essential elements. Holiday magic adds to this heartwarming story, making the show a crowd-pleaser. 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 us for a Dickensian celebration of love, redemption, and the true spirit of Christmas!
The Nightmare Before Christmas
Nov. 16 - 17, 2024
Houston Symphony | Jones Hall
Experience one of Tim Burton's most acclaimed films like never before! Join us for a special screening of The Nightmare Before Christmas, presented in its full cinematic glory on the big screen. You'll also have the enchanting opportunity to witness Danny Elfman's hauntingly charming score brought to life by a live orchestra. Turn it into a fantastic family outing!
The Nutcracker
Nov. 29 - Dec. 29, 2024
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.
Houston's holiday tradition continues with the magic and wonder of Stanton Welch's The Nutcracker. Following the annual Stahlbaum Christmas party, journey through the glittering Land of Snow to the bright and joyful Kingdom of Sweets with Clara, Drosselmeyer and the Prince as he reunites with the Sugar Plum Fairy amongst the clouds, where the real magic happens. One of the most splendid ever staged, Welch's The Nutcracker features hundreds of characters, elaborate sets and stunning details that will captivate audiences and leave you finding something new with every performance. Reserve your seats early for Houston's premier holiday spectacular!
Very Merry Pops!
Dec. 12, 14 and 15, 2024
Houston Symphony | Jones Hall
Houston’s favorite holiday music tradition! Gather with loved ones for a concert guaranteed to put you in the holiday spirit quicker than you can sing “Jingle Bells.” Tony-nominated Broadway star Betsy Wolfe joins the Symphony and chorus for favorite carols and holiday songs, and you may even see a special visitor from the North Pole!
Holly Jolly Holiday
Dec. 14, 2024
Houston Symphony | Jones Hall
Santa stops by Jones Hall to spread lots of Christmas cheer! Make special memories with the Symphony’s annual holiday concert for kids. One of their most popular events of the year, the concert will include a host of kid-friendly holiday songs, plus free hot chocolate, interactive lobby activities, and a chance to visit with Santa.
Holiday Festivals and Markets
Back to Top of ListHome for the Holidays in Old Town Spring
Nov. 9 – Dec. 24, 2024
Head to Old Town Spring’s 44th Annual Home for the Holidays festival featuring a spectacular display of twinkling holiday lights, entertainment, family-friendly activities and photos with Santa every weekend! Patrons will experience a Texas-style winter wonderland and hassle-free holiday shopping that includes unique gift ideas, hand-made and locally sourced products and more. The Tree lighting by Santa will be at dusk on November 9th, in the Museum parking lot, 403 Gentry Street.
Moody Gardens - Holiday Season
Nov. 23, 2024 – Jan. 1, 2025
Enjoy a festive stroll along this mile-long trail featuring more than two million lights and lighted scenes themed to holiday music that take you around the Moody Gardens property with spectacular views of Galveston Bay. Stops along the way bring you to see Star the Dancing Tree of Light, concession areas, hot chocolate, fireside s'mores and other festive foods, mistletoe, and plenty of photo opportunities! There is fun for the entire family! Enjoy ICE LAND, Festival of Lights, Ice Skating Rink, Holiday 3D Films, Rudolph 4D, Arctic Slide, Train Rides, Fireside S'Mores, Nighly Buffets, Breakfast with Santa, Thanksgiving Dinner, Christmas Dinner. Holiday Fantasy: A Live Show Spectacular, New Year's Palooza Family Celebration, NYE Party featuring Mambo Jazz Kings, New Year's Eve Cruise, and more. Don't miss their hotel packages!
City Place Giant Gingerbread Village
Dec.1, 2024 – Jan. 7, 2025
City Place, 1250 Lake Plaza Drive, Spring, TX 77389
Since debuting three years ago, the Giant Gingerbread Village has quickly become a holiday tradition for thousands of Greater Houston families and visitors. Upon arrival to the free holiday attraction, guests travel down a gumdrop, lollipop, and candy-cane-lined path—guarded by two giant gingerbread men, naturally—to a raised clearing featuring cookie trees, a 16-foot-high gingerbread house, and a 12-foot windmill. The free, Insta-worthy attraction will be displayed through the first week of January, along with the 35-foot glimmering Christmas tree rising from City Place Park’s main pond. And to complement the fun and festive sights, City Place Plaza and Park will be downright packed with free entertainment in the weeks leading up to Christmas.
Dickens on the Strand
Dec. 6 - 8, 2024
Galveston
For 51 years, the Galveston Historical Foundation has hosted Dickens on The Strand in downtown Galveston to experience the architecture, sights, and sounds of a Victorian holiday. Each square will feature entertainment, Dicken’s pubs, and food options with a specially designed holiday market on Pier 21. The market features numerous craft, food, and holiday vendors that guests seek out each year.
Family Holiday Fun
Back to Top of ListARTECHOUSE: Houston Holiday Spectacular
Nov.22, 2025 - Jan.5, 2025
ARTECHOUSE invites you to their first-ever immersive Houston Holiday Spectacular, a dazzling experience that brings the season's wonder to life through art, technology, and interactive design. Offering nostalgia, relaxation, and festive fun for all ages, the limited-run exhibit reimagines popular holiday and ASMR (autonomous sensory meridian response) themes through stunning digital landscapes. Witness the dazzling imaginary world of a gift factory as it comes alive and get swept away by dreamlike yet familiar holiday themes in Spectacular Factory, soothe your senses with ASMR-inspired installations in Tingle Bells, and connect with light in new ways through Intangible Forms by Shohei Fujimoto. In a time when the world feels louder than ever, Houston Holiday Spectacular offers a celebratory retreat for your mind, body, and soul. Let the delicate sounds and entrancing visuals take you on a journey of holiday nostalgia and joy, creating an oasis amidst the hustle of the holidays.
Reliant Lights Mayor’s Holiday Spectacular
Dec. 7, 2024
Mayor Sylvester Turner and Reliant will kick off the holiday season at the Reliant Lights Mayor’s Holiday Spectacular in Hermann Square at 105-year-old City Hall. The annual event is fun and free for the entire family. Enjoy live music and the lighting of the holiday tree. It will feature 99,680 LED lights and 4,000 ornaments. Stop by for free photos with Santa in his North Pole-themed booth.
Breakfast with Santa at the Aquarium
Dec. 14, 15, 21-24, 2024
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! At Breakfast with Santa, enjoy a delicious meal and get your picture taken in a safe and socially distanced environment. Keep a close eye on the aquarium tank, you may see Santa swimming with the fish! Reservations required.
The Christmas Train
Nov. 29-30. Dec. 5-7, 12-14, 16-23, 2024
Head to Alvin, Texas, for a truly Texan Christmas experience. The Christmas Train is fun and interactive ride with over 300,000 lights and hundreds of Christmas decorations. Colorful gingerbread villages, penguin snow lands and life-size storybook illustrations are all some of the scenes you and your family will experience along the way. Enjoy handmade pizza at Big Al’s Pizza Parlor, hot cocoa, cookies, popcorn and cotton candy. On your mark, get set, go! Race your friends around the go-kart track for loads of lightning-fast fun. A great activity for anyone 52″ and up. And don't miss The Great Elf Show! Sit back and enjoy this live stage free show full of crazy antics, adorable characters, and the heartwarming message of Christmas. Tickets to The Christmas Train can be purchased online.
Breakfast with Santa & The Grinch at The Woodlands Resort
Dec. 7-8, 14-15, 21-22, 2024 | 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Enjoy a staycation at The Woodlands Resort, but make sure you meet up with Santa and The Grinch while you’re there! The whole family can enjoy Breakfast in Whoville at Harrison's. Enjoy pancakes, pastries, and egg dishes in a Seuss-inspired wonderland, creating magical memories for the whole family. It is the perfect photo opportunity and time for children to tell Santa all their Christmas wishes. Not staying at the resort? No problem - the event is open to the public. Make your reservations early calling 281.364.6250. $40 Adults | $20 Kids | Free 5 & Under. View menu here.
