Celebrate the holiday season in Houston with these great events.
The Houston Symphony's Very Merry POPS
River Oaks
Take a self-guided tour of this well-appointed neighborhood as it transforms into a magical holiday village. River Oaks residents go all out every year with mansions and huge oaks decadently wrapped in dazzling lights.
A Very Sinatra Christmas Special
12/4 & 12/18
Would it even be the holiday season without Frank Sinatra’s classic tunes? To celebrate the icon’s greatest hits, Concerts Under the Stars is hosting the ultimate Christmas special at The Marriott Marquis. Expect nothing less than jaw-dropping views of the city, sweet and savory cocktails, and festive renditions of Sinatra’s holiday collection, including “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” “White Christmas” and so many more. Marriott Marquis
A Christmas Carol
11/15-12/29
What’s a holiday celebration without the timeless tale of Ebenezer Scrooge? The Alley Theatre’s rendition of A Christmas Carol is simply one-of-a-kind. Picture this: colorful Victorian costumes, spell-binding special effects, lively dancing and jaw-dropping set designs. The show runs all December long, so gather your loved ones and head to the Alley for a festive feast of holiday magic. Alley Theatre
Galaxy Lights
Continue a Space City tradition at Space Center Houston this holiday season. This year space-themed holiday light show features astronaut selfies and Apollo-themed lanterns, the magical "Holiday's in Space" film, dazzling lights, festive treats and much, much more. 1601 E. NASA Parkway
Nov. 22, 2024-Jan. 5, 2025
Houston Zoo’s event features Holiday Grove, with animal-themed lanterns and hundreds of glowing flowers under the great oak trees. Plus, the Zoo debuts a brand-new Whimsical Wildlife tree at the end of the reflection pool. Other notable features include cookie decorating at Cypress Circle Cafe, the Twinkle Trail sponsored by TC Energy in African Forest, a Coca-Cola polar bear display in Flamingo Terrace and so much more. 6200 Hermann Park Drive
The Nutcracker
11/29-12/29
It simply isn’t the holidays without a stunning ballet performance of The Nutcracker, featuring breathtaking choreography by Stanton Welch AM, music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and dazzling set design. With plenty of enchantment, snowflakes and sweets, it’s bound to be a magical evening. Brown Theater
Radiant Nature
Nov. 8, 2024-Feb. 23, 2025
What better way to celebrate the New Year than with a spectacular light festival? Cue Houston Botanic Garden’s Radiant Nature. The dazzling space stuns with towering ginkgo and pine trees, a majestic Chinese temple, a geometric dome, pandas with bamboo, and much more. And to top it off, the space also boasts a fun, interactive zone complete with illuminated swings, whimsical seesaws, a digital kaleidoscope you can step inside and other Instagram-worthy features. 1 Botanic Lane
Very Mery Pops
12/12-15
’Tis the season to deck the halls and sing your hearts out with loved ones. Very Mery POPS—the Houston Symphony’s shimmering Christmas tradition—is a breathtaking concert featuring Tony-nominated Broadway star Betsy Wolfe, alongside the symphony and chorus. Expect all the classic carols (ahem, “Jingle Bells” and “Here Comes Santa Claus”), sparking decor and a festive Christmas tree perfect for photo ops. And who knows, you may even spot a special visitor from the North Pole… Jones Hall
Holly Jolly Holiday
12/14
Santa stops down in H-Town for the Houston Symphony’s Holly Jolly Symphony. A beloved holiday tradition, this festive performance features kid-friendly holiday songs, free hot chocolate, interactive lobby activities, and, of course, a chance to meet Kris Kringle. Jones Hall
Trans-Siberian Orchestra
12/26
Feel like spicing up your holiday season? Look no further than the Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s winter tour. “The Lost Christmas Eve” returns to the stage for a thrilling final chapter of TSO’s Christmas Trilogy. They are only in town for one day (with two shows back to back), so snag your tickets soon. Toyota Center
Magical Winter Lights
Magical Winter Lights is back and better than ever. Illuminating the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds, the dazzling light display showcases an array of intricately designed lanterns in various themes, shapes and sizes. With towering sculptures, shining tunnels and interactive exhibits, there’s no better way to get into the holiday spirit. 4310 TX-36 S, Rosenberg, TX
Sugar Land Holiday Lights
Nov. 15, 2024-Jan. 5, 2025
The 11th annual Sugar Land Holiday Lights will be held at Constellation Field. Featuring more than 3 million lights, numerous themed displays, vendors to shop from and meet-and-greets with Santa, this is a holiday treat not to be missed. 1 Stadium Drive, Sugar Land
Photography by: By Melissa Taylor
