With a mélange of traditional shows, classical concerts and surprising guests on the December calendar, Houston’s event lineup is most definitely making spirits bright.
2024 Holly Jolly Holiday conductor Gonzalo Farias
11/15-12/29
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
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, alleytheatre.com
11/15-1/5
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. Fort Bend County Fairgrounds, magicalwinterlights.com
Justin Timberlake
11/29-12/29
THE NUTCRACKER
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, houstonballet.org
12/4
JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE
Houstonians, it’s time to put on your suit and tie. As a former boy band member-turned-unstoppable solo artist, it’s safe to say Justin Timberlake knows how to put on a show. This December, he heads to the Toyota Center on Dec. 6 for his Forget Tomorrow World Tour, featuring an array of crowd favorites and new tunes you won’t want to miss. Toyota Center, justintimberlake.com
12/9
YO-YO MA
The extraordinary 19-time Grammy Award winner Yo-Yo Ma lights up Jones Hall on December 9. For one-night-only, he joins the Houston Symphony (houstonsymphony.org) to perform Dvořák’s heart-achingly beautiful Cello Concerto. Flip the page for the full lineup of dazzling performances hitting the stage this holiday season. Jones Hall, houstonsymphony.com
12/4 & 12/18
A VERY SINATRA CHRISTMAS SPECIAL
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, concertsunderthestars.com
12/12-15
VERY MERY POPS
’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, houstonsymphony.com
12/14
HOLLY JOLLY HOLIDAY
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, houstonsymphony.org
12/26
TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA
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, trans-siberian.com
Photography by: From top: PHOTO BY: MELISSA TAYLOR; Jason Bell; MANNY CARABEL/GETTY IMAGES FOR AUDACY
