Don your favorite holiday duds for these 20 holiday performances that are sure to get you in the spirit in November and December 2017.
Also in December 2017
Happening This Week
From holiday music showcases to Christmas-laden dramas and comedies, there are plenty of performances and theatrical holiday performances to choose from this holiday season.
Still looking for more holiday-themed entertainment? Visit our Event Calendar for a more comprehensive list.
Top 20 Holiday Performances This Holiday Season: November & December 2017
- Reckless at Studio 101 | Through Saturday, December 16 – Presented by 4th Wall Theatre Company, Rachel’s Christmas is about to get a little strange, after her husband tells her he’s hired a hitman to kill her. When she flees for her life, her journey sends her on a series of escapades in a darkly comic look at love and family. Tickets range between $17 to $53, but limited comped (you just pay the ticketing fees) and discounted $16 tickets are available for select shows. Showtimes vary.
- The House Without a Christmas Tree at the Resilience Theatre at the GRB Convention Center | Through Sunday, December 17 – Houston Grand Opera’s world premiere by Ricky Ian Gordon and Royce Vavrek is based on the original story by Gail Rock and the beloved 1972 television movie of the same name. It’s the story of Addie, who wins a Christmas tree in a school contest, and the transforming power of love and family. Tickets range between $25 to $102. Showtimes vary.
- Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley at Main Street Theater | Through Saturday, December 23 – This charming bon bon of bon mots is a “sequel” to Jane Austen’s beloved Pride and Prejudice. Rippling with wit and good cheer, it’s a festive romantic comedy centering on the middle Bennet sister, Mary, and her path to independence and love. Tickets range between $39 to $45. Showtimes vary.
- A Midnight Clear: A Musical Story of Christmas at Stages Repertory Theatre | Through Sunday, December 24 – This world premiere with a book by Stages Artistic Director Kenn McLaughlin and music and lyrics by David Nehls takes place in a snowstorm in 1964. The weather threatens to cancel a concert hosted by the Sisters of the Poor Sacred Heart, but music and the magic of the season unfold when a stranded motorist and a mysterious stranger turn up. Tickets range between $25 to $68, but you may find limited discounted tickets for $18.50. Showtimes vary.
- A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story of Christmas at the Alley Theatre | Through Saturday, December 30 – Charles Dickens’ timeless classic returns to the Alley Stage (as the Alley Theatre company also returns to its home stage following Hurricane Harvey damage) telling the story of the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge, who encounters the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future across a night that will transform his soul. Tickets range between $26 to $140. Showtimes vary.
- Soulful Sounds of Christmas at the Ensemble Theatre | Through Saturday, December 30 – Ella Washington owns a soul food restaurant in Florida. And she finds out just how true her mantra of “when you give to others, it comes back to you” really is. Original songs and soul stylings guarantee this family story will brighten up your holiday. Tickets range between $36 to $50. Showtimes vary.
- Panto Cinderella at Stages Repertory Theatre | Through Sunday, December 31 – A rollicking, wild retelling of the Cinderella story is sure to liven up this holiday season. If you think you know the story of Cinderella, her fairy godmother, her prince, and step-sisters…think again. Tickets range between $25 to $59. Showtimes vary.
- The Best Christmas Pageant Ever at A.D. Players | Friday, December 1 to Saturday, December 23 – Barbara Robinson’s hilarious play shows what happens when some decidedly rough-around-the-edges kids participating in the annual church nativity pageant, showing everyone just what Christmas really means. This family-friendly show puts just the right amount of spice in the sweetness of the season. Tickets range between $20 to $70, but limited discounted $16 tickets are available for select shows. Showtimes vary.
- A Very Merry Pops with Megan Hilty at Jones Hall | Friday, December 1 to Sunday, December 3 – The Broadway star, perhaps best known for her role on NBC’s short-lived musical TV series Smash and in Broadway’s Wicked, joins the Houston Symphony for a concert of seasonal favorites, including new arrangements from her holiday album A Merry Little Christmas. Tickets range between $40 to $155. Showtimes vary.
- Lucinda y Las Flores de la Nochebuena at Opera in the Heights | Saturday, December 2 – This Houston premiere based on a Mexican folk tale explores the idea that any gift is beautiful because it is given. Part of Opera in the Heights’ Family Series, it incorporates Mexican folk tunes and traditional Christmas carols. Tickets are $20; $10 for children. 10:30am and 1:30pm.
- An Early English Christmas at Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church | Saturday, December 2 – Mercury (formerly Mercury Baroque) offers a soulful, beautiful setting of Christmas music from the time of Charles Dickens. Tickets range between $9 to $35. 2:30pm.
- Canadian Brass at Stude Concert Hall at Rice University | Tuesday, December 5 – Chamber Music Houston offers up a holiday concert with one of the world’s most beloved ensembles. Enjoy sounds of the season and stunning orchestrations as only the Canadian Brass can create. Tickets range between $20 to $100. 7:30pm.
- A Wynonna & the Big Noise Christmas at Jones Hall for the Performing Arts | Thursday, December 7 – Country legend Wynonna brings her great big voice and the backing of an incredible band to Houston for a concert of holiday favorites and original selections. Tickets range between $34 to $104, but a limited number of premium seats are available discounted to $40. 7:30pm.
- Hansel & Gretel at The Rec Room | Thursday, December 7 to Saturday, December 23 – The Rec Room offers an immersive take on Humperdinck’s melodious opera, putting its signature, approachable stamp on a classic fairy tale. Get lost in the woods and among the soaring music in what is sure to be a new Houston holiday tradition. Tickets are $25; $15 for children and students. Seating is limited and reservations are recommended. Showtimes vary.
- Mother & Child – Christmas at the Villa at the Chapel of the Villa de Matel | Friday, December 8 to Sunday, December 10 – The Houston Chamber Choir’s annual holiday concert in the stunning and intimate Villa da Matel is a setting of beloved carols and new pieces designed to become Christmas classics. Tickets range between $36 to $40. Showtimes vary.
- Simple Gifts at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts | Saturday, December 9 – WindSync, International Voices Houston and Vatacca Vocational School of Dance join together for a music and dance celebration of folk and holiday traditions from around the world. Tickets are $25; $10 for students and children under 18. 3pm.
- Houston Ballet presents The Nutcracker at Smart Financial Center (SFC) & Hobby Center | Sunday, December 10 to Saturday, December 23 at SFC and Saturday, December 30, 2017 to Saturday, January 6, 2018 at Hobby Center – The Houston Ballet’s beloved holiday offering hits the road this year, pushed out of the Wortham Theatre thanks to Hurricane Harvey. But you can still catch this enduring fairy tale about the magical Christmas Eve when Clara’s nutcracker came alive and took her on an incredible journey. Smart Financial Center tickets range from $35 to $155. Hobby Center for the Performing Arts tickets range from $35 to $125. You may also find cheaper or better seats on TicketNetwork’s resale marketplace. Showtimes vary.
- Sleeping Beauty and Her Winter Knight at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts | Tuesday, December 12 to Christmas Eve, Sunday, December 24 – TUTS and Lygothe Family Panto bring to life this updated version of the story of Princess Aurora, cursed by the evil fairy Carabosse, and the knight who must save her. The family-friendly holiday gem will delight viewers with its songs and magic. Tickets start at $30, and discounted premium seats (normally $60 to $93) start at $32.50 for select shows. Showtimes vary.
- Striking Twelve at Queensbury Theatre | Friday, December 15 to Saturday, December 23 – Weaving together the stories of a man determined to spend New Year’s Eve alone and that of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Match Girl, about a young girl selling matches in the snow, Striking Twelve is a musical with pop/jazz score and warm holiday spirit. Tickets range between $22 to $47. Showtimes vary.
- New Year’s in Berlin at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts | New Year’s Eve, Sunday, December 31 – Ars Lyrica continues its Artful Women season with an end-of-year gala that will transport you to the salons of Berlin. The concert includes a Bach double concerto as well as a work originally performed by Sara Itzig Levy, whose legendary hostess style inspired this evening’s concert. Tickets start at $65, with additional options for dinner prior to the concert and the gala afterward. 9pm.
Find More Holiday Fun & Things to Do in Houston All Year Long
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