Make the most of your month with our list of 15 favorite events and happenings in Houston during December 2018.
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‘Tis the season of endless holiday celebrations, concerts, markets and more, and with so much going on, it’s easy to get lost in the craziness. To help, we’ve rounded up the 15 events and festivals that top our list of things to do this month.
Admire dazzling Christmas decor at Lights in the Heights; see the legendary Elton John perform his farewell tour; chow down on a seasonal favorite in a tamale-eating contest; celebrate Chanukah with the annual menorah lighting at City Hall; enjoy a magical, Harry Potter-themed production and more at these can’t-miss events in Houston this December.
Events are not ranked, but are listed in chronological order throughout the month of December.
Top 15 Things to Do in Houston This Month: December 2018
- Houston Ballet presents The Nutcracker at Hobby Center | Through Saturday, December 29 – The Sugar Plum Fairy, Clara, and all of her magical toys return for the beloved Christmas classic, The Nutcracker, presented by the Houston Ballet at the Wortham Theater Center. Tickets start at $30, but you may find cheaper or better seats on TicketNetwork’s resale site. Showtimes vary.
- Christmas Events Around Houston | Through Monday, December 31 – Get in the Christmas spirit with our list of the Top 25 parties, festivals, concerts, markets and other festive events happening in and around Houston.
- Tamale Festival at Guadalupe Plaza Park | Saturday, December 1 – Stuff your face with delicious tamales at this annual event in Guadalupe Plaza Park. This year’s fest features a tamale-eating contest, tons of tamales and other Tex-Mex favorites, drinks, and live music. Tickets start at $10. Kids 12 and under can get in for free. Noon to 8pm.
- Opera in the Heights presents Lucinda y las Flores de la Nochebuena at Lambert Hall | Sunday, December 2 and Saturday, December 8 – Opera in the Heights presents the bilingual children’s opera, Lucinda y las Flores de la Nochebuena, a retelling of the Mexican folktale about the poinsettia at Lambert Hall. Performed in English and Spanish with bilingual subtitles. Tickets are $20 for adults; $10 for children. Showtimes vary.
- Arnot-Roberts Wine Dinner at The Pass & Provisions | Tuesday, December 4 – Sip a selection of the highly sought-after Arnot-Roberts wines when they’re carefully paired with a delicious multi-course meal at this special event presented by The Pass & Provisions. $175. 7pm to 10pm.
- A Very Merry Pops with Ali Ewoldt at Jones Hall | Friday, December 7 to Sunday, December 9 – Get in the Christmas spirit with a spectacular concert starring the Phantom of the Opera Broadway star, Ali Ewoldt, who will belt out all of your holiday favorites while backed by the Houston Symphony. Tickets start at $40. Showtimes vary.
- Elton John in Concert at Toyota Center | Saturday, December 8 and Sunday, December 9 – Bid farewell to Sir Elton John as he tours the world one last time after more than half a century on the road, where he’s played his unforgettable music that’s inspired multiple generations and redefined the cultural landscape. Tickets start at $59.50, but you may find cheaper or better seats on TicketNetwork’s resale site. 7pm both nights.
- Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts | Saturday, December 8 through Sunday, December 23 – See a live version of the Disney classic, Beauty and the Beast, when TUTS presents a new production of the timeless tale at Hobby Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets start at $43.50. Showtimes vary.
- Lights in Heights in the Woodlands Heights | Saturday, December 8 | FREE – Stroll through the beautifully decorated streets of Woodlands Heights during one of Houston’s biggest holiday events, Lights in the Heights. Every year, the neighborhood streets are closed off, allowing pedestrians to roam freely as they admire the gorgeous homes, which host private parties that sometimes feature musical performances on the porch. After admiring the festive scenery, make your way to area bars and restaurants for tons of after-party fun. Times vary.
- Houston Texans vs Indianapolis Colts at NRG Stadium | Sunday, December 9 – Watch the Houston Texans play the Colts on their home turf at NRG. Tickets start at $35, but you may find cheaper or better seats on TicketNetwork’s resale site. Noon.
- Menorah Lighting at Houston City Hall | Sunday, December 9 | FREE – Witness the 23rd Annual Menorah Lighting at Houston City Hall, which will include addresses by Dignitaries and elected officials on the eighth night of Chanukah. You can also enjoy music, dreidels, sufganiyot, and Chanukah gelt throughout the evening. 7pm.
- Potted Potter: The Unauthorized Harry Potter Experience at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts | Tuesday, December 11 to Sunday, December 30 – The magic of Harry Potter comes to life in this comedic performance that runs through all seven books in just 70 minutes at Downtown’s Hobby Center. Tickets start at $49.99, but you may find cheaper or better seats on TicketNetwork’s resale site. Showtimes vary.
- Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Lakers at Toyota Center | Thursday, December 13 – Cheer loud for the Rockets when they hit the court to play the Lakers at Toyota Center. Tickets start at $69, but you may find better, cheaper, or hard-to-get seats using the TicketNetwork online marketplace. 7pm.
- Jason Mraz, with Toca Rivera, Gregory Page in Concert at Smart Financial Centre | Friday, December 14 – Singer-songwriter Jason Mraz joins his longtime pal, percussionist Toca Rivera, for the Live in Stereo Tour, which showcases an acoustic performance by the talented duo. Tickets start at $34.50, but you may find better or cheaper seats using the TicketNetwork online marketplace. 8pm.
- Houston Symphony presents Handel’s Messiah at Sugar Land Baptist Church and Jones Hall | Thursday, December 21 to Sunday, December 23 – Hear the ever-exuberant choruses of songs like “Hallelujah” and “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain” in Handel’s Messiah, a powerful and timeless production performed by the Houston Symphony, chorus, and guest soloists at Jones Hall. Tickets start at $58, but you may find cheaper or better seats on TicketNetwork’s resale site. Showtimes vary.
Find More Things to Do in Houston All Year Long
You can find more fun in our interactive event calendar and 365 Weekend Guides.
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