The 15 Best Things to Do in Houston This Weekend: December 23 to 25, 2022

Take a tour of H-Town’s weekend highlights with our 365 Houston guide to the best things to do in Houston this weekend, from Friday, December 23 to Sunday, December 25, 2022.

Every weekend, Houston has plenty of happenings to be found around town—but which ones are the highlights that can help you plan an enjoyable weekend of outings?

We’ve whittled down our extensive Weekend Guide to offer you some of our favorite things to look forward to from Friday to Sunday.

Looking for more things to do? Dig deeper for all of our weekend picks with the 365 Houston Weekend Guide, or comb through our Calendar for even more events, activities, and things to do this weekend.

The 15 Best Things to Do in Houston This Weekend: December 23 to 25, 2022

• Santa at Saint Arnold Brewing Company | Thursday, December 22 & Friday, December 23 | No Cover – Head to the Beer Hall and take a free family photo with Santa, share your Christmas list and browse the Shop Local market for last-minute finds. 1pm to 4pm.
• The Riot Comedy Club presents Ralph Barbosa at Rudyard’s | Thursday, December 22 & Friday, December 23 – Fresh off debuts on HBO and Comedy Central earlier this year, the Dallas native comedian is on a roll and takes the upstairs mic for back-to-back nights of nearly sold out shows. $20 and up. Times vary.
• Ali Siddiq presents the Gift of Laughter at Houston Improv | Thursday, December 22 & Friday, December 23 – A familiar face at the Improv and at clubs across the city, Ali Siddiq hosts a pre-Christmas event at the West Houston stage, getting you in the mood for laughter this holiday season. $70 for 2, and up. Times vary.
• Houston Ballet presents The Nutcracker at Wortham Center | Thursday, December 22 to Saturday, December 24 | Final Weekend – The Tchaikovsky classic returns to the stage, as only the Houston Ballet can deliver it. Stanton Welch’s take on this beloved story of young Clara and the nutcracker she receives as a gift on one magical Christmas Eve offers grand sets, gorgeous costumes and stunning dance. $35 and up. Showtimes vary.

• A Christmas Story Movie Screening at Urban South HTX | Friday, December 23 | No Cover – Come out and see the classic Christmas movie in Arts District while enjoying frozen beer, complimentary popcorn and a costume contest. 6:30pm.
• Houston Rockets vs. Dallas Mavericks at Toyota Center | Friday, December 23 – Luka Doncic and ex-Rocket Christian Wood return to Houston for a pre-Christmas showdown on the hardwood. $20 and up. 7pm.
• LetsDoThisHouston All of the Lights Ugly Sweater Bike Ride at 3rd Ward Tours | Friday, December 23 – Put on your ugly sweater, hop on your bike and join with others for a ride through some of Houston’s must-see light displays. $11 and up. 7pm to 9:30pm.
• Roger Creager Piano Bar Show at Goode Co. Armadillo Palace | Friday, December 23 – The annual tradition of the legendary singer-songwriter and country star Roger Creager and his holiday show extravaganza returns and everyone is encouraged to sing along at the Armadillo Palace on Kirby. $25 and up. 9pm. 
• Performing Arts Houston presents Cirque Dreams Holidaze at Jones Hall | Friday, December 23 & Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24 – For back-to-back days, the popular, dazzling family holiday spectacular brings a whimsical, Broadway-style musical to Jones Hall, infused with contemporary circus artistry. $39 and up. Showtimes vary.
• The Muppet Christmas Carol Movie Screening & Brunch at Wild Oats | Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24 – Enjoy brunch while you watch the Muppets offer their take on the Dickens classic. The family-style meal has its own Muppets-inspired items, like Al-Gonzo’s Meat and Cheese Board and Miss Figgy Pudding. $50 for adults; $35 for children. Seatings at 11am and 3pm.
• Holiday Market with Santa at Traders Village | Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24 | No Cover – Shop for last-minute Christmas gifts and take in a visit with Santa to ask for your own at the popular Northwest Houston marketplace. No cover, but parking is $5. Noon to 4pm.

• Dial Up: ’90s & Y2K Dance Party at the Secret Group | Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24 | FREE – Head to EaDo to dance this Christmas Eve away while grooving out to tunes of the ‘90s and early 2000s. 9pm to 2am.
• Skating at the Ice at Discovery Green | Christmas Day, Sunday, December 25 – After you’ve unwrapped the presents, head to Downtown for some cold weather skating on the ice rink at Discovery Green. $17; including skate rental. 1pm to 7pm.
• 30footFALL Christmas Show at Numbers Nightclub | Christmas Day, Sunday, December 25 – The annual Christmas show extravaganza is finally resuming at the iconic Montrose club as 30footFALL takes the stage for the first time since 2018 and resumes their long-standing tradition. $20. 8pm to 2am.
• Molly & the Ringwalds in Concert at the Continental Club | Christmas Day, Sunday, December 25 – Bring the fam on a journey back in time and head to the Continental Club for a drink and a tune courtesy of Houston’s own ’80s cover band, Molly and the Ringwalds. 9pm.