Plan Your Weekend: November 30 to December 3, 2023

Things to Do
All Weekend Long

• DASH Holiday Market at the Houston Design Center | Daily – Local and national dealers will be here for one-stop shopping and holiday inspo. This is a chance to purchase unique gifts for everyone on your list, as well as kick your own holiday decor game up a notch. $40 for Thursday’s Preview Party; free all weekend. Times vary.
• Winter Wonderlawn at Post Houston | Daily – The five-acre rooftop garden is decked out with thousands of beautifully illuminated holiday lights and festive decor, including a 25-foot Christmas tree and multiple holiday-themed activations, all with the Downtown Houston skyline as the backdrop. $10. 5pm to 11pm.
• Comedian Godfrey at the Houston Improv | Friday & Saturday – The Nigerian American comedian, known from BET to Comedy Central and for films like Soul Plane and Zoolander, comes to Houston, bringing his observations on life for an evening of comedy. $60 and up. Times vary. 
• A Christmas Carol at the Grand 1894 Opera House | Friday & Saturday – This new adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic tells the beloved story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a miser who finds he must re-evaluate his life after being visited by three ghosts on Christmas Eve. $30 and up. Friday at 8pm; Saturday at 3pm.

50th Dickens on the Strand
Galveston
^{Friday to Sunday}

The beloved Galveston tradition marks its 50th anniversary. Come and explore the Island’s historic district with costumed performers, ticketed events, music, vendors, Victorian-inspired crafts and other holiday revelry in the name of Charles Dickens.

Free Friday; $25 Sat & Sun | Times Vary

Learn More

• Grateful For Christmas Tour: An Evening with Hayes Carll & Friends at the Heights Theater | Friday & Saturday – The singer-songwriter and a curated cast of some of his favorite musicians take the stage to sing holiday favorites, share stories and delight in the joys of the season. $30 and up. 8pm.
• 50th Dickens on the Strand in Downtown Galveston | Friday to Sunday – The beloved Galveston tradition marks its 50th anniversary. Come and explore the Island’s historic district with costumed performers, ticketed events, music, vendors, Victorian-inspired crafts and other holiday revelry in the name of Charles Dickens. Free on Friday; Saturday and Sunday tickets are $25; $18 for ages 7 to 12. Times vary.
• Houston Symphony: Andrés Returns at Jones Hall | Friday to Sunday – Conductor Laureate Andrés Orozco-Estrada leads Shostakovich’s cinematic, richly evocative Symphony No. 11, The Year 1905. It’s a work with important ties to Houston—the Houston Symphony gave the U.S. premiere in 1957, and released the first-ever commercial recording shortly after. Recognized as one of the great violinists of our time, the incomparable Augustin Hadelich returns with Shostakovich’s dynamic Violin Concerto No. 1. $34 and up. Friday and Saturday at 8pm; Sunday at 2:30pm.
• International Voices of Houston presents Silver Bells at MATCH | Saturday & Sunday – Celebrating its 25th season, the multicultural choir presents this holiday performance of festive songs in several languages, including Arabic, English, Estonian, German, Hebrew, Setswana, Spanish, Ukrainian and more. Guest soprano Jolie Rocke joins the chorus for the event. $25. Saturday at 7pm; Sunday at 3pm and 7pm.

Ongoing Live Theater & Performing Arts in Houston

• A.D. Players presents A Texas Carol at the George Theater | Daily | Opening Weekend – This holiday take is back by popular demand. It’s the story of the Dinkel family, gathering at Mee-Maw Jane’s East Texas ranch for what could be her very last Christmas. But when the first family guests arrive, they find she’s already gone. Can they keep her death a secret from everyone else and keep up the holiday spirit? This production runs through Saturday, December 23. $25 and up. Showtimes vary.
• Music Box Theater presents A Beatles Holiday Cabaret at Queensbury Theatre | Friday & Saturday | Opening Weekend – Hear holiday favorites and traditional carols, coupled with your favorite Beatles tunes in original arrangements. This concert has become an annual fan favorite. This production runs through Saturday, December 23. $38 and up. Showtimes vary.
• Stages presents Panto Alicia in Wonderland at the Gordy | Friday & Saturday | Opening Weekend – The panto Christmas performance tradition continues, as Stages collaborates with TEATRX for this take on the classic Alice in Wonderland story. Alicia is about to make her quinceañera, but she’s feeling torn between the traditions of her family and the life she wants for herself. Then, she falls down the rabbit hole and discovers all that makes her unique. This production runs through Sunday, December 31. $30 and up. Showtimes vary.
• Opera in the Heights presents Hansel & Gretel at Lambert Hall | Friday & Sunday | Opening Weekend – This beloved opera, with its lush and beautiful score, comes to life on stage in a production that pulls the audience into its fairytale setting and a new English translation. This production runs through Saturday, December 9. $29 and up. Showtimes vary.
• 4th Wall Theatre Company presents Sense & Sensibility at Spring Street Studios | Saturday & Sunday | Opening Weekend – This new adaptation of the Jane Austen classic has been praised as “an enchanting romp of a play” by the New York Times. An examination of gossip, reputation and a woman’s place in the world, its sparkling comedy underlies serious themes. This production runs through Saturday, December 23. $28 and up. Showtimes vary.
• Catastrophic Theatre presents Turn of the Screw at MATCH | Daily | Ongoing – This classic ghost story by Henry James about a governess in Victorian England gets a new environmental and multimedia production. Look for a haunting soundscape, toy theatre, puppetry, and for performers and guests to collaborate in creating a new take on one of the world’s most celebrated ghost stories. This production runs through Saturday, December 9. Pay-what-you-can. Showtimes vary.
• Georgiana & Kitty: Christmas at Pemberley at Main Street Theater | Daily | Ongoing – The final chapter in the beloved Christmas at Pemberley series explores the friendship between Mr. Darcy’s younger sister Georgiana and the youngest Bennet sister Kitty. As the family gatherers at Pemberley for Christmas, the two young women eagerly await the arrival of Georgiana’s secret correspondent, Henry Grey. When he arrives to a chilly welcome from Mr. Darcy, Georgiana fears her chance for love is lost. This production runs through Sunday, December 17. $39 and up. Saturday 7:30pm; Sunday 3pm.

• A Motown Christmas at Ensemble Theatre | Daily | Ongoing – This family-friendly holiday revue blends traditional carols with that distinctive Motown sound, with hits made famous by the Jackson Five, Marvin Gaye and more. This production runs through Christmas Eve, Sunday, December 24. $34 and up. Showtimes vary.
• A Christmas Carol at Alley Theatre | Daily | Ongoing – The beloved Charles Dickens holiday classic returns to the stage, telling the story of the miserly Scrooge and, with a series of visits from the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future, how he learns the true meaning of the holiday season. This production runs through Saturday, December 30. $29 and up. Showtimes vary.
• TUTS presents The Ugly X-mas Sweater Musical at Hobby Center | Daily | Ongoing – This all-new, original musical, written by TUTS artistic director Dan Knechtges and Megan Larche Dominick explores the antics at a company that’s been bought out by an international conglomerate. In this mash-up between The Office and Project Runway, the employees must devise the ugliest Christmas sweater ever to save their jobs. This production runs through Christmas Eve, Sunday, December 24. $40 and up. Showtimes vary.
• Ken Ludwig’s The Game’s Afoot at Unity Theatre | Daily | Ongoing – This comedy tells the story of the fictional Broadway star William Gillette, renowned for playing the iconic detective Sherlock Holmes. In December 1936, he invites his fellow cast members to a castle in Connecticut for a weekend of holiday revelry. Then one of them winds up dead. Who done it? This production runs through Sunday, December 17. $30. Showtimes vary.
• Stages presents Always…Patsy Cline at the Gordy | Daily | Ongoing – Celebrating its 35th anniversary, this musical biography features 27 of the iconic country singer’s hits, while showcasing her rise to stardom in the 1960s. It’s also the story of the friendship between Cline and Houston native Louise Seger, who met the singer in a Bayou City honky tonk. $48 and up. Showtimes vary.
• Main Street Theater presents Disney’s Beauty & the Beast at MATCH | Saturday | Ongoing – The dazzling fairy tale comes to life on stage, telling the story of the bookish Belle, who yearns for something more than her provincial life. When her father is captured by a ferocious beast, Belle trades her freedom for his, and finds herself in an enchanted castle. Can she ever find her way back home, and discover how to make her dreams come true? $22 and up. Noon and 3:30pm.
• Houston Ballet presents The Nutcracker at Wortham Center | Saturday & Sunday | Ongoing – This dazzling production of the beloved ballet recounts the story of Clara, gifted a magical nutcracker one Christmas Eve, and the adventures she encounters in the Land of Sweets. See why Tchaikovsky’s score has captivated audiences around the world for more than a century. This production runs through Wednesday, December 27. $30 and up. Showtimes vary.

Christmas Lights, Best of Holiday Season & Other Destinations

• Best Neighborhoods & Holiday Lights Attractions in Greater Houston – Dive into our guide to best lit-up neighborhoods and twinkling Christmas light attractions across the Houston area.
• Top 25 Things to Do for Christmas – We’ve whittled down all of Houston’s holiday happenings into 25 of the best things to do this holiday season.
• Holiday Markets in Houston – Cross off everyone on your gift list by stopping by one of dozens of markets popping up around town for the holidays.
• Top Holiday Performing Arts in Houston – Discover some of the best holiday shows rolling this season from the city’s many performing arts groups.
• Must Do Things in Midtown – Dive into the thriving restaurant, nightlife and live music scene with our must-do picks for Midtown.
• Best Brunch in the Heights – The bustling neighborhood hides plenty of gems for your weekend brunch destinations.
• 75+ Fall Festivals in Houston | Ongoing – Explore our guide to a supersized festival season coming to Houston, showcasing the city’s culture, music, arts, food scenes, and more.
• Fall Markets in Greater Houston | Ongoing – From spooky evenings on the bayou to annual nutcracker extravaganzas, we’ve gathered 25 fall markets to put on your radar.

• Pearland Restaurant Weeks | Final Day – This is your last chance to savor the flavors of Pearland’s growing restaurant scene through curated menus and specialty offerings. Fixed-price menus are $29 for 2-course breakfasts and lunches; $35 for 3-course dinners. Times and locations vary.
• The Annual Champagne & Caviar Dinner featuring Gosset & Altima at Rainbow Lodge – Enjoy a fine dining experience as you sample caviar paired with Champagnes from one of the oldest houses in France. You’ll learn about what makes both so special in this exclusive opportunity. $235 per person. 6pm.
• Holly Jolly Jingle at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion | FREE – This family-friendly concert closes out the Woodlands venue’s season, with a program of holiday seasonal selections from students in Conroe ISD. 6pm.
• Nerdy Night Market at Neil’s Bahr | No Cover – Enjoy this evening of unique finds, pop culture and gaming in EaDo. It’s a chance to kick back and have fun with current and new friends. 6pm.
• Wreath Decorating Class at the Union Kitchen – The Cypress location hosts this hands-on class, where you’ll learn how to create a beautiful wreath for your own door or to give away. Supplies, flatbreads and Champagne all included. $75 per person. 6pm.

Holly Jolly Jingle
Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
^Thursday

This family-friendly concert closes out the Woodlands venue’s season, with a program of holiday seasonal selections from students in Conroe ISD.

FREE | 6pm

Learn More

• Lego Night Out at Houston Toy Museum – Houston women and non-binary folks are invited to a casual night of brick building to kick off the holidays. Guests can choose from six holiday-themed Lego sets to assemble while enjoying beer and wine, holiday treats, and Christmas movies on the museum’s projector screen. $22.99 and up. 7pm to 9pm.
• Comedian Pete Davidson at Bayou Music Center – The Saturday Night Live comedian and actor brings a live tour to Downtown, delivering a surreal brand of humor and dark comedic insights. $52 and up. 7pm.
• Comedian Zainab Johnson at Houston Improv – One of Variety‘s 10 Comics to Watch, Zainab Johnson brings new material to the Spring Branch comedy club. You can also catch the Last Comic Standing semi-finalist in her new Amazon Prime special, Hijabs Off. $80 and up. 7:30pm.
• Hot Club of Cowtown in Concert at Continental Club – The Austin-based trio makes a stop in Midtown for a live set. Experience for yourself what the New York Times called “an arsenal full of technique and joy.” $20 and up. 8pm.
• Moon Taxi in Concert at Last Concert Cafe – The five-piece band from Nashville, known for their hit streaming single, “Two High” comes to Houston, bringing their signature sound that blends op hooks, clever synths and roots. $30. 8pm.
• Worship Live! Holiday Tour at Smart Financial Centre – This spiritual celebration of Christmas brings Fred Hammond along with special guests Deitrick Haddon, Anthony Brown, Todd Dulaney and VaShawn Mitchell. $40 and up. 8pm.

• More Great Things to Do All Weekend Long – Some of the biggest things to do in Houston are happening all weekend long. Scroll up to explore events and shows spanning multiple days, or browse Houston Experiences to save on museum and brewery passes, tours, and more.