Start the most wonderful time of the year with the best kid-friendly things to do in and around Houston from Monday, November 22 to Sunday, November 28, 2021.
This week, the holidays kick off in full swing with Turkey Trots, tree and menorah lightings, Christmas movies, and so much more.
Do you know an event that could make the list? Drop us a line at [email protected] with a link to the official event details.
Top 14 Things To Do for Kids & Families in Houston This Week
- Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol at Alley Theatre | Tuesday, November 23 – Alley Theatre presents a new, live production of Charles Dickens’ classic holiday tale, A Christmas Carol, at its Downtown theater. This play-within-a-play centers on the heartwarming Christmas classic with a twist, where actors assemble for a new production of the tale but two of the troupe’s actors can’t arrive in time, sending others to step in to create a magical world of holiday make-believe. Tickets start at $39. Dates and times vary; closes on Wednesday, December 29, 2021.
- Selfies with Santa at Children’s Museum Houston | Wednesday, November 24 – Say “cheese!” and snap a jolly pic with Santa Claus at Children’s Museum Houston. Included with general admission to the museum; $12 for ages 1 and up, free for ages under 1. 11am to 1:30pm.
- Turkey Dash at Monty Ballard YMCA in Katy | Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 25 – Back for a 19th year, the Cinco Ranch-area YMCA will again host the Turkey Dash 5K, 10K and 1-mile walk/run. Pound the pavement and stick around for a post-race bash that also includes a Kids Zone. Registration is $50 for the 10K; $45 for the 5K; $25 for the 1-mile Run/Walk; $30 for the 1-mile Kids Run. 7am.
- BakerRipley Houston Turkey Trot at the Waterwall | Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 25 – The annual Thanksgiving tradition returns to an in-person event in the Galleria area this year, sending hundreds of runners from the Waterwall, through Uptown and Tanglewood, and ending just north of Westheimer Road. Registration is $30 for an untimed 5K, $35 for an untimed 10K, $15 for the Kid’s Run. 7:30am.
- 72nd Annual Thanksgiving Day Parade in Downtown Houston | Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 25 | FREE – Celebrate Turkey Day with one of the oldest Thanksgiving Day parades in the country, which winds down 20 city blocks and features floats, colorful marching bands, high-flying balloons and more. 9am.
- Uptown Holiday Lighting on Post Oak Boulevard | Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 25 | FREE – Returning for 2021, the free, annual Uptown Holiday Lighting event kicks off the holiday season on Post Oak Boulevard and for Houston at-large. The live entertainment event will feature a visit from Santa Claus, a fireworks extravaganza and a new light show. The family-friendly celebration has been reimagined with the introduction of more than 300 all-new, 20-foot-tall holiday trees that line Post Oak Boulevard from the West Loop to Richmond Avenue. 4pm to 7pm.
- The Grinch Movie Screening at Rooftop Cinema | Friday, November 26 – Celebrate the holidays in Whoville when Rooftop Cinema Club Uptown hosts a screening of the 2018 movie, The Grinch (rated PG). The classic tale centers on the disgruntled grump known as the Grinch, who hatches a scheme to pose as Santa Claus, steal Christmas, and silence the Whos’ holiday cheer once and for all. Tickets range from $14.50 to $25.25. 4:30pm.
- Nutcracker in the Park at League Park | Saturday, November 27, 2021 | FREE – Bring the whole family to League Park in League City for an outdoor holiday market that features more than 50 vendors selling everything from designer dog clothing to food items, décor, jewelry, and more. Other activities include ballet lessons from real ballerinas for the kids, holiday-themed crafts, a Nutcracker Scavenger Hunt, and a tree lighting to end the evening. 8am to 7pm.
- Holiday in the Plaza at CityCentre | Saturday, November 27, 2021 | FREE – Bring the kiddos over to CityCentre as Santa arrives to pose for pictures and the Houston Show Choir performs some holiday classics. Bring an unwrapped toy to be donated to the Salvation Army in exchange for a complimentary picture with Santa. Noon to 5pm.
- Holidays with Alphie the Elf at the Woodlands Children’s Museum | Sunday, November 28, 2021 – Bring the kiddos to watch and interact with a performance from the storyteller and puppeteer, Alphie the Elf, at the Woodlands Children’s Museum. Included with general admission; $7 for ages 1 and up; free for ages under 1. 11am to 1pm.
- Jazzy Sundays in the Park: Crystal Thomas with Eastside Kings featuring Orange Jefferson at Buffalo Bayou Park | Sunday, November 28 | FREE – Buffalo Bayou Partnership brings the free Jazzy Sundays in the Parks series to a close, celebrating the legacy and evolution of jazz in Houston at the Water Works in Buffalo Bayou Park. This last installment of the weekly jazz series features Crystal Thomas with Eastside Kings, featuring Orange Jefferson. 4pm to 6pm.
- Giant Menorah Lighting in Sugar Land Town Square | Sunday, November 28 | FREE – Celebrate Chanukah and the lighting of the giant menorah with Chabad of Sugar Land at Sugar Land Town Square. There will be a greeting by dignitaries, arts and crafts for kids, Israeli food, performances, live music, dancing, and more. 4pm to 6:30pm.
- Thanksgiving Day Events around Greater Houston | Ongoing – Get out and experience the best of Houston—before or after your feast with our very favorite things to do in Houston before and on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 25, 2021.
- Chanukah Events around Greater Houston | Ongoing – Load up on chocolate gelt (coins), latkes, and other holiday favorites while lighting the menorah and enjoying music, live entertainment, crafts, and other activities during this Chanukah 2021 in Houston. This year, Chanukah starts on Sunday, November 28, 2021, and concludes on Monday, December 6, 2021. You’ll find plenty of opportunities in between to enjoy the Festival of Lights throughout the holiday.
Find More Things to Do in Houston All Year Long
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