Get a Nightlife This Week: December 11 to 17, 2023

Find the can’t-miss events in Houston with our Day + Nightlife Guide from Monday, December 11 to Sunday, December 17, 2023.

Your favorite nightlife guide is back to cure your weekly FOMO. We’ve got you covered with our in-the-know list of art, music, and nightlife events happening all week long around Houston, from Monday through Sunday.

Day + Nightlife Guide in Houston This Week: December 11-17, 2023

Ongoing

• Galaxy Lights at Space Center of Houston | Daily – Space Center Houston welcomes the return of Galaxy Lights, presented by Reliant—a stellar spectacle that twinkles throughout the campus and allows guests to step through space-themed light installations, take in high-tech experiences, and walk among flown space craft in a one-of-a-kind holiday event that can only be found in Space City. $19.95 and up; free for ages 3 and under. Save $5 on each ticket when you use promo code 365XLIGHTS at checkout. 6pm to 10pm.
• Roger Creager in Concert at Main Street Crossing | Tuesday to Thursday – The country music singer-songwriter plays a series of shows at the Tomball stage for three straight nights. $48 and up. 8pm.
• Comedian Annie Lederman at Houston Improv | Friday & Saturday – The comedian, actress, podcaster and writer, who cohosts the Trash Tuesdays podcast with Khahlya Kuhn and Esther Povistky, comes to Houston for back-to-back nights. She’s also known as a regular guest on other podcasts, including The Joe Rogan Experience, The Church with Joey Diaz, WTF with Marc Maron, and more. $44 for 2, and up. Times vary.
• Otaku Winter Arc Food & Anime Festival at Karbach Brewing Co. | Saturday & Sunday | FREE – For two days before the holidays, you can take in more than 100 food, anime and retail vendors staking out the Spring Branch brewery for the winter edition of this family-friendly fest. Check out a sumo tournament, compete in cosplay contests, and enjoy all-day entertainment while munching on street foods of Japan, Thailand, Vietnam and beyond. Saturday noon to 10pm; Sunday noon to 8pm.
• Reverend Horton Heat in Concert at the Continental Club | Saturday & Sunday – Catch the Texas-based psychobilly trio on back-to-back nights for a concert in Midtown. $30 and up. Times vary.

Monday, December 11, 2023

• Cheap Skate Nights at Discovery Green – Start the week with a budget-friendly night around the Downtown rink, with skate rentals included. $8. 5pm to 10pm.
• Music on the Plaza: Luka Neal at Lyric Market | FREE – The Downtown food hall hosts a happy hour music set from pianist Lika Neal. 4pm to 7pm.  

Tuesday, December 12, 2023

• Holiday Tamale and Beer Tasting at Eureka Heights Brewing Co. – Texas Tamale Company stops by the Heights brewery for a guided tasting of delicious tamales with beer pairings. $30. 7pm.
• Santa Fun Run at Little Woodrow’s Rice Village | FREE – Bon Running Club kicks off the annual Santa run in Rice Village, with tacos and Christmas trivia to follow at 8pm. Run begins at 5pm.

Wednesday, December 13, 2023

• Aurora Happy Hour at MKT Bar | No Cover – The in-house bar and restaurant at Phoenicia in Downtown hosts a night of delicious light bites, music from DJ Peter Lucas, animation activities and more, to benefit the Aurora Picture Show. 5pm to 8pm.
• Swiftie Night at Little Woodrow’s Shepherd | No Cover – In honor of Taylor Swift’s birthday, the Shepherd outpost of Little Woodrow’s near Washington Ave plays her music all night long along with signature drinks, friendship bracelet exchanging and making, and more. 7pm.
• Yussef Dayes in Concert at Rise Rooftop – One of the Midtown club’s final shows brings the English jazz drummer to the stage, performing works from this debut solo album, Black Classical Music. $25. 7pm.
• Houston AF at Houston Improv – Grab a seat and listen to the city’s up-and-coming comics delivering the laughs at the Spring Branch comedy club. $20 for 2, and up. 7:30pm.

Thursday, December 14, 2023

• Champagne & Ribs at Houston Museum of African American Culture – HMAAC presents the annual fundraiser where guests are invited to enjoy an evening of elegance, music, delicious BBQ, and champagne. You’ll also have the chance to bid on artwork. $65 and up. 7pm.
• Comedy Night at Ingenious Brewing Company | No Cover – Kris Carriere is your host, ushering to the stage a variety of local comics. Bring your friends, grab a brew and enjoy an evening of laughs at the Humble brewery. 7pm.
• Martini Theater: Batman Returns Movie Screening at Daiquiri Time Out | No Cover – Head to Galveston for this 21+ screening of the 1992 movie starring Michael Keaton in the title role. Enjoy the Christmas-themed Miracle pop-up including a special cocktail menu, plus win free drinks at movie trivia hosted by Ben Junior. 7pm.
• Monarch Chamber Players presents Candlelit Christmas Concert at Post Houston | FREE – Join Monarch for a spirited perforamnce in the Z atrium of Post Houston, surrounded by candlelight. Standing room is free and open to the public (RSVP requested); reserved seating is limited to 250 spots for $15 each. 8pm.
• Loreta Kovacic’s Sing a Long Christmas Show at the Continental Club – The local singer-songwriter and pianist brings the sounds of the season to Midtown for a sing-along with prizes. $10 and up. 9pm.
• Nutcracker Burlesque at Rise Rooftop – Join The Aphrodisi-Acts for a tantalizing evening of seductive entertainment at Nutcracker Burlesque: The Land of Sweets and Tease. This grown-up Nutcracker is a version unlike any other. $30 and up. 9pm.

Friday, December 15, 2023 

• Holiday Sip & Stroll at Houston Arboretum & Nature Center – Soak in the festive cheer at special holiday-themed sip stops as you stroll along lightly decorated Houston Arboretum trails. Your evening walk includes three glasses of wine or Saint Arnold beer, delicious light bites, and a limited-edition etched glass to take home, along with a special bonus stop featuring wine tastings from The Cause Urban Winery. $55. 5:30pm.
• Holiday Jazz Picnic in the Park in Downtown – Enjoy a picnic in the heart of the city, listening to holiday tunes mixed with jazz classics, performed live by singer-songwriter Ermelinda Cuellar. Your picnic for two includes curated items and local bites like charcuterie or sandwiches, a blanket, utensils, cups, plates, and napkins. $90 for two people. 6:30pm to 8pm.
• Nuke the Whale Vert Tasting at Eureka Heights Brewing Co. – The brewery hosts this brewer-guided tasting of eight different versions of Nuke the Whales, spanning from 2017 to 2022. It’s a chance to learn about the beer-making process, aging and more, plus you’ll get a box of the 2021 release to take home. $45. 7pm.
• The Riot Comedy Club’s YouTube Special Taping at Rudyard’s Pub – Be in the audience as the comedy club hosts the first of two 90-minute live tapings of short shows for The Riot’s YouTube channel. Each night offers a lineup of four hilarious comics. $15 and up. 7pm and 9pm.
• A Merry Creepmas Market at the National Museum of Funeral History – Houston’s museum for all things funerary hosts a special small business market just before the holidays. Shop more than 20 local vendors with unique finds, sip on complimentary drinks and enjoy lite bites, and take to the many exhibitions on offer at NMFH. $40 and up. 7pm to 10pm.
• Case Hardin Live Set at J-Bar-M Barbecue | No Cover – The EaDo hotspot for delicious barbecue and cold drinks hosts San Angelo native and Texas country artist Case Hardin for an evening of live music on the outdoor beer garden stage. 7:30pm to 9:30pm.
• A Christmas Jazz Concert with Raquel Cepeda at MATCH – The jazz septet presents this performance of seasonal jazz tunes, Christmas songs from around the world, original jazz arrangements and original Christmas music. $25 and up. 8pm.
• Texas Eagles Tribute Band Rooftop Concert at Post Houston – The tribute band performs all the hits by the iconic 1970s rock group, including megahits like “Hotel California,” “Take It Easy” and “Lyin’ Eyes.” $20. 8pm.
• Bad Santa Party at Last Concert Cafe – Bad Santa makes an appearance at the Downtown Tex-Mex haunt for a night of cash prizes, costumes and Polaroid pictures with Santa and Naughty Elfs. $16. 9pm.
• Kasablanca in Concert at Rise Rooftop – Head to Midtown to hear the musician that DJ Electrick Hawk praised for “expertly weaving house and techno together,” and who EDM called “the new rockstars of rave music.” $20 and up. 10pm.
• Wehbba DJ Set at Bauhaus – The Brazilian electronic music DJ and producer, praised by Music Tech for his “layered and hypnotic music,” comes to Houston to provide the soundtrack for you to dance the night away. $15. 10pm.

Saturday, December 16, 2023 

• Holiday Drag Brunch at Urban South HTX Brewery – Hosted by the glamorous drag queen, Persephone, this Drag Brunch buffet will feature performances from Persephone herself, as well as Hannah Santanna and Queen Angelina at the Arts District brewery. $35. 10am to 1pm.
• H-Town Market at Post Houston | FREE – If you’ve left the gift shopping late, then this may be one of your last chance’s to pick up something special before the big day arrives. Browse hundreds of vendors and shop artwork, boutique finds, sneakers, vintage clothing, jewelry, candles and much more while listening to tunes from a live DJ. 11am to 7pm.
• Holiday Onesie Party at Truck Yard Houston | No Cover – Don your merriest onesie for an all-ages festive holiday party at Truck Yard Houston.Snap photos with the Grinch, sip on cheerful cocktails, throw snowballs in the yard, and compete in some epic holiday games for a chance to win a custom Truck Yard onesie. 11am.
• Charity Chili Cook Off at Ingenious Brewing Company – The Humble brewery hosts a chili cook-off benefiting Toys for Tots. Come by and sample all the dishes for $5, or register to enter your team for $20. $5 and up. Noon to 5pm.
• 10th Annual Pass The Gravy Christmas Spooktacular at Southern Star Brewing Company | No Cover – Celebrate the holidays with the Pass The Gravy podcast, as they present a live episode taping with music, food trucks, and beer in Conroe. 12:30pm.
• BLCK Holiday Market at GreenStreet | No Cover – Head Downtown for an afternoon filled with music, food, and unique finds from local Black-owned businesses. It’s a chance to find the perfect holiday gift while supporting local entrepreneurs. 1pm to 5pm.
• Pens & Pints at Hardy & Nance Studios – Insomnia Gallery welcomes artists of all skill levels to hang out, draw, or paint at Hardy & Nance Studios. All 50+ feet of gallery wall will be striped with black craft paper and there will be white charcoal pencils to cover every inch. Each person aged 21+ will get a drink ticket for 2 complimentary beers. $10. 5pm to 11pm.
• The Riot Comedy Club’s YouTube Special Taping at Rudyard’s Pub – Watch four comics hit the stage in this second and final night of live taping for a special that will premiere on the Riot Comedy Club’s YouTube channel. $15 and up. 7pm and 9pm.
• A Hogwarts Christmas Feast at Westminster UMC – Pull up a seat at the great feast when Gastrochurch hosts an evening of Harry Potter fandom, where you’ll get sorted and earn points for your house through trivia, solving riddles, winning the costume contest, and more. Tickets include dinner, two drinks and all the festivities. $55 and up; $45 and up for ages under 21. 7pm to 11pm.
• Scotty Alexander Live Set at J-Bar-M Barbecue | FREE – Enjoy good food and a live performance from the singer-songwriter and guitarist who blends country and pop sounds, and who’s opened for acts such as Cody Johnson and Kyle Park. 7:30pm to 9:30pm.
• Habstrakt DJ Set at Stereo Live – The French-born, LA-based DJ comes to Houston for a performance that blends house, bass and dubstep. Songs such as “Chicken Soup” and “Eternity” will have you dancing all night long. $10. 10pm to 2am.

Sunday, December 17, 2023 

• ‘Tis The Season To Rock 2023 at Numbers Nightclub – The Texas Songwriters Alliance presents this showcase of multiple bands performing all afternoon and evening. Bring winter clothing to donate to the unhoused. $15 and up. 1pm to 10pm.
• Divine Darlings Burlesque presents The Burly Soirée: Ho Ho Holidays at 8th Wonder Distillery – Headliner Peter Pecker is joined by Divine Darlings Foxy Tocin, Ivy Divine, Sin Pellegrina and more in this festive, naughty-and-nice celebration that’s certain to put you in the holiday spirit. $20 and up. 2pm.
• Harvey Bott Robott Opera Revisited at the Orange Show World HQ | FREE – Inspired by H.J. “Harvey” Bott’s groundbreaking experiments with remote-controlled art robots in the late 1970s and early ‘80s, the performance will include a series of hand-made robots, projected video and live musical accompaniment. 4pm to 5:30pm.
• Comedian Sean Patton at the Secret Group – The New Orleans-born, New York-based comedian, writer and storyteller praised for his buffoonery, takes the stage, sharing his take on life and people. $15 and up. 8pm.

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