See the latest performing arts productions and theater happenings opening across Houston from Monday, December 18 to Sunday, December 24, 2023.
Looking for ways to keep the theater calendar straight? We have you covered with this weekly roundup series tracking openings at theaters and performing arts institutions across the city of Houston.
Here’s our list of must-see openings:
Top Performing Arts Openings This Week: December 18 to 24, 2023
- Sarah Brightman: A Christmas Symphony at Smart Financial Centre | Wednesday, December 20 – The global superstar, who originated the role of Christine in The Phantom of the Opera, comes to Sugar Land for a concert of holiday favorites, complete with orchestra, choir and special guests. It’s an evening of good cheer for the whole family. $60 and up. 8pm.
- Houston Symphony presents A Very Merry Pops at Jones Hall | Wednesday, December 20 to Saturday, December 23 – The Symphony’s annual holiday offering returns, bringing with it familiar favorites to make the rafters ring. The concert features the Houston Symphony Chorus and Broadway leading lady Mandy Gonzalez. $40 and up. 7:30pm.
- Performing Arts Houston presents Disney’s Beauty & the Beast Junior at Wortham Center | Thursday, December 21 – Performed by students of the Rhodes School for the Performing Arts, this classic tale is the story of Belle, a bookworm who trades her father’s freedom for her own captivity in the castle of a hideous beast. What happens next will transform them both. $19 and up. 7pm.
- Revels Houston presents The Christmas Revels at MATCH | Thursday, December 21 to Saturday, December 23 – This holiday delight is the story of Cecil Johnson, a government-funded folklore researcher traveling through Appalachia in the 1930s. On his journey, he meets colorful characters who sing, dance, tell stories and put on an authentically American version of the traditional Winter Solstice Mummers’ Play. $35. Showtimes vary.
- A Christmas Wish Holiday Spectacular at Moody Gardens | Opens Friday, December 22 – Take in holiday delights at this annual stage production in Galveston. The holiday program tells a heartwarming story through musical theatre performances, projection mapped lights, cascading snow and atmospheric fog, stunts and acrobats, comedy and the enchantment of Christmas. Daytime admission $39 and up, $25 and up for ages 3 to 12. Evening shows with dinner $79 and up, $49 and up for ages 3 to 12. Showtimes vary.
- Houston Symphony presents Jolly Holiday at Jones Hall | Saturday, December 23 – One of the orchestra’s most popular family concerts of the year, this performance features Hamilton star Mandy Gonzalez performing “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” plus other Christmas sing-alongs, free hot chocolate, activities and more. $39 and up. 10am and 11:30am.
Final Performances This Week
This weekend marks the last shows for a huge slate of holiday favorites.
Through Saturday, December 23, you can catch Sense and Sensibility at Spring Street Studios; Georgiana & Kitty: Christmas at Pemberley from Main Street Theater; Disney’s Beauty & the Beast at MATCH; A Texas Carol at the George Theater; plus two shows from Music Box Theater, A Beatles Holiday Cabaret and A Charlie Brown Christmas.
Then, on Christmas Eve, Sunday, December 24, you can catch the Theatre Under the Stars doubleheader, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella and The Ugly X-Mas Sweater Musical before they close, as well as A Motown Christmas at Ensemble Theatre.
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