The 15 Best Things to Do in Houston This Weekend: December 1 to 3, 2023

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 1 to Sunday, December 3, 2023.

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.

The 15 Best Things to Do in Houston This Weekend: December 1-3, 2023

All Weekend

• 50th Annual Dickens on the Strand in Downtown Galveston | Friday to Sunday – Travel back in time as Galveston’s historic Strand is transformed into Charles Dickens’ Victorian London for this annual, family-friendly event. Gear up for parades, live entertainment on six stages, strolling carolers, roving musicians, bagpipers, jugglers, and a visit from the characters of Dickens’ books. 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.

Friday, December 1, 2023

• Comedian Gary Gulman at House of Blues – The stand-up comedian and author, known for his 2020 special The Great Depresh, stops by House of Blues for a look into his latest book, Misfit, about growing up awkward in the ’80s. $36 and up. 6pm.
• Joaquin Cortes in Concert at Arena Theatre – The King of Flamenco, Joaquin Cortes, along with more than 25 artists from Spain, performs this dazzling spectacle representing different flamenco styles—including the soleá, bulería, alegría, and farruca— showcasing an intimate journey that intertwines his own story with the history of flamenco. $60 and up. 8pm.
• Janet Jackson World AIDS Day Concert at NRG Arena – The global super star comes to Houston for a concert of hope and unity, featuring a message of love, along with all of her beloved hits. It’s an opportunity to honor those who’ve been lost and support those living with HIV—while looking forward to a brighter future. $75 and up. 8pm.

Saturday, December 2, 2023

• A Katy Old Fashioned Christmas at Katy Market Day | FREE – The Katy Old Fashioned Christmas returns in a big way, bringing more than 200 vendors to the open-air market that also includes food trucks, an appearance by Santa, live entertainment, a beer garden, and more. 10am to 5pm.
• Comic Indie Con at Silver Street Studios – Join in a celebration of indie comics, boardgames, arts and crafts at this Sawyer Yards mini-con featuring panel discussions, a cosplay contest, unique gifts, and more. Meet with talented creators and learn how to kick off your own creative endeavor. $11.50; free for ages 10 and under. 10am to 6pm.
• Cirque Dreams Holidaze at Smart Financial Centre – This whimsical, family-friendly holiday spectacular combines the thrill of Broadway with the artistry of circus performance for an unforgettable evening. Aerial acts, sleight-of-hand jugglers, acrobats and more take to the stage for a dazzling display of holiday delight. $33 and up. 4pm and 8pm.
• 104th Mayor’s Holiday Spectacular at City Hall | FREE – Join Mayor Sylvester Turner at City Hall for Houston’s annual holiday extravaganza, which features live entertainment (including a headlining performance by Jordan Sparks), fireworks, a 55-foot Christmas tree lighting, a visit from Santa and other family-friendly activities. 6pm to 8pm.
• Houston Dynamo Conference Final Watch Party at Pitch 25 | No Cover – The Dynamo are one win away from a return to the MLS Cup Final, but first, they’ll have to go through LAFC. Come by the EaDo soccer bar from Brian Ching and catch all the action, along with giveaways and a team store pop-up. You can also find a watch party near you, including Little Woodrow’s Katy, Senate Ave. Brewing in Jersey Village, and the Blue Lion in the Woodlands. 8:30pm.

Sunday, December 3, 2023

• Houston Texans vs. Denver Broncos at NRG Stadium – C.J. Stroud leads the Texans into battle against the Broncos as Houston enters the homestretch of the regular season. $80 and up, but you may find better or cheaper seats on the online ticket resale market. Noon.
• Global Bites & Beats with Urban Harvest at City Place | No Cover – Rescheduled from an earlier date, this Spring event in collaboration with Urban Harvest sees a bustling night market that features delicious food showcasing Houston’s culinary diversity. Sample bites from partners like Casetta Cucina, Chilesquiles, Dumpling Haus, Momma’s Tamales, and more while DJ Sun brings a curated night of world sounds alongside DJ Beat Sicarios and Malcolm Bravo. Noon to 4pm.
• Univision’s Fiestas Navideñas at Discovery Green | FREE – There’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy at this afternoon event at the Downtown park space. Slide on the snow mountain, shop for unique gifts, enjoy Christmas music, take photos with Santa and more. 1pm to 5pm.
• Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra & Chorus presents Deck the Halls at Stafford Centre – The Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra is joined by the Choir for an afternoon program of holiday tunes, accompanied by the Handmade Holiday Market, which offers gifts and decorations crafted by musicians to support the Symphony Orchestra. $10 and up. 2pm.
• Eric Nam in Concert at Bayou Music Center – The South Korean pop singer, with hits like “Only for a Moment” and “I Don’t Know You Anymore” comes to Houston to perform live. See why the Associated Press said his global pop defies expectations. $49.50 and up. 7:30pm.

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