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 8 to Sunday, December 10, 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 8-10, 2023
All Weekend
- Mistletoe Market at Baldwin Park in Midtown | Friday & Saturday | FREE – The annual market takes to the shady oaks of Baldwin Park for two days of art shopping, live music and free DIY workshops that help kids and adults alike craft that perfect gift from the heart. Workshop sessions are limited in space, so advance RSVP is strongly encouraged. Friday 5pm to 10pm; Saturday 10am to 4pm.
- Tomball German Festival Christmas Market in Old Town Tomball | Friday to Sunday | FREE –Do as the Germans do and celebrate Christmas with plenty of food, beer, and wine, as well as live music on three stages, a petting zoo, and a holiday market featuring more than 150 vendors with antiques, arts and crafts, souvenirs, and more. Times vary.
- 10th Annual Islamic Arts Festival at Masjid Al-Salam | Saturday & Sunday | FREE – Featuring art by renowned artists from all across the USA, this two-day festival will highlight interactive art sessions, insight on Islamic art and culture, ethnic cuisine from food trucks, live calligraphy and henna tattoo demonstrations, children’s art activities, and more. 10:30am to 5pm.
Friday, December 8, 2023
- Izzy Holiday Art Market at Daiquiri Time Out | No Cover – Shop local vendors for unique finds at this marketplace from the minds behind La Izquierda Music Festival in Galveston. 6pm to 9pm.
- Cheap Date: $25 Artwork at Hardy & Nance Studios | FREE – Just in time for the holidays, you can shop local artwork on a budget with the return of Cheap Date to the near Downtown art studios. Browse hundreds of pieces, all priced at $25. Even more, a pop-up merch area will be selling prints, stickers, shirts, zines and more for $10 or less. 7pm to 11pm.
- Noche de Cumbia at Axelrad | No Cover – The Midtown beer garden hosts a huge cumbia party to send off 2023. The 21+ party brings rhythms across two stage, featuring live sets from Money Chicha, Cucucuy, D-Fi Logic, and more. 7pm to 1:30am.
Saturday, December 9, 2023
- Elevated Intersections Art Exhibit at the DeLuxe Theater – Artists Andrea Venson and Jatziri Barron join forces for this exhibition and cultural experience that highlights the best of Black and brown communities at the intersection of art, dance and music. The night will feature performances by Aztec dance group Itzcoatl Tezkatlipoka and Nia’s Daughters Movement Collective. $15; free for ages 12 and under. 4pm to 8pm.
- Lights in the Heights 2023 in Woodlands Heights | FREE – Stroll through the beautifully decorated streets of Woodlands Heights during one of Houston’s biggest holiday events, Lights in the Heights. Every year, the neighborhood streets are closed off, allowing pedestrians to roam freely as they admire the gorgeous homes, which host private parties that sometimes feature musical performances on the porch. After admiring the festive scenery, make your way to area bars and restaurants for tons of after-party fun. 6pm to 9pm.
- 62nd Annual Christmas Boat Parade at Kemah Boardwalk | FREE – Hundreds of boats decked out in Christmas lights cruise through the Kemah Boardwalk in the 62nd edition of this popular holiday attraction. Come by to see the parade of festive vessels, then stick around for family fun along the Boardwalk. 7pm to 8pm.
- Carols on the Green with Houston Grand Opera at Discovery Green | FREE – Just outside the Ice at Discovery Green, you can catch this annual carol concert featuring songs that celebrate the rich cultures of Houston’s community, as well as Hanukkah, Christmas and more selections for a night of spirited seasonal celebration. 7pm to 8:30pm.
- That Mexican OT in Concert at Home Run Dugout – The Bay City, Texas rapper best known for his single “Johnny Dang,” That Mexican OT plays a live show at the Katy bar, venue and batting practice diamond, following up his charted summer debut album, Lonestar Luchador. $42. 8pm.
- A Fistful of Soul at Big Top Lounge – The award-winning soul dance party returns for one-night only at Big Top in Mid-Main. Join Stewart Anderson and crew for a throwback night spinning all original 45s in Motown-era soul, R&B, funk and boogaloo. $5. 9pm to 2am.
Sunday, December 10, 2023
- Fall Picnic at Houston Arboretum & Nature Center – The final picnic of the fall season arrives for an afternoon at the Arboretum. The experience includes a picnic basket with waters, plates and utensils, along with a choice of sandwiches or charcuterie selection, plus a six-pack of Saint Arnold beer. $75 for 2, with add-on options available. 11:30am to 1pm.
- Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve at Toyota Center – The acclaimed orchestral ensemble brings its signature holiday tradition back to Houston for their Ghosts of Christmas Eve: The Best of TSO & More tour. $54 and up. 2:30pm and 7pm.
- 28th Annual Menorah Lighting at Houston City Hall | FREE – Expect Chanukah gifts for children, dreidels, sufganiyot and Chanukah gelt at this family-friendly festival, which also features a concert from Hassidic rock star Barak Grossberg. The evening ends with the traditional menorah lighting. 4pm.
Don’t Miss Out on Tomorrow’s Fun!
Subscribe to our free Weekend Guide newsletter and receive a round-up of great things to do every weekend in Houston, hitting your inbox on Thursday.
Don’t want to miss anything? Opt in for our Daily Updates to discover new things happening in Houston and receive special updates and offers, every weekday.
