Updated Tuesday, December 10, 2024 at 7:15pm

Find the can’t-miss events in Houston with our Day + Nightlife Guide from Monday, December 9 to Sunday, December 15, 2024.

We’ve got you covered all week long with our in-the-know list of social nightlife events—including comedy, music, and art—happening around Houston.

Day + Nightlife Guide in Houston This Week: December 9 to December 15, 2024

Events are not ranked but are listed in chronological order, by start date and time and then by end date and time. Festivals, shows and events that span multiple days are listed first in our Ongoing section.

Ongoing

Miracle Pop-Up Bar at Daiquiri Time Out, Johnny’s Gold Brick & Winnie’s | Daily –Houston’s original immersive holiday pop-up cocktail experience is back at local watering holes Johnny’s Gold Brick in the Heights, Winnie’s in Midtown, and Daiquiri Time Out in Galveston. The over-the-top kitschy Christmas-themed experience brings holiday magic in the form of cheery cocktails served in themed glassware, nostalgic holiday décor, festive snacks, and spirited vibes. Times and reservation policies vary by location. 

Great Big Game Show at CityCentre | Daily | Save 20% – Experience all the thrills of a televised game show—the lights, music, and even the live host—at the new, hilariously fun Great Big Game Show in West Houston. Two teams face off in a variety of game show rounds, each with a different style of gameplay—ideal for family team building, corporate events, family reunions, holiday outings, birthday parties and more. Available for 2 players and up. Games can be scheduled daily. $38.99 per person, but use promocode GrandOpening20 to save 20%. 

The Night Shift Before Christmas at The Alley Theatre | Daily – Margot’s working all night at a fast-food joint on Christmas Eve. But a strange transformation begins to take place as she encounters a variety of characters. This retelling of A Christmas Carol stars the incredible Briana J. Reza, back for the second consecutive year of this contemporary holiday story. $61 and up. Showtimes vary.

TUTS: Disney’s Frozen at the Hobby Center | Opens Tuesday – Travel to Arendelle, where the new Queen Elsa has accidentally made it permanently winter. Based on the beloved Disney movie—itself based on Hans Christian Anderson’s classic fairy tale, The Snow Queen—this is one of the first-ever productions of the show that isn’t created by Disney. More than 300 costumes, a huge set and a 21-piece orchestra bring this story of magic and love to life. $34.50 and up. Showtimes vary.

Comedian Zoltan Kaszas at Punch Line Houston | Thursday to Saturday – Downtown’s newest comedy stage welcomes the Hungarian-American comedian and actor—known for his sharp, observational humor and his love of cats… and whom The Atlantic called a breakout star—for 4 shows over 3 nights. Times vary.

Rec Room Arts: Winter Solstice at the Rec Room | Thursday to Saturday | Final Weekend – It’s Christmas Eve and family tensions unfold in this German play. Bettina’s mother has brought a stranger to stay, and his arrival reveals liberalism’s inability to immunize itself against fascism’s rhetorical power. $30 and up. 7:30pm.

Houston Symphony: A Very Merry Pops at Jones Hall | Thursday, Saturday & Sunday – The Symphony’s annual holiday offering returns with familiar favorites that make the rafters ring. $52 and up. Showtimes vary.

4th Wall Theatre Company: Vanya & Sonia & Masha & Spike at Spring Street Studios | Thursday to Sunday – Christopher Durang’s comedy is the story of middle-aged siblings Vanya and Sonia, living an uneventful life in Pennsylvania. Then, their sister Masha shows up with her much-younger love, Spike. Chaos ensues. $32 and up. Showtimes vary.

12 Days of Christmas Pop-Up at Finn Hall in Downtown Houston | Daily | Starts Thursday – Overlooking the food hall, the Swallow’s Nest mezzanine is decked out with nostalgic holiday décor and bartenders serve up seasonal crafted cocktails, bites from Firenoodz, nightly holiday activities and programming for the 21+ set, and more. Continues 12 days through Monday, December 23. $30. 4pm to 10pm daily. 

Comedian Brian Simpson at Houston Improv | Friday & Saturday – The ATX-based comedian and Marine Corps vet, a paid regular at the World-Famous Comedy Store and The Comedy Mothership, brings his New Stuff Tour to HTX for 4 stand-up shows on the Spring Branch stage. $44 and up. Times vary. 

The Garden Theatre Company: Who’s Holiday at MATCH | Friday to Sunday – In this new take on the Dr. Seuss tale, Cindy Lou Who is all grown up, and living in a trailer on Mount Crumpet. She’ll tell the story of that night she met the Grinch—and all that came after. The one-woman show stars Houston favorite Chaney Moore and is recommended for ages 16+ due to adult language and content. $25 and up. Showtimes vary.

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.

Green Mountain Energy Ice at Discovery Green | Daily – Lace up your skate rentals and head out onto the ice at the beloved winter tradition in the heart of Houston’s official front yard. $18 includes skate rentals for 75 minutes. Tickets must be ordered in advance online. Times vary.

Magical Winter Lights at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds | Daily – Now at a new location, Magical Winter Lights continues showcasing artistry to delight families and photographers with 60 giant illuminated lanterns, millions of holiday lights, and carnival rides. $27 and up. Times vary.

Texas Winter Lights at Marriott Marquis Houston in Downtown | Daily – Perched 6 stories above the heart of Downtown Houston, Texas Winter Lights transforms the hotel’s Altitude Rooftop and Pool into a holiday playland for all ages with over 100,000 glittering lights, captivating displays and photo opps, tasty food and drinks, and lively seasonal cheer. Elevate the night further with a 2-hour private Igloo cabana rental. $30; $20 for ages 2 to 12. 5pm to 10pm nightly.

Drunk Shakespeare at the Emerald Theatre | Daily – Five fearless actors take on a Shakespearian classic after downing several shots of assorted liquors, sending the show in unexpected directions. Guests can order cocktails delivered directly to their seats. $29 and up. Showtimes vary.

Best Neighborhoods & Attractions for Christmas Lights in Greater Houston | Daily | Many FREE – Hop in the car and cruise through some of Houston’s most striking neighborhoods to ooh and ahh at the 2024 season of holiday lights. Or head to many of the larger than life tickets holiday light destinations around the metro for photo opps and seasonal cheer.

Space Explorers: The Infinite at Sawyer Yards | Daily | Extended Until January 4, 2025 – Due to popular demand, the immersive VR experience inspired by NASA missions aboard the International Space Station (ISS) is sticking around through the holidays. Guests can experience never-before-seen 360-degree videos captured in space, explore the ISS, and see life as an astronaut before the epic installation ends its Houston run. $29 and up. Times vary.

Monday, December 9, 2024

Babyface Ray in Concert at House of Blues – The Detroit rapper, known for “What the Business Is,” “Gallery Dept,” and “Family > Money” plays the music hall stage at GreenStreet’s House of Blues. $30 and up. 7pm.

Yo-Yo Ma in Concert with Houston Symphony at Jones Hall – The extraordinary 19-time Grammy-winner joins the Houston Symphony for Dvořák’s heart-achingly beautiful Cello Concerto in a 1-night-only event at Jones Hall. Remaining tickets start at $355 and will only be delivered by mail. 7:30pm.

Tuesday, December 10, 2024

Ben Folds in Concert at Jones Hall – Performing Arts Houston welcomes one of the major music influencers of Generation X. Known for his genre-bending music, including classic ’90s albums with Ben Folds Five, he’ll be joined by Lindsey Kraft on his Paper Airplane Request Tour. Yep, he’ll be playing the audience’s favorite songs as requested by paper airplane thrown to the stage. $30 and up. 7:30pm.

Wednesday, December 11, 2024

Nick Lowe & Los Straitjackets in Concert at The Heights Theater | Wednesday – Following the release of their latest album Indoor Safari this fall, the silver-haired, tender-hearted but sharp-tongued singer-songwriter and the leading practitioners of the lost art of the guitar instrumental—wearing their trademark Lucha Libre Mexican wrestling masks—will perform an electric live show in the Heights. $32 and up. 8pm.

NBA Cup Quarterfinals: Houston Rockets vs. Golden State Warriors at Toyota Center | Wednesday – The NBA Cup battle returns to H-Town as the Rockets take on the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Cup Quarterfinals at Toyota Center. $15 and up. 8:30pm.

Thursday, December 12, 2024

Student Discount Night on Green Mountain Energy Ice at Discovery Green – Show your student ID and save $2 on your 75-minute skating sesh, including skates. $16 after discount; $18 for everyone else. 5pm to 10pm.

Código Tequila Dinner at Hugo’s – Enjoy an evening of fine tequilas, paired with Chef Hugo Ortega’s dishes, kicking off with a reception followed by a 4-course meal, with each course paired with a different tequila. $130. 6pm. 

Intro to the Art of Sushi at Trilogy Brew – Learn the art of sushi-making in a social, hands-on cooking class where you’ll learn to make California, spicy tuna, and handroll sushi rolls taught by an expert at the Spring coffee shop. Future dates available. $69. 6pm.

Friends Trivia at Lake Houston Brewery | No Cover – Think you know every important detail about Ross and Rachel? Or can you quote every Phoebe quip? Then pull your head out of the turkey for 4 trivia rounds about the iconic TV show. 6pm.

Cocktails, Candles & Wreaths at Love & Make DIY Workshop – Enjoy a festive craft cocktail in a 2-hour hands-on workshop combining the art of candle making and mini wreath creation in a DIY holiday experience well-suited for individuals, friends, dates and families. $65. 7pm.

Ride in Concert at White Oak Music Hall – Originally formed in Oxford, England back in 1988, the alternative, neo-psychedelia and Britpop band plays WOMH’s downstairs stage. $22.60 and up. 7pm.

Walt & Tina Wilkins Christmas Show at McGonigel’s Mucky Duck – The husband-wife singer-songwriter duo take the stage at the Montrose venue to perform an early evening Christmas show. $38 and up. 7pm.

Ugly Sweater Holiday Jam at Trebly Park | FREE – Don your ugliest holiday sweater to Downtown’s newest park for an evening of dueling pianos, holiday photo ops, optional grub and drinks from Toot Suite, and more. 7pm to 9pm.

T-Swift Birthday Bash: Silent Disco at Rooftop Cinema Club Uptown – Celebrate Taylor’s birthday and the end of the Eras tour with an outdoor rooftop dance party in Uptown. $15. 10:30pm.

Friday, December 13, 2024

Happy Hour Friday at Green Mountain Ice at Discovery Green – Save $2 on your 75-minute ice skating session, plus if you spend $12 or more on food and drinks at the Lake House, you’ll get a free ice cream. $16 after discount. 5pm to 8pm.

Thomas Schumacher Live Set at Space Cowboy – The Berlin-based DJ and producer makes his Cosmic Vibrations debut for a Friday the 13th show at the Heights Hotel. One of the most enduring, versatile artists in electronic music, he’s known for pushing boundaries and creating a safe place for” people to lose their minds, in the best possible way.” $15 and up. Doors at 6pm.

Dining in the Dark: A Blindfolded Dining Experience at Weights + Measures – Savor a secret three-course meal while blindfolded, heightening your senses of taste and smell. Meals include an appetizer, main course, and dessert. Select a meat, fish or vegan menu when booking your spot. Future dates available. $64. Seatings at 6:30pm and 8:30pm.

Candlelight Concert: Christmas Carols on Strings at First Methodist Houston Downtown – The Listeso String Quartet performs a 60-minute, multi-sensory string musical experience showcasing beloved Christmas carols—including “Carol of the Bells,” “Silent Night,” and “Do You Hear What I Hear”— performed under the gentle glow of candlelight. $30 and up. 6:30pm and 8:30pm.

Candycanes-N-Cocktails at Chapman & Kirby – Black attorneys and business leaders are invited to an evening of networking, holiday cheer and sophisticated fun. Come downtown to meet other like-minded professionals and kick off the holiday season. $20. 6:30pm to 9pm.

Holiday Cookie Decorating Workshop at Pop Shop America – The Heights retail shop presents a hands-on, 2-hour BYOB workshop, teaching simple techniques to decorate cookies. Participants save 10 percent off any cookie kits purchased after the class. $42.97. 7pm.

Pop Culture Trivia: Holiday Edition at the Houston Toy Museum – Grab your friends, pick a team name, and buckle up for 6 rounds of trivia about all things Christmas, from movies to music to traditions. BYOB, as well as snacks. Arrive early to check out the museum exhibits. $10. 7pm to 10pm.

Cheap Date Art Showcase at Hardy & Nance Studios | FREE – Find original pieces of art priced at $25 to give as gifts or add to your own collection while supporting local artists at the eccentric Insomnia Gallery inside the labyrinthian Hardy and Nance studios complex. Expect brews, food vendors, and more. 7pm to 11pm.

Noche de Cumbia Festival at Axelrad Beer Garden | No Cover – Houston’s biggest and most vibrant Cumbia party expands into a full-sized music festival for December, with music by Cumbia 319, Rosez, Ritmo Lokura, Villanuevo Su Combo Latino, King Louie, and Zeta on 2 stages, plus a mercadito. 7pm to 2am.

​​The Short & Sweet Speakeasy: A Sexy Burlesque Show at Avant Garden – Take in a live 90-minute burlesque show featuring local talents and a special guest in elaborate costumes, high production quality and more. Tickets include your first drink. $35. 8pm and 10pm.

Destroy Lonely in Concert at 713 Music Hall – The 23-year old rapper, singer and songwriter from Atlanta—known for “Nostylist,” “Luv 4 Ya,” and “If Looks Could Kill”—lands on the Post Houston stage in Downtown on his Forever Tour. $53.50 and up. 8pm.

Texas Sundown Band at Truck Yard Houston | No Cover – The EaDo hotspot hosts an acoustic concert featuring a variety of Texas, ‘90s, and Top 40 country tunes to kick off the weekend. 10pm.

Saturday, December 14, 2024

KG BBQ Houston Pop-Up at Axelrad Beer Garden – The barbecue-loving corporate finance guy from Cairo, who left his job to move to Austin and become a Texas pitmaster, combining Egyptian and Middle spices and flavors, comes to HTX to serve up brisket, lamp chops, sumac and cinnamon-rubbed lamb shoulders, rice bowls, sides, and more. Servings are limited. Order in advance to lock in your meal. 11am to 4pm.

Apollo Chamber Players: Holiday Voyage at First Congregational Church | FREE – Celebrate the cultures and traditions of many faiths in music at Apollo’s annual holiday tradition, performed in the aim of developing compassion and harmony. Donations accepted on behalf of Healthcare for the Homeless. 4pm.

Lights on White Oak 2024 in the Heights | No Cover – Get into, and out of, the Lights in the Heights spirit down the road on White Oak Boulevard, where Christian’s Tailgate, Little Woodrow’s, Bobcat Teddy’s, Onion Creek and EZ’s Liquor Lounge expand with live DJs, food trucks, local vendors, and more. 4pm to 2am.

Lights in the Heights 2024 in Woodlands Heights | FREE – Stroll through the beautifully decorated streets of Woodlands Heights at one of Houston’s most anticipated holiday events. Every year, the neighborhood streets are closed off, allowing pedestrians to roam freely as they admire the gorgeous homes hosting private parties that sometimes feature musical performances on the porch. 6pm to 9pm.

Santa Paws at Market Square Park | FREE – After a day at Trebly Park, and a little break, the big man relocates to Downtown’s oldest park to pose for free photos with your well-behaved pets. Just like in the day, there will be live music, entertainment, complimentary hot chocolate, face painting, a gift-wrapping station, and more. Noon to 3pm.

Flea by Night at Discovery Green | FREE – Shop for unique gifts and more at Discovery Green’s beloved  marketplace, where you can also expect live performances, food trucks and more. Plus, you can take advantage of the Ice at Discovery Green, Pixar Putt and more. 6pm to 10pm.

Brew & Beats at 8th Wonder Brewery | FREE – Do some last minute holiday shopping while enjoying great music and beverages. Wear your ugliest Christmas sweater and you may win a prize. 6pm to 11pm.

Dawes in Concert at The Heights Theater – The California folk rock band composed of brothers Taylor and Griffin Goldsmith bring their Laurel Canyon-influenced sound to the stage off historic 19th Street in the Heights. Winnetka Bowling League opens the show. $36 and up. 7pm. 

Houston Grand Opera: Carols on the Green at Discovery Green | FREE – The 90-minute family-friendly concert and singalong features a program of opera, holiday hits, mariachi, and more. Company favorite Vanessa Alonzo is joined by the University of Houston Mariachi Pumas band, Indigo Diaspora Dance Company, Segundo Barrio Children’s Chorus, members of HGO’s Butler Studio program and Bauer Family High School Voice Studio, and the renowned HGO Chorus.  7pm.

Ugly Sweater Party at The Local Bar in Cypress & Katy | No Cover – Both locations of The Local Bar host a night of holiday cocktails, live DJ music, a prizes for the ugliest darn sweater to walk in the door. 7pm to midnight.

Studded Left at Axelrad Beer Garden | FREE – Grab your friends and enjoy a night of music featuring the Houston-based band L.A. Weekly called “weapons-grade Texan psychedelicists.” ALien Eyelid and Post Trance Tea Ceremony complete the bill. 21 and up only. 8pm to 11pm.

Sara Evans in Concert at Arena Theatre – The multiple award-winning country artist brings a night of country and holiday music to West Houston on her 21 Days of Christmas tour. $31 and up. 8:30pm.

Los Skarnales & The Allen Oldies Band: Holiday Bash at The Continental Club – The local ska/punk act Los Skarnales partner up with rock and roll outfit The Allen Oldies Band in a showcase of holiday hits and rock and roll classics from the ’50s and ’60s on Mid Main. $15; $20 at the door. 9pm.

Sunday, December 15, 2024

Karbach Holiday Fest & Shop Local Market at Karbach Brewing | FREE – Enjoy a day of live music, kid and pet photos with Santa, DIY ornament making, live music, holiday photo opps, and browse the goods from Shop Local Market, featuring more than 50 small entrepreneurs selling handmade crafts, gifts, seasonal items, and more. 11am to 6pm.

Pat Green Acoustic Set at The Rustic Post Oak – The Texas country artist who rose through the college town and dancehall scene in the ’90s to become the poster child of Texas music performs an acoustic show, joined by Charlie Mccabe and Joey Junior $30 and up. Seated dinner options available. 6pm.

Herb Alpert & Lani Hall: A Christmas Wish at Cullen Performance Hall – Legendary music icon Herb Alpert and his wife Lani Hall perform an eclectic mix of American standards, Christmas songs, Brazilian jazz, Beatles, and some classic Tijuana Brass and Brazil ’66 hits in a unique nostalgia-fueled concert. $23 to $123. 7:30pm.

Ian Moore Annual Holiday Show at Old Quarter Acoustic Cafe – Austin singer-songwriter Ian Moore brings musicians Bukka Allen and Warren Hood to Galveston’s legendary live music outpost for his annual acoustic Christmas show. $50. 8:30pm.

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