Find the perfect things to do in Houston Christmas weekend with events and things to do in our 365 Houston Weekend Guide for Thursday, December 19 to Sunday, December 22, 2024.

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Plan Your Christmas Weekend: December 19 to 22, 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 All Weekend Long section.

All Weekend Long

Mercury: English Baroque Christmas Around Greater Houston | Daily – The orchestra offers a series of holiday concerts in the Heights, Memorial, the Museum District, and The Woodlands. The programs of baroque music and traditional English Christmas songs are part of the orchestra’s Neighborhood series. Locations, prices and showtimes vary.

Voices of Light: Choral Performances in the Cistern at Buffalo Bayou Park | Thursday, Saturday & Sunday – The Schola Cantorum of Downtown’s Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart presents a 20-minute choral journey through centuries of music inside the park’s cavernous cistern—also animated with special lighting to create a unique winter holiday experience. Future dates available. $29. 7pm, 7:45pm, and 8:30pm.

Candlelight Christmas Concerts Around Houston | Thursday, Saturday & Sunday – The Listeso String Quartet performs several 60-minute programs of beloved Christmas carols and of Winter Solstice inspired classical pieces, including selections from The Nutcracker, by the glow of candlelight. Locations, prices, and times vary.  

Holiday Fantasy: A Live Show Spectacular at Moody Gardens | Opens Thursday – Moody Gardens hosts an all new musical theater production filled with  illusions, acrobatics, stunning visuals and electrifying performances to fuel your holiday joy. Showtimes vary.

Snow Glow on the Bayou at Allen’s Landing in Downtown | Opens Friday | FREE – New for 2024, Downtown Houston presents a nightly digital, immersive light and sound spectacular at Allen’s Landing. Reflecting in the water and projected onto a 4-story tall, 6-story wide water screen, Snow Glow can be experienced from multiple vantage points, from Buffalo Bayou’s nearby banks or trails, or on a ticketed holiday boat tour from Buffalo Bayou Partnership. 6pm to 10pm.

Houston Symphony: Handel’s Messiah at Jones Hall | Friday & Saturday – One of music’s most-loved oratorios, which includes the iconic “Hallelujah” Chorus, the Messiah tells the story of the birth and life of Christ. The Houston Symphony Chorus joins the orchestra for this majestic holiday tradition. $45 and up. Showtimes vary. 

Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt at City Lights in Downtown Houston | Friday to Sunday | FREE – Spot hidden elves at each of multiple holiday villages around Downtown and you might win the ultimate Downtown staycation that includes hotel accommodations and tickets to top attractions. 6am to 10pm daily.

Radiant Nature at Houston Botanic Garden | Friday to Sunday – More than 50 larger-than-life Chinese lantern installations decorate the Houston Botanic Garden, bringing to life stunning displays that showcase the beauty of nature and celebrate the promise of the Lunar New Year. Future dates available. $28.50; free for ages 3 and under.

Comedian Tony Roberts at Houston Improv | Friday to Sunday | FREE – The Spring Branch club hosts 5 sets by the Detroit-born comic, actor, and writer known as the  “comedians’ comedian” is beloved for his hilarious and refreshing energetic comedy style. Times vary. $44 for 2 and up.

Yippee Ki Yay: The One-Man Parody Celebration of Die Hard at Wortham Center | Friday to Sunday – Just in time for the holidays, Houston Performing Arts presents an uplifting action romp, and unauthorized parody, paying affectionate tribute to the iconic ‘80s festive fan favorite. The show won best comedy at the 2023  London Pub Theatre Awards. $39 and up. Showtimes vary.

Revels Houston: The Christmas Revels at MATCH | Friday to Sunday – Be part of a journey to a 17th century English village, where the townspeople are celebrating the winter solstice. Amid the revelry of songs, carols and dances, there’s a skeptic who doesn’t believe that faeries, dragons and hobgoblins are real. Can the other convince him these magical creatures exist? $35. Showtimes vary.

Cantare Holiday Concert: This Night So Still Concert at MFAH | Saturday & Sunday – Hear Cantare’s choral ensemble fill the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston’s largest gallery of European art with powerfully evocative vocal warmth and dynamic interpretations of timeless classics and new scores. $35: $10 students. 7:30pm both nights. 

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. 

4th Wall Theatre Company: Vanya & Sonia & Masha & Spike at Spring Street Studios | Daily | Final Weekend – This is the last chance to catch Christopher Durang’s comedy about middle-aged siblings Vanya and Sonia, living an uneventful life in Pennsylvania. When their sister Masha shows up with her much-younger love, Spike. Chaos and hilarity ensue. $32 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.

The Polar Express at the Galveston Railroad Museum | Daily – One of the most magical family holiday experiences, the annual Polar Express train ride invites families on a 60-minute journey to the North Pole. During the experience, they’ll meet characters from the iconic film, including the conductor, the singing chefs, the hobo, and Santa Claus; dig into cookies and hot! hot! hot chocolate; and enjoy dancing elves, thousands of lights, and more. Prices and times vary.

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%.

12 Days of Christmas Pop-Up at Finn Hall in Downtown Houston | Daily | Ends Monday, December 23 – 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. 

Welcome 2025 at New Year’s Eve parties, concerts & events in Greater Houston

Thursday, December 19, 2024

Tamalada Party at Sylvia’s Enchilada Kitchen on Eldridge – Tamale Queen Sylvia Casares will host a public 3-hour tamalada, where guests will make chicken and/or pork tamales, which will be packaged to take home to cook and enjoy at holiday celebrations. Classes conclude with happy hour and appetizers. $75 per person, including one dozen tamales to take home. Reservations required. 2pm.

Visual Journey Opening Reception at Silver Street Studios | FREE – Explore a unique showcase featuring painting, sculpture, mixed media, photography, and more created by the artists of Silver Street at an opening event. 5pm to 7pm.

Elf Movie Screening at Market Square Park | FREE – Catch a free screening of Elf (2003, PG), the fish-out-of-water holiday comedy starring Will Ferrell, at Market Square Park in historic Downtown. 6pm.

Songs of Light & Hope: A Hanukkah Concert at MFAH | FREE – In the lead up to Hanukkah, which begins next week, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston hosts three cantors—Congregation Beth Israel’s Kenneth Feibush, Congregation Beth Yeshurun’s Rachel Goldman, and Congregation Emanu El’s Rollin Simmons—who’ll share and sing selections celebrating the Jewish holiday. Included with museum admission, which is free on Thursdays. 6:30pm.

Houston Rockets vs New Orleans Pelicans at Toyota Center – The Rockets hold court as they face off against the boys from Nawlins. Opt for the National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation package and your ticket comes with a Rockets red alpine hat modeled after the one worn by Randy Quaid in the film. $8 and up. 7pm.

Candlelight Concert: Christmas Carols on Strings at Lone Star Flight Museum – The Listeso String Quartet performs a 60-minute program of beloved carols— including “Carol of the Bells,” “Silent Night,” and “Do You Hear What I Hear”—under the gentle glow of candlelight. Other dates available. $60 and up. 7pm.

Robert Earl Keen’s Lights, Camera, Christmas! at House of Blues – Resurrecting his iconic Merry Christmas From The Family show, named for his tongue-in-cheek-but-rings-true holiday song, Keen brings his holiday favorites, hits and more to Downtown Houston. John R. Miller opens. $65 and up. 7pm.

Silent Night Disco at Market Square Park | FREE – Slip on a pair of glowing headphones and choose from multiple DJ-curated playlists featuring a mashup of all genres and holiday classics at this final edition of the weekly family-friendly holiday pop-up. 7pm to 9pm.

Millennial Singles Mixer at Axelrad Beer Garden | FREE – Axelrad hosts an all-inclusive event where singles of all orientations are invited to meet, mingle, and maybe even find someone else to join them for cuddle season. 7pm to 9:30pm.

Comedian Joel Kim Booster at Houston Improv – Named one of the “Queer Young Comics Redefining American Humor” by the New York Times, Booster is best known for writing and starring in the 2023 film Fire Island and co-starring with Maya Rudolph in the Apple TV+ series Loot. $100 for 4 people and up. 7:30pm.

Chicanukah Party at Holocaust Museum Houston | FREE with RSVP – Adults can enjoy a Latino-Jewish cross-cultural holiday celebration with light bites, cocktails, and dessert at HMH. RSVP required. 7:30pm to 10pm.

Jack Ingram in Concert at The Heights Theater – Born and raised in The Woodlands, the Texas singer-songwriter and country star plays an intimate show on the Heights Theater stage, with special guest Blu Sanders. $24 and up. 8pm.

The Vince King Christmas Show at Main Street Crossing – The local multi-award-winning Elvis tribute artist, Vince King croons holiday classics popularized and performed by Elvis, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, and more. $39 and up. 8pm.

The Classic Gentleman: A Frank Sinatra Tribute Concert at Post Houston – Rickey Davis croons Sinatra’s timeless classics and greatest hits for the holidays, set against the backdrop of Houston’s skyline on the rooftop garden. $23 in advance; $27 at the door. 8pm.

Candlelight Concert: Christmas Special with The Nutcracker & More at Lone Star Flight Museum – The Listeso String Quartet performs a program of winter-inspired classical works—including selections from Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, seasonally appropriate classics by Debussy and Vivaldi, the traditional Hanukkah song Ma’oz Tzur, and more—by the glow of candlelight. Other dates available. 9:15pm.

Champagne Drip DJ Set at Stereo Live – The EDM DJ and music producer from Oregon hits the stacks at Stereo Live. $19.99. 10pm to 2am.

Friday, December 20, 2024

Love & Make Lip Gloss & Perfume Workshop at MYX Blend Bar – Love & Make DIY workshop takes the show on the road, hosting 1-hour workshops where guests will create their own 10ml perfume and lip gloss in a fun, creative atmosphere. $85. Sessions start on the hour from 5pm to 8pm. 

Elf Trivia at McIntyre’s Downtown | No Cover – The Downtown nightspot starts things off early with a game of trivia based around the classic Will Ferrell holiday comedy. 6pm.

Winter Solstice Celebration at Discovery Green | FREE – Mark the exact moment of the winter solstice with a healing sound bath, offering a moment of quiet reflection and meditation on the changing of the seasons. 6pm to 7pm.

Trombone Christmas Concert at Market Street Park | FREE – The Woodlands holiday tradition returns, with 60-minute slide trombone Christmas carol concert. 6:30pm.

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.

Carousel Club Burlesque at House of Blues – Named after the infamous Jack Ruby’s Dallas strip club, which shuttered in the early ‘60’s, the touring Texas burlesque show bills itself as the state’s most extravagant. $25 to $50. 7pm.

Dueling Pianos with J-Mo & JoiKo at Post Houston – Post’s rooftop stage welcomes a family holiday singalong concert and a night of requests, Christmas classics, dancing, games, improvised comedy and more. $25 in advance; $30 day of show. 7pm to 9pm.

Noche Latina at Home Run Dugout | No Cover – Katy’s live entertainment headquarters hosts a night of live salsa dancing, starting off with a free, 60-minute salsa class at 7pm and followed by a night of dancing to live music by Shekere Latin Band. 7pm to midnight. 

2024 Winter Solstice: An A Cappella Holiday Concert at MATCH – The award-winning Space City Sound a cappella group presents a lively show filled with holiday favorites.  $35 and up. 7:30pm.

The Illusionists: The Magic of the Holidays at Smart Financial Centre – Originating on Broadway, the illusionists have astounded audiences around the globe with a mix of the outrageous and astonishing acts suitable for the entire family. $49 and up. 8pm.

​​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. Future dates available. $35. 8pm and 10pm.

Rhythm Roulette at Axelrad Beer Garden | No Cover – DJs Era andJessica Lozano present a night of boundless house music sounds with grooves for miles. 8pm to 1am.

The Wheel Workers in Concert at The Continental Club – The Houston-based 5-piece political rock band channels elements of the Dead Kennedys, The Clash, and Pixies. Another Run and Rosedale open the show.$10 in advance; $15 day of show. 9pm. 

deadmau5 Live Set at Stereo Live – The 7-time Grammy-nominated Canadian dance and electronic music producer and DJ—who, for the initiated, frequently performs wearing a giant, futuristic glowing metallic cartoon mouse head—rules the decks for one night at the westside dance club. $89. 10pm to 2am.

Things to Do on Saturday, December 21 & Sunday, December 22, 2024

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