Make the most of your month with our list of 15 favorite events and happenings in Houston during December 2016.
Also in December 2016
The holidays are upon us, and there’s plenty of cheer to go around before we head into 2017. Sing along to tunes from Dolly Parton, see a new take on the classic ballet The Nutcracker, pick up a gift for everyone on your list, rock out at the Day for Night Festival and more at these can’t-miss events in Houston this December.
Events are not ranked, but are listed in chronological order throughout the month of December, with the daily option closing out the list.
Top 15 Things to Do in Houston: December 2016
- Christmas Events Around Houston | Daily – From light displays to shopping markets, theatrical performances, skating rinks, and home tours, there’s something for “kids from 1 to 92”.
- Houston Ballet’s The Nutcracker at the Wortham Theater Center | Through Tuesday, December 27 – Don’t miss the Houston Ballet’s brand-new production of The Nutcracker. This classic is sure to get you into the holiday spirit.
- 5th Anniversary at Roost | Daily – Celebrate Roost’s 5th anniversary with a menu of all-time favorites from chef Kevin Naderi. They’re making the celebration even sweeter by offering a prix fixe menu to benefit local charities.
- DesignCraft Holiday Art Market at Market Square Park | Saturday, December 3 | FREE to Attend – Find handmade gifts from local vendors while enjoying live music, demonstrations, and grub from local food trucks during DesignCraft.
- Tamale Festival at Navigation Esplanade | Saturday, December 3 – Chow down on tamales – you can even compete in a tamale eating contest – while enjoying live entertainment on multiple stages from artists like Soul Creatures, Los Guerreros de la Musica, and Metalachi at the Tamale Festival.
- Sierra Nevada Rare Beer Dinner at Underbelly | Sunday, December 4 – Join Chris Shepherd as he hosts the Sierra Nevada Brewery for a special dinner featuring extremely rare brews.
- Yuletide: Annual Christmas Concert and Coffee at Bayou Bend Collection & Gardens | Monday, December 5 – Join River Oaks Chamber Orchestra for a festive concert and holiday refreshments in a traditional Belgian Spiegeltent at Bayou Bend.
- Dolly Parton in Concert at NRG | Monday, December 5 – The legendary Dolly Parton will perform at NRG as part of her Pure and Simple 2016 Tour. Tickets start at $49, but you may find cheaper or better seats on TicketNetwork’s online resale market.
- Collective + Hope at the Hobby Center | Thursday, December 8 – Witness the artful collaboration between Hope Stone Dance and members of the Houston arts community that will feature a dance performance from four-year-olds of Generation One Academy, a monologue from a Cristo Rey Jesuit High School student, a veteran drumming circle and more at Hobby Center.
- Andrea Bocelli in Concert at Toyota Center | Sunday, December 11 – Hear the incredibly talented Andrea Bocelli belt out some of his biggest hits at Toyota Center.
- Houston Brewery Birthday Bash at Kirby Icehouse | Thursday, December 15 | FREE to Attend – Head to Kirby Icehouse to celebrate Karbach’s 5th anniversary and Saint Arnold’s 22nd anniversary at this birthday bash made for beer lovers. 6pm to 9pm.
- Day for Night Festival at Barbara Jordan Post Office | Friday, December 16 to Sunday, December 18 – Experience performances from more than 40 musical and visual artists including Aphex Twin, Bjork Digital, Odesza, Golan Levin and more during this festival celebrating light and sound at Silver Street.
- Feast of the Seven Fishes at Pass & Provisions | Saturday, December 24 – Feast on a seven-course seafood dinner with wine pairings from Pass & Provisions at this Christmas Eve event.
- AdvoCare V100 Texas Bowl at NRG Stadium | Wednesday, December 28 – The Big 12 and SEC will go head-to-head in this Texas-sized bowl game at NRG.
- New Year’s Eve Celebrations Around Houston | Saturday, December 31 –Toast to 2017 with friends and loved ones at an all-night party, pub crawl or special dinner this New Year’s Eve.
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