Find the perfect things to do in Houston this weekend with 75+ events and more to do in our 365 Houston Weekend Guide for New Year’s Eve, Wednesday, December 31 to Sunday, January 4, 2026.
The weekend right after New Year’s is always a bit of a hodge podge as the city starts to rub the holidays out its eyes, so the weekend is top loaded with so much happening on Wednesday, then fairly light going after that.
But there’s still a lot of options to get you out of the house, no matter the budget.
Get this list in your inbox every week and sign up for free.
Want to add your event? Featured Calendar Listings get your event added to this list and to our calendars within 1 business day. Order now or learn more.
Plan Your New Year’s Weekend: December 31, 2025 to January 4, 2026
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 New Year’s Weekend Long
Extended New Year’s Brunch at Common Bond Bakery & Bistro | Daily – New Year’s brunch is available all day through the weekend, with $1 mimosas, $3 flights, and $5 carafes. Places vary. 7am to 8pm daily. Learn more.
Garden Theatre: Cruel Intentions—The ’90s Musical at MATCH | Daily | Ongoing – Based on the 1999 film starring Reese Witherspoon, Ryan Phillippe and Sarah Michelle Geller, the musical delves into the manipulative world of Manhattan’s most dangerous liaisons. $30. Times vary. Get tickets.
Holiday Special at Artechouse | Daily | Last Weekend – Step into a festive fusion of holiday creativity, innovation, and cheer for all ages at the interactive museum in the Heights. $28; $17 ages 4 to 15. Times vary. Get tickets.
Best Neighborhoods & Attractions for Christmas Lights in Greater Houston | Daily | Last Weekend | Many FREE – Check out 8 neighborhoods and 14 light attraction destinations oohing and ahhing Houstonians and guests across the entire metro. Places, prices and times vary. Learn more.
Polar Palooza Snow Days at Children’s Museum Houston | Thursday to Sunday | Last Weekend – It’s the last chance to play in the snow for the season, plus the museum is packed with extra wintry fun and activities. Included with $19.96 admission. 9am to 5pm daily. Get tickets.
The Complete Walking Tour of Houston: History, Architecture & Street Art in Downtown | Thursday, Saturday & Sunday – Embark on Houston’s only tip-based, guided walking tour—with glowing 5-star reviews on TripAdvisor—exploring iconic landmarks, stunning architecture, and fascinating stories from the city’s past in a 2-hour tour of Downtown. Meet in front of Day 6 Coffee Co. at 910 Prairie St. Pay What You Wish; RSVP required. Times vary. RSVP now.
Comedian Gabriel Iglesias at Houston Improv | Friday & Saturday | Ongoing – “Fluffy”, the second highest grossing touring comic, returns to HTX for 2 weekends of shows. $66+. Times vary. Get tickets.
Comedian Sam Jay at Punch Line Houston | Friday & Saturday – The Emmy-nominated Saturday Night Live writer and comic known for her series Bust Down on Peacock plays 4 shows. $32+. Times vary. Get tickets.
Murder on the Orient Express at Theatre Southwest | Friday to Sunday – Agatha Christie’s most famous whodunit comes to life on the Westchase stage as detective Hercule Poirot must deduce a new culprit. $22; $20 students and ages 65+. Times vary. Get tickets.
Houston Symphony: A Nat King Cole New Year at Jones Hall | Friday to Sunday – The Symphony Big Band performs Cole’s timeless hits and other jazz standards. Think “Mona Lisa,” “Nature Boy,” “When I Fall in Love,” and more. $26+. Times vary. Get tickets.
Rosca de Reyes at El Bolillo Bakery | Friday to Monday – The bakery marks the Mexican Epiphany tradition with handcrafted Rosca de Reyes, colorful breads made from recipes passed down over generations. $25+ for preorder and in-store pickup. Places and times vary. Order or learn more.
Bumper Cars on Ice at Discovery Green | Opens Friday | Ongoing – Glide, spin, and bump your way across the icy rink at the battery-powered bumper cars return to the ice due to popular demand. $20 for a 7-minute ride. Times vary. Learn more.
Battle of Galveston Walking Tours in Downtown Galveston | Saturday & Sunday – Learn about the land and sea battle that played out over several hours 163 years ago on New Year’s Day, 1863 while visiting many structures standing today. Times vary. $38. Get tickets.
Married On Island: Galveston Bridal Expo at Galveston Island Convention Center | Saturday & Sunday – Plan an entire island wedding in a weekend at a coastal wedding showcase with top local vendors—florists, photographers, venues, planners, hair and makeup artists, DJs, and more. $10+. 10am to 4pm both days. Get tickets.
Drunk Christmas Carol: A Boozy Holiday Comedy at Drunk Shakespeare Theater | Thursday to Sunday | Last Weekend – Five actors enact Dickens’ classic tale, after the lead downs 5 shots of whiskey. Future dates available. $49+. Times vary. Get tickets.
The Ice at Discovery Green | Daily | Ongoing – Houston’s winter favorite continues to shine at Discovery Green. $18 includes skates and 75 minutes of skating. Must be booked in advance. Times vary. Get tickets.
Holiday Light Attractions Wrapping Up the Season
Magical Winter Lights at Fort Bend County Fairgrounds | Daily | Final Weekend – Houston’s stunning light attraction, boasting 60 Chinese lanterns, wraps up for the season, with areas themed to Houston, space, ice, the sea, dinosaurs, a kingdom, and more. $25+; $18+ ages 3 to 12. Times vary. Get tickets.
H-Town Holiday Lights at Discovery Green | Daily | Final Weekend | FREE – Space City Light Shows’ H-Town Frankie—whose home holiday light shows go viral with Houston hip-hop music, nostalgia, and pride—rolls out his signature style on the Brown Promenade with automated music, animation, and more. Times vary. Learn more.
Holiday Lights in Clay Family Glades at Memorial Park | Daily | Final Weekend | FREE – Take in the lights and lanterns along the Clay Family Eastern Glades’ entire half-mile Promenade. 5pm to 9pm nightly. Learn more.
Zoo Lights at Houston Zoo | Daily | Final Weekend – Zoo Lights wraps up another season, bedecked in millions of holiday lights adorning the zoo’s winding paths. $30+. 5:30pm to 10:30pm. Get tickets.
Sugar Land Holiday Lights at Constellation Field | Daily | Final Weekend – More than three million lights create a sparkling winter wonderland at the home of the Sugar Land Space Cowboys. The ballpark features themed areas, a market, a snow play area, an ice skating rink, and more. $19; $15 for ages 4 to 12, 65+, and military with ID. Times vary. Get tickets.
Galaxy Lights at Space Center Houston | Daily | Final Weekend – The cosmic spectacle Galaxy Lights departs Space Center Houston once again. But you can still explore a twinkling wonderland of space-themed light installations, high-tech experiences, holiday treats. $20+ free for ages 3 and under. 6pm to 10pm nightly. Get tickets.
Holiday Carousel & Holiday Train at Hermann Park | Thursday to Sunday | Final Weekend – Take a train ride through Hermann Park, or simply a merry-go-round ride in the Commons, accompanied by holiday lights, festive music, and more. $3 carousel rides; $6+ train rides. Times vary. Get tickets.
New Year’s Eve, Wednesday, December 31, 2025
10+ Noon Year’s Eve Celebrations & Events for Kids & Families in Greater Houston | Many FREE – We got a few of our favorite daytime family events below, but find 10 more great options around the metro. Places, prices, and times vary. Learn more.
100+ New Year’s Eve Parties, Concerts & Events in Greater Houston | Some FREE – You’ll find some great party picks below, but find our expanded list has 80+ more choices across Greater HTX. Places, prices, and times vary. Learn more.
Rockin’ New Year’s Noon at Children’s Museum Houston – Kids can ring in the new year at the stroke of noon with live performances, giveaways, and a shimmering ball drop. Included with $19.95 admission. 9am to 3pm. Get tickets.
Noon Year’s Eve at CityCentre | FREE – Kiddos can dance to DJ music, enjoy face painting and balloon artists, count down and cap the noon hour off with bubbles, and more. 11am to 2pm. Learn more.
Cheers To New Year’s at Truck Yard Houston | No Cover – The sprawling, rustic EaDo party hub hosts an all day New Year’s Eve celebration complete with live music, rotating food trucks, and backyard vibes. Champagne toast at midnight. Noon to 1am. Learn more.
2026 NYE Afternoon Bash at Main Event Locations in Humble, Shenandoah, Stafford & Tomball – Kids and families can enjoy games and prizes, with unlimited activities, food & fun combos, exclusive raffles, and a chance to win free laser tag for a year. $35; free ages 2 and under. 2pm to 6pm. Get tickets.
Irish New Year at McGonigel’s Mucky Duck – The pub’s annual Irish New Year’s Eve celebration includes live Irish files beginning at 4pm, with an Irish midnight celebration at 6pm, welcoming in 2026 with Auld Lang Syne as the clock strikes midnight in Ireland. $82+. 4pm to 7pm. Get tickets.
Hogmanay 2026 at Vallensons’ Brewing Company | No Cover – The Pearland brewery rings in the Scottish new year—countdown delayed 2 hours 6pm to 8pm because traffic—with live music, bagpipers, and barbecue. Tartans welcome. 4pm to 10pm. Learn more.
The Art of Eve at Winsome Prime – Bring in the New Year in grand style, with an elevated-dining experience with boldly curated recipes and hand-crafted cocktails where dinner evolves into a party with dancing to live music and DJ curations, a Champagne toast, NYE party favors, and more. Menu item prices vary. Seatings from 5pm to 11:30pm; dancing until late. Reserve.
New Year’s Eve: Kam Franklin Live Set at Hotel Lucine – Galveston’s hip beachfront boutique hotel hosts a 4-course supper inspired by Gulf waters and winter harvests. After dinner, wander out to the pergola for live music from Houston’s own Kam Franklin and a champagne toast when the clock strikes midnight. $125. 5pm to 1am. Get tickets.
Crawl ‘Til The Ball Falls at Leon’s Lounge – Party crawl through Midtown staples like Wooster’s Garden, Solarium, Casa Verde, and more for drink specials and more. $25. 6pm to 2am. Get tickets.
NYE Celebration Stroll: Wellness Walk at Buffalo Bayou Park | FFREE – Urban Paths’ Laura Conely leads a 90-minute evening walk to remember 2025 and take steps into 2026. 6:30pm. Learn more.
Comedian Red Grant at Houston Improv – With New York’s Apollo Theatre under his belt, the comic known for his infectious laugh closes out 2025 with 2 live shows, including a special countdown in the second show. 7pm and 10:30pm. $56+. Get tickets.
NYE Bash at Axelrad | No Cover – Party to music by Azul, with DJ tunes, free photo booth and free Champagne toast, steak night, and vendors. 7pm to 1am. Learn more.
New Year’s Eve Gala at Theatre Southwest – Start your engine with light bites and convos, followed by an early presentation of Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express with an extended intermission. Expect door prizes, Champagne, desserts, hats, and noisemakers. $60. 7:30pm to midnight. Get tickets.
Str8 to the Vibe NYE with Kymora Simone Concert Upstairs at Axelrad – The singer headlines a ticketed concert offering good vibes and company. $15+. 8pm. Get tickets.
10th Annual New Year’s Eve: Art of Celebration at Chapman & Kirby – EaDo’s big annual black tie NYE party marks a decade with live music, DJs, and VIP dining and carving stations. $44+. 8pm to 2am. Get tickets.
City Place Countdown: NYE at City Place | FREE – All ages can enjoy an evening of live music, dancing, food trucks, photo ops, and festive characters. The night ends with a dazzling midnight drone show to count down to the new year. 8:15pm to 12:15pm. Learn more.
New Year’s Eve Party with Dyllan Culp at Rob Ray’s Taproom | No Cover – Local country artist Dyllan Culp performs and leads the Pearland New Year’s celebration with music and countdown fireworks. 8:30pm to midnight. Learn more.
Treaty Oak Revival in Concert at Toyota Center – Ring in the New Year with the Texas country rock band, joined by openers William Clark Green, along with Gannon Fremin and CCREV. $44+. 9pm. Get tickets.
New Year’s Eve Celebration 2025 on the Skylawn at Post Houston – It’s the roaring ’20s on the rooftop at a Great Gatsby-inspired celebration of glitz and glamour, with music by Ice House Radio and surrounded by Downtown’s midnight fireworks, and more. $99+. 9pm to 1am. Get tickets.
Mixers & Elixirs: New Year’s Eve at Houston Museum of Natural Science – Dance under the dinos HMNS’ popular after dark party with tunes by Danny Ray and the Atlantic Street Band and drinks, food, DJs, and a stellar view midnight fireworks. 21+. $70. 9pm to 1am. Get tickets.
New Year’s Eve at Social Beer Garden HTX | No Cover – Show up and countdown with a live DJ, drinks, and more, with premium and lower-tier Champagne options with table reservations. 9pm to 2am. Reserve table or learn more.
More Great Things to Do All Weekend Long – Some of the biggest things to do in Houston are happening all weekend long. Check out local attractions and destinations and more.
New Year’s Day, Thursday, January 1, 2026
New Year’s Day Run or Walk at Galveston Island Running Club | FREE – Join the annual New Year’s Day tradition and take a 2- to 4-mile run to kick off your year—with treats, mimosas, coffee, and cocoa afterwards. 8am. Learn more.
Vuelve a la Vida Brunch with H Town Restaurant Group – Chef Hugo Ortega’s restaurants—Caracol, Hugo’s, Xochi, and Urbe—host elaborate New Year’s Day “return-to-life brunch” buffets. Reservations recommended. Places and prices vary. 10am to 3pm. Reserve.
Hangover Brunch at EZ’s Liquor Lounge – Belly up to fried chicken and biscuits, Champagne specials, caviar, and more offered at cost help to recover from late night New revelry. Prices vary. 11am until sold out. Learn more.
New Year’s Day Family Celebration at Wakefield Crowbar | FREE – The Garden Oaks volley-bar hosts its annual day party with a noon ball drop, college bowl games on big screens, and free play on the playground and giant sandbox. 11am to 3pm. Learn more.
Trashy New Year’s Brunch at Trash Panda Drinking Club – Settle in for $1 pancakes and $10 mimosa carafes at the Near Northside cocktail bar. 11am to 4pm. Learn more.
Cheers to the New Year at Little Woodrow’s Rice Village – Enjoy $12 strawberry, pineapple peach, and mango from open to close for New Year’s Day. 11am to 2am. Learn more.
New Release Movies at River Oaks Theatre – Houston’s favorite movie house screens is screening No Other Choice, Marty Supreme, Song Sung Blue, and The Housemaid. Prices vary. Screenings start from 11am to 10:30pm. Get tickets.
New Year’s Day on the Ice at Discovery Green – Downtown’s beloved outdoor rink opens just after lunch for anyone wanting to glide along on the holiday. This is also the last day before bumper cars take to the Ice for part of every day. $18 for 75-minutes with skate rental. Advance booking required. 1pm to 7pm. Get tickets.
New Year Meditation at MFAH | FREE – Houston Zen Center’s Gyōzan Royce Johnson leads a Buddhist-themed hour of meditation and discussion. Included with admission. 6:30pm. Learn more.
More Great Things to Do All Weekend Long – Some of the biggest things to do in Houston are happening all weekend long. Check out local attractions and destinations and more.
Friday, January 2, 2026
Little Kid Flicks at MFAH | FREE – Enjoy family-friendly film offerings from the touring New York International Children’s Film Festival with an hour of short animation, live action, and documentary films. Intended for ages 5+. 11:30am. Learn more.
Big Kid Flicks at MFAH | FREE – Ages 8 and up can take in an hour of family-friendly film offerings from the touring New York International Children’s Film Festival, featuring short animation, live action, and doco films. 2pm. Learn more.
Happy Hour Friday at MFAH Beck Building – Explore the Museum of Fine Arts’ galleries and enjoy specials from Cafe Leonelli. $24 admission. 5pm to 8pm. Learn more.
713v3 Virtua Fighter 5 & Tekken 8 Tournament at Bad Astronaut Brewing – Two teams of 3 gamers duke out, with rounds for different skill levels. Play is free to watch; $20 per team to compete. 5:30pm to 11pm. Get tickets.
Full Moon Hike at Memorial Park | FREE with RSVP – Join Bayou City Outdoors for an exploration of one of H-Town’s hidden green spaces on a social hike. An optional dinner gather follows at nearby Canyon Cafe. 6:45pm to 8:15pm. RSVP.
Back In Black Concert at House of Blues – The AC/DC tribute band brings their uncannily authentic act to Downtown. $7+. 7pm. Get tickets.
Come See My Dead Person in Concert at White Oak Music Hall – The genre-bending melancholy band brings their start of year show to the upstairs stage. InDaSkies and Tekuache join the show. $16+. 7pm. Get tickets.
Tarot Bingo with Amber Ambrose at Meow Wolf – Classic bingo collides with cosmic intuition, surreal symbolism, and a host who keeps the astral vibes cozy and welcoming. $35. 7pm to 9pm. Get tickets.
The Short & Sweet Speakeasy: A Sexy Burlesque Show at AvantGarden – Take in a live 90-minute burlesque show featuring local talents and a special guest with high production quality. $35; First drink included. 8pm and 10pm. Get tickets.
Echo Obscura: Goth Night at Axelrad | FREE – Temptrix, Redder Moon, Death Of The Last Beautiful Jaguar, Peace Deceased and DJ Frankii Frankii bring a night of Goth, Darkwave, Post Punk to the main stage. 8pm to 2am. Learn more.
Black Rave at Warehouse Live Midtown – The house, techno, goth, steampunk group plays the rooftop stage. $27+. 9pm. Get tickets.
Steve Aoki DJ Set at Noto –The EDM DJ and producer brings the show to EaDo. $80+. 10pm. Get tickets.
More Great Things to Do All Weekend Long – Some of the biggest things to do in Houston are happening all weekend long. Check out local attractions and destinations and more.
Things to Do on Saturday, January 3 & Sunday, January 4, 2026
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.
Add Your Event
Don’t see your event? Order a Boosted Calendar Listing and we’ll add it within one business day. Or contact our advertising team to learn about larger campaigns, including bulk and discount options.