Find the perfect things to do in Houston this weekend with our Houston Weekend Guide for Thursday, December 29, 2016, to New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1, 2017.
Weekend Shortcuts
New Year’s Eve, Saturday, December 31
Finish out 2016 strong with Rockets games, concerts, movie screenings, New Year’s Eve celebrations and more.
Check below to find great things happening around Houston this weekend, from Thursday, December 29, 2016 through New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1, 2017.
Things to Do All Weekend
- Shen Yun at Jones Hall | Daily – Journey to the lost world of ancient China through the music and dance of Shen Yun at Jones Hall. Tickets start at $70, but you may find cheaper or better seats on TicketNetwork’s resale site. Thursday 7:30pm; Friday 2pm and 7:30pm; Saturday 1pm; Sunday 2pm and 7pm.
- Rockin’ New Year Wonderweek at Children’s Museum | Thursday to Saturday – Ring in the New Year a the Children’s Museum with a full week of family-friendly programming including arts and crafts, projects, games, and activities. Thursday 10am to 8pm; Friday 10am to 6pm; Saturday 9am to 3pm.
- The SantaLand Diaries at Alley Theatre | Thursday to Saturday – Get a glimpse into the life of an elf from Macy’s SantaLand display at this hilarious play starring Todd Waite as Crumpet the elf. Recommended for mature audiences. $35. Thursday and Friday 7:30pm; Saturday 2:30pm and 7:30pm.
- Panto Wonderful Wizard at Stages Repertory Theatre | Thursday to Saturday – Follow the adventure of Dorothy, scarecrow, tin man, and the cowardly lion at this Panto take on the classic story of the girl from Kansas. Tickets start at $21, not including ticket fees. Thursday and Friday 7pm; Saturday 10am, 2pm, and 7pm.
- Comic Pablo Francisco at Houston Improv | Thursday to Saturday – Bust a gut to drop-dead funny spoofing when Pablo Francisco, best known for his spot-on impressions and sets that resemble hour-long comedy jazz riffs, performs at the Houston Improv. Tickets range from $15 to $115. Thursday 8pm; Friday 8pm and 10:30pm; Saturday 7:30pm and 10pm.
- Josh Abbott Band in Concert at House of Blues | Friday and Saturday – Jam with country music group Josh Abbott Band when they play two shows on back-to-back nights at House of Blues. Tickets start at $25, not including ticket fees. 7pm both nights.
- Comic Jeff Stringer at Joke Joint Comedy Showcase | Friday and Saturday – This hilarious Texan is sure to make you laugh at one of his two shows at Joke Joint. Tickets start at $14; limited discounted $7 and $9 tickets available. 8pm both nights.
- Houston Texans Tickets on Sale | Sponsored – Save on Texans games with cheaper or better seats on TicketNetwork’s resale market.
- Houston Rockets Tickets on Sale | Sponsored – Save on Rockets games with cheaper or better seats on TicketNetwork’s resale market.
- Discounted Tickets to The Book of Mormon at Hobby Center | Sponsored – Act quick and score discounted seats to the hilarious Tony-winning musical from the guys that created South Park, returning to Houston this winter. Limited discounted advance tickets are available for select shows.
Thursday, December 29, 2016
- Wacky Waxy Chanukah Carnival at Chabad of Uptown | FREE – Head to Chabad of Uptown for this Chanukah Carnival where you’ll enjoy live music, make your own candles, witness the lighting of a giant menorah and more. 4pm to 7pm.
- Grease! Sing Along at Memorial City | FREE – Sing along to your favorite scenes of the musical Grease! at this free screening event at The Square at Memorial City. 6pm.
- Finding Nemo and Finding Dory Screenings at Discovery Green | FREE – Bring the whole family out to Discovery Green for back-to-back showings of Finding Nemo and Finding Dory. 7pm.
- The Bronze Gold Speakeasy at Prohibition Supperclub & Bar – Head to the Prohibition Theater for this variety show featuring everything from a live band and comedian to an aerial artist and a juggler. Tickets start at $25; limited discounted $12.50 tickets available. 7pm.
- A Christmas Carol at Alley Theatre – Travel through Christmases past, present, and yet to come at this theatrical production of Charles Dickens’ classic Christmas tale at Alley Theatre. Tickets start at $35, not including ticket fees, but you may find limited discounted tickets starting at $29. 7:30pm.
- Steve Jessup Live at Joke Joint Comedy Showcase – Laugh all the way through “The DUI Lawnmower Guys” show at Joke Joint and stick around afterward for a meet and greet with Steve Jessup. Tickets start at $20; limited comped and discounted $10 tickets available. 8pm.
- Dwight Yoakam in Concert at Arena TheatreDwight Yoakam in Concert at Arena Theatre – Hear songs from Dwight Yoakam’s 2015 album Second Hand Heart when the talented artist comes to Houston’s Arena Theatre. Tickets range from $45 to $65, but a limited number of discounted $34.25 premium seats available. 8:30pm.
- More Great Things to Do All Weekend Long – Some of the biggest things to do in Houston this weekend are happening all weekend long. Click here to scroll up and see our list.
Friday, December 30, 2016
- High School Musical 2 Screening at Memorial City | FREE – Watch High School Musical 2 on the big screen at The Square as part of Memorial City’s Musical Movie Week. 6pm.
- Lightsaber Vigil for Carrie Fisher at Alamo Drafthouse Mason Park | FREE – Don your favorite Star Wars clothing or costume, plus as many lightsabers as you can find (or flashlights and glowsticks), and get ready to light up the sky in tribute to the late actress who brought the rebellious Princess and General Leia Organa to life. All ages are welcome. 6:45pm to 7pm.
- Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Clippers at Toyota Center – The Rockets will face a tough opponent in the Clippers at this game on their home court. Tickets start at $29, but you may find cheaper or better seats on TicketNetwork’s resale site. 7pm.
- Critical Mass Bike Ride at Market Square Park | FREE – Bike through Downtown Houston during this monthly community ride with Critical Mass. 7pm.
- The First Noel at The Ensemble Theatre – This feel-good musical shows how a community comes together to give the gift of love at Christmas. Tickets start at $36, not including ticket fees. 8pm.
- ComedySportz Match Improv Show at CSz Arena – Crack up as you participate in this interactive improv show from ComedySportz. $20; limited discounted $10 tickets available. 8pm.
- More Great Things to Do All Weekend Long – Some of the biggest things to do in Houston this weekend are happening all weekend long. Click here to scroll up and see our list.
Things to do on New Year’s Eve, Saturday, December 31, 2016 and New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1, 2017.
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Is your favorite event missing from our list? Add it in the comments below.
