Updated Thursday, December 3, 2020 at 11:30am.
Find the perfect things to do in Houston this weekend with our Houston Weekend Guide from Thursday, December 3 through Sunday, December 6, 2020.
Kick off the Christmas holiday season with holiday markets, Christmas lights celebrations and holiday movie screenings; watch the Texans take to home turf against the Indianapolis Colts; watch some seriously funny standup at Rudyard’s British Pub in Montrose; enjoy a free performance of classical music in a beloved Museum District park and more this weekend.
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Things to Do All Weekend
- Top 25 Things to Do for Christmas 2020 in Houston | Daily – Make your holiday season merry and bright with Christmas light displays to shopping markets, concerts and theatrical performances, socially distanced outdoor gatherings, skating rinks and more this winter. Times vary.
- Christmas Light Displays in Houston in 2020 | Daily – Pile in the car for a leisurely holiday drive or take a hot cocoa-fueled stroll while you ooh and ah at Houston’s most popular Christmas light displays—in residential neighborhoods and at city landmarks alike. Appropriate hours to do Christmas light drive-bys are typically from 7pm to 10pm.
- No Kid Hungry’s Taste of the Holidays | Daily – Raise funds to feed children in need via No Kid Hungry’s Taste of the Holidays fundraiser where a $1 will be donated for every order of select items from Mala Sichuan Bistro, Tobiuo Sushi & Bar, Phat Eatery and Phat Kitchen. Menu prices and hours vary per restaurant.
- Zoo Lights at Houston Zoo | Daily – Stroll through the Houston Zoo with hot chocolate in hand while you admire glimmering displays made up of more than two million Christmas lights at this annual must-see attraction. Tickets range from $12.95 to $25.65; free for ages 1 and under. Tickets cannot be purchased in person and must be purchased online in advance. 5:30pm to 10:30pm daily; last entry 9:30pm.
- UniverSoul Circus at Sam Houston Race Park | Daily – Celebrate urban pop cultures from around the world at this all-ages show that blends circus arts, theater and music. $22, but you may find cheaper or better seats on TicketNetwork’s resale market. Showtimes vary by day.
- The Great American Trailer Park Christmas Musical at Island ETC in Galveston | Daily – Catch a socially distanced performance of Betsy Kelso’s The Great American Trailer Park Christmas Musical, which dishes on a North Florida premier mobile living community that’s filled with the warmth and cheer of the holiday season except Darlene, the trailer park Scrooge. Virtual, watch from home option available. $30. Showtimes vary.
- Space Age Christmas Trees: World’s Biggest Mega-Show at the 1940 Air Terminal Museum | Daily – The annual dazzling holiday display returns to the Museum, featuring more than 100 vintage aluminum Christmas trees, an interactive Mid-Century Modern Holiday Pad and more. $10; $4 for ages 3 to 12; free for ages 2 and under, and admission to the rest of the museum. Times vary.
- 40th Annual Home for the Holidays in Old Town Spring | Friday and Saturday | FREE – Get into the holiday spirit while strolling Old Town Spring, visiting area shops, businesses and restaurants at the 40th Annual Home for the Holidays which features train rides, Santa’s House, live entertainment and more. 10am to 8pm both days.
- Comedian Russell Peters at Houston Improv | Friday to Sunday – Crack up at the hilarious observations of stand-up comedian, actor, and Peabody Award-winning producer Russell Peters, who presents his stand-up set for three nights at Houston Improv. For the Sunday shows, he’ll be joined by an added line-up of comics for a taping of a new comedy special Russell Peters and Friends. Tickets start at $80 for two people. Showtimes vary.
- Houston Symphony: A Baroque Christmas at Jones Hall | Friday to Sunday – Experience famous arias from Handel’s Messiah, music from Corelli’s Christmas Concerto and more in a special holiday performance from the Houston Symphony. Tickets start at $29; $20 for the livestream link. Showtimes vary.
- 2020 Holiday Marketplace on The Lawn at Baybrook Mall | Saturday & Sunday | No Cover – Cross off your holiday list while browsing holiday goods from local makers, artists, crafters and local businesses at the outdoor marketplace at Baybrook Mall. 10am to 6pm each day.
- Resonance at Archway Gallery | Saturday & Sunday | FREE – Featuring new woven artworks by artist Laura Viada, check out Archway Gallery’s December exhibition, Resonance, which explores the theme of “resonance,” as both a physical phenomenon and as a component of human creativity using simple elements of basic geometric form and the interaction of color. The exhibition will be on display through Thursday, January 7, 2021. Times vary.
- ‘Tis the Season for Sweet Cash in Sugar Land | Buy a Gift Card & Get a Free Gift Card | Daily – Give the gift of holiday cheer when you stop by a participating Sugar Land business and purchase a gift card, which will land you a second gift card and sends one to an essential worker through the ‘Tis the Season for Sweet Cash program.
- Day Trips & Things to Do Outside Houston | Daily – Plot your next daytrip from Houston with our guide to the region’s best things to do, including more than 500 must-see attractions, favorites and hidden gems, in communities that surround Houston like Brazosport, Clear Lake and the Bay Area, Baytown, Beaumont, Conroe, Deer Park, Galveston, Pearland, Port Arthur, Sugar Land, The Woodlands, and Tomball.
- Current Temporary Museum Exhibits & Art Installations on View Around Greater Houston | Daily | Many FREE – Explore the many striking, stunning, and diverse exhibits exploring history, science, art, culture, and creativity around the Greater Houston metro area.
- More Things To Do at Home | Daily | Many FREE – If you’re still looking for things to do as you stay in, then tap into our wide-ranging lists of things you can do at home.
- Coronavirus/COVID-19 Resources – Find face masks, more information about best practices, how you can help, and other details about the response to COVID-19.
Thursday, December 3, 2020
- Buffalo Bayou Park’s Virtual Discussion: The Art of Carmen Herrera in Houston | FREE – Enjoy a virtual discussion between MFAH and Public Art Fund curators about creations of Carmen Herrera—a 105-year old Cuban-born artist—whose work is currently on display in Buffalo Bayou Park and at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. 1:30pm to 2:30pm.
- Bayou Land Conservancy presents Ask an Ecologist on Facebook Live | FREE – If you’ve ever had a question regarding nature, this series from Bayou Land Conservancy is your perfect chance to send in a question for guest ecologists to tackle. 3pm.
- National Museum of Funeral History’s “Jingle All The Way” Gift Shop Live Event on Facebook | FREE – Featuring holiday collectibles from one of the most unique gift shops in Houston, NMFH hosts a live, online shopping experience including uncommon stocking stuffers, unusual holiday gift items for the person who has everything, white elephant gifts and more. 4pm to 5pm.
- Skate with Santa! at The Ice at Discovery Green – Get into the holiday spirit while skating with Santa Claus for an hour on The Ice at Discovery Green. Tickets are $15 per person (including skate rental) and must be purchased in advance. The Ice is open for skating from 5pm to 10pm; Santa will be on The Ice from 7pm to 8pm.
- How the Grinch Stole Christmas Movie Screening at Kings Harbor in Kingwood | FREE – Watch an outdoor screening of the 2000 live-action version of the Dr. Seuss classic, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, starring Jim Carrey, while sipping complimentary hot cocoa at Kings Harbor next to Lake Houston. 5:30pm.
- John Egan in Concert at McGonigel’s Mucky Duck in Upper Kirby – Take in the traditional country-blues sounds of local singer-songwriter John Egan when he takes the stage at the Mucky Duck for a socially distanced performance. This concert will also be broadcast online for free on McGonigel’s Mucky Duck’s Facebook page and YouTube channel. Tickets are $60 for a table for two; $120 for a table of four; $180 for a table for six. 7pm.
- Society for the Performing Arts presents HACP Virtual Premiere: Felipe Lopez | FREE – Experience the virtual premiere of an artwork that incorporates visual art, music, and poetry when the Houston Artist Commissioning Project (HACP) presents a collaborative performance between Felipe Lopez, Meghan Hendley and Emanuelee “Outspoken” Bean. The performance is free and will remain viewable after it debuts. 7pm.
- Frame x Frame Film Fest: Breath Made Visible Movie Screening at the Houston Ballet Drive-In in Downtown – Check out a screening about dance’s power to teach, heal, and transform at all ages of life. Tickets are $10 per vehicle and must be purchased online in advance. 7pm.
- Will Banister in Concert at The Rustic Downtown | No Cover – Catch an in-person performance filled with country tunes when singer-songwriter and New Mexico native Will Banister takes to the stage for a foot-stomping good time at The Rustic in Downtown. 7pm to 9pm.
- Comedian Jess Hilarious at Houston Improv – Known for the segments she posts on her popular Instagram account with 4.8 million followers, Jess Hilarious wraps up the second of her two H-Town appearances this week. Tickets start at $120 for four people. 7:30pm.
- Keeton Coffman in Concert at Main Street Crossing – Check out a live set filled with heartland rock and roll from Houston singer-songwriter Keeton Coffman at Main Street Crossing in Tomball. Tickets start at $36 for a table for two; $60 for regular and side stage tables for four; $72 for premium tables for four; $108 for premium tables for six. 8pm to 9pm.
- 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, or browse Houston Experiences to save on museum passes, tours, and more.
Friday, December 4, 2020
- All Access Art Market at Finn Hall Houston | No Cover – Shop for artwork from local creatives and artisans in the heart of Downtown at Finn Hall. 4pm to 10pm.
- Holiday Magic in the Village featuring The Giving Tree at The Market at Springwoods Village | FREE – Take in live performances and holiday music, a socially distanced appearance by Santa and his elves, kids activities, and general holiday cheer at The Market at Springwoods Village in Spring. 5pm to 8pm.
- Zachary Williams in Concert at The Heights Theater – Hit the Heights to take in the country tunes of Nashville singer-songwriter Zachary Williams, front man for Americana band The Lone Bellow, for two socially distanced shows. Tickets range from $32 to $416. 6pm and 8:45pm.
- Holiday on 19th Street in the Heights | No Cover – Knock out your shopping list during an evening of holiday shopping while supporting local business along one of Houston’s most walkable and attractive streets. 6pm to 10pm.
- 12 Days of Christmas: Frosty Friday at Sugar Land Town Square | FREE – Let it snow while spending your evening watching live ice carving demonstrations, ice skating presentations, snowflake flurries and more, when the City of Sugar Land Parks and Recreation Department takes over the Plaza at Sugar Land Town Square. Bring your own chairs and blankets. 6:30pm to 8:30pm.
- Smith & Myers (of Shinedown) in Concert at White Oak Music Hall – Enjoy a genre-bending set of rock tunes during a socially distanced concert from Smith and Myers, of rock band Shinedown, on the lawn at White Oak Music Hall. Tickets start at $225 for up to six people. 7pm.
- National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation Movie Screening at City Acre Brewing Co. | No Cover – Hang with the Griswold family during a holiday movie screening of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation at City Acre Brewing Co., complete with a movie-themed dinner menu. 7pm.
- Sugar Land Movie Series: Disney’s The Santa Clause at The Crown Festival Park – Watch Tim Allen gradually morph into St. Nick in the 1994 family Christmas comedy that reveals what happens when one accidentally takes Santa out of commission while he’s on the job. $20 per vehicle. 7pm.
- Blondish: A Tribute to Blondie at Rockefeller’s Houston – Hear ’80s favorites like “Call Me” and “Heart of Glass” when Blondish, a tribute to the late ’70s new wave band, Blondie, hits the stage at Rockefeller’s Houston on Washington Ave. Synchronicity, a tribute to The Police, opens the show. Tickets start at $12. 7pm.
- Metal Tribute Night: Metallica, Pantera & Sevendust at Warehouse Live – Pay tribute to the gods of heavy metal with an evening of tribute bands covering Metallica, Pantera and Sevendust. This show is free for general admission standing; $10 to $20 for seated; $150 for a VIP table for four. Doors at 7pm; show at 7:30pm.
- Letsdothishouston presents The Sagittarius Night Light Bike Ride – Vibe to music while exploring Houston on LED bikes with a playlist featuring artists under the Sagittarius sign, like Jay-Z, Teyana Taylor, Nicki Minaj and more. Tickets are $11.91; $27.60 including bike rental. 7:30pm to 9:30pm.
- Travis Tritt in Concert at Arena Theatre – Throw your cowboy hat in the air during a live set from beloved country singer-songwriter Travis Tritt when he hits the stage at Arena Theatre. Tickets start at $59. 8pm to 9pm.
- Wood & Wire’s Tony Kamel in Concert at McGonigel’s Mucky Duck in Upper Kirby – Hear from singer-songwriter Tony Kamel when he takes the stage at the Mucky Duck for two socially distanced performances. Both concerts will also be broadcast online for free on McGonigel’s Mucky Duck’s Facebook page and YouTube channel. Tickets are $120 for a table of four; $180 for a table for six. 7pm and 9:30pm.
- David Adam Byrnes in Concert at The Rustic Downtown – Get your country music fix while taking in the singer-songwriter sounds of Fort Worth’s David Adam Byrnes in the heart of Downtown at The Rustic. There will be a cover charge at the door. 9pm.
- 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, or browse Houston Experiences to save on museum passes, tours, and more.
Things to Do on Saturday, December 5 and Sunday, December 6, 2020.
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