Top 16 Festivals & Events This Week in Houston: November 27 to December 3, 2023

A giant Christmas tree is lit up and fireworks go off behind it
Join in holiday fun at the 104th annual tree lighting at City Hall | Courtesy of Mayor's Office for Special Events

Make the most of your week with our top festivals, events, and things to do this week in Houston from Monday, November 27 to Sunday, December 3, 2023.

We’ve whittled down all the happenings in H-Town to our picks for the week, but you can always check out the extended calendar for more things to do in Houston.

Scroll below to find great things happening in Houston from Monday, November 27 to Sunday, December 3, 2023.

Top 16 Festivals, Events & Things to Do This Week in Houston

  • Comedian Ben Schwartz & Friends at Cullen Performance Hall | Tuesday, November 28 – The comedian and actor best known for his roles as Jean-Ralphio in Parks and Recreation, the voice of Sonic the Hedgehog, and as Andre in Die Hart alongside Kevin Hart, Ben Schwartz brings his friends along for a night of comedy at the University of Houston. $44 and up. 8pm.
  • Nerdy Night Market at Neil’s Bahr | Thursday, November 30 | FREE – The last monthly market before the holidays arrives at the EaDo bar for all things nerdy. Stop by the patio to explore a treasure trove of goods from the world of pop culture, gaming, collectibles crafts and one-of-a-kind items. 21+ only. 6pm to midnight.
  • Comedian Pete Davidson at Bayou Music Center | Thursday, November 30 – The Saturday Night Live comedian and actor brings a live tour to Downtown, delivering a surreal brand of humor and dark comedic insights. $52 and up. 7pm.
  • Lego Night Out at Houston Toy Museum | Thursday, November 30 – Houston women and non-binary folks are invited to a casual night of brick building to kick off the holidays. Guests can choose from six holiday-themed Lego sets to assemble while enjoying beer and wine, holiday treats, and Christmas movies on the museum’s projector screen. $22.99 and up. 7pm to 9pm.
A row of carolers in Victorian dresses
Throw back to Victorian London in the annual Dickens on the Strand festival in Galveston | Courtesy of Dickens on the Strand
  • Joaquin Cortes in Concert at Arena Theatre | Friday, December 1 – The King of Flamenco, Joaquin Cortes, along with more than 25 artists from Spain, performs this dazzling spectacle representing different flamenco styles—including the soleá, bulería, alegría, and farruca— showcasing an intimate journey that intertwines his own story with the history of flamenco. $60 and up. 8pm.
  • Janet Jackson World AIDS Day Concert at NRG Arena | Friday, December 1 – The global super star comes to Houston for a concert of hope and unity, featuring a message of love, along with all of her beloved hits. It’s an opportunity to honor those who’ve been lost and support those living with HIV—while looking forward to a brighter future. $75 and up. 8pm.
  • 50th Annual Dickens on the Strand in Downtown Galveston | Friday, December 1 to Sunday, December 3 – Travel back in time as Galveston’s historic Strand is transformed into Charles Dickens’ Victorian London for this annual, family-friendly event. Gear up for parades, live entertainment on six stages, strolling carolers, roving musicians, bagpipers, jugglers, and a visit from the characters of Dickens’ books. Free on Friday; Saturday and Sunday tickets are $25; $18 for ages 7 to 12. Times vary.
  • Houston Symphony: Andrés Returns at Jones Hall | Friday, December 1 to Sunday, December 3 – Conductor Laureate Andrés Orozco-Estrada leads Shostakovich’s cinematic, richly evocative Symphony No. 11, The Year 1905. It’s a work with important ties to Houston—the Houston Symphony gave the U.S. premiere in 1957, and released the first-ever commercial recording shortly after. Recognized as one of the great violinists of our time, the incomparable Augustin Hadelich returns with Shostakovich’s dynamic Violin Concerto No. 1. $34 and up. Friday and Saturday at 8pm; Sunday at 2:30pm.
  • 2nd Annual A Charlie Brown Christmas 5K/10K Run/Walk at Addicks Park & Ride | Saturday, December 2 – This annual family-friendly fun run in the Energy Corridor kicks off with a Snoopy Dash for kids, followed by 10K and 5K events. Everyone will get a festive, officially licensed Peanuts finisher medal, bib and t-shirt, plus Santa will come around to visit at the post-race party. $44.95 for the 5K; $49.95 for the 10K; $36.95 for the Snoopy Dash for ages 12 and under. 8am.
  • A Katy Old Fashioned Christmas at Katy Market Day | Saturday, December 2 | FREE – The Katy Old Fashioned Christmas returns in a big way, bringing more than 200 vendors to the open-air market that also includes food trucks, an appearance by Santa, live entertainment, a beer garden, and more. 10am to 5pm.
A City Hall square filled with tents and shoppers
The 13th Annual Katy Old Fashioned Christmas returns to Downtown Katy with 200+ vendors and more | Courtesy of Katy Market Days
  • Comic Indie Con at Silver Street Studios | Saturday, December 2 – Join in a celebration of indie comics, boardgames, arts and crafts at this Sawyer Yards mini-con featuring panel discussions, a cosplay contest, unique gifts, and more. Meet with talented creators and learn how to kick off your own creative endeavor. $11.50; free for ages 10 and under. 10am to 6pm.
  • Cirque Dreams Holidaze at Smart Financial Centre | Saturday, December 2 – This whimsical, family-friendly holiday spectacular combines the thrill of Broadway with the artistry of circus performance for an unforgettable evening. Aerial acts, sleight-of-hand jugglers, acrobats and more take to the stage for a dazzling display of holiday delight. $33 and up. 4pm and 8pm.
  • 104th Mayor’s Holiday Spectacular at City Hall | Saturday, December 2 | FREEJoin Mayor Sylvester Turner at City Hall for Houston’s annual holiday extravaganza, which features live entertainment (including a headlining performance by Jordan Sparks), fireworks, a 55-foot Christmas tree lighting, a visit from Santa and other family-friendly activities. 6pm to 8pm.
  • Houston Texans vs. Denver Broncos at NRG Stadium | Sunday, December 3 – C.J. Stroud leads the Texans into battle against the Broncos as Houston enters the homestretch of the regular season. $80 and up, but you may find better or cheaper seats on the online ticket resale market. Noon.
  • Tidbits Twinkle Market with Global Bites & Beats at City Place | Sunday, December 3 | FREE – This tented market features 20 curated vendors and is held alongside the rescheduled date of Urban Harvest’s Global Bites & Beats kickoff, featuring culinary treats and hands-on creative activities. Noon to 4pm.
  • Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra & Chorus presents Deck the Halls at Stafford Centre | Sunday, December 3 – The Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra is joined by the Choir for an afternoon program of holiday tunes, accompanied by the Handmade Holiday Market, which offers gifts and decorations crafted by musicians to support the Symphony Orchestra. $10 and up. 2pm.

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Justin Jerkins
A longtime Houstonian, Justin Jerkins always keeps an eye out for what's ahead on Houston's horizon while serving as Editor-in-Chief of 365 Things to Do in Houston. When he's not passing along the latest events, destinations and hidden treasures in H-Town, he loves diving into the city's food scene, shopping local and learning about Houston's rich history.