Updated: Wednesday, December 23, 2020 at 2:15pm.
Find the perfect things to do in Houston through Christmas Weekend with our Houston Christmas Weekend Guide for Wednesday, December 23 through Sunday, December 27, 2020.
Deck the halls while celebrating the Christmas—or instead do something else entirely—at one of many festive light experiences, holiday dinners, or carol-filled concerts; put on your cowboy boots and hear a rip-roarin’ set from a Texas country music legend; ride around the city while listening to an astrology-themed playlist featuring famous Capricorns; learn how to dance to Salsa music while wearing ugly Christmas sweaters and more.
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Things to Do All Christmas Weekend
- Top 25 Things to Do for Christmas 2020 in Houston | Daily – Make your holiday season merry and bright with Christmas light displays, shopping markets, concerts and theatrical performances, socially distanced outdoor gatherings, skating rinks and more this winter. Times vary.
- Christmas Light Displays Around 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.
- Candlelight Open Air Concert: Holiday Special Featuring Tchaikovsky & Winter Classics at Hughes Manor | Wednesday & Thursday – Take in a classical concert during an outdoor candlelit (electric for safety) concert on Washington Avenue when the Listeso String Quartet performs classic Christmas carols as well as works by Vivaldi, Tchaikovsky, Strauss and more. $49 per person at tables for two or four. Showtimes vary.
- [email protected]: Beethoven Piano Sonatas Concert Series by Adam Golka at Archway Gallery | Wednesday & Sunday – Presented in conjunction with Resonance, Archway’s newest exhibition of woven artworks by Laura Viada, pianist and native Texan Adam Golka performs the complete Beethoven sonatas across a series of 11 concerts, alongside behind-the-scenes short films. Tickets are $35 for a single show; $700 for the full series. 8pm.
- Zoo Lights at Houston Zoo | Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday – 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. $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.
- Galaxy Lights at Space Center Houston | Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday – The most interactive and technologically advanced light display in Texas returns to the Space Center Houston campus, with outdoor wonders, space-themed light installations, and a look at some real interstellar history that should captivate all ages. 6pm to 10pm.
- Space Age Christmas Trees: World’s Biggest Mega-Show at the 1940 Air Terminal Museum | Saturday & Sunday – 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. Times vary.
- Roger Creager’s Piano Bar & Sing-Along at Goode Company Armadillo Palace | Saturday & Sunday – Rock out during two nights of sing-alongs at Goode Company Armadillo Palace in Upper Kirby when they host Roger Creager’s Piano Bar and Sing-Along. Ages 21 and up only. Doors at 7pm; show at 8pm. Ticket prices TBD. Times vary.
- Seismique Interactive Art Museum Opening Weekend | Saturday & Sunday – Wander into a tech-fueled, interactive, intergalactic-inspired art exhibition with 40 exhibits from national and local artists. Starts at $35; $28 for ages 12 and under.
- Alley Theatre presents A New Adaptation: A Christmas Carol Virtual Production | Daily | Virtual | FREE – Tune in to see a 2020 take on Dickens’ classic, as a troupe of talented performers figure out how to stage a socially distanced version of the show from home, with holiday inspiration taking the show to surprising heights. Viewable during the limited run with registration.
- Houston Ballet’s Nutcracker Sweets Virtual Film | Daily | Virtual – The H-Town holiday tradition continues with a digital film celebrating all things Nutcracker, including an abridged version of Stanton Welch’s The Nutcracker from the ballet archives and fun new works set to popular Christmas carols. The show will remain available on demand through Friday, January 8, 2021. $35.
- Dinosaur Adventure Drive-Thru at Pasadena Convention Center & Fairgrounds | Daily – Roll through a prehistoric time warp in Pasadena while getting up close with 80 life-sized dinos from the comfort and safety of your own vehicle—including a 40-foot T-Rex, a 30-foot Brachiosaurus, a Triceratops and more. Tickets are $49 per vehicle for up to 8 people and must be purchased in advance. 9am to 8pm daily.
- Sugar Land Holiday Lights at Constellation Field | Daily – Head to the Sugar Land Skeeters’ home field for a stunning display of 2.5 million lights spread across the field and seating sections, light tunnels, giant light displays, and more. Tickets are $16; $14 for ages 12 and under, and ages 65 and up. Discounts may apply. Times vary.
- Holiday in the Gardens at Moody Gardens | Daily – Brighten up your holiday season in Galveston at Holiday in the Gardens, featuring Festival of Lights, a mile-long trail of more than one million lights and illuminated scenes with views of Galveston Bay. For 2020, visitors can also embark on the Arctic Slide, take a holiday train ride, catch a 4-D theater presentation of the classic Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer television special, enjoy robust holiday meals, and more. Tickets start at $14. 6pm to 10pm each day.
- 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 response to COVID-19.
Wednesday, December 23, 2020
- A.D. Players presents The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe at the George Theater’s Outdoor Stage – Check out the new outdoor stage at the George Theater in Uptown during A.D. Players’ live adaptation of C. S. Lewis’ The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe. $20 for a two-person box; $40 for a four-person box. 1pm.
- Sylvia’s Enchilada Kitchen presents Christmas Tamalada Zoom Event | Virtual – Learn the ancient art of making tamales while cooking alongside Sylvia of Sylvia’s Enchilada Kitchen when she hosts a Christmas Tamalada Zoom event from her own kitchen. It’s too late to reserve ingredient kits, but you can still join the virtual event for $45. 2pm to 4:30pm.
- Hou-Ville at Bayou Place – Reserve your spot for the final day of the immersive, Instagram-able experience inspired by Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas and H-Town landmarks, as you explore Bayou Music Center in Downtown. Advance online reservations required. $30; $15 for ages 3 to 12; free for ages 2 and under. 3pm to 8pm.
- Refresh Wednesday & Half Off Wine Night at Walking Stick Brewing Company | No Cover – Enjoy wine for half the price when Walking Stick Brewing Company in Garden Oaks hosts hump day specials with beer and wine available for sale along with fresh flowers. 4pm to 8pm
- 2nd Annual Hometown Holidays & Trail of Lights at Silver Sycamore – Celebrate the holidays in Pasadena when the old west grounds of Silver Sycamore come to life during the last day of a lights festival featuring an 18-foot Christmas tree, more than 100,000 lights, live music, Santa Claus, holiday food, shopping and more. $12 in advance; $8 for ages 12 and under. 6pm to 10pm.
- Christmas Train at Victory Camp in Alvin – Enjoy yourself an old-fashioned train ride out in the open air while on a Christmas Train that takes visitors past Christmas lights and themed displays all along the way. $10 for ages 3 and up; $12 at the door; $8 after 8pm. 6pm to 10pm.
- Houston Rockets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder at Toyota Center – The Rockets open the 2020-21 NBA season with a home opener against the Thunder, where fans will get a chance to see new signing John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins and Christian Wood alongside James Harden. Limited seats are available to purchase and fans will be required to adhere to public safety rules at all times. $25 to over $300, but you may find better or cheaper seats on the TicketNetwork marketplace. 7pm.
- Music Trends through the Decades with DJ Mohawk at The Ice at Discovery Green – Glide through decade-defining music while you take to The Ice at Downtown’s annual skating rink to a holiday cheer-themed playlist. $15 includes skate rental. Must be purchased in advance. 7pm to 9pm.
- A.D. Players presents Merry Christmas Darling: Heidi Kettering Sings Karen Carpenter at The George Theater | Virtual Option – From the contemporary to the classic, this live outdoor concert is a selection of holiday and Carpenter favorites. $100 for a two-person box; virtual options are also available. 7:30pm.
- Cody Hibbard and Jon Stork in Concert at Main Street Crossing – Catch a live set from country artist Cody Hibbard and local Americana musician Jon Stork when they take the stage at Main Street Crossing in Tomball. $36 for a table for two. 8pm to 9pm.
- The X-Mas Show: Lil Hum in Concert at Scout Bar – Head to Clear Lake to catch a set from a variety of rappers, featuring Lil Hum, Kinny Summers, Original Outlaw, BVRR, Trippy Goblin, Rob Keelo, C.Aye, and Aqualina, at The X-Mas Show at Scout Bar. $5. 9pm to 10pm.
Christmas Eve, Thursday, December 24, 2020
- Breakfast with Santa at Downtown Aquarium – Start your Christmas Eve off with Ol’ Saint Nick at a holiday breakfast that includes French toast, biscuits and sausage gravy, parfaits and more, as well as an opportunity to snap a socially distanced picture with Santa. $21.99 for adults and $13.99 for kids ages 3 to 10. 9am to 11am.
- Christmas Eve Lunch & Dinner Service at Turner’s – Delight in a festive classic American dining experience featuring menu specials as well as holiday classics performed by a pianist and live singer at Turner’s in Uptown. Menu prices vary. 11am.
- Christmas Eve at B.B. Lemon – Swing by for lunch or dinner at the festively decorated B.B. Lemon on Washington Ave and enjoy their Christmas Eve program during dinner service, featuring a group of carolers. Menu prices vary. 11am to 9pm.
- Ugly Christmas Sweater Stein Night at Klaus Brewing Company – Fill up your stein with delicious local brew when Klaus Brewing Company throws their festive Ugly Christmas Sweater Stein Night. $5 to fill your stein. 3pm to 10pm.
- Christmas Eve at B&B Butchers & Restaurant – Snag a photo with the festive Reinsteer out front before enjoying a lively holiday dinner featuring carolers at the Washington Avenue steakhouse. Reservations are required. Menu prices vary. 5pm to 10pm.
- 4th Wall Theatre Company virtual presentation of Holiday Story Time | FREE – Every Thursday brings a new episode in this series of festive stories, each designed to channel the spirit of the season. Episodes will remain viewable for one month after they debut. 7pm to 7:40pm.
- 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 online in advance. The Ice is open for skating from 5pm to 10pm; Santa will be on The Ice from 7pm to 8pm.
- Ugly Xmas Sweater Event at EinStein’s Pub | No Cover – Try your luck at winning door prizes just by throwing on your tackiest holiday sweater and enjoying drink specials, Christmas-themed trivia, and a live DJ at EinStein’s Pub in Katy. 7:30pm.
- Christmas Ugly Sweater Event at Fabian’s Latin Flavors – Spend your Christmas Eve enjoying go-go dancers, live DJs, drink specials, dinner and more at Fabian’s Latin Flavors bar and restaurant in Downtown. Free with RSVP between 8pm to 9pm; $12 early bird general admission; $30 for admission and dinner. 8pm.
- Ugly Xmas Sweater Bachata Salsa Event at Henke & Pillot – Head Downtown and don your ugliest Christmas sweater while learning how to dance Bachata and Salsa music with the Latin Dance Factory at Henke and Pillot. $10 cash cover at the door. 9pm.
Christmas Day, Friday, December 25, 2020
- Christmas Day Brunch at Hotel Granduca – Hear a live performance by solo pianist Alex Navarro while brunching à la carte during Hotel Granduca’s annual Christmas Day feast. Reservations are required. Menu prices vary. 11am to 4pm.
- Drink the Tree at The Rustic in Post Oak | No Cover – Spend Christmas evening enjoying hot tamales while drinking cold beer and listening to live music when The Rustic on Post Oak opens their annual Christmas celebration. 4pm to 9pm.
- Texas Music Project presents MicroChicks in Concert on Lemonade TV Plus | Virtual | FREE – Tune in for a free show from the tween trio from the Dallas Metroplex as they sing catchy pop songs and parodies. 5pm.
- Latin Night Event at Neon Boots Dancehall & Saloon | No Cover – Wrap up Christmas evening at one of Houston’s favorite country and western-themed dance bars, the LGBTQ-friendly Neon Boots Dancehall & Saloon, during their popular Latin music dance night. Face masks and a temperature check are required for entry. 5pm to 11:55pm.
- The Queens Who Stole Christmas at Hamburger Mary’s Houston | No Cover – Unwind after a day of unwrapping when The Bearded Beauty of Texas Blackberri hosts a Christmas-themed evening of Houston’s finest drag performances from Kymber Devine, Mistress Isabelle Brooks and more. Reservations are required. Seating starts at 7pm; showtime at 8pm.
- Christmas at Whiskey River North – Dine your way through Christmas during a special discounted steak dinner featuring drink specials and live DJs spinning indoors and outdoors when Whiskey River North hosts their Christmas evening event. $12 steak dinner. 8pm.
Things to Do on Saturday, December 26 and Sunday, December 27, 2020.
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