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Holiday Events
What to do this season
LIGHT IT UP Join the rest of Houston getting into the holiday spirit with the Zoo Lights display at the Houston Zoo. (Photo: Stephanie Adams/Houston Zoo)
Spread holiday cheer by rounding up your friends and loved ones for some once-a-year fun in Houston and Galveston.
Houston Ballet’s The Nutcracker
Wortham Theater Center, downtown
Now-Dec. 27
Journey with Clara and her Nutcracker through the Land of Sweets with Tchaikovsky’s ballet. The Houston Ballet presents this holiday classic with its iconic, stunning set.
Admission: $19 and up
The Alley Theatre’s A Christmas Carol
The Alley Theatre, downtown
Now-Dec. 29
Follow Ebenezer Scrooge’s journey of redemption as he learns about the spirit of the holiday season in the Alley’s annual performance of this classic tale.
Admission: $30-60
Gulf Greyhound Park, La Marque
Now-Jan. 8. 5-10 p.m. Mon.-Thurs.; 3-11 p.m. Fri.-Sun.
The holiday festival includes large lanterns shaped like landmarks and landscapes from around the world, international performances, food, carnival rides and holiday shopping.
Admission: $13-22; children under 4: free
Houston Zoo, Hermann Park
Now-Jan. 16, 6-10 p.m. Mon.-Thurs.; 6-11 p.m. Fri.-Sun.; Closed Dec. 25-26
The Houston Zoo is transformed into a wonderland of colorful lights, holiday music and animal sculptures.
Admission: $10-20; 1 and under: free.
Discovery Green, downtown
Now-Feb. 8
Discovery Green will host a 7,716-square-foot ice-skating rink, holiday music and hot beverages throughout the season.
Admission: $14 includes skate rental
Bellaire Town Square
Dec. 1, 6-8:30 p.m.
Santa, holiday music, the official tree lighting, rides aboard a kiddie train, holiday crafts, pony rides, moon bounces and a petting zoo. Highlight: 40,000 pounds of snow, with two snow slides.
Admission: Free
The Annual Mayor’s Holiday Celebration
Hermann Square at City Hall, downtown
Dec. 2, 6-8 p.m.
Ring in the holiday season with the Mayor’s Holiday Celebration and Tree Lighting presented by Reliant. Holiday music, Santa, fireworks, a lit holiday tree and more.
Admission: Free
Jones Hall, downtown
Dec. 2-4
Listen to new arrangements of classic holiday tunes, including Jingle Bell Rock and Carol of the Bells, played by the Houston Symphony and conducted by Steven Reineke.
Admission: $25-138
Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens, 6003 Memorial Dr.
Dec. 5, 10 a.m.
Enjoy bites and beverages while you listen to the ROCO Brass Quintet perform holiday favorites in the Spiegeltent, “tent of mirrors.” Then, take part in an exclusive tour with portrayals of Ima Hogg and Santa.
Admission: $55
28th Annual West U Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
West U Community Building, 6104 Auden St.
Dec. 5, 5:30 p.m.
Get in the holiday spirit with the West U Tree Lighting Ceremony. Holiday activities and photos with Santa.
Admission: Free
It’s A Wonderful Life with the Houston Symphony
Jones Hall, downtown
Dec. 9, 7:30 p.m.
Frank Capra’s holiday classic, It’s A Wonderful Life, just got even more wonderful. The film will be played with live accompaniment from the Houston Symphony.
Admission: $22-115
CityCentre Houston, 800 Town and Country Blvd.
Dec. 10, 7:40 a.m.
Benefitting the Firefighters Helping Firefighters organization, the Rudolph Fun Run includes the Rudolph 5k Fun Run, a Dasher 10k and a Cupid 1k. Costume contest, pictures with Santa and holiday decorations.
Admission: Prices vary.
The Heritage Society’s Annual Candlelight Tour
The Heritage Society at Sam Houston Park, downtown
Dec. 11, 4-8 p.m.
Take in Houston’s history through 19th-century houses and notable characters. Learn about Houston’s early residents and customs with a cup of cocoa in hand. Children’s activities in Santa’s Workshop, plus performances.
Admission: $5-10; children 5 and under: free
Hermann Square, downtown
Dec. 12-16, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Architects will build gingerbread houses. More than 3,000 are expected to cheer on the teams and view the edible masterpieces. Includes a kids’ construction zone and Santa appearance.
Admission: Free; team registration to participate: $125
The Wortham Center, downtown
Dec. 17, 7-11 a.m.
Run with Santa and his elves before they venture back to the North Pole. Finishers will receive a medal and a T-shirt. Costume contest, food, drinks, music and more.
Admission: Prices vary.
BACK IN TIME Dress up in Victorian clothes for half-price admission to Dickens on the Strand in Galveston Dec. 4-6. (Photo: Galveston Historical Foundation/Illumine Photographic Services)
Down in Galveston
15th Annual Festival of Lights
Moody Gardens, 1 Hope Blvd.
Now-Jan. 8, 6-10 p.m.
More than 1 million lights within 100 sound-enhanced animated light displays, live entertainment, ice skating, the Arctic Ice Slide and photos with Santa.
Admission: $11 (includes ice skating)
Moody Gardens, 1 Hope Blvd.
Now-Jan. 9, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Using 2 million pounds of ice, ice carvers have designed the ultimate Caribbean Christmas, including dolphins, sharks, tropical fish and more. The new Shivers Ice Bar will be serving holiday drinks.
Admission: $11-27
Island ETC’s Winter Wonderettes
Island ETC, 2317 Mechanic St.
Dec. 1-3 and 8-10, 8 p.m.
Enjoy this 1960s holiday musical at Galveston’s professional repertory theater company. The musical features a holiday party, a missing Santa and four lovable, talented women determined to save the day.
Admission:$25-30
2300 Strand
Dec. 2-4. Times vary.
Travel back to 19th-century Victorian London in this annual holiday street festival. Parades, entertainment, strolling carolers, musicians, bagpipers, costumed vendors, crafts, gift items.
Admission: $7-15. Attendees in Victorian costume are admitted for half-price. Everyone free Friday night.
Galveston Railroad Museum, The Strand
Dec. 10, 10 a.m.-noon
All aboard! Santa is coming to the Galveston Railroad Museum. Enjoy holiday lights and decorations, and learn about railroads.
Admission: $5-10
Cirque Joyeux Noel Dinner and Show
Moody Gardens Convention Center, 7 Hope Blvd.
Dec. 16-25, 6:30 p.m.
Sit down to enjoy Moody Gardens executive chef Felipe Gonzalez’s cuisine and then revel in a one-hour holiday circus spectacular. Tickets include admission to the Moody Gardens Festival of Lights.
Admission: $15-95
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