Event Roundup: What to Look Forward to This Weekend

The Alley Theatre will host its 15th annual Deck the Trees event at the Alley Theatre and the George R. Brown Convention Center. The trees will be lit Nov. 19 and will be displayed through Jan. 2. (Photo courtesy of the Alley Theatre)

Happy Friday! Here are some events to look forward to this weekend:

Deck the Trees Celebration
The Alley Theatre will host its 15th annual Deck the Trees event at the Alley Theatre and the George R. Brown Convention Center. The trees will be lit on Friday night and be displayed through Jan. 2. Deck the Trees benefits the Alley’s educational, community, and artistic initiatives. 

Magical Winter Lights
This family-friendly holiday experience at Houston Raceway Park opens Friday and continues through Jan. 2. Magical Winter Lights features more than six million lights, installations, interactive displays, themed lantern sections, rides and games, entertainment and more. Admission starts at $17.

The Alley Theatre presents A Christmas Carol
A Christmas Carol opens this Friday at the Alley Theatre. This family-friendly production retells Charles Dickens' classic story following Ebenezer Scrooge's journey with the three ghostly spirits who visit him on Christmas Eve. All guests are required to wear a mask for the show and must show a negative Covid test within 72 hours prior to the performance or proof of vaccination. Tickets start at $21 and the production runs through Dec. 29.

Holiday in the Gardens
Moody Gardens’ annual Holiday in the Gardens offers eight festive attractions in one place. The holiday fun kicks off this Saturday and runs through Jan. 2. Head to Galveston for holiday attractions such as the Arctic Slide, 3D holiday films, train rides, and gardens decked out in 2 million lights. Get a picture with Santa or watch the Cirque Joyeux Holiday Show. Admission starts at $18. 

Lightscape at Houston Botanic Garden
Lightscape is new to the Houston Botanic Garden this year. The magical light display opens to the public Saturday and runs through Jan. 2. Walk through at night and enjoy strolling through the  lights along the winding paths. Availability cannot be guaranteed at the door, so buying tickets in advance is advised. Tickets start at $20.

Zoo Lights

The Houston Zoo is transformed into a magical winter spectacular, and one of Houston’s most well-loved holiday traditions.

Zoo Lights returns to the Houston Zoo beginning this Saturday night and runs through Jan. 9. The Zoo will be transformed into a winter wonderland, including more than two million lights. Admission starts at $17.

The Polar Express Train Ride
This is the first weekend of the immersive Christmas experience at the Galveston Railroad Museum. It’s just like the movie The Polar Express, so come dressed in pajamas for a theatrical journey with singing chefs, a dancing conductor, and, of course, Santa Claus. Tickets starts at $25.

Moonlight Movie Night
On Saturday night at 7 p.m., CityCentre will play Ratatouille in the plaza. Bring blankets, but no outside food is allowed. This event is free and open to the public.

UH vs. Memphis
UH football takes on Memphis on Friday at TDECU Stadium.

Editor’s note: See our events calendar for more events and a listing of upcoming holiday events here.