Event Roundup: What to Look Forward to This Weekend

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

Santa will be in attendance to cheer on runners at the 10th Annual Rudolph Run at CityCentre! (Photo courtesy of CITYCENTRE)

Theatre Under the Stars presents The Little Mermaid
The Little Mermaid, presented by Theatre Under the Stars, opens this week and runs through Christmas Eve at the Hobby Center. Tickets starts at $40. Performances this weekend are at 8 p.m. on Friday, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Saturday, and 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Sunday. 

Houston Grand Opera presents The Snowy Day
Based on the award-winning, ever-popular work from 1962, HGO presents The Snowy Day, a tale of a young boy exploring the city alone and learning truths about life, all while delighting in newly fallen snow. The Snowy Day opens this weekend and runs through Dec. 19 at the Wortham Center. Tickets start at $20.

Mistletoe Market
The newly renovated Bagby Park will hold the Mistletoe Market this Friday and Saturday. Discover unique gifts from local artisans and small businesses while enjoying live music and performances. This event is free and open to the public. 

Tomball German Heritage Festival Christmas Market
Visit downtown Tomball this Friday through Sunday for this Christmas festival and market. There will be three stages of live music and an open-air market along with antiques shops in the Old Town area. The event on Saturday starts with a parade at 11 a.m., followed by the famous “tapping of the keg.” Finally, German exchange students living in Tomball will be received at the Willkommen ceremony. This event is free and open to the public.

10th Annual Rudolph Run
On Saturday beginning at 7:30 a.m. at CityCentre, participate in the Rudolph Run. Register for the Dasher 10k, Rudolph 5k, or Cupid 1k. Proceeds benefit Firefighters Helping Firefighters. Costumes are encouraged, and the best Christmas outfit will win a prize. Santa will be available for photo opps as he cheers on the runners. Registration starts at $18.

More than 4,000 spectators are expected to attend and cheer on the teams, play in the kids' construction zone, and see Santa at the Gingerbread Build-Off! (Photo courtesy of Architecture Center Houston)

Gingerbread Build-Off
At Levy Park from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Architecture Center Houston will host the Gingerbread Build-Off at Levy Park. Competitors will design and build edible masterpieces. The public is invited to attend and cheer on the teams. Santa will also be at the park watching the competition and greeting visitors. Admission for spectators is free.

Market at Sawyer Yards
Spend Saturday afternoon from noon to 5 p.m. wandering through Sawyer Yards' six studio buildings to view a selection of painting, sculpture, photography and more. The event is free and open to the public.

Santa Claus Cruising through West U
Santa Claus and his elves will cruise through West U starting at 9 a.m. on Saturday. They will be easy to spot because of their police escort and shiny convertible. See his route through West U here.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Trans-Siberian Orchestra will perform at the Toyota Center during their Winter Tour celebrating the 25th anniversary of their popular album Christmas Eve and Other Stories. Tickets starts at $50.

Make sure you're on the nice list before Santa leaves on Christmas Eve! (Photo courtesy of Memorial Green)

Photos with Santa at Memorial Green
Santa will arrive for photos with kids at Memorial Green after a long journey from the North Pole on Sunday, Dec. 12 from 12-3 p.m.

Texans vs. Seahawks
On Sunday at NRG, the Texans face the Seattle Seahawks.

Editor’s note: Meet Santa and snap a picture with him at one of these festive stops around town! Find a list of ways to give back this holiday season. See a list of upcoming holiday events here. Browse our event calendar for all upcoming events.