Event Roundup: What to Look Forward to This Weekend

 Happy Friday, happy Hanukkah to all who celebrate, and happy holiday season! There are tons of fun and festive events happening this weekend, including: 

2023 Mistletoe Market in Midtown
Browse creations from local artisans and crafters at Baldwin Park in Midtown. The scene will be set with twinkling lights, Santa, holiday music, craft classes for adults and kids, holiday-themed public art installations, food, and more. The market takes place tonight, 5-10 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and is free to attend. 

Discover an immersive holiday experience at Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens during Christmas Village at Bayou Bend, Dec. 8-30. (Photo courtesy of Museum of Fine Arts, Houston)

Christmas Village at Bayou Bend
Christmas Village at Bayou Bend kicks off tonight, 5:30 p.m. The immersive holiday experience features a winter wonderland, including a handcrafted model train, a faux-snow slide, cotton snowballs, games for all ages, music from carolers, unique holiday gifts, photos with Santa, holiday treats, and more. Admission is $18 adult and youth aged 13+; $12 for kids ages 5-12; free for kids ages 4 and younger. For an extra $5, enjoy a theatrical, holiday-themed tour of Ima Hogg’s historic house.  

Party at the Pavilion Featuring THE FAB 5 
PATRONS for Bellaire Parks, and the City of Bellaire host this free outdoor concert at Bellaire Town Square tonight, featuring ‘60s tribute band The FAB 5. Join at 7 p.m. for live music and fun.

Rudolph Run 
Join CITYCENTRE for the 13th Annual Rudolph 5k Fun Run, Dasher 10k, and Cupid 1k starting at CITYCENTRE and dashing through area neighborhoods, starting at 7 a.m. on Saturday The scenic route includes beautiful holiday decorations. Participants are welcome to wear festive costumes; the winner of the best holiday costume will receive a gift card. After the run, stay for pictures with Santa and special treats, including mimosas and much more. $20/Cupid 1K; $40/Rudolph 5K non-timed; $45: Dasher 10K non-timed; $50 Rudolph 5K timed. 

Memorial City Holiday Market 
Shop for the holidays at Memorial City’s Holiday Market on Saturday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Enjoy live holiday music, kids’ activity tables, free buttery popcorn, free holiday samplings, and more. 

Architecture Center Houston will host the 14th Annual Gingerbread Build-Off at Levy Park on Saturday, December 9, 2023.

The 14th Annual AIA Gingerbread Build-Off 
Architecture Center Houston will host the 14th Annual Gingerbread Build-Off at Levy Park on Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Competing teams will create their masterpieces using 100% edible materials (of which leftovers will be composted). More than 4,000 spectators are expected to attend and cheer on the teams, play in the kids' construction zone, and take a picture with Santa. All of the entertainment is free and open to the public. 

The Hermann Park Railroad is decked out for the holidays. (Photo: Hermann Park Conservancy)

Hermann Park Railroad Holiday Party 
Hermann Park Railroad hosts its annual holiday party on Saturday, Dec. 9, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in Kinder Station. This event includes complimentary face painting, holiday treats, games for the kids, and holiday-themed arts and crafts. Free to attend. 

CAROLS ON THE GREEN Houston Grand Opera hosts the seventh annual Carols on the Green showcase and sing-along, in partnership with Discovery Green, on Sat., Dec. 9. The family-friendly evening will feature music celebrating Christmas, Kwanzaa, and Hanukkah. Ugly sweaters encouraged. (Photo: LaTroya Brooks)

Houston Grand Opera's Carols on the Green 
Houston Grand Opera (HGO) hosts the seventh annual Carols on the Green showcase and sing-along, held in partnership with Discovery Green, on Saturday, 7-8:30 p.m. The free, family-friendly evening is a celebration of the diverse holiday traditions cherished across Houston. The festive event will feature music celebrating Christmas, Kwanza, and Hanukkah performed by singers from HGO community partners including the Segundo Barrio Children’s Chorus and Indigo Diaspora Dance Company; the HGO Chorus; and HGO’s Bauer Family High School Vocal Studio. The tenor Demetrious Sampson, Jr., a current member of HGO’s prestigious Butler Studio program, will also take the stage. The free event will feature interactive activities for audience members of all ages to enjoy, with guests invited to wear festive holiday attire (ugly sweaters encouraged).  

PJ Library’s Chanukah Celebration at Children’s Museum  
On Sunday, PJ Library will be set up at the Museum from 1-5:30 p.m., with Chanukah-themed craft tables, story times each hour, Chanukah singalongs, book tables, giveaways, and special guests. General admission. 

The Shul of Bellaire hosts the 2023 Bellaire Chanukah Festival featuring a giant menorah lighting, a fire show, Chanukah crafts, face painting, inflatables, a dinner buffet including latkes and donuts, and a Chanukah gelt and parachute drop. 

The Shul of Bellaire's Bellaire Chanukah Festival
The Shul of Bellaire hosts the 2023 Bellaire Chanukah Festival at Bellaire Town Square on Sunday, 4 p.m., featuring a giant menorah lighting, a fire show, Chanukah crafts, face painting, inflatables, a dinner buffet including latkes and donuts, and a Chanukah gelt and parachute drop. Admission: $10/adult; $8/child; family (dinner included): $36. RSVP here. 

28th Annual Menorah Lighting at Houston City Hall  
Celebrate Chanukah on the fourth night at Houston City Hall with music, dreidels, sufganiot, Chanukah gelt, gifts for children, and addresses by dignitaries and elected officials. The event takes place on Sunday, 4 p.m.  

More Events
Find more upcoming events on our online calendar here and find a listing of holiday happenings in our Dec. 2023 issue here.