Event Roundup: What to Look Forward to This Weekend

Happy Friday! There's so much happening this weekend: the crowd-favorite Nutcracker Market, plus the opening of some of Houston's iconic holiday events, including Space Center's Galaxy Nights, Green Mountain Ice at Discovery Green, Sugar Land Holiday Lights, and Alley Theatre's A Christmas Carol.

Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market
Friday, 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
NRG Center
General admission $20; early bird $60
The highly anticipated 44th annual Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market is here. The four-day celebration will feature more than 270 merchants, including 25 new booths. Visit www.nutcrackermarket.com for a full merchant list and additional ticketing details. 

It's the opening weekend of Green Mountain Ice at Discovery Green, a perfect spot for picturesque ice skating. (Photo courtesy of Discovery Green)

Green Mountain Energy Ice at Discovery Green
Nov. 15-Feb. 2. Opening Night: Friday, Nov. 15, from 5-10 p.m.; Sat: 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Frostival: Sunday, Nov. 17, from 6-10 p.m. 
Discovery Green
$18 plus tax (includes skates, for 75 minutes)

Opening Night
November 15, from 5-10 p.m. Kick off the season with the opening night for Green Mountain Energy Ice at Discovery Green! The first 50 people in line at 5 pm skate for free. Forever Green members skate for free from 5-7 pm. Entertainment is provided by the winners of the Discover Houston Music showcase on the Anheuser-Busch stage from 7-10 pm. The Lake House will be serving classic American fare such as burgers, salads and tacos.

Frostival 
November 17, from 6-10 p.m. This year, experience classic winter traditions outdoors under the glittering lights of downtown Houston. Make snow angels in the Snow Zone! Take pictures with your favorite Santa Claus including Houston’s own Pancho Claus and Black Santa. Enjoy hip-hop dance performances from J-Dance Company! Take photos with amazing art cars, and dance to an ice-cold DJ set from DJ Mohawk Steve featuring nostalgic hip-hop and H-Town favorites! The first 50 skaters skate for free. Forever Green Members skate for free 5–7 p.m. (maximum 5 family members.)

Sugar Land Holiday Lights presented by Houston Methodist features 3.5 million lights, themed displays, Santa, and more holiday fun. (Photo courtesy of Sugar Land Space Cowboys) 

Sugar Land Holiday Lights
Nov. 15-Jan 5. Friday and Saturday, 6 pm-10 pm; Sunday, 6 p.m.-9 p.m.
Constellation Field
$15 for adults, $12 for seniors and children
This sparkling wonderland features 3.5 million lights, Santa Claus (until 12/23), a dazzling 40 ft. light up tree, light shows and numerous themed displays at Constellation Field. You can also get holiday shopping done with a number of holiday vendors all while enjoying great food and a magical light show. New this year: Enjoy a synthetic ice rink on the field.

Sunset Bingo at Levy Park
Friday, Nov. 15 from 5-8 p.m.
Levy Park
$10 (cash only) purchases one Bingo packet with 8 games.
Play Bingo benefiting Levy Park! Bring a blanket or utilize the park’s furniture and enjoy tunes from DJ Del Sur. Hearsay at Levy Park will be offering 10 percent off at their patio bar during all Bingo games; Gaspachos Mexican Bites will have food and beverage offerings, including alcohol; Kind Ice Cream will be offering a 10 percent discount for those who show a bingo card; Mobile Cat will offer a limited food menu. 

A Christmas Carol at Alley Theatre
Showing Nov. 15-Dec. 29.
Friday, Nov. 15, 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16, 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Sunday, Nov. 17, 1:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Alley Theatre
Tickets range from $28-75.
It's the opening weekend for Alley Theatre's A Christmas Carol! Get in the holiday spirit with the timeless tale of Ebenezer Scrooge’s transformation as he encounters the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. The Alley Theatre presents A Christmas Carol, from the novella by Charles Dickens; adapted and originally directed by Rob Melrose; remount directed by Amber D. Gray. 

Alley Theatre presents the classic A Christmas Carol, Nov. 15-Dec. 29. (Photo: Lynn Lane)

Space Center Houston Hosts Galaxy Lights Presented by Reliant
Nov. 15-Jan. 5. Friday and Saturday, from 6-10 p.m.
Space Center Houston
$19.95-27.95; free for children ages 3 and younger; not included in general admission 
Experience an out-of-this-world holiday event at the opening weekend of Galaxy Lights, presented by Reliant. Featured activations and presentations include light displays, kinetic light shows, crystal fireworks shows, Apollo-themed lantern displays, a light tunnel, light pods, astronaut “selfie” lantern display, a walk-through space launch system rocket display, a large shooting star display, s’mores fire pits by the launchpad; LED swings under the 747 Boeing Aircraft, and a screening of Holidays in Space. 

Experience an out-of-this-world holiday event at Galaxy Lights, a space-themed holiday light show. (Photo courtesy of Space Center Houston)

Run in the Park at Hermann Park
Saturday, Nov. 16 at 8 a.m.
Molly Ann Smith Plaza at Hermann Park
The 5K Walk & Run and 10K run are both full; register for the 1K kids’ run for $25 or virtual challenge for $50.
Run in the Park returns to Hermann Park, inviting participants to run, jog, walk, or stroll to support the preservation efforts of the Hermann Park Conservancy. With 5K and 10K routes, as well as a 1K kids’ route, exercise enthusiasts of all ages and abilities can come to explore the Park and enjoy the shaded trails enjoyed by millions of visitors every year. The event starts and ends at the Molly Ann Smith Plaza, near the Jones Reflection Pool, and includes a post-run party with food, drinks, music, and more. All proceeds from Run in the Park go towards the crucial work needed to maintain Hermann Park and its trail system.

Market Square Park Farmers Market Friendsgiving Block Party
Saturday, Nov. 16 from 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Market Square Park
Free
For its final date of the season, the market expands into a Friendsgiving-themed Block Party, featuring original art vendor pop-ups coordinated by Art Valet, and live music by music by Bayou City Funk. Presented in collaboration with Central City Co-Op—Houston’s oldest organic, sustainable food co-op—the market spotlights local growers and makers, while hosting free live music performances by local artists on the Turnip the Beet stage, along with other weekly entertainment and activities.

Merry Mixer at The Lawn at Memorial City
Saturday, Nov. 16, from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
The Lawn at Memorial City
Free except for alcohol purchases
Celebrate the start of the holiday season at Memorial City’s Merry Mixer on Saturday, November 16 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The Lawn comes alive with holiday cheer, marking the first night of the Memorial Lights turning on, transforming Memorial City into a Christmas wonderland. Guests can sip on festive drinks from Ciro’s pop-up bar (alcohol available for purchase), warm up with complimentary hot chocolate and enjoy live performances of jazz holiday classics.

Movie Night with Modern Animal: Best in Show
Saturday, Nov. 16 at 7:30 p.m.
Levy Park
free
Modern Animal invites you and your four-legged friends to enjoy a free movie screening of the quirky, star-studded comedy Best in Show at 7:30 p.m. Modern Animal will be onsite near the dog park from 4 to 6 p.m. and at the event lawn 6 to 8 p.m. with some fun giveaways. No outside alcohol or furniture is allowed; park furniture will be available, and alcohol can be purchased from park concessionaires. 

Disney On Ice Presents Frozen & Encanto 
Friday: 10:30 a.m., 7 p.m.
Saturday:11 a.m., 3 p.m., 7 p.m.
Sunday: 1 p.m., 5 p.m.
NRG Stadium
Tickets start at $20.
Step inside Disney stories like never before at Disney On Ice Presents Frozen & Encanto, hosted by Mickey and Minnie. Dazzling ice skating transports you to Arendelle to be a part of Anna’s adventure to find Elsa in a wintry race to bring back summer. Then, enter the Casita Madrigal to join Mirabel’s journey to save her enchanted home alongside her sisters, Isabela and Luisa. 

PIXAR PUTT, the ultimate pop-up, open-air mini-golf experience is made up of 18 fun and interactive holes inspired by the stories, characters and icons from some of Disney and Pixar's most beloved films.

Pixar Putt at Discovery Green
Through Jan. 20.
Friday: 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m. (after 7 p.m. for golfers 18+ only)
Saturday: 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m. (after 7 p.m. for golfers 18+ only)
Sunday: 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m. 
Sarofim Picnic Lawn at Discovery Green
Tickets range from $5-30
This open air, pop-up mini-golf sensation is made up of interactive putt-putt holes inspired by the stories, characters, and icons from some of Pixar’s most beloved films, including Toy Story, Cars, Monsters, Inc., Elemental, Soul, The Incredibles, Finding Nemo, A Bug’s Life, Wall-E, Luca and Turning Red. Tee times every 30 minutes. When the sun goes down on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, it's time for Pixar Putt After Dark. Tee times after 7 p.m. will be reserved for golfers 18+.