Event Roundup: What to Look Forward to This Weekend

Happy Friday! It’s the weekend leading into Thanksgiving week and holiday happenings are ramping up. Here are some weekend highlights: 

Don't miss the popular Trains Over Texas exhibit at HMNS this holiday season. (Photo courtesy HMNS | Photographer Mike Rathke)

Trains Over Texas at HMNS
Opens Fri., Nov. 22; museum hours: 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Friday-Sunday; will remain open through the new year
HMNS, Cullen Grand Entry Hall
Free exhibit
Create holiday memories by travelling across Texas by model railroad in this scratch built “O” scale model. The multiple trains crisscrossing the state will visit important and unique places in the state’s geology and physiography. This exhibit is the largest indoor “O” scale model railroad in Texas. 

Immersive art studio ARTECHOUSE presents the first-ever immersive Houston Holiday Spectacular, a dazzling experience that brings the holiday season to life through art, technology, and interactive design. (Photo: ARTECHOUSE)

ARTECHOUSE’s Holiday Spectacular 
Fri., Nov. 22-Sun., Jan. 5, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sessions are every 30 minutes. The last session begins at 9 p.m. 
ARTECHOUSE
Prices vary; general admission starts at $30; children (4-15): $17; children under 4: free 
Immersive art studio ARTECHOUSE presents the first-ever immersive Houston Holiday Spectacular, a dazzling experience that brings the holiday season to life through art, technology, and interactive design. Its Holiday Spectacular event kicks off this weekend. The exhibit reimagines popular holiday and ASMR themes through stunning digital landscapes, including The Tingle Bells Immersion Gallery, which invites visitors into three captivating scenes that evoke comfort, curiosity, and nostalgia, and Spectacular Factory, a whimsical adventure featuring floating bells, candy cane carousels, and dancing nutcrackers.

The annual TXU Energy presents Zoo Lights transforms the Houston Zoo into a winter wonderland. (Photo courtesy of the Houston Zoo)

TXU Energy presents Zoo Lights 
Fri., Nov. 22-Sun., Jan. 5, 5:30-10:30 p.m.; last entry at 9:30 p.m. 
Houston Zoo
Prices vary 
TXU Energy presents Zoo Lights at Houston Zoo opens this weekend. Stroll through the transformed winter wonderland, enjoy the beautiful Zoo grounds illuminated with earth-friendly LED bulbs, take photos in front of this year’s new Whimsical Wildlife tree, and sip hot chocolate by one of the smores-making stations. Santa returns to his workshop to take photos until Dec. 23. New for 2024: Discover pathways of colorful moving lights and stroll through the immersive Twinkle Trail, sponsored by TC Energy, in African Forest; enjoy two cookie decorating stations at Twiga Café and Cypress Circle Café; visit a new holiday tree at the end of the Reflection Pool. Holiday favorites include: a winter scene at Snowy Slopes, featuring a snow machine and ski lift chairs; life-sized animal lanterns and great oak trees wrapped in winter lights in the Holiday Grove

Skylawn, the 5-acre rooftop park at POST Houston, is decked out in beautifully illuminated lights and décor this season. (Photo: Lance Childers)

City Lights Downtown Holiday Magic 
Fri., Nov. 22-Tues., Dec. 31
Downtown Houston, 12 locations
Mostly free to visit
City Lights Downtown Holiday Magic, presented by Shell Energy, is back for the third year with more spectacular lights, music, and magical fun. During annual tradition, Houston First Corporation is teaming up with Downtown Houston, Discovery Green, Alley Theatre, POST Houston, Hilton Americas-Houston, and Marriott Marquis to create memorable experiences for everyone at 12 uniquely themed locations. To make exploring even easier, hop on the Hop-in Hop-off Holiday Bus, which will take you on a festive tour of the city's holiday highlights.  

Houston Rockets vs. Portland Trail Blazers
Fri., Nov. 22, 7 p.m. and Sat., Nov. 23, 7 p.m. Houston Rockets vs. Portland Trail Blazers | The Buzz Magazines
Toyota Center
$29+ 
The Houston Rockets take on the Portland Trail Blazers at Toyota Center.

Fashion Santa will stop by River Oaks District during its Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.

Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony with Fashion Santa 
Sat., Nov. 23, 5-7 p.m.
River Oaks District
Free
River Oaks District hosts a festive evening including melodies from The Houston Christmas Carolers and A-Capella Group; a Rolls Royce entrance by the holiday fashion icon - Fashion Santa, and a magical tree lighting ceremony of The Park’s grand 30-foot holiday tree. Capture photos, and savor complimentary hot cocoa and signature holiday cocktails in a lively atmosphere filled with cheer.  

Houston Texans vs. Tennessee Titans 
Sun., Nov. 24, 12 p.m. 
NRG Stadium 
Tickets start at 56
The Houston Texans take on the Tennessee Titans on Sun., Nov. 24, 12 p.m. at NRG Stadium.

More Events
See our event calendar for more upcoming fun.