Event Roundup: What to Look Forward to This Weekend

Happy Friday! It's beginning to feel like the holiday season. This weekend, the annual Nutcracker Market continues at NRG and two family-favorite holiday events open: Radiant Nature at Houston Botanic Garden and Space Center Houston's Galaxy Lights. 

Immerse yourself in the festive sights, sounds, and scents of the season at the 45th annual Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market, Nov. 13–16 at NRG Center. (Photo: Melissa Taylor)

45th Annual Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market
Fri., Nov. 14, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat., Nov. 15, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sun., Nov. 16, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
NRG Center
$20 General Admission, $60 Early Bird Admission
Immerse yourself in the festive sights, sounds, and scents of the season at the 45th annual Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market, taking place through Nov. 16 at NRG Center. During the holiday shopping extravaganza, shoppers will browse through a curated selection of holiday goods, gourmet treats, stylish apparel, unique jewelry, and one-of-a-kind gifts. More than 270 merchants from across the nation – along with more than 25 exciting newcomers – will showcase their finest offerings.

Sunset Bingo
Fri., Nov. 14 at 5 p.m.
Levy Park
Free to attend; $10 for 8 games; $1 daubers or bring your own. Cash only.
This popular series is back! Bring your crew the second Friday of each month for a fun evening of bingo set to the backdrop of soulful tunes from DJ Del Sur. Games begin at 6 p.m., and all event proceeds directly support the park. While children (and pups) can play, an adult 18+ must be present to claim a prize. Food & beverage concessions will be available for purchase from the surrounding kiosks and restaurants. No outside furniture is allowed; park furniture will be available, or bring a blanket for grass seating. Parking is available adjacent to the park and along Eastside St. and Wakeforest Ave. Additional public parking is available in the Kirby Grove parking garage.

Radiant Nature is inspired by traditions celebrating the Lunar New Year, the zodiac calendar, and regional plant and animal life. (Photo: Tianyu Arts & Culture)

Radiant Nature (Opening Weekend)
The show is open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays along with select weeknights through Feb. 22. Tickets are timed entry, every half hour from 6-8:30 p.m.
Houston Botanic Garden
$28.50. ($2 off admission on Thursday and Sunday nights)
Radiant Nature, presented by H-E-B, opens for its third season with all-new installations today. Each ticket purchased helps support the Botanic Garden’s mission of enriching life through discovery, education, and the conservation of the natural environment. This year’s display includes an expanded array of interactive elements, including a mirror room, a “rain cloud,” illuminated seating options, and the Instagram-famous angel wings display. Produced by Tianyu Arts & Culture and inspired by traditions celebrating the Lunar New Year, the zodiac calendar, and regional plant and animal life, Radiant Nature this year will celebrate the Year of the Fire Horse. The floral-inspired portion of Radiant Nature is punctuated by a field of giant Texas bluebonnets, red holiday poinsettias, a tunnel of morning glories, and a glowing peach tree. Premium on-site parking, which must be purchased in advance, or an off-site shuttle service are available for an additional fee.

Houston Rockets vs. Portland Trail Blazers
Fri. Nov. 14 at 7 p.m.
Toyota Center
Tickets start at $18
Watch the Rockets face off against the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday.

Houston's brightest space-themed holiday light show, Space Center Houston's Galaxy Lights, takes place Nov. 15-Jan. 4. (Photo: Space Center Houston - Aaron Rodriguez)

Space Center Houston's Galaxy Lights (Opening Weekend)
Opens Sat., Nov. 15, 6-10 p.m. Continues through Jan. 4, 2026
Space Center Houston
$19.95 - $27.95
Houston's brightest space-themed holiday light show opens this Saturday! Now in its seventh year, Galaxy Lights returns as a cherished holiday tradition at Space Center Houston. Guests can snap the perfect photo of Apollo-themed lantern activations and take a stellar walk under the stars through a 200-foot LED light tunnel and a 30-foot-tall light display of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket. Other highlights include LED light swings under the 747 Boeing aircraft; a historic flown artifact permanently exhibited at Independence Plaza, right above the launch pad. Plus, guests can enjoy a crystal fireworks light show choreographed to an epic playlist, a 40-foot-tall shooting star light display, and daily screenings of the original film Holidays in Space, celebrating the season of giving through an astronaut’s perspective. Conclude your Galaxy Lights experience by gathering around the complimentary fire pit stations and enjoying delicious hot cocoa and s’mores.

Compassion Week 2025
Continues through Sun. Nov. 16
Multiple locations
Free
Compassionate Houston's annual Compassion Week started this week and continues this weekend with free events centered around the theme: “Small Acts. Big Change. Tools for Compassionate Living.” This year marks the 10th anniversary of coming together for a full week of inspiration, knowledge-sharing, dialogue, collaborations, and hands-on activities. Established in 2011, Compassionate Houston is a network of approximately 30 organizations that share the mission of fostering compassion. Community events take place all weekend, including a Wanderlight Happy Hour and Toys for Tots Drive tonight, a Chai & Samosa event with the Tagore Society on Saturday, and a virtual workshop on self-compassion on Sunday. Find the full schedule of events here. 

Houston Rockets vs. Orlando Magic
Sun., Nov. 16 at 6 p.m.
Toyota Center
Tickets start at $38
See the Houston Rockets play the Orlando Magic at 6 p.m. this Sunday.

More Events
See our event calendar for more upcoming events.