Believe it or not, it’s already December. Between the holiday shopping, decorating, eating, and more eating, there awaits a splendid assortment of magical things to do in the city this holiday season. Read on to discover 65 enchanting things to do in Houston this December! [Featured image: @chuckperez_photos]
1-4. Experience Magical Candlelight Concerts
Whether you’re looking for a beautifully unique classical music performance or a romantic candlelit experience, this performance is for you. You don’t need to know all things Tchaikovsky to enjoy the evening, simply sit back and savor the stunning atmosphere and pieces you’ll hear. Walk into one of Houston’s most exquisite buildings where the walls will be flickering by candlelight to create a magical atmosphere. Prepare to be taken into the clouds with some of the most treasured wintertime classics from Tchaikovsky, Vivaldi and other master composers!
- Candlelight: Holiday Special featuring “The Nutcracker”
- Candlelight: Holiday Jazz featuring “Christmas Time Is Here” and More
5. Experience the Magic of Harry Potter: A Yule Ball Celebration
Tickets are officially available for this holiday-themed ball, where guests can honor the yuletide season and its endless festivities in a way only the Wizarding World knows how. From November and for a few weeks only, you’ll be able to dance, interact with hosts, enjoy delicious food and drinks, and maybe even do a little shopping at the enchanting Yule Ball Market, all while snapping pics at the many photo-ops! A Premium Package is also available!
6. Get Your Tickets to this Blockbuster Van Gogh Exhibition
Artwork from the iconic post-impressionist painter Vincent Van Gogh will come to life in a 360-degree digital spectacle that’ll illuminate and transform the physical space into a fully immersive exhibit. You’ll see Van Gogh’s work take over the walls and encompass your surroundings through the lenses of several dozen projectors, hyper-realistic VR headsets, or a mix of both.
7. Get Your Tickets To See Sinatra Under the Stars
Sinatra Under the Stars will transport you back to a time when Sinatra reigned the scene. Enjoy a classic cocktail under the stars and melt away “those little town blues.” Don’t miss this evening of classic jazz with a touch of some hot takes on contemporary songs performed by some of Houston’s brightest talents. Sit back and relax to the sounds of Sinatra at one of the best venues that Houston has to offer! Enjoy a delicious dinner menu and light bites available for purchase and enjoy the evening at the spectacular Skylawn rooftop.
8. Experience Eternity at this Breathtaking Infinity Room Exhibition
To describe the glimmering works of Yayoi Kusama as “iconic” almost sounds like a disservice. Nothing less than mesmerizing, her kaleidoscopic infinity rooms have enchanted the world over, leaving those who’ve entered breathless, and those who’ve seen them secondhand taken with envy.
Now, Houstonians can experience the indescribable as MFAH becomes the new home of Kusama’s Aftermath of Obliteration of Eternity.
9. Glide Under the Stars
Discovery Green in Downtown, Houston has returned their outdoor ice rink for the holiday season. From now until January 30, Discovery Green is hosting public skates at the foot of Houston’s skyline. As per tradition, Discovery Green will be hosting a series of themed nights for skaters to enjoy on their renewable energy-run rink.
10. Float through a Winter Wonderland
The Marquis Houston have converted their legendary downtown rooftop into a full-scale Winter Wonderland with Christmas movie nights, festive lights, and one heated lazy river for their Texas Winter Lights event – a poolside winter wonderland complete with snowfall, fireside s’mores, lit-up lawn games, and more!
Additionally, the event will feature a winter-themed dining menu, signature cocktails, 20 new made-for-Instagram installations, as well as new lighting fixtures to make your holiday season sparkle.
11. Enjoy Holiday Movies At Rooftop Cinema Club
In between the decorating, shopping, and occasional binge eating, it’s good to celebrate the spirit of the season by watching some of your favorite holiday classics. In Houston, you can do just the thing at Rooftop Cinema Club, which will be screening all of your holiday favorites this December!
Screenings include: A Christmas Story, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, The Muppet Christmas Carol, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Arthur Christmas, and The Night Before.
12. Check Out Houston Zoo Lights
Every year the Houston Zoo hosts a dazzling light spectacle for the City of Houston. This year, the zoo will continue its tradition from November 18 – January 8, 2023.
13. Downtown Light Spectacles
The holidays are upon us, Houston. This year, the city is getting into the spirit more than ever with brand new holiday festivities in Downtown, Houston. Beginning this November, downtown is transforming into a magical holiday destination for City Lights Downtown Holiday Magic.
14. Venture Into A Galaxy Of Lights At Space Center Houston
When it comes to the most Houston-centric lighting display, nothing says “Space City” more than the Galaxy Lights spectacle that orbits Space Center Houston. Recently, Space Center Houston announced the opening of their annual Galaxy Lights holiday display, from November 13 – January 2, billing it as “the most technologically advanced light display in Texas” – and that’s no hyperbole.
15-17. Cruise Through The City’s Drive-Through Light Shows
Light Park has two locations in the Houston area, one in the parking lot of Typhoon Texas Waterpark at 555 Katy Fort Bend Rd in Katy and one in the Hurricane Harbor parking lot at 21300 Interstate 45 N.
- Drive out to Humble this year to cross off the last light show on your list. Dasher’s Light Show is a one-mile-length immersive light show located at 8233 Will Clayton Pkwy.
18. Indulge In The Most Fantastic And Festive Chocolates
Heralded as one of the Top 10 Chocolatiers in North America by Dessert Professional Magazine, Kate Weiser is a nationally-recognized chocolate-maker renowned for her dazzling seasonal treats. With several stores in Dallas and Fort Worth, the confectioner goes over the top for Halloween, Christmas, and Valentine’s Day – and this year, Weiser’s creations are going to be in Houston for all three holidays.
19. Experience Lightscape at Houston Botanic Garden
On November 18, Houston Botanic Garden will celebrate the return of their dazzling Lightscape experience. From November 18 until January 1, the one-mile trail will illuminate the Houston Botanic Garden with breathtaking light installations including a tunnel of 100,000 bulbs.
20. Take Santa’s Sleigh Out to His Texas-Sized Wonderland
Say “howdy” to the holidays this season in College Station for the annual Santa’s Wonderland, a massive, festive, and bright holiday tradition that features a Texas-sized spectacle of lights, gingerbread village, snow playground, live music, and boundless merriment for the whole family.
For a little more holiday excitement, visitors are invited to mosey down to Frostbite Mountain in the West Pole, where they can glide down a snow-covered luge in snow tubes – just take it easy on the non-chloric, silicon-based kitchen lubricant, eh, Clark Griswold?
21. Do a Bit of Holiday Shopping at The Galleria
With only a few weeks left before Santa comes, you could do him a solid by getting a jump start on things. While online shopping has its perks, if you want the experience to be extra festive, cruise down to Galleria Houston where the lights are twinkling, the ice rink is glimmering, and the holiday tree is standing tall!
22-24. Get into the Holiday Spirits at the Most Festive Bars in the City
In honor of the most wonderful time of the year, some of our favorite locals have decked their halls with lights, banners, and a stock-full of yuletide libations. Follow this link to discover the 10 most cheerful places in town to have an eggnog.
25. Catch a Burlesque Show
Come for a night of spectacular dance performances that you will never forget. With a line-up of amazing performers, sit back and be taken away by their dance moves and amazing costumes. This is the perfect way to start your weekend in style. Share this experience with colleagues, or even on a date that will have you talking about it into the weekend.
26. See All The Movies
Fever has an incredible deal for you! Check out the listings and movie times of our participating AMC movie theatres in Houston, get your Fever ticket, and go have fun! Whether it’s a rainy afternoon or a special date night, AMC Theatres® has your tickets to all the best comedies, action flicks, and everything in between, with just a click of a button.
27. Roll into this Mini-Golf Cocktail Bar
With 23,000-square-foot to play with, Puttery will comprise four themed mini golf courses across two levels in addition to multiple bars. Despite it’s exciting design, Puttery aims to be recognized for its speciality cocktails and chef driven menu as much as it’s elegant putting courses. Whether you’re eating or playing, a delectable food and beverage program with shareable plates and craft cocktails aims to tempt people in regardless of whether they plan for some light competition or not.
28. Check Out Houston’s New Art Pieces
Houston is a work of art that continues to grow. This season, Houstonians can admire Houston’s latest artistic features the city over.
- Mi Casa, Your Casa 2.0 is an interactive installation on the Sarofim Lawn featuring 16 house-like structures wherein visitors can sit, swing, and enjoy the company of each other. Esrawe + Cadena, the designers of the popular Los Trompos, took inspiration from the street markets and mercados of Latin America.
- The city has transformed into an open-air gallery with a series of large-scale art pieces in Downtown, Houston in an effort to initiate conversation leading to social change.
29-34. Cozy Up at Houston’s Best Coffee Shops
Thankfully, there are plenty of coffee houses scattered about the city for residents to take refuge, re-energize, and maybe eat a scone or two.
- Rev up your mornings at the motorcycle and coffee garage.
- Secret Garden offers various international coffees with options in the form of Vietnamese, Greek Espresso, Greek Freddo Cappuccino, Turkish Coffee, and more.
- Husband-and-wife caffeine team, Manuel and Martha Gil, have recently opened Segundo Lab inside Ironworks near downtown, bringing rich, creative java flavors to the Second Ward.
35. Putt Putt at Tiger Woods’ Restaurant and Entertainment Concept
Slated to open this December, the massive entertainment venue will consist of two 18-hole golf courses, a patio restaurant complete with rooftop bar, beer garden, and ice cream parlor – according to Eater.
36. Frolic Festively at POST HTX’s “Winter Wonderlawn”
Downtown, Houston has already established itself as the holiday epicenter of the city, but come Friday, the area will become an absolute beacon of holiday entertainment with the opening of “Winter Wonderlawn” at POST Houston on December 2.
37. Grab a Drink at the Ice Bar
While other cities might have the advantage of snow and cozy traditional weather, here in south we make do with what we have. If you haven’t already hit the ice this season, can really do so at Moody Garden’s Ice Land – a holiday experience complete with ice sculptures, characters, decor and more, not excluding a crystal ice bar.
38-42. Sweeten Up at a Speakeasy
There’s something special about speakeasies. The secretive, vicarious forbidden feel of transporting back to the prohibition make imbibing cocktails all the more tantalizing. Stow away in wonderful hidden bars that Houston has to offer!
- So Clutch, the owners of the Concrete Cowboy, Clutch Bar, and a host of establishments in other US cities, opened the doors of the Sugar Room on Washington Avenue. The cocktail lounge hidden inside a local bakery features a glamorous selection of drinks as well as tasty treats.
- Tucked away in the corner of Cantina Barba’s back patio is a scanty, nondescript, somewhat rusty container. The door on which advertises “Mijo’s Mezcal Bar” – which, to our knowledge, lays the smallest bar in Houston.
- Relive the ’20s and all of its splendor at the Daisy Buchanan Lounge, from the group behind Gatsby’s Prime Steakhouse. The flashy new 52-seat lounge, located at what was once Bar Victor on 4321 Montrose Blvd, is made in the image of the era infamously captured in Scott F. Fitzgerald’s masterpiece, The Great Gatsby.
43. Unwind Inside This Cozy Beer And Wine Bus
Parked on Montrose Blvd., Bacco Wine Garden is an intimate, fire-lit, two-story bar and patio that serves wine, beer, and an assortment of Italian comfort food. Beyond the wraparound balcony, there lies a dazzling wine and beer bus for patrons to share an even more intimate experience.
44. Groove into this Retro Cocktail Lounge
Located at 310 Main St, Behind Closed Doors is an elevated new cocktail concept that comprises of multiple bars, including secret rooms, DJs, and all the vibes.
45. Share a Bottle of Wine at this Twinkly Courtyard
Find exquisite cocktails, shareable plates, and a breathtaking atmosphere at Simone on Sunset’s European-style courtyard and wine garden.
As stated in its name, Simone on Sunset is located on 2418 Sunset Blvd. Upon approach, the Rice Village hidden gem dazzles with a stunning display of patio lights. Suspended from the awning, spiraling up its trellises, and hovering over the courtyard, lights set the garden aglow with an intimate and effervescent ambiance.
46-48. Hit the Dive Scene
Houston thankfully has plenty of places to take shelter in a flurry of rain: whether to escape the weather, shoot a round of pool, grab a cheap beer, or to play a song on a jukebox, consult this list to discover where to go.
- Those who leave up their festive decorations year round, like the people over at Grand Prize Bar, are complete freaking lunatics – and we love them for it.
- La Carafe Wine Bar is a historic haunt housed in a building that’s stood for over a century and remains to be the oldest in the city of Houston.
49. Transport Yourself To Madrid at this Clubby Restaurant
If you’re looking for a taste of Spanish cuisine, with the sight, sound, and feel of Madrilenian nightlife, MAD Houston is your ticket.
50. Saunter Through Railway Heights
Railway Heights is now open on Washington with two stories of vibrant businesses, food stalls, local vendors, and an art gallery on the second floor.
51. Check Out Houston’s Brand New Lyric Market
Markets are surging in Houston these days. Recently, the city has been blessed with not one but two mixed-media markets, that which continue to host headlining musicians, art galleries and expositions, and excellent eateries. Most recently, Lyric Market has opened in the Downtown Theater District.
52. Enjoy these Dazzling Chocolates
Heralded as one of the Top 10 Chocolatiers in North America by Dessert Professional Magazine, Kate Weiser is a nationally-recognized chocolate-maker renowned for her dazzling seasonal treats. With several stores in Dallas and Fort Worth, the confectioner goes over the top for Halloween, Christmas, and Valentine’s Day – and this year, Weiser’s creations are going to be in Houston for all three holidays.
53. Get Medieval at Ren Fest
The 48th Annual Texas Renaissance Festival, the largest renaissance festival in the nation, returns to Texas this October with a kingdom of entertainment for the whole family.
Every year since 1974 the town of Todd Mission travels back to the 16th century, becoming a bustling village filled to the brim with stages, shops, artisans, vendors, and no shortage of characters – from kings, queens, and knights, to fairies and elven-kind. It’s annual attendance clocks in around 500,000 visitors – making it the Nation’s Largest Renaissance Festival.
54. Treat Your Dog to Sophistication at this Luxury Canine Cafe
Treat your furry friends to a life of luxury at the brand new PUCCI Cafe & Boutique opening in Cinco Ranch in Katy today.
Opening today, September 19, PUCCI Cafe & Boutique is a one-of-a-kind, European-inspired concept in Houston where canines and owners alike can experience class and sophistication. Located in Katy in Cinco Ranch, PUCCI spans 2,500-square-feet and its outfitted with a multi-level lakeside patio, dog park, cafe, and bakery.
55. Elevate Your Lifestyle at these Houston Rooftop Bars
Nothing quite says “living the highlife” like clinking glasses on a city rooftop. Touch the sky this season with a brunch, evening, or nightcap on the most jaw-dropping rooftops in Houston.
56-64. Eat Your Heart Out
Houston’s culinary scene is a vast, rich landscape populated with delicious eateries, scrumptious bakeries, and Tex-Mex as far as the eye can see.
- Whether it’s a classic Neapolitan-style Margherita, a traffic cone-sized slice, or some warped creation piled high with everything and the kitchen sink – we don’t discriminate when it comes to pizza. Any way you slice it, here’s 10 of the best pizza parlors in the Houston area!
- Not all buffets are created equal. When seeking out a local in which to stock up on calories to last you the winter hibernation, we recommend heading to one of our 10 favorite all-you-can-eat buffets in Houston.
- Whataburger, Taco Bell, McDonald’s – the usual suspects when it comes to late-night munchies. Sometimes, though, you got to broaden your horizons, especially when a glorious late-night food scene of delis, pizzerias, taquerias await in the city of Houston.
- Hot, cold, rain, or shine, ice cream is a good call on any day. Here’s the scoop on where to find the best ice cream in Houston
- Like breakfast tacos, kolaches are synonymous with breakfast in Texas. Savory, comfortable, portable – perfect for an on-the-go breakfast, or bought-by-the-dozen hangover cure. Unlike similar handheld breakfast staples such as donuts, bagels, and croissants, it’s not so easy finding kolaches outside of Texas. We’d probably travel more if you could, but for now, we’ll stay here in Houston with our favorite comfort breakfast food on the go.
- Grab a cup of coffee and a slice of pie at our favorite diners in Houston
65. Drive through Houston’s Brightest Neighborhoods
It’s not officially the holiday season until the city’s many neighborhoods are completely suffused in holiday lights and decorations. This season, be sure to drive through Houston’s brightest and most festive neighborhoods and streets.