Houston Museum of Natural Science (HMNS)
- Holly Jolly Festivities: Running through Christmas, including festive shopping, Trains Over Texas, “Cookies with Santa” and “Santa’s Workshop” on December 6 at both Hermann Park and Sugar Land locations.
- Astronomy Events: Rooftop Astronomy on Dec 2 (6–8 PM) for “Searching for Uranus,” plus the Winter Solstice Sundial Celebration on Dec 21 (1–2 PM).
- Mixers & Elixirs – New Year’s Eve: Celebrate Dec 31 with VIP early access and live entertainment (9 PM–1 AM).
Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH)
- “Louvre Couture” exhibition: On display through March 15, featuring designer ensembles from Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton and more.
- Weekly Events: Gallery talks like Art & Life in Imperial Rome, happy hours, tango night, and film screenings.
- Concert Highlights:
- Music by Jewish Composers, Dec 11 at 6:30 PM
- Kantorei Christmas Caroling with St. John’s School, Dec 18 at 4:30 PM
- Songs of the Virgin: Italian Baroque Christmas, Dec 19 performances at 6 PM & 8 PM
- Cantare Houston: “And Miles to Go” on Dec 21 & 22 at 7:30 PM
Bellaire Civic Club & Community
- City of Bellaire Events:
- Santa sightings Dec 15–19
- City offices closed Dec 24–25
- Christmas Tree Recycling begins Dec 26 through Jan 12 at Edith St.
- Local Holiday Entertainment: Concerts like Christmas at HCU (Dec 5) and The Reverb Cartel at Town Square.
- Bellaire Town Square Holiday in the Park: Festivities including tree lighting, music, snow slides & Santa on Dec 5 from 6–8:30 PM.
Montrose Art Scene
- M-K-T Holiday Light Tunnels: Through Jan 6; perfect for evening strolls & photos.
- Holiday Market at Art League Houston: Free block party with vendors, music, food & art—Dec 13, 6–9 PM at 1953 Montrose.
- Art Shows & Sales: Including “CITE” ceramic exhibit and Cistern Illuminated light installation, plus art sales at Glassell School & HCCC.
Discovery Green
- Univision’s Fiestas Navideñas: Dec 7, 1–5 PM—free music, gifts, and Santa photos.
- Holiday Flea by Night Markets: Saturdays—Dec 13 & 20, 6–10 PM—local vendors, artists, plants & festive goods.
- Carols on the Green: Dec 13, 7–8:30 PM—free concert featuring opera, mariachi, children’s chorus & Houston Grand Opera.
- Houston Christmas in the Park Trade Days: Dec 27–28, 10 AM–6:30 PM—market shopping at Discovery Green.
- Ice Skating & Lights: Skate rink open through Jan 4 (~$18), plus holiday light displays.
Hermann Park
- “Holidays in Hermann Park” Celebration: Dec 6, 10 AM–8 PM—train & carousel rides, roaming Santa, carolers, crafts, and an evening movie double-feature (Rudolph & Elf) starting at 6 PM.
Houston Zoo
- TXU Energy Zoo Lights: Nov 21–Jan 4, 5:30–10:30 PM. Illuminated displays, two million lights, projection mapping, interactive zones; last entry 9:30 PM. Tickets $26.95–32.95.
The Galleria
- Indoor Ice Rink: “Ice at the Galleria” offers public skating and special appearances by The Grinch on Dec 13 & 14 (1–3 PM).
- Holiday Décor & Markets: Festive lights, seasonal menus, and pop-up gift shops throughout December.
NRG Park
- CYCLE Christmas Program: Held at NRG Center throughout early December.
- Navidad En El Barrio: Dec 13, 9:30 AM (NRG Center)—community holiday celebration.
- H‑E‑B Feast of Sharing: Dec 13 (NRG Park)—local charity event.
- Texans Home Games:
- vs. Cardinals – Dec 14
- vs. Raiders – Dec 21
- Kinder’s Texas Bowl: Dec 27 at NRG Stadium.
Plan Ahead
- Early Week: Start with zoo lights, Discovery Green markets, and ice skating.
- Dec 6 Weekend: Hermann Park festivities and HMNS Santa events.
- Mid-Dec: MFAH holiday concerts, Montrose art markets, Galleria rink with The Grinch.
- Dec 13: Discovery Green’s Carols show and NRG’s community events.
- Late Month: Texans games, NRG Bowl, Discovery Green trade days.