We may be in a pandemic, baby, but there is still a lot of fun to be had -- both outside and inside your doors!
For family fun and hanging with friends in your personal pod, here's my quick list:
- Go see Christmas lights & do sing-a-long carols
- Make homemade hot chocolate
- Watch virtual shows by local arts groups (pick a different one each day!)
- Get outside: head to parks and nature centers
- Play board games or online ones
And here is the round-up of my PICKS for fun around town -- I note if events are IN PERSON or VIRTUAL.
“Light Up the Lot” is a new project in which they’ve transformed their parking lot into a family-friendly, safely-distanced performing arts venue for shows for adults and children. There will be two seating options: provided tables & chairs or bring-your-own.
This is a newly-filmed version of the Alley’s traditional holiday favorite in which actors were sent everything needed to create their scenes in their homes. David Rainey is playing Scrooge and other roles – other actors such as Todd Waite will have fun surprises in their onscreen segments. The rest of the Alley’s 2020/2021 season will be digital using the same technology. It's FREE but donations are gratefully accepted.
This festive holiday windowscape at the George R. Brown Convention Center features 30 holiday trees decorated by Houston’s top decorators along the Avenida de las Americas. Trees will be lit daily from 5-10pm and you can vote for your favorite tree in this drive-by event.
This festive holiday program includes seasonal favorites alongside seldom-heard gems of the Baroque era, all with abundant vocal and instrumental display.
❄️City of Houston
The Czech Center Museum’s market will feature hand-painted eggs, Czech crystal, and more and three characters from Czech’s traditional St. Nicholas Day will be there: the angel, the devil, and St. Nicholas, asking the kids if they’ve been bad or good!
o Skate with Santa -- tonight (December 17) from 7-8pm and on December 24 from noon-1pm (IN PERSON)
o “Monuments” -- through January 18 (IN PERSON), a video exhibition of Houston’s unsung heroes
Join the Queen of Christmas on a magical journey through the Holiday Classics. Featured are short, kid-friendly versions of The Night Before Christmas, A Christmas Carol (performed by puppets) and The 12 Days of Christmas, plus singalongs of Jingle Bells from around the world.
A new production that features fun new works, set to favorite carols, and an abridged version of Stanton Welch's “The Nutcracker” from their archives.
This is a cool new venue for drive-in movies in The Center for Dance parking lot!
Enjoy treasured carols and fun-filled favorites that will have you humming along, including “Feliz Navidad,” “O Holy Night,” “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” and “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”
Stroll safely through the Houston Zoo grounds from 5:30-10:30pm to see artificial snow, Candy the Zoo Lights Zebra, a giant ice throne, and a 125-foot-long, Infinity Tunnel of Light.
o “Hou-Ville” -- through December 23 (IN PERSON)
Enjoy this brand new immersive holiday exhibit that highlights and pays homage to iconic Houstonians, sports teams, landmarks, and more! The new holiday experience will transform Live Nation’s 40 Below into a real-life Houston themed winter wonderland where kids and adults are transported to a life-size whimsical Holiday City.
o A “very merry drive-through spectacular” -- through December 31 (IN PERSON)
This cool & safe display is in the parking lot of Hurricane Harbor Splashtown. It’s got the world’s largest light tunnel (700 feet long!) and much more.
A continuation of the popular Jane Austen novel Pride and Prejudice, this tale focuses on the downstairs servants quarters where all kinds of chaos is erupting while they try to prepare for Christmas upstairs for the Wickhams.
These are monthly staged readings filmed at the company's Rice Village location featuring local actors that are streamed within short time frames. The holiday one focuses on Passover through New Year’s.
The goofy character Buttons is back in a hilarious all-new, one-man version of Stages’ annual hit holiday romp for families. While sheltering in place due to COVID-19, Buttons tells the story of Senara, a courageous heroine battling a wicked fairy.
Enjoy this exhibit of over 100 wonderful vintage aluminum Christmas trees.
Their monthly family event has a holiday twist and includes a visit from Santa from 11am-noon.
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