Top 14 Must-Do Activities in Houston This Weekend

Holiday Events in Houston: A Guide to the Festive Weekend

As the holiday season approaches, Houston is buzzing with a variety of events that cater to all interests. From art exhibitions and film screenings to live music and festive parties, there's something for everyone this weekend.

Thursday, December 18

Music at the Museum

The Contemporary Arts Museum Houston (CAMH) is hosting its annual Music at the Museum event. This evening will feature live music, an art workshop, and contemporary art. Jupiter will be spinning house, ambient, club tracks, and more. Additionally, attendees can participate in a cyanotype workshop led by CAMH FAQ team member and artist Carlos Mendozain. The event starts at 6 pm.

"Zuzu’s Petals" Opening Reception

Sabine Street Studios is presenting the opening reception for its end-of-the-year exhibition, "Zuzu’s Petals." Inspired by the classic film It's a Wonderful Life, this group exhibition of mixed media works offers a chance for reflection on the past year and the promise of the new one. The reception includes complimentary beverages and snacks, as well as brief artist talks. It starts at 6 pm.

Aurora Holiday Party & Raffle

Join Aurora Picture Show for its annual holiday party, which will be held in their new Navigation Blvd. space. This free event features beverages provided by Double Trouble and Saint Arnold, light bites from Phoenicia, vintage holiday TV projections, and music from DJs Gracie Chavez, Marcelluz Gualez, Alex la Rotta, and Peter Lucas. There will also be a raffle benefiting Aurora’s artistic and educational programming. The event begins at 7 pm.

Friday, December 19

Nouvelle Vague

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presents Nouvelle Vague, Richard Linklater’s love letter to the revolutionary magic of the French New Wave. This film reimagines the making of Jean-Luc Godard’s Breathless (1960). The screening is available in glorious 35mm and starts at 7 pm (5 pm Sunday).

The Projectionists’ Reel

Rice Cinema will have a special screening featuring work by Tish Stringer, a Rice alum and former technical exhibition manager at Rice Cinema. The Projectionists’ Reel tells the story of how crafty projectionists of the Greenway Theater cannibalized cinematic ephemera into remix joy. The screening is preceded by a bonus screening of We’re Not Judges, a short film by Renée Feltz. The filmmakers will be in attendance for a post-screening Q&A. The event starts at 7 pm.

Elf in Concert

The Houston Symphony presents Elf in Concert, where the heartwarming tale of Buddy the Elf will play on the big screen, while every note of John Debney’s score is played live to picture. The event starts at 7:30 pm (2 pm Sunday).

The 1968 Cherry Cola Pitts Christmas Special: A Musical

Vincent Victoria Presents delivers the world premiere of a new stage production, The 1968 Cherry Cola Pitts Christmas Special: Christmas Will Never be the Same. The production, a sharp, irreverent, joyously queer holiday biting satire set in the explosive year of 1968, stars Cherry Cola Pitts. The event starts at 8 pm (3 and 8 pm Saturday; 3 pm Sunday).

Saturday, December 20

Annual Holiday Bourbon Allocation

O.S.T. Liquor Store will launch one of its largest and most anticipated bourbon allocation releases, offering more than 200 rare and highly coveted bottles to collectors and holiday shoppers. The event is known for drawing enthusiasts from across the Houston area who are seeking hard-to-find bourbons, whiskeys, and limited-edition spirits. The event starts at 10 am.

BLCK Market Holiday Festival at East River

Step into a festive celebration of Black-owned businesses at the BLCK Market Holiday Festival at East River. Attendees will enjoy holiday shopping, music, merriment, and unique finds. Santa and Mrs. Claus will also be available for photos from 12-2 pm. The event starts at 11 am.

Pentatonix in concert

In 2011, a cappella group Pentatonix became the first act to top both the Holiday Albums and Holiday Songs charts simultaneously. They’ll be in Houston as part of their Christmas in the City tour, performing favorite songs from their seven holiday-themed albums. The event starts at 7 pm.

Ugly Sweater Christmas Party & Toy Drive

Winsome Prime is kicking off the holiday week with its annual Ugly Sweater Christmas Party & Toy Drive. Attendees are asked to bring a new toy to benefit the Isiah Factor Christmas Toy Drive, as well as dress in their most outrageous, over-the-top holiday sweaters for an ugly sweater contest. The event starts at 7 pm.

Sunday, December 21

Holiday on the Harbor

Join Lake Houston mixed-use development Kings Harbor Waterfront Village as it celebrates the holiday season with Holiday on the Harbor. Attendees can enjoy a free photo opportunity with Santa and Mrs. Claus, music from a DJ, face painting, an on-site caricature artist, and riding on the trackless train. Families can also play yard games and create holiday crafts. The event starts at 1 pm.

Luv Ya Bum!

Luv Ya Bum! is more than a sports documentary – it’s a testament to the power of leadership, community, and the enduring impact of legendary Houston Oilers head coach Bum Phillips. River Oaks Theatre will have a screening, presented by Houston Cinema Arts Society (HCAS) and Houston Film Commission, complete with a post-screening conversation with the producers. A special exhibition will be on display, courtesy of the Museum of the Gulf Coast, featuring a remarkable collection of personal effects and historical artifacts. The event starts at 2 pm.

Yule-Tide Carols

The Houston Tidelanders will ring in the holiday season with their show, Yule-Tide Carols. The tradition brings Christmas to life through the four-part harmonies of barbershop a cappella singing. The Tidelanders will perform a mix of classic Christmas favorites and fresh new arrangements. The event starts at 4:30 pm.