Best Christmas Events in Houston This December

We fill December with concerts, ballet, and shows. Here are Houston’s most notable Christmas events for family enjoyment.

December arrives in Houston with a calendar full of music, dance, and performances for all tastes. From classics like The Nutcracker and A Christmas Carol to mariachi concerts, opera, and symphonic performances, the city fills with options to experience the December season. For many Hispanic families, these weeks become an opportunity to share traditions, take the kids to their first ballet, or simply enjoy a different plan without leaving Houston.

If you’re looking for Christmas events in Houston, here is a detailed guide to the month’s most outstanding shows, with dates, venues, and key details to help you plan your calendar.

‘A Christmas Carol’: a classic returns to the Alley Theatre

For those who enjoy starting December with a more theatrical tradition, the Alley Theatre brings back A Christmas Carol, the Charles Dickens story that follows the famous Scrooge and the spirits who visit him on a cold night. The production maintains the book’s classic tone, with a cast that carries the play from gloom to hopeful anticipation.

• When: through December 28

• Where: Alley Theatre, 615 Texas Ave.

• Tickets: from $36 at alleytheatre.org

This title has become one of Houston’s favorite Christmas events for families seeking a more intimate and traditional option.

Karina González as the “Sugar Plum Fairy” and Ángelo Greco as the “Prince” in Houston Ballet’s “The Nutcracker,” and this year’s production promises lots of magic. Photo Amitava Sarkar/HoustonBallet

‘The Nutcracker’: the most anticipated ballet of the season

The Houston Ballet returns to fill the Wortham Theater Center with Stanton Welch’s production of The Nutcracker. Dancer Aoi Fujiwara performs the Sugar Plum Fairy, joined by principal dancer Connor Walsh as the Nutcracker Prince. The staging offers a visual journey from Clara’s party to the Land of Sweets, a show that attracts thousands of families year after year.

• When: from November 28 to December 28

• Where: Wortham Theater Center, 501 Texas Ave.

• Tickets: from $49 at houstonballet.org

For those seeking Christmas events in Houston that blend art, music, and tradition, this is one of the must-see experiences.

December concerts: symphonies, voices, and live experiences

Houston Symphony: a calendar full of music

Jones Hall will boast one of the month’s busiest schedules, with a variety of concerts:

• Handel’s Messiah (December 5–7)
  A full performance of the oratorio, including the famous Hallelujah Chorus.

• Joyful Fanfare: Holiday Brass Spectacular (December 6–7)
  Christmas selections featuring brass and choirs.

• Very Merry Pops (December 11, 13–14)
  A festive concert with well-known carols and the participation of actress and singer Ali Stroker.

• Oh, What Fun! (December 13)
  A short program for children, with music and interactive activities.

• ‘Elf’ in Concert (December 19–21)
  Screening of the movie while the symphony performs the soundtrack live.

• Where: Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana St.

• Tickets: variable prices at houstonsymphony.org

Voctave: a Christmas concert without instruments

The vocal group Voctave will offer a night of a cappella harmonies with eleven voices performing Christmas carol arrangements:

• When: December 8

• Where: Jones Hall

• Tickets: from $29

A Time for Three Holiday

The Grammy-winning trio returns to Houston with a blend of classical and pop music, adapted to the Christmas spirit.

• When: December 12

• Where: Wortham Center

• Tickets: from $44 at performingartshouston.org

Mariachi, opera, and Latin tradition

Merry Achi Christmas

Mariachi Sol de México, conducted by José Hernández, arrives at Jones Hall with a program that includes El Niño del Tambor, Himno de la Alegría, and a surprising mariachi rendition of The Nutcracker.

• When: December 15 at 7:30 p.m.

• Where: Jones Hall

• Tickets: from $75

This show tends to attract particularly Latino families, becoming one of Houston’s most representative Christmas events for the community.

Oh Holiday Special: Opera in the Heights

For those seeking a more intimate offering, Opera in the Heights will present selections of opera, carols, and traditional pieces.

• When: December 6

• Where: Lambert Hall, 1703 Heights Blvd.

• Tickets: between $35 and $85

Big concerts: Trans-Siberian Orchestra and Pentatonix

Trans-Siberian Orchestra

The famous group that blends symphonic rock with a visual light show returns to the Toyota Center with The Ghosts of Christmas Eve and a second set featuring hits from their career.

• When: December 19, shows at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

• Where: Toyota Center

• Tickets: from $55

Pentatonix: Christmas in the City

The three-time Grammy-winning vocal group will bring its Christmas tour to Houston:

• When: December 20, 6 p.m.

• Where: Toyota Center

• Tickets: from $50

A season full of Christmas event options in Houston

Houston once again confirms that it is one of the cities with the richest cultural offerings in the country. Between mariachi concerts, ballet, opera, symphonic music, and family shows, Houston’s Christmas events offer options for every budget and age.

For the Hispanic community, these weeks represent a chance to celebrate traditions, take the kids to their first concert, or simply share special moments before the year ends.