Don’t hate me but I’ve had my Christmas tree up since before Thanksgiving, so I’ve been counting down the days until December 😝 Now that we're here, Houston is jam-packed with cultural celebrations, holiday lights, parties, concerts, and tasty food events that you don’t want to miss. Already overwhelmed and trying to plan your schedule? Don’t worry, I’m breaking down the best events to put on your calendar for the month.
The Best Concerts and Shows
What is the holiday season without a feel-good concert or performance? My mom and I love going to the Houston Ebony Opera Guild’s holiday concert featuring African-American choral and opera singers. We already have their Dec. 8 concert “Christmas Unsung: Voices from the Margins” marked on our calendar. The hilarious “The Ugly Xmas Sweater Musical,” which premiered in Houston last year, is back with performances all month long. Make a point to visit the Ensemble Theatre, the city’s only Black-owned theater, and watch their rendition of “Twelve Ways of Christmas,” until Dec. 22, featuring a mixture of jazz, R&B, and gospel music. Nothing screams the holiday season like putting on your best outfit and seeing “The Nutcracker” at Hobby Center, but seats are going fast, so grab yours quick. Finally, grab the whole fam to enjoy “Panto Pinnochio”, a twist on the classic, filled with singing, dancing, and lots of laughs, all month long at Stages Theatre.
The Best Holiday Celebrations
Want to get in the Christmas spirit? Check out the annual Tomball German Festival Christmas Market Dec. 13 - 15, when you can shop from more than 150 street vendors, groove to live music, and more. Congregation Beth Israel is hosting an inclusive Hanukkah celebration on Dec. 15 for those of all ages and abilities to enjoy tasty kosher snacks, dreidel games, and crafts. Celebrate the rich tradition of mariachi music, as José Hernández and Mariachi Sol de México perform holiday classics on Dec. 23 at Jones Hall. For the kiddos, the Children’s Museum Houston will also host an art workshop and drumming activity to honor Kwanzaa on Dec. 26.
The Best Ways to Give Back
Are you looking for ways to volunteer this month? CYCLE, a nonprofit that gives out thousands of bikes to Houston-area students, is looking for volunteers to help at their yearly bike build on Dec. 6 - 12 at NRG Center. Wrap Christmas gifts for families in need during the Operation Blessing Wrapping Party on Dec. 20. Finally, register now to help out at the Christmas Super Feast on Dec. 23 or Christmas Eve.
