Photo: The Nutcracker soldier and Clara dance at the Wortham Center in Houston. Photo courtesy of the Houston Press. — The Nutcracker soldier and Clara dance at the Wortham Center in Houston. Photo courtesy of the Houston Press.

Holidays in Houston: Things to do

By Lana Donath Last updated Dec 1, 2015 301 0

Tired of trying to decide where to vacation for the holidays?

Stick close to home (and save money!) with these fun events… all located in the greater Houston area.

Houston and beyond

Photo: Discovery Green Park in Houston, featuring the art installation "Lens – Pluralism – Bubbles" by David Graeve. Image courtesy of 365 Things to Do in Houston. — Discovery Green Park in Houston, featuring the art installation “Lens – Pluralism – Bubbles” by David Graeve. *Photo courtesy of 365 Things to Do in Houston.*

Houston is the fourth-largest city in the United States, and the “greater Houston area” spans over 10,000 miles. So, it’s no wonder that we have so many arts, festivals and events… especially during the holidays. Alive with energy and rich in diversity, Houston’s holiday events are worth seeing, whether you’re a local or a tourist. The following are a few of the most popular things to do during the winter break.

Ice Skating at Discovery Green

Strap on your rented skates and hit the ice at the outdoor rink at Discovery Green park in downtown Houston. Located across from the iconic George R. Brown Convention Center, “The ICE” at Discovery Green will be skateable now through the beginning of February. Tickets are $14 including skates.

For more information or to buy tickets, visit http://www.discoverygreen.com/ice.

The Nutcracker Ballet

Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker Ballet” is one of the most famous ballets in the world. It has been performed annually in Houston since 1987. Featuring elaborate costumes and sets, it’s sure to be a hit with the whole family.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit http://www.houstonballet.org/TheNutcracker/.

A Christmas Carol

“A Christmas Carol – A Ghost Story of Christmas” is an annual production put on by the Alley Theatre. It’s a re-telling of Charles Dickens’ classic story, which follows Ebenezer Scrooge’s journey with the three ghostly spirits that visit him on Christmas Eve. Tickets start at $35.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://www.alleytheatre.org/plays/production-detail/a-christmas-carol.

Zoo Lights

See the Houston Zoo is a whole new light. “Zoo Lights” transforms the zoo into a winter wonderland each night from 6 to 10 p.m. with two million lights illuminating throughout the area. There are colorful light displays, festive holiday music, strolling carolers, nightly performances, hot chocolate and more.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit http://www.houstonzoo.org/zoolights/.

Galveston Island

Photo: Christmas wreaths adorn the street along The Strand in Galveston's historic district. Image courtesy of Johnny Hanson, Houston Chronicle. — Christmas wreaths adorn The Strand in Galveston’s historic district. *Photo courtesy of Johnny Hanson, Houston Chronicle.*

Galveston is just a stone’s throw from Houston and UHCL, and boasts much of its own holiday charm. Steeped in history and rich in culture, Galveston Island is definitely worth a day trip.

Dickens on the Strand

“Dickens on the Strand” returns to Galveston Island Dec. 4-6. The annual holiday street festival, based on 19th-century Victorian London, features parades and a host of entertainers, food vendors and craft-makers. Costumes are encouraged. Tickets are $15 at the gate.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit http://www.galvestonhistory.org/events/dickens-on-the-strand/dickens-on-the-strand.

Festival of Lights at Moody Gardens

Photo: The pyramids of Moody Gardens are illuminated with lights for the holidays. Image courtesy of Moody Gardens. — The pyramids of Moody Gardens are illuminated for the holidays. *Photo courtesy of Moody Gardens.*

Enjoy more than 1 million lights within 100 sound-enhanced animated light displays and nightly live entertainment at Moody Gardens’ “Festival of Lights.” It’s one of the largest holiday celebrations in the region. Admission is $10.95 and includes ice skates.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit http://www.moodygardens.com/festivaloflights/.

For more to do in Houston, check out the Houston Press calendar of events at http://www.houstonpress.com/calendar.

For Galveston events, visit http://www.galveston.com/calendarofevents/.