As we officially kick off the Thanksgiving holiday, there’s no better time to gear up for December festivities. If you’re looking to shake off that post-turkey drowsiness this weekend, here are some exciting events to consider in Houston.
The 76th Annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade returns to Downtown Houston on Thursday, November 27, at 9 a.m. This cherished tradition is one of the oldest Turkey Day parades in the nation, featuring an array of floats, giant balloons, six marching bands, dance performances, and special guest artists including America’s Got Talent semifinalist Christina Wells, country singer Payton Howie, and Kam Franklin of The Suffers. The parade, which stretches over 20 city blocks, is open to the public for free. Those who cannot attend in person can catch the action live on ABC13, the parade’s official streaming partner.
On Friday evening, November 28, at 7 p.m., the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston will showcase the British Arrows, a delightful compilation of award-winning advertisements from the UK. This screening will present a mix of humorous and poignant ads featuring celebrities like A$AP Rocky and Benedict Cumberbatch. The collection will also be available for viewing on Saturday, December 6, and Friday, December 12, which will include a panel discussion hosted by His Britannic Majesty’s Consul General, Keith Scott.
The Houston Ballet is set to present Stanton Welch’s enchanting holiday production of The Nutcracker, beginning Friday, November 28, at 7:30 p.m. Young audiences will follow Clara Stahlbaum on her magical journey to fantastical realms, accompanied by Tchaikovsky’s beloved score. Performances will continue through December 28, with tickets priced between $30 and $220, and special VIP experiences available for an additional cost.
In a musical homage to Tchaikovsky, the Houston Symphony will feature his renowned Piano Concerto No. 1 in a concert scheduled for Friday, November 28, at 7:30 p.m. The performance, which also includes works by Ľubica Äčekovská and Richard Strauss, will be repeated over the weekend. Tickets range from $65 to $192, with Saturday’s show available for livestream for those who prefer to enjoy it from home.
Celebrating Latinx talent, TEATRX will host the La Vida Es Cortos/Life is Shorts Festival starting Friday, November 28, at 7:30 p.m. at the MATCH. This event will feature short films and plays spotlighting diverse voices with performances continuing throughout the weekend. Adult tickets are pay-what-you-can, making it accessible for all, with free entry for children under 12 when attending with an adult.
On December 2, Ars Lyrica will present The Watchmen’s Song, highlighting the rich choral tradition at St. Philip Presbyterian Church. This concert will delve into the works inspired by Philipp Nicolai’s chorale and will feature seasonal pieces by German Baroque composers. Tickets are available ranging from $15 to $50.
Lastly, the Alley Theatre will stage a modern take on A Christmas Carol in The Night Shift Before Christmas, opening on December 3. This one-woman show, starring Briana J. Resa, promises to deliver a fresh, humorous twist on the classic tale, with performances scheduled through late December.
This festive season, Houston is alive with events that celebrate culture, music, and creativity, providing ample opportunities for community engagement and holiday cheer.