Welcome to a supersized edition of CultureMap’s Weekend Event Planner!
Yes, this lineup includes all the post-Christmas events happening in Houston: kids’ movies at MFAH, a bourbon and boots pop-up, a Beatles cover band show, a holiday burlesque revue, the most dragtastic Sunday brunch in town. , etc. But we’ve also had a few events on Christmas Day, including parties where you can see hometown girl Beyoncé Knowles-Carter perform during halftime of the Texans-Ravens game. Don’t miss our guides for restaurants open at Christmasbars which are decorated for the holidaysand all the light displays happening in town.
As Queen Bey would say, let’s get into formation:
Wednesday December 25
SirDavis American Whiskey presents the Texans vs. Ravens Watch Parties
As Houston prepares for the Texans vs. Ravens game — and Beyoncé Knowles-Carter’s highly anticipated halftime performance — on Christmas Day, we’re hosting watch parties hosted by her brand, SirDavis American Whiskey, in six bars and restaurants. Tipsy Lounge, Urban Social and Rockhouse will host events including SirDavis drink specials, photo booths and a special screening of the halftime show. Celebrations will also continue after the match at 5015 Bar and The Address, both opening at 6 p.m. 3 p.m. (2 p.m. Rockhouse).
Houston Christmas Village
Once you’ve spent your Christmas day with your family, you can still celebrate the holidays at select destinations in the city. A good place to start is the Houston Christmas Village, which will feature light displays, shows and flavors that will transport people to international destinations like China, Mexico, India and Africa. Experience the warmth and wonder of their holiday traditions like never before. Until Monday January 6, 5 p.m.
Thursday December 26
The Houston Museum of Fine Arts presents Movies for young children And Movies for big kids
Celebrate the winter holidays at MFAH with family-friendly films from the traveling edition of the New York International Children’s Film Festival. Join more than 100 arts organizations across the country in witnessing vibrant collections of animated, live-action, and documentary shorts reflecting NYICFF’s commitment to storytelling and diversity that are sure to spark meaningful conversations. Movies for young children is designed for children aged 5 to 10, while Movies for big kidsis designed for ages 8 and up. 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.
The Alley Theater presents A Christmas Carol
You can’t spend a Christmas season without A Christmas CarolCharles Dickens’ timeless story about a miser literally receiving an awakening from ghosts who teach him the true meaning of Christmas. The new hit adaptation of The Alley features colorful Victorian costumes, special effects, magic, dancing and just the right mix. of Christmas carols. It’s a dazzling Christmas celebration featuring the beloved story of Ebenezer Scrooge and his miraculous transformation. 7 p.m. (1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 1:30 p.m. Sunday).
The Continental Club presents Beetle Thursday
Anyone here celebrating Boxing Day? Originating in the United Kingdom and celebrated in several Commonwealth countries, it is an opportunity to donate gifts to people in need. (It’s also Britain’s version of Black Friday, where you can shop for post-holiday deals.) The Continental Club will salute the day by calling on Beetle, Houston’s all-Beatles cover band, to perform classic tunes from the Fab Four. all evening. 7 p.m.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra in concert
The Trans-Siberian Orchestra is coming to Houston as part of their Lost Christmas Eve tour. The band has released seven albums during their career, most recently Letters from the maze in 2015. But Lostreleased in 2004, remains their most recognized opus. Since then, they have toured for two decades, selling 20 million tickets and surpassing $20 million in charitable donations. Houstonians will have two chances to see them perform the day after Christmas. 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Friday December 27
Echoes presents “A Houston Night for Palestine”
Echoes will host “A Houston Night for Palestine,” an inspiring evening of film, music, art and culture to benefit the family of five surfers featured in the 2015 documentary. Gaza Surf Club. The event kicks off with Ice House Radio DJ sets indoors and outdoors, setting the tone for the evening. Then, enjoy a special screening of Gaza, followed by an insightful Q&A session with GSC member Ibrahim N. Arafat. After that, there will be live performances with Kam Franklin, Marrshun, Kye Loh and Clarence James. 5 p.m.
The Houston Orchestra’s Energy Corridor presents Night in Italy
The Energy Corridor of Houston Orchestra (ECHO Orchestra) presents Night in Italya near-New Year experience to celebrate the holidays in style. Guests are invited to begin the evening with Italian wine, appetizers and pastries, accompanied by both classical and modern Italian music by pianist Mary Peterson. The concert will feature performances by tenor Ruben Erazo, soprano McKenzie Garey and flautist Katherine Rivas Fuentas. 7:30 p.m.
Shen Yun
Shen Yun’s unique artistic vision expands the theatrical experience into a multidimensional and deeply moving journey. Featuring one of the world’s oldest and richest dance systems – classical Chinese dance – along with dynamic animated sets and entirely original orchestral works, Shen Yun opens a portal to a civilization of enchanting beauty and of enlightening wisdom. Until Tuesday January 28, 7:30 p.m. (2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday).
The steps present Panto Pinocchio
Pinocchio, a sentient AI boy, navigates a town obsessed with viral TikTok dances. When Pinocchio sets out on a quest to discover his true essence, he encounters a world of digital mischief and adventure. Will he manage to unlock the secrets of his identity? Or will the evil Miss Treats disrupt the festivities and thwart Pinocchio’s journey? This panto is full of high-tech hijinks, heartbreaking jokes and enough singing and dancing to reboot even the most jaded operating systems. Until January 5. 7 p.m. (2 p.m. Sunday).
Saturday December 28
a’Bouzy presents Bourbon, Bubbles and Boots
Champagne-fueled French restaurant a’Bouzy will host an event this weekend that’s sure to put people in a warm but rowdy spirit. Republic Boots will be there for a pop-up shop in the afternoon, bringing a whole bunch of shoes for people to browse. Milam & Green Whiskey, based in Texas, will serve cocktails. We bet someone in your group will yell “Butts in the air and dizzy!” » at some point during the day. 11 a.m.
Poppy Tart Productions presents Let it show – Holiday Burlesque
Things are going to get snowy and sinful at downtown nightclub Henke & Pillot this weekend. Poppy Tart Productions hangs out in Let it showa holiday burlesque show designed to put people in a festive mood. This event will offer a burlesque atmosphere where art, dance, teasing, glamor and humor make up the most delicious holiday cocktail. Artists from Los Angeles, New Orleans and Austin will be in attendance. 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
Bayou Music Center presents Sheng Wang
Comedian/actor/writer/proud Houstonian Sheng Wang is back in town for a reunion show at the Bayou Music Center. Wang’s first Netflix special, Sweet and juicywas released in September 2022. He was a featured comedian on HBO. 2 drug queens special and also wrote for the ABC show Fresh off the boat. 7 p.m.
Murder and Detective Mystery Dinner Show
Would you like to spend the holidays solving a murder? You can always get into detective work at Dinner Detective. Guests will tackle a challenging crime while they feast on dinner. The criminal is hiding somewhere in the room and guests may find themselves as the prime suspect before they even realize it. Each entry includes a full dinner, murder mystery entertainment, a server gratuity, a Top Sleuth package and more. 6 p.m.
Sunday December 29
Rich’s Presents Sunday Service Drag Brunch
Every Sunday, a drag contestant (and Dragula by the Boulet brothers candidate) Blackberri hosts Rich’s Sunday Service Drag Brunch, with a rotating weekly cast. You can watch these entertainers slay while filling your belly with delicious dishes like shrimp and grits and chicken and waffles (with drink choices like mimosas and Bloody Marys, of course). DJ Aracely Manterola provides the brunch beats and DJ Johnny Moreno creates ambiance on the terrace before, during and after each brunch show. 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Holiday Afternoon Tea at the Lancaster Hotel
Today is the last day to enjoy Holiday Afternoon Tea at the Lancaster Hotel, located in the heart of Houston’s Theater District. Served on Saturdays and Sundays, Tea includes a delicious range of tea sandwiches, decadent cranberry scones, seasonal pastries and a selection of exquisite teas from around the world. Guests also receive a complimentary tea box containing the hotel’s signature holiday spiced black tea. Noon and 2:30 p.m.
River Oaks Theater presents The thin man
You know what a good holiday movie is that no one talks about? The 1934 pre-Code comedy The thin man. Based on the influential crime novel by Dashiell Hammett, the film stars as legends William Powell and Myrna Loy as the jet-setting, crime-solving couple, Nick and Nora Charles. They spend the holidays in New York, drinking cocktails and investigating the disappearance/murder of a rich man. Although Nick and Nora have had several other adventures on the big screen, the original is still great. 1 p.m.
Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet
What better way to end this holiday weekend than with a checkout THE Nutcracker – Eastern European style – at the Smart Financial Center in Sugar Land. Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet will highlight an international cast and leading Ukrainian artists performing at the pinnacle of European classical ballet. The audience will be transported by the magic of breathtaking acrobatics, larger-than-life puppets and hand-crafted sets and costumes. 3 p.m.