From an amazing art and music fest to a blowout ice cream party, we've rounded up the top eight things to do in Houston this weekend. For more options, check out the full CultureMap Events Calendar.
Holiday splendor
Thursday, December 14 to Saturday, December 23
Houston Ballet presents the newest rendition of The Nutcracker at Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land. The timeless holiday classic follows Clara, Drosselmeyer, Sugar Plum Fairy, and the Nutcracker Prince as they embark on a magical adventure through a growing Christmas tree, interactive snow scene, and Kingdom of Sweets. The show resumes Saturday, December 30, through Saturday, January 6, at Hobby Center. (Various times; tickets: $35 to $155 per person)
18111 Lexington Blvd., Sugar Land; 281-207-6278
Weekend Fest
Friday, December 15 to Sunday, December 17
Day For Night Festival, a three-day event that combines art and music, presents a Friday Summit with Chelsea Manning, Laurie Anderson, and more speaking on the intersection of art, technology, and activism. Saturday and Sunday be ready for a power lineup of performers including headliners Nine Inch Nails, Thom Yorke, Solange, Justice, St Vincent, Tyler, The Creator, and James Blake. For a full list of events, go to the festival website. (Various times; tickets: $95 to $750 per person.)
401 Franklin St.
‘Tis the season
Friday, December 15 to Saturday January 6
Celebrate the season at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston’s Christmas Village at 14-acre estate, Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens. The winter wonderland boasts sparkling trail of lights, animated projections, festive programs and activities, and photo opportunities with Santa and a giant sleigh. (5:30 pm; tickets: $13 to $20 per person.)
6003 Memorial Dr.; 713-639-7750
Step right up
Friday, December 15 to Monday, December 25
Lone Star Circus spectacular, “Cirque Joyeux Noel Dinner & Show,” featuring award-winning performers from Cirque du Soleil and NBC’s America’s Got Talent, heads to Moody Gardens. Expect to see contortionists, acrobats, four-legged performers, jugglers, and aerialists onstage at the one-hour Christmas show. There’s also a buffet dinner prepared by Moody Gardens executive chef, Felipe Gonzalez. (6:30 pm; tickets: $59 to $109 per person.)
1 Hope Blvd., Galveston; 409-683-4186
Brew and ‘cue
Friday, December 15
Pinkerton's Barbecue teams up with Saint Arnold Brewing Company for an evening of rare beers (think Bishops Barrel 1 and Icon Blue Chocolate Milk Stout), smoked meats from prime rib to smoked duck, and delicious side items at the Hill Country Christmas Party. (8 pm to midnight; tickets: $80 per person.)
1504 Airline Dr,; 713- 802-2000
Jolly Old Saint Nick
Saturday, December 16
Grab the kids for a special holiday brunch with Santa at Phoenicia Specialty Foods downtown. Along with a seasonal midday menu, the festive family event will have activities a cookie decorating station to photo opps with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Guests are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy to be donated to charity. (11 am; tickets: free admission)
1001 Austin St.; 832-360-2222
Cue the music
Saturday, December 16
Accompanied by an orchestra, the Houston Children's Chorus, made up of more than 140 children, sing Christmas, Hanukah and winter-wonderland favorites at the "Kids and Christmas" Pops Concert at Rice University. (5 pm; tickets: $15 per person)
6100 Main St.; 713-650-3800
We all scream
Sunday, December 17
Asking why you'd eat ice cream in the winter is the same as asking why you'd eat hot soup in the summer — it’s always delicious, duh. Hit up Fat Cat Creamery's fourth anniversary party for a whole lot of frosty goodness, plus games, face painting, music, beer from Brash and Saint Arnold, fare from Wylie St Taco Truck, and a raffle benefiting Friends 4 Life Animal Shelter. Bonus: Kids dressed as kitty cats get a free scoop. (12-4 pm; tickets: free admission)
1901 N Shepherd Dr.; 713-869-1080
Nine Inch Nails is set to perform at Day for Night Fest.
Sante's Garden Room is decorated with two olive trees.
Photo by Chris Furia