There's plenty to do in Houston over the next four days. From a massive giant pop-up shop event to Walt Disney characters on ice skates, here's a rundown of some of the most fun-filled options available. Read on for the top 10 things to do in Houston this weekend. For more options, check out the full CultureMap Events Calendar.
Holiday shopping extravaganza
Thursday, November 9-Sunday, November 12
Signature holiday fundraising shopping event, the Nutcracker Market, kicks off Thursday, November 9, and runs through November 12 at NRG Center. The giant pop-up shop features over 280 merchants with items from clothing to pottery. (Various times; tickets: $20 per person at the market and $18 per person in advance at Houston-area Randalls stores and online at Ticketmaster.)
One Energy Parkway; 713-227-2787
Ice skating spectacular
Thursday, November 9-Sunday, November 12
Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy set the stage for Reach For The Stars, presented by Disney On Ice, at NRG Stadium. Royal sisters Anna and Elsa and snowman, Olaf, from Frozen, Rapunzel and her charming ally, Flynn Rider, from Rapunzel, Ariel and Sebastian from The Little Mermaid, and Belle and the Beast from Beauty and the Beast also hit the ice. (Various times; tickets: $20-$140 per person)
8400 Kirby Dr.; 713-629-3700
Wine event
Thursday, November 9
Chairs Sean Beck and John Clutterbuck welcome guests to the 10th annual Iron Sommelier wine competition, showcasing hand-selected wines carefully curated by 14 sommeliers, from Adele Corrigan (13 celsius Wine Bar) to Brandon Kerne (Pappas Bros. Steakhouse). Held at the Houstonian Hotel, proceeds from the event benefit The Periwinkle Foundation. (6-10 pm; tickets: $200-$225 per person)
111 North Post Oak Ln.; 713-807-0191
Light up the season
Friday, November 10-January 2, 2018
The holiday festival Magical Winter Lights returns for its third year. The 50-day fest, at Gulf Greyhound Park, boasts seven themed sections of sparkling lights and colossal lanterns, from Magical Wonderland to Santa’s Christmas Village to Dinosaur Land. The newest section, called The Lone Star State, features Texas staples including a 36-foot tall cowboy lantern and a maze leading to eight Texas icon and landmark lanterns. There’s also a holiday market with shopping and food, photos with Santa, acrobatic performances, arts and crafts, and a lot more. (Various times; tickets: $13-$21 per person. Children 4 and under are free.)
1000 FM 2004 Rd.
Stand-up comedy
Friday, November 10
Comedian Trevor Noah, host of The Daily Show, gets back to his roots as a stand-up comic with a performance at Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land. (8 pm; tickets: $39-$75 per person)
18111 Lexington Blvd.; 281-207-6278
Hot Latin tunes
Friday, November 10
Da Camera of Houston presents three-time Grammy-nominated Afro-Caribbean ensemble Tiempo Libre at the University of Houston's Cullen Performance Hall. The Latin band has appeared on The Tonight Show, Live from Lincoln Center, and Dancing with the Stars. (8 pm; tickets: $37.50-$67.50 per person)
4300 University Dr.; 713-524-5050
Festive fun
Saturday, November 11
The 29th annual Ice Spectacular at The Galleria kicks off the holiday season with the lighting of a 55-foot tall Christmas tree, adorned with 450,000 lights and 5,000 ornaments. TSoul, semi-finalist from season 12 of The Voice, performs during the 45-minute tree-lighting ceremony, which ends with a fireworks display. (Family and children's activities at 12 pm, ice and musical performances, plus a countdown to the tree lighting and fireworks at 6 pm; tickets: free admission)
5085 Westheimer; 713-622-0663
Motown grooves
Saturday, November 11
Two legends of Motown, The Temptations and the Four Tops, take to the stage at Arena Theatre for a retrospective of hit songs from throughout their careers. (7 pm; tickets: $39.50-$69.50 per person)
7326 Southwest Fwy.; 713-772-5900
Foodie fun
Sunday, November 12
Head to gourmet strolling event, the International Risotto Festival, for samplings of Italian wines and fare, including a risotto throwdown between local chefs like Johnny Mandola (Damian’s Cucina Italiano) and Carmelo Mauro (Carmelo’s), as well as Italian music and entertainment, an exotic car display, activities for kids, and designer showroom tours at host space, The Houston Design Center. (2 pm; tickets: $75-$175 per person)
7026 Old Katy Rd.; 713-864-4735
Sunday concert
Sunday, November 12
Imagine Dragons head to Toyota Center in support of their album, Evolve. Singer and songwriter K. Flay opens for the band. (7:30 pm; tickets: $29.50-$150 per person)
1510 Polk St.; 713-758-7200
Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse set the stage for Reach For The Stars, presented by Disney On Ice.
