Why not make the most of your weekend break by planning ahead of time and saving yourself the last-minute scramble? Below are eight can’t-miss events, from a tree lighting spectacular to concert fun. For more options, check out the full CultureMap Events Calendar.
Holiday favorite
Friday, November 30-Saturday, December 30
A Christmas Carol - A Ghost Story of Christmas, returns to the Alley Theatre in the first production at the downtown space since Hurricane Harvey damaged the building. The story, written by Charles Dickens, is about Ebenezer Scrooge’s journey with the three ghostly spirits who visit him on Christmas Eve. The play runs through December 30. (various times; tickets: $26-$71 per person)
615 Texas St.; 713-220-5700
Bright lights
Friday, December 1
Ring in the season with the Mayor's Holiday Celebration and Tree Lighting at Hermann Square at Houston City Hall. The holiday tradition of music, Santa, fireworks, and family fun features a towering holiday tree with LED lights, shimmering ornaments and a stunning star topper. Houston-based singer, songwriter, and producer Cheryl Fortune, as well as Houstonian Kechi Okwuchi, a finalist in 2017’s America’s Got Talent, perform. (6-8 pm rain or shine; tickets: admission is free)
901 Bagby Street
Christmas carols
Friday, December 1-Sunday, December 3
The Houston Symphony and Megan Hilty of NBC’s Smash and Broadway’s Wicked, present "A Very Merry Pops" at Jones Hall. Hilty, conductor Steven Reineke, the orchestra, and chorus perform holiday classics, from “Jingle Bells,” to “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” to “Jingle Bell Rock.” (various times; tickets: $40-$150 per person)
615 Louisiana St.; 713-227-3974
Tasty ‘cue
Saturday, December 2
Gearing up to open Feges BBQ restaurant in early 2018, chef Patrick Feges fires up his smoker at Holler Brewing Co., offering delicious dishes including turkey meatballs and gravy ($12), Gochujang pork ribs with cucumber salad ($8), and Dr. Pepper-glazed brisket burnt ends with pimento grits and chicharrones ($10). (Noon until sold out; admission is free)
2206 Edwards Street
Cable TV guys
Saturday, December 2
Andy Cohen and Anderson Cooper head to Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land for an evening of unscripted, uncensored, and unforgettable conversation. Longtime friends, Cohen, Emmy Award-winning host and executive producer of Watch What Happens, and Cooper, Emmy award-winning CNN anchor and correspondent for CBS’ 60 Minutes, interview each other and take questions from the audience. A portion of the proceeds benefit Hurricane Harvey relief efforts. (8 pm; tickets: $70-$355 per person)
18111 Lexington Blvd., Sugar Land; 281-207-6278
CultureMap Holiday Pop-Up Shop
Sunday, December 3
Shop your heart out at the CultureMap Holiday Pop-up Shop at Silver Street Studios, presented by Infiniti. The curated holiday boutique features 25 locally-owned retailers for men, women, kids, pets, jewelry, gifts, home, and gourmet food and beverages. What’s more, expect sips, fare, festive music, photos with Santa, and an onsite barbershop for the guys. (11 am-4 pm; tickets: admission is free with registration)
2000 Edwards St.
Foodie pop-up
Sunday, December 3
Join Cuc Lam as she takes over the kitchen at Wooster’s Garden, serving up a taste of her upcoming restaurant, Sing. Dig into a dan dan noodle bowl with pork, Szechuan spices, noodles, and fresh herbs ($12), grilled lemongrass pepper riblets with jasmine rice ($8), satay with turmeric chicken, beef, and lemongrass prawn ($9), and more. (4-10 pm; tickets: free admission)
3315 Milam St.
Mother monster
Sunday, December 3
Lady Gaga hits the stage at Toyota Center as part of her Joanne World Tour. Her latest release, Joanne, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. Singles from the album include "Perfect Illusion" and "Million Reasons.” (7:30 pm; tickets: $251 per person)
1510 Polk St.; 713-758-7200
Lady Gaga hits the stage at Toyota Center.
