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    Holiday Happenings

    10 magical Houston-area happenings guaranteed to rev up your holiday spirit

    Dominique McGhee
    Dec 9, 2016 | 12:59 pm

    The holiday season is upon us and there are lots of Houston events to get you in the spirit of the most wonderful time of the year. In addition to a ton of new live shows, the CultureMap events calendar is filled with individual happenings with a holiday theme. There are also a number of ongoing happenings around the city that are sure create a memorable experience — and a great way to entertain out-of-town guests.

     

    As you prepare to "deck the halls" with your family and friends, consider adding some of these ongoing happenings to your holiday "must-visit" list.

     

     Ice on Discovery Green

     

    Discovery Green offers Houstonians a taste of winter by transforming the park's model boat basin into a outdoor ice rink, using renewable energy recycled water from Kinder Lake, all the while being kept at a frigid 22 degrees. The Houston skyline is the perfect backdrop for ice skating now through Super Bowl Sunday on February 5, 2017.

     

     Sugar Land Holiday Lights

     

    The Sugar Land Skeeters present the 3rd Annual Sugar Land Holiday Lights featuring the largest inflatable snow globe in Texas, 2.5 million lights, and over 100 walkthrough displays at Constellation Field. Holiday lights will continue through December 23 with children's activities, movie nights, shopping, food trucks, and Santa Claus each night.

     

     Magical Winter Lights

     

    The 2016 Magical Winter Lights at Gulf Greyhound Park features six fascinating themed sections, including Magical Wonderland, Holiday Market Square, Dinosaur Land, Mystery of the East, Man and Nature, and Landmarks of the World. In addition to these themed areas, guests will be able to experience live entertainment, an interactive dinosaur exhibit, acrobatic performances, and so much more through January 8.

     

     Baybrook Mall Holiday on the Lawn

     

    A host of local vendors offering unique gifts have set up shop on the spacious lawn at the Clear Lake-area mall for the winter wonderland holiday market. The family-friendly event also includes a gift wrapping station, a spot to make children's ID cards, live entertainment, Zumba demonstrations, balloon artists and a bee hive exhibit. The curated market is open Friday-Sundays through December 24 as well December 19 through December 22 for last minute shoppers.

     

     Jingle on the Boardwalk

     

    Round up your family and head to Kemah for Jingle on the Boardwalk, taking place weekends in December. Activities include popular movies like Frozen and Elf, workshops with Santa, and even a snow patch area. The 54th Annual Holiday Boat Parade on December 10 features hundreds of decorated boats cruising the bay from Clear Lake to Kemah.

     

     Typhoon Texas

     

    Like a frigid Blue Norther, Typhoon Texas is draped in a blanket of holiday fun as the waterpark adjacent to Katy Mills Mall is transformed into WinterFest. Among the attractions are an outdoor ice rink, thousands of sparkling lights synchronized to holiday songs, a 4D holiday light show projected over the Typhoon Texas wave pool, Santa’s workshop, train rides, petting zoo with working farm animals, hay rides, pony rides and Reindeer Run, a Texas-sized inflatable slide rising three stories tall. It's open daily, except Christmas Day, through December 31.

     

     Christmas at George Ranch

     

    Celebrate the holiday season with Texas spirit at the historic Fort Bend County ranch. "Campfire Christmas" is an unforgettable evening of hearty food, Texas traditions like singing carols around the campfire, and Christmas cheer that traces the ranch's history in a fun and festive way. (Tour and meal on December 10 and 17; tour only on December 16; children's campfire Christmas on December 15.) "Christmas in the Park," on December 10, 17, 20-23, and 31, features a hay ride (weather-permitting), along with Christmas traditions and decorations of the 1830s through the 1930s, and Treehouse Story Time with Santa.

     

     Festival of Lights at Moody Gardens

     

    Enjoy more than 1 million lights within 100 sound-enhanced animated light displays and nightly live entertainment at the Galveston attraction through January 8. Other holiday activities include an outdoor ice rink, Arctic Slide, photos with Santa, train rides, 3D holiday films, and "Ice Land: Ice Sculptures, A Caribbean Christmas!," featuring a breathtaking undersea journey made of two million pounds of ice.

     

     Christmas Village at Bayou Bend

     

    The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston’s second annual Christmas Village at Bayou Bend features new activities and enhanced programming as the 14-acre estate is transformed into a Christmas dreamland, with carolers, Santa, a snowball-play area, holiday treats and art-making activities — and on eight nights — real reindeer. The elaborate stained-glass Spiegeltent returns and the garden spaces feature dazzling light displays that evoke springtime blooms, including the charming Butterfly Garden. Inside the mansion, creative director Todd Waite stages a holiday-themed tour featuring live actors, theatrical effects, and Christmas decorations as the exterior of the mansion features 3D video projections.

     

    The Christmas village is open every evening through January 1, except December 24, 25 and 31. Premium nights are December 10, 16–23, and 30.

     

     Houston Zoo's Fifth Annual Zoo Lights

     

    The Houston Zoo is again transformed into a winter wonderland with more than two million lights. Stroll along 15 miles of eco-friendly LED lighting illuminating oak trees and paths, enjoy festive carols, sip hot chocolate, and take in such displays at Holly Berry, a 1958 Cadillac with a lightshow set to music, the Holiday Train, Enchanted Forest, and Candy, the interactive talking zebra. Among the new attractions this year are theaddition of a huge, 33-tall Christmas tree adorned with colorful decorations that will be the perfect backdrop for your holiday selfie.

     

    Zoo Lights can be viewed through January 15 (closed December 24-25).

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Winterfest at Texas Typhoon waterpark is a winter wonderland.

    Texas Typhoon Winterfest Christmas tree at sunset
      
    Photo courtesy of Texas Typhoon
    Winterfest at Texas Typhoon waterpark is a winter wonderland.
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    Here are the 15 best things to do in Houston this 4th of July weekend

    Craig D. Lindsey
    Jul 2, 2025 | 6:30 pm
    Shell Freedom Over Texas
    Courtesy of Shell Freedom Over Texas
    The city has revealed the performers for its July 4 celebration.

    The 4th of July lands on a Friday this year, which means things will get especially patriotic this weekend.

    We’ve already listed all the fireworks celebrations and restaurant specials that’ll be popping off on Friday. (Don’t forget about the screenings of Independence Day at River Oaks Theatre, Rooftop Cinema Club and Marriott Marquis Houston.) But there are also other must-see events happening this weekend, including a LEGO convention, the second anniversary of a Third Ward eatery, the return of a Stanley Kubrick classic, and an outlaw music festival featuring Willie Freakin’ Nelson and Bob Freakin’ Dylan!

    Thursday, July 3

    Brick Rodeo
    Brick Rodeo is a family-friendly event that features hundreds of custom models and displays made from LEGO bricks. Creators from Texas and around the country will be available to talk about their creations. Fans who want to display their own creations, attend workshops, and participate in all the activities should purchase an All Access Pass. Families and individuals who want to spend a day viewing incredible custom creations, talking with builders, and shopping with vendors should purchase a public exhibition ticket. 9 am (8:30 am Friday-Sunday).

    City Place presents Young Audiences of Houston: Painting with Watercolor Pencils Art Workshop
    This free art workshop, hosted by Young Audiences of Houston teaching artist Judy Malone Stein, transforms City Place’s central waterfront plaza into a classical art studio with easels and other essential supplies. Participants are introduced to the medium of watercolor pencils and will learn basic color theory which includes the color wheel and primary and secondary colors, along with complimentary colors. They will also focus on creating compositions, using traditional visions (portraits, landscapes, still life) as their subject matter. 9:30 am.

    Improv Houston presents Dustin Ross
    Dustin Ross is a NAACP Image Award-winning host, writer, and producer. Fans of The Read podcast may know him as a longtime guest/friend to the show. These days, you can hear him on two pods: The Friend Zone, with co-hosts Hey Fran Hey and Assante; and Holding Court, with Eboni K. Williams. He has also hosted seasons of Bet on Black, REVOLT TV’s competition series, Bet On Black. As an on-air contributor, Ross has appeared on multiple platforms, including MTV, BET, Bravo TV, HBO, FUSE TV, GLAAD, Fox Soul, and more. 7:30 pm.

    Friday, July 4

    Freedom Over Texas
    With an average of 50,000 people in attendance, Freedom Over Texas has become Houston’s annual, signature July 4th celebration. The live, televised event will feature local, regional, and national entertainment, headlined by Ashley McBryde and Lee Brice, and will be capped off with a musically choreographed, “Texas-sized” fireworks finale. It also features a unique non-profit component, as the event will donate a percentage of food and beverage sales to the Houston Food Bank. 4 pm.

    Ensemble Theatre presents The Tap Dance Kid
    Over at The Ensemble Theatre, The Tap Dance Kid is about a 10-year-old African-American kid named Willie who doesn’t want to be a lawyer like his well-to-do strict father, and dreams of becoming a dancer like his talented Uncle Dipsey, an aspiring Broadway choreographer. The final production in the theater’s 2024-25 season, this musical is filled with imaginations of stardom that keep us tapping along. Through Sunday, July 27. 7:30 pm (2 and 7:30 pm Saturday; 3 pm Sunday).

    Dan Electro’s presents The Broken Spokes & Oliver Penn 4th of July Party
    Freedom, music, and a 4th of July Party will be going down at Dan Electros. The show will feature a performance from traditional Texas country band The Broken Spokes, a well-seasoned outfit that’s put in the time honing their craft in honky tonks across Texas,. Also performing will be Rhode Island-born, Houston-based country singer Oliver Penn, who has shared the stage with Charley Crockett, Shakey Graves, Randall King, The California Honeydrops, and Shinyribs. 9 pm.

    Alamo Drafthouse LaCenterra presents Graveyard Shift: Attack the Block
    Guy Fawkes Night in London is a time for fireworks, fooling around, and an occasional surprise or two. But when vicious extraterrestrials decide to crash the hellraisers’ holiday, a time for making merry quickly turns scary. Writer-director Joe Cornish also ensures it’s frequently humorous as well. This frisky, vigorous 2011 spoof — propelled by an insistent electronic score by Steven Price & Basement Jaxx and a star-making lead turn from John Boyega — shows a similar sensibility in its breezy blending of goofiness and gruesomeness. 10 pm.

    Saturday, July 5

    Rado Market 2 Year Anniversary Celebration
    Chef Chris Williams’ market and cafe at the historic Eldorado Ballroom will celebrate its two-year anniversary with a celebration that’s free and open to the public. The event will include complimentary champagne during the first hour, food specials from chef Jaden Gaines, and live music from a DJ for the first two hours. Guests can also browse and shop from a curated lineup of local vendors offering various products for sale, including Posh Body, Ambrosia Nectar, 77 Stash, and Juxx. Patrons can also enter two raffles featuring Radiant Aura samples and other giveaways. Noon.


      
     
     
     
     
     
     
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    Winnie’s presents Labubu Face Tattoo Korean Corn Dog Karaoke Party
    Never has an event’s name been a more complete description of what’s happening at the Midtown sandwich shop/cocktail bar on Saturday. Artists from Rodeo Tiger will be tattooing Labubu, the must-have accessory that feels destined to become the Beanie Babies of 2025 ($25 minimum, $50 for both sides, and $100 for full face custom work). While you wait, snack on a Korean corn dog created by chef Jennifer Hoffman. Karaoke starts at 8 pm. 1 pm.

    The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presents Barry Lyndon
    This weekend, catch the 50th anniversary screening (in glorious 35mm!) of Stanley Kubrick’s lavish, Oscar-winning 1975 adaptation of William Makepeace Thackeray’s 18th-century novel. Forced to leave Ireland after killing an English officer in a duel, young Redmond Barry (Ryan O’Neal) seeks his fortune as a soldier in Prussia, as a spy, and then as a gambler living among the elite of Europe. He changes his name and marries an aristocrat (Marisa Berenson) for her wealth, but will he finally gain the acceptance he seeks? 5 pm (2 pm Sunday).

    Kings Harbor Waterfront Village presents “Fireworks on the Pier”
    Looking for a post-4th of July throwdown this weekend? Kings Harbor Waterfront Village in Kingwood will have its annual “Fireworks on the Pier” celebration, a patriotic evening of family fun, live entertainment and a spectacular fireworks display. Festivities include family-friendly games like Connect Four, a balloon artist, face painting and bubble stations for kids. Local restaurants will be serving up a variety of delicious food and drink options throughout the evening. A dazzling fireworks show over the pier will begin around 10 pm. 7 pm.

    Movies at Miller: Wicked
    We know there is a lot of y’all who can’t wait for Wicked: For Good to drop in multiplexes this winter. Before that happens, head over to Miller Outdoor Theatre and revisit the Oscar-winning Broadway musical adaptation that set it all off. In the magical Land of Oz, Wicked covers the first act, following Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), the future Wicked Witch of the West, and her friendship with Galinda (Ariana Grande), the future Glinda the Good Witch. The audience is encouraged to come in costume. 8:30 pm.

    Sunday, July 6

    Eldorado Ballroom presents Ball N’ Parlay
    Dubbed “A 1st Sunday Vibeout,” Ball N’ Parlay is a vibrant, Third Ward day party that’s going to be held outside the legendary Eldorado Ballroom. They’re really hyping this one up, calling it “the Sunday you’ve been waiting for, where music, community, and culture meet.” We’re just psyched that some of our favorite DJs will be doing live sets, including DJ Elevated, Maiya Papaya, Alist, and DJ Bloom. 3 pm.

    Outlaw Music Festival
    If you grew up going to Cactus Music and picking up the latest issue of No Depression, looking for the latest in outlaw country releases to scoop up, a fest full of iconic, guitar-strumming banditos will be making a stop at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion this weekend. The 10th anniversary tour of the Outlaw Music Festival will feature an unparalleled lineup of legends and superstars, including Willie Nelson & Family, Bob Dylan, The Avett Brothers, The Mavericks, and Tami Neilson. 4:05 pm.

    CONCACAF Gold Cup Final
    As of this writing, we don’t know who will be playing in the final match of the soccer championship known as the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup, going down this weekend at NRG Stadium. What we do now is that the winners will be determined on Wednesday night, when the semifinal matchups – the USMNT vs. Guatemala and Mexico vs. Honduras – will take place. This also marks the first time the Gold Cup Final will be held in the state of Texas. 6 pm.

    Freedom Over Texas
      
    Courtesy of Freedom Over Texas
    The Freedom Over Texas celebration takes place on the Fourth of July.
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