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These are the top 14 things to do in Houston this weekend

Houston will basically be going into Christmas overdrive this weekend.

We got theaters doing yuletide-themed stage shows, holiday parties that encourage you to come out in your favorite ugly Christmas sweater, holiday markets, and lots of toy drives. A ramen spot will even have actual snow and a Mariah Carey doppelganger on its premises. The weather may not know it’s Christmastime, but the city definitely does.

Thursday, December 19

Improv Houston presents Joel Kim Booster
LA-based comedian and writer Joel Kim Booster cares deeply about cats, appointment television, various feuds, and more. He has co-hosted Quibi’s Singled Out remake alongside Keke Palmer and starred as Jun Ho in NBC’s Sunnyside. Recently, he wrote and starred in the film Fire Island, and co-starred on the Apple TV+ comedy Loot. His stand-up has been featured on The Late Late Show with James Corden, Conan, Netflix, Comedy Central and more. 7:30 pm.

Stages presents Sister's Christmas Catechism: The Mystery of the Magi's Gold
It's CSI: Bethlehem in this holiday mystery extravaganza, as Sister takes on the mystery that has intrigued historians throughout the ages — whatever happened to the Magi's gold? ("We know that Mary used the frankincense and myrrh as a sort of potpourri — they were in a barn after all.") Employing her own scientific tools, as well as a gaggle of audience members, Sister creates a living nativity unlike any you've ever seen. 7:30 pm (7:30 pm Friday and Saturday; 2:30 pm Sunday).

93' Til 4 Year Anniversary & Holiday Party
Houston restaurant and vinyl bar 93' Til is celebrating its fourth anniversary with an evening of dinner, drink specials, music, and entertainment. In honor of the milestone, 93' Til is featuring its new seasonal dinner and holiday cocktail menus, as well as special promotions featuring Rosaluna Mezcal cocktails. An all-vinyl (we’re talking all 45s, all night here!) lineup of DJs will set the evening's soundtrack, with performances from Fire Frunk, Demo, and L080. 8 pm.

Friday, December 20

Ninja Ramen presents Ninja Winter Wonderland
Ninja Ramen will be going all the way out for its annual, indoor snow event with 10,000 pounds of real, actual snow inside the restaurant — dress warmly. There will also be a “Mall-Mariah” (aka a Mariah Carey lookalike) around to take pictures with customers. Casamigos and Mezcal Union will be making special drinks and cocktails like the MezCaliente, a boozy Mexican hot chocolate with a giant marshmallow. (Non-alcoholic offerings will also be available.) And, of course, don’t forget about the ramen. 4 pm (4 pm Saturday and Sunday).

Taste Kitchen + Bar’s Ugly Sweater Happy Hour & Toy Drive
Downtown eatery Taste Kitchen + Bar will be getting its holly-jolly on with its Ugly Sweater Happy Hour. Taste will be collecting toys to donate to the City Wide Club for children at their 46th Annual Christmas Super Feast event on Christmas Eve. This is an opportunity to put on that favorite ugly Christmas sweater, donate a new toy to make a difference in the life of a child at Christmastime, enjoy food and drinks at special prices, and have a chance to win some awesome prizes. 4:20 pm.

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presents The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (Les parapluies de Cherbourg)
In this dazzling, bittersweet 1964 musical from Jacques Demy, an umbrella-shop owner’s daughter (Catherine Deneuve) glows with first love for a garage mechanic (Nino Castelnuovo). When he is sent to fight in Algeria, the two pledge their hearts to each other, but this true love succumbs to the realities of life and unexpected consequences. It’s one of the most revered and unorthodox movie musicals of all time, exquisitely designed in a kaleidoscope of colors, and told entirely through the lilting songs of the composer Michel Legrand. 7 pm (7 pm Saturday and 2 pm Sunday).

A.D. Players presents A Texas Carol Part Deux
Everyone's favorite dysfunctional East Texas family is back. The Dinkel family is gathering back on Mee-Maw's beloved ranch on Christmas Day to celebrate Ginny and Hugo's wedding. But Hugo, the new head coach of the Houston NHL expansion team, is stuck in Dallas, snowed in by a whopping eighth of an inch. Hugo's absence forces Gretta, Erik, and Van to once again run a poorly conceived (but well-meaning) scheme to keep the truth from the ultra-anxious Ginny. 7:30 pm (2 & 7:30 pm Saturday; 2 pm Sunday).

Saturday, December 21

Acres Home Chamber Holiday Farmers Market
The Acres Home Chamber hosts its free, monthly, second Annual Holiday Farmers Market, featuring photos with Santa, toys for a limited number of neighborhood children, and a holiday giveaway for SNAP/EBT users. As parents wait for their children to capture memories with Santa, they’ll have the chance to learn more about healthy eating through a cooking demonstration and support local farmers, artisans, and food vendors — something that has a lasting impact in food deserts like Acres Home. 10 am.

First Saturday Arts Market
The First Saturday Arts Market will extend its season with a special rain date. Under partly sunny skies and cooler temperatures, more than 30 artists will gather for what they’re calling the Last Chance Holiday Art Market. This event offers a final opportunity for holiday shoppers and visitors to experience Houston’s original, monthly, outdoor art market. Attendees can browse paintings, sculptures, photography, jewelry, and more. Live local music and offerings from Houston Cider Co. will contribute to a festive atmosphere. 11 am.

William Beckmann in concert
Texas crooner William Beckmann comes to Houston as part of his 2024 Las Posadas Tour, a six-city special set of performances featuring an intimate night of Christmas music, Spanish songs, storytelling, and select Beckmann originals. He'll be joined by special guest Harper O'Neill. One hundred percent of VIP package sales will be donated to the Texas Cavaliers Charitable Foundation to fund and support hundreds of children’s charities and organizations throughout Texas. 7 pm.

The Copacabana Hall’s Grand Opening Celebration and Toy Drive
Brand-new, downtown/East River event venue The Copacabana Hall is inviting the community to its Grand Opening Celebration and Toy Drive this weekend. Admission to the event comes with a simple yet meaningful request: guests are asked to bring one new, unwrapped toy per person to brighten the holidays for local children and families in need. The collected toys will benefit Katy Angels and will be distributed to children in the East River community. 8 pm.

Sunday, December 22

White Oak Music Hall presents Houston Toy Drive Hosted by d4vd
19-year-old global artist d4vd will be holding a toy drive at White Oak Music Hall this weekend. d4vd emerged as a visionary artist only one year after he began writing and recording heart-piercing tracks alone in his sister's closet here in Houston. d4vd developed his eclectic taste in rap and indie music from internet wormholes and fan-made Fortnite videos on YouTube, which he also started creating as a homeschooled teenager. The toys will be donated to a local foster care group ahead of Christmas. 10 am.

Color Factory presents Winter Colorland Night
Houstonians can kick off holiday week at Color Factory’s Winter Colorland Night. Attendees will receive a free Winter Colorland mug (while supplies last). In addition, there’s a chance for guests to unwrap a surprise. Find one of five shimmering stars hidden in Color Factory’s ball pit and win a $50 Color Shop gift card. Don your festive attire and bring your friends and family for a memorable night of joy, dazzling photo ops with instant digital photos, holiday tunes and a reimagined confetti room. 4 pm.

Punch Line Houston presents Alok
American comedian/poet Alok will be in town this weekend to perform their comedy show “Hairy Situation” – which first debuted at Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August. From captivating global audiences as an author, poet, comedian and actor to challenging norms and launching trends in fashion and beauty, Alok has cemented their status as a transformative influence in contemporary art, culture, and advocacy. They have captivated audiences in over 40 countries, as well as headline the Netflix is a Joke and Just For Laughs festivals. 6:30 pm.

Photo courtesy of Stages

Stages presents Sister's Christmas Catechism: The Mystery of the Magi's Gold.

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weekend event planner

These are the 14 best things to do in Houston this Thanksgiving weekend

Photo by Richard Carson

H-E-B hosts the annual Thanksgiving parade downtown.

It’s Thanksgiving Day Weekend, which means that people all over will be coming together for tasty meals.

In addition to the big meal and Black Friday shopping, we’ve still got some festive, Mariah-season events popping off this weekend, including a couple holiday-themed pop-ups, a couple Christmas-y stage productions, and the opening of a new skating rink.

And, for all the millennial moms out there, the co-host of Love is Blind will be around to sing for you.

Thursday, November 27

76th Annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade
The 76th Annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade is once again rolling through downtown. As one of the oldest Turkey Day parades in the nation, this beloved tradition draws tens of thousands of Houstonians together to celebrate each year. This year's parade promises to be bigger and better than ever, with more elaborate floats, dazzling performances, and non-stop energy and fun for the entire family. Don't miss the chance to kick off the holiday season with this unforgettable Houston tradition. 8 am.

Jingle Bell Bar
Jingle Bell Bar will return over at Latin-inspired, River Oaks cocktail bar Botonica. The immersive holiday experience features curated rooms with floor-to-ceiling decor, twinkling lights, themed installations, and multiple photo-ready moments throughout the space. Patrons can enjoy a seasonal menu of holiday-inspired cocktails, limited-time food offerings, and weekly programming designed to elevate the festive atmosphere. Through Sunday, December 28. 4 pm (2 pm Saturday and Sunday).

EZ’s Liquor Lounge presents Thanksgiving Potluck
If you prefer to spend a drama-free Thanksgiving away from the fam, EZ’s Liquor Lounge always has room at their table. The Heights neighborhood bar will host its annual Thanksgiving community potluck, with owner Matt Tanner serving up his signature goose and andouille gumbo. Everyone’s invited to bring a favorite dish or simply come and enjoy the good company. 6 pm.

Friday, November 28

Alley Theatre presents A Christmas Carol
So, it’s that time of year when Charles Dickens’ classic story gets done onstage. This weekend, you can either check out the drunk version, or celebrate the holidays with the Alley’s hit new adaptation, complete with colorful Victorian costumes, special effects, magic, dancing, and just the right blend of – wait for it! – Christmas carols. It is a dazzling Christmas feast with the beloved story of Ebenezer Scrooge and his miraculous transformation. Through Sunday, December 28. 1:30 and 7 pm (1:30 and 6:30 pm Sunday).

Ice Village at Rice Village Grand Opening
Rice Village will transform into a winter wonderland with the debut of Ice Village, the district’s first-ever ice-skating rink. Festivities will include skating under the stars, a Santa’s workshop with Santa photos, a 24-foot Christmas tree, and a festive holiday market atmosphere illuminated by sparkling lights and local vendors like Tiny’s Milk & Cookies and a Ron’s Pub pop-up. Ice Village will feature themed nights and photos with Santa on select dates. Through Sunday, January 4. 5:30 pm.

Erykah Badu in concert
Badu has released six albums in her career, including her recent AbI & Alan collab with hip-hop producer The Alchemist. But Badu is on the road for the 25th anniversary of her 2000 sophomore album Mama’s Gun. The feminine counterpart to D’Angelo’s 2000 second album Voodoo (both albums were simultaneously produced and recorded at Electric Lady Studios in New York), Gun is a neo-soul masterwork – and, for two nights, Badu will be performing it in its entirety. 8 pm.

Late Night Booty Call presents Friendsgiving
The party series Late Night Booty Call is welcoming all who want to come and participate in this wholesome, post-Turkey Day gathering. They’ll start things off with a community potluck and holiday market, followed by a late night dance hub/karaoke featuring DJs Malcolm Bravo, Doc Guava, Hollaway, and Beauty Sleep. They’ll be accepting all potluck Thanksgiving dishes, snacks or desserts. Donations and a portion of the proceeds will go to non-profit partners Food Not Bombs. 8 pm.

Saturday, November 29

Discovery Green presents Green Mountain Energy Ice
At Green Mountain Energy Ice, visitors can glide beneath the glittering lights of downtown Houston and discover the holiday magic at Discovery Green. On Cheap Skate Mondays, skating is half off, $9 + tax per person (includes skate rental). Other theme nights include DJ Skate Night Saturdays, Skating with the Stars, Skating with Santa!, Inclusive Skaters Night, Wine Down Wednesdays, Kids Skate Free Thursdays, Galentine's Day, and Valentine's Day. For full information, go to the event website. Through Monday, February 16. 11 am.

Karbach Brewing and Texas Salsa Congress present ¡Mambo Con Azúcar!
In collaboration with event organizers Texas Salsa Congress, Karbach Brewing will be throwing ¡Mambo Con Azúcar!, a high-energy celebration in its biergarten led by Tito Puente Jr., carrying on the legendary rhythm and legacy of his father – the “King of Latin Music” – Tito Puente Sr. This party is certainly double-stuffed: live bands Grupo Latitude and Shekere Latin Band playing salsa rhythms, DJs spinning Latin and global beats, Latin-inspired food vendors, an art and vendor market, chalk art, etc. This event is free and open to all ages. 4 pm.

Stages presents It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play
This performance brings the beloved holiday classic to life in a unique and heartwarming way. Set in a 1940s radio station, the show features live sound effects, commercial breaks, and a talented cast bringing the iconic characters of George Bailey, Mary Hatch, and Clarence the angel to the stage. 7 pm (2 pm Sunday).

The Continental Club presents Sorry, Sarah Album Release Party
Houston-based, indie alt-rock band Sorry, Sarah released their self-titled debut this month. To celebrate, they’ll be throwing an album release party over at Continental Club this weekend. Fronted by songwriter/guitarist/vocalist Sarah Hobson, their sound is rooted in alternative rock and colored by the dreamy textures of shoegaze and indie. Jimmy Bent's expressive lead guitar creates a layered soundscape, accompanied by driving rhythms from drummer Sam White and bassist Madison Cooke, to build lush, genre-blending songs. 9 pm.

Sunday, November 30

Yuma HTX Holiday Sandwich Pop-Up
Cuban and Brazilian sandwich pop-up Yuma HTX is rolling out two holiday-themed sandwiches over at Third Place. The first, the Leftover Gringo, features roasted turkey folded into a creamy blend of Catupiry and corn casserole, layered with Peruvian pearl peppers, gruyère, and a touch of Yuma's house tinga sauce. The second, Black Gold, is made with smoky black beans, slow-braised pork belly, bacon, and Calabresa sausage, served with garlicky greens and gruyère on toasted Cuban bread. 11 am.

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presents Spartacus
Spartacus (Kirk Douglas), born and raised a slave, is sold to gladiator trainer Batiatus (Peter Ustinov). After weeks of being trained to kill for the arena, Spartacus turns on his owners and leads the other slaves in a revolt against the Roman Republic. A standout from the “Swords and Sandals” genre of movie epics, directed by a young Stanley Kubrick, this 1960 Oscar winner complements the MFAH’s Art and Life in Imperial Rome: Trajan and His Times exhibition. 2 pm.

98 Degrees in concert
Hop back to the golden age of bubblegum pop as not one but two boy bands from that era will be in H-Town this weekend. 98 Degrees comes to Sugar Land in support of Full Circle, their first album in eight years. Sure, they move like drunk uncles at a cookout these days. But heartthrob-turned-Love Is Blind host Nick Lachey and his boys are still ready to throw down. They'll be joined by special guest O-Town – aka that group that was formed from the first season of Making the Band. 7:30 pm.

Photo by Richard Carson

H-E-B hosts the annual Thanksgiving parade downtown.

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