• Home
  • popular
  • EVENTS
  • submit-new-event
  • CHARITY GUIDE
  • Children
  • Education
  • Health
  • Veterans
  • Social Services
  • Arts + Culture
  • Animals
  • LGBTQ
  • New Charity
  • TRENDING NEWS
  • News
  • City Life
  • Entertainment
  • Sports
  • Home + Design
  • Travel
  • Real Estate
  • Restaurants + Bars
  • Arts
  • Society
  • Innovation
  • Fashion + Beauty
  • subscribe
  • about
  • series
  • Embracing Your Inner Cowboy
  • Green Living
  • Summer Fun
  • Real Estate Confidential
  • RX In the City
  • State of the Arts
  • Fall For Fashion
  • Cai's Odyssey
  • Comforts of Home
  • Good Eats
  • Holiday Gift Guide 2010
  • Holiday Gift Guide 2
  • Good Eats 2
  • HMNS Pirates
  • The Future of Houston
  • We Heart Hou 2
  • Music Inspires
  • True Grit
  • Hoops City
  • Green Living 2011
  • Cruizin for a Cure
  • Summer Fun 2011
  • Just Beat It
  • Real Estate 2011
  • Shelby on the Seine
  • Rx in the City 2011
  • Entrepreneur Video Series
  • Going Wild Zoo
  • State of the Arts 2011
  • Fall for Fashion 2011
  • Elaine Turner 2011
  • Comforts of Home 2011
  • King Tut
  • Chevy Girls
  • Good Eats 2011
  • Ready to Jingle
  • Houston at 175
  • The Love Month
  • Clifford on The Catwalk Htx
  • Let's Go Rodeo 2012
  • King's Harbor
  • FotoFest 2012
  • City Centre
  • Hidden Houston
  • Green Living 2012
  • Summer Fun 2012
  • Bookmark
  • 1987: The year that changed Houston
  • Best of Everything 2012
  • Real Estate 2012
  • Rx in the City 2012
  • Lost Pines Road Trip Houston
  • London Dreams
  • State of the Arts 2012
  • HTX Fall For Fashion 2012
  • HTX Good Eats 2012
  • HTX Contemporary Arts 2012
  • HCC 2012
  • Dine to Donate
  • Tasting Room
  • HTX Comforts of Home 2012
  • Charming Charlie
  • Asia Society
  • HTX Ready to Jingle 2012
  • HTX Mistletoe on the go
  • HTX Sun and Ski
  • HTX Cars in Lifestyle
  • HTX New Beginnings
  • HTX Wonderful Weddings
  • HTX Clifford on the Catwalk 2013
  • Zadok Sparkle into Spring
  • HTX Let's Go Rodeo 2013
  • HCC Passion for Fashion
  • BCAF 2013
  • HTX Best of 2013
  • HTX City Centre 2013
  • HTX Real Estate 2013
  • HTX France 2013
  • Driving in Style
  • HTX Island Time
  • HTX Super Season 2013
  • HTX Music Scene 2013
  • HTX Clifford on the Catwalk 2013 2
  • HTX Baker Institute
  • HTX Comforts of Home 2013
  • Mothers Day Gift Guide 2021 Houston
  • Staying Ahead of the Game
  • Wrangler Houston
  • First-time Homebuyers Guide Houston 2021
  • Visit Frisco Houston
  • promoted
  • eventdetail
  • Greystar Novel River Oaks
  • Thirdhome Go Houston
  • Dogfish Head Houston
  • LovBe Houston
  • Claire St Amant podcast Houston
  • The Listing Firm Houston
  • South Padre Houston
  • NextGen Real Estate Houston
  • Pioneer Houston
  • Collaborative for Children
  • Decorum
  • Bold Rock Cider
  • Nasher Houston
  • Houston Tastemaker Awards 2021
  • CityNorth
  • Urban Office
  • Villa Cotton
  • Luck Springs Houston
  • EightyTwo
  • Rectanglo.com
  • Silver Eagle Karbach
  • Mirador Group
  • Nirmanz
  • Bandera Houston
  • Milan Laser
  • Lafayette Travel
  • Highland Park Village Houston
  • Proximo Spirits
  • Douglas Elliman Harris Benson
  • Original ChopShop
  • Bordeaux Houston
  • Strike Marketing
  • Rice Village Gift Guide 2021
  • Downtown District
  • Broadstone Memorial Park
  • Gift Guide
  • Music Lane
  • Blue Circle Foods
  • Houston Tastemaker Awards 2022
  • True Rest
  • Lone Star Sports
  • Silver Eagle Hard Soda
  • Modelo recipes
  • Modelo Fighting Spirit
  • Athletic Brewing
  • Rodeo Houston
  • Silver Eagle Bud Light Next
  • Waco CVB
  • EnerGenie
  • HLSR Wine Committee
  • All Hands
  • El Paso
  • Houston First
  • Visit Lubbock Houston
  • JW Marriott San Antonio
  • Silver Eagle Tupps
  • Space Center Houston
  • Central Market Houston
  • Boulevard Realty
  • Travel Texas Houston
  • Alliantgroup
  • Golf Live
  • DC Partners
  • Under the Influencer
  • Blossom Hotel
  • San Marcos Houston
  • Photo Essay: Holiday Gift Guide 2009
  • We Heart Hou
  • Walker House
  • HTX Good Eats 2013
  • HTX Ready to Jingle 2013
  • HTX Culture Motive
  • HTX Auto Awards
  • HTX Ski Magic
  • HTX Wonderful Weddings 2014
  • HTX Texas Traveler
  • HTX Cifford on the Catwalk 2014
  • HTX United Way 2014
  • HTX Up to Speed
  • HTX Rodeo 2014
  • HTX City Centre 2014
  • HTX Dos Equis
  • HTX Tastemakers 2014
  • HTX Reliant
  • HTX Houston Symphony
  • HTX Trailblazers
  • HTX_RealEstateConfidential_2014
  • HTX_IW_Marks_FashionSeries
  • HTX_Green_Street
  • Dating 101
  • HTX_Clifford_on_the_Catwalk_2014
  • FIVE CultureMap 5th Birthday Bash
  • HTX Clifford on the Catwalk 2014 TEST
  • HTX Texans
  • Bergner and Johnson
  • HTX Good Eats 2014
  • United Way 2014-15_Single Promoted Articles
  • Holiday Pop Up Shop Houston
  • Where to Eat Houston
  • Copious Row Single Promoted Articles
  • HTX Ready to Jingle 2014
  • htx woodford reserve manhattans
  • Zadok Swiss Watches
  • HTX Wonderful Weddings 2015
  • HTX Charity Challenge 2015
  • United Way Helpline Promoted Article
  • Boulevard Realty
  • Fusion Academy Promoted Article
  • Clifford on the Catwalk Fall 2015
  • United Way Book Power Promoted Article
  • Jameson HTX
  • Primavera 2015
  • Promenade Place
  • Hotel Galvez
  • Tremont House
  • HTX Tastemakers 2015
  • HTX Digital Graffiti/Alys Beach
  • MD Anderson Breast Cancer Promoted Article
  • HTX RealEstateConfidential 2015
  • HTX Vargos on the Lake
  • Omni Hotel HTX
  • Undies for Everyone
  • Reliant Bright Ideas Houston
  • 2015 Houston Stylemaker
  • HTX Renewable You
  • Urban Flats Builder
  • Urban Flats Builder
  • HTX New York Fashion Week spring 2016
  • Kyrie Massage
  • Red Bull Flying Bach
  • Hotze Health and Wellness
  • ReadFest 2015
  • Alzheimer's Promoted Article
  • Formula 1 Giveaway
  • Professional Skin Treatments by NuMe Express

    weekend event planner

    Top things to do this weekend in Houston: Beyoncé brunch, a lit downtown party, and more

    Craig D. Lindsey
    Nov 30, 2023 | 5:55 am
    Houston Ballet

    Houston Ballet celebrates its visionary artistic director in a special performance.

    Photo courtesy of Houston Ballet

    This weekend, SNL alum and famous funnyman Pete Davidson comes to town to bring the laughs and dish on his very public private life.

    Houston Ballet celebrates its visionary artistic director Stanton Welch in a Jubilee of Dance, while the whole city can celebrate Queen Bey at a Beyoncé-themed brunch to toast her new movie.

    And speaking of city celebrations, don't miss the Mayor's Holiday Spectacular as light it up. Enjoy; here are your best bets for the weekend.

    Thursday, November 30

    DASH Holiday Market at the Houston Design Center

    One of Houston's boutique markets is partnering with the Houston Design Center to present DASH Holiday Market. The four-day market will give Houston shoppers an all-inclusive experience as they discover the finest home accessories, art, jewelry, clothing, and gifts under one roof. Ove 75 local and national dealers will bring Houston shoppers the newest in trending decor and unique holiday gifts for everyone. 6 pm (10 am Friday, Saturday, and Sunday).

    Bayou Music Center presents Pete Davidson

    Actor, comedian, and professional rizzmaster Pete Davidson will be down here to do some stand-up. Davidson was a cast member on NBC’s Saturday Night Live from 2014-2022, and is the creator, executive producer, writer and star of the new Peacock comedy, Bupkis. But, of course, you mostly know him as the guy who somehow can get any A-list dimepiece any time he wants. Yeah, it boggles our minds too. 7 pm.

    The Doll Foundation presents Model of the Year

    The 2023 Model of the Year Awards will embrace the glamorous atmosphere of Studio 54, encouraging attendees to dress up as their favorite '70s icons. The occasion will honor individuals recognized as “Women of Influence”: Dr. Vanessa Barrow, Jessica Hatch Farrokhza, Dr. Cheryl Murphy Haseeb, LeBrina Jackson, Staci LaToison, Malaika Mukoro, Milka Waterland, and Susan Hough. Additionally, the event will salute Cheryl Creuzot, recipient of the "Model of a Lifetime" award, for her significant achievements. 7 pm.

    Friday, December 1

    University of Houston School of Theatre and Dance presents Emerging Choreographers Showcase

    For over 20 years, the UH School of Theatre & Dance has presented the three-day Emerging Choreographers Showcase to introduce audiences to rising student talent. UH School of Theatre & Dance students produce, choreograph, perform, and design the entire evening, showcasing their performance, design, and production skills in a professional theater setting. Noon & 7:30 pm (7:30 pm Saturday).

    Sawyer Yards presents Ray Jiang: "Life" opening reception

    Sawyer Yards presents "Life," a solo exhibition of oil paintings on canvas by artist Ray Jiang. Jiang's work explores deeply felt themes such as life, love, death, sex, and dreams. His approach is between surrealism, minimalism, and symbolism; and his goal is to express the profound essence of the human experience, going beyond culture through the use of abstract and concrete forms, and brilliant colors. Through Saturday, January 20. 6 pm.

    The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presents Farewell My Concubine (Ba wang bie ji)

    On its 30th anniversary, experience this influential Chinese film, restored and uncut for the first time. Dieyi (Leslie Cheung) and Xiaolou (Zhang Fengyi) are classmates at the Peking Opera Academy. The boys mature and their dramatic identities become real for Dieyi when he falls in love with Xiaolou, who fails to reciprocate his affections and marries a courtesan (Gong Li), This genre-bending love story captures the historical scope of a changing country and features performances showcasing the remarkable tradition of the Peking Opera. 7 pm.

    Houston Ballet presents Margaret Alkek Williams Jubilee of Dance: A Celebration of Stanton Welch

    This year’s Margaret Alkek Williams Jubilee of Dance celebrates the 20th anniversary of Stanton Welch as artistic director for one special night only. The evening will begin with a selection of highlights of Welch's work created in Houston over the past 20 seasons. Audiences will be introduced to four world premieres — three new ballets by soloist Jacquelyn Long, demi-soloist Jack Wolf and Corps de Ballet dancer Jindallae Bernard, capped off by a one-act ballet from Welch. 7:20 pm.

    Saturday, December 2

    2023 Comic Indie Con

    Whether you're a die-hard indie media fan or curious about the world of indie comics, board games, arts and crafts, this event will have something for everyone. You'll have the opportunity to explore a wide range of independent comics and discover unique stories that push the boundaries of traditional storytelling. Explore some self-published novels and get a chance to see and play with some indie board games. Don't leave without purchasing some unique indie arts and crafts. 10 am.

    The Union Kitchen presents Bubbles & Beyoncé

    All five of The Union Kitchen’s Houston-area locations will celebrate Beyoncé with a themed brunch, coinciding with the release of Bey’s newest concert film Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé. Chef James Lundy and his team have curated a themed menu just for the day, including a handful of cocktails and decadent dining options. Brunch fare includes The Blue Ivy (blueberry muffins with blueberry compote) and The Disco Cakes (classic fluffy pancake stack, topped with colorful sprinkles and housemade honey butter). 10 am.

    Reliant Lights Mayor’s Holiday Spectacular

    Reliant Lights Mayor\u2019s Holiday SpectacularHouston Mayor Sylvester Turner will preside over his final Reliant Lights Mayor's Holiday Spectacular. Photo courtesy of City of Houston

    Mayor Sylvester Turner and Reliant will kick-off the holidays with one of Houston’s favorite family events of the season. This annual free event will feature live music, dance performances, the lighting of the holiday tree, and other festive activities for all ages. American Idol star and Grammy nominee Jordin Sparks will headline the event. There will also be performances by Eduardo Trevino, Houston Children’s Chorus, Kinder High School for the Performing and Visual Arts’ theater department, and more. 6 pm.

    The Orange Show presents Negativland featuring SUE-C

    Does technology help connect people? Or does it replace them? In "We Can Really Feel Like We’re Here," a collaboration between legendary sound collage group Negativland and live cinema video artist SUE-C, this live performance project is about our nervous systems, our realities, and the evolving forms of media and technology that inevitably insert themselves between them, with original music, found sounds, unique visuals, and a few surprises. 7 pm.

    Sunday, December 3

    Super Happy Christmas Toy Show and Art Market

    Super Happy Incredible Toys, the premier vintage toy store in Houston, presents the annual Christmas Toy Show and Art Market. Held at the famous Saint Arnold Brewery, this all-ages event will combine the amusement of a toy show and creativity of an art market with the opportunity to purchase many examples of both. If that wasn't enough, it'll all be dressed up as one of the year's best Christmas parties with a special appearance by Santa Himself. 11 am.

    The Winning Wonderland: Black Girl Christmas Market

    For the next two Sundays, The Black Girl Christmas Market will be the best place for holiday shopping, supporting women- and minority-owned businesses. Sponsored by Wins For Black Girls, this holiday mark is back for its third year. The shopping experience will spotlight about 20 brands, including StirTEAse, a luxury honey-stirrer brand, and Sania Ameris, a crochet couture brand. The market will feature clothing, accessories, hair care, skincare, candles, art, and more. Noon.

    Asia Society Texas presents Alka Joshi: The Perfumist of Paris

    New York Times' bestselling author Alka Joshi joins Asia Society Texas for an author talk on her latest novel, The Perfumist of Paris. As the third entry in Joshi's J'aipur Trilogy, The Perfumist of Paris takes readers to 1970s Paris where Radha’s budding career as a perfumer competes against the growing demands of her family and the secrets of her past. With her signature evocative storytelling, Joshi invites readers on a transformative journey through the deep meaning of family, identity, goals, and dreams. 2 pm.

    news/entertainment
    popular
    series/weekend-event-planner-houston
    series
    CULTUREMAP EMAILS ARE AWESOME
    Get Houston intel delivered daily.

    light it up

    13 immersive displays lighting up Houston this holiday season

    Jef Rouner
    Nov 13, 2025 | 2:00 pm
    Houston Zoo Lights
    Photo courtesy of Houston Zoo
    Zoo Lights at Houston Zoo.

    Since ancient times, humans have celebrated the winter holidays with lights, marking the point when we're halfway out of the cold and dark. The greater Houston area hosts dozens of incredible light displays for the public, setting the night aglow.

    From the classics like Zoo Lights to new attractions, we've rounded up all the best places for readers to seek out some festive illumination. Enjoy!

    Candy Cane Lane in MIssouri City
    The most impressive resident-led Christmas decoration display in the greater Houston area is the Candy Cane Lane at the 3100 block of Robinson Road in the Quail Valley neighborhood. The entire street takes Christmas very seriously, and driving through the neighborhood showcases the competitive nature of the residents when it comes to all things jolly. Walking is also an option, but parking in the neighborhood can be limited. Typically open through December 31. Free.

    Christmas Village at Bayou Bend
    The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston does not skimp when it comes to immersive experiences, including their 14-acre Christmas Village. Walk through a bridge covered in lights, enjoy 3D projections, sled down a faux snow hill, and see live actors at the historic Ima Hogg house. No other holiday attraction in Houston makes Christmas seem more like its own dimension than the MFAH. Open through December 30. $16 - $21.

    Coca Cola's Classic Christmas
    Coca Cola and Christmas go together like egg and nog, so it's no surprise that Coke sponsors an impressive Christmas lights attraction. The Katy location features live music, an ice skating rink, movies presented by Cinemark, food, drinks, and photo ops galore over its 90,000 square feet of lights. Open through December 28. $21 - $29.

    Dewberry Farm
    Dewberry Farm in Brookshire is as cozy a country Christmas as anyone could ask for. Walk through the park's 5 million lights, ride the Jingle Bell Express through the grounds, have a snowball fight, or see it all from above on the Ferris wheel. Plus, visitors can cut their own Christmas Trees to take home as the ultimate souvenir. Open through December 28. $34.95 - $59.95.

    Downtown City Lights
    Downtown Houston and the Theater District light up for the holidays with a staggering number of attractions. Outside the Alley Theatre are 19 uniquely themed, artistically designed trees. Discovery Green's ice rink lights up. Hilton Americas-Houston shows off life-sized Disney characters rendered in chocolate, and even the dogs get in the spirit with puppychinos and other activities for four-legged friends at Trebly Park. Activities start at various dates and run through January 11.

    Galaxy Lights
    During the winter holiday, Space Center Houston brings a few extra stars down from the sky. Their outdoor light garden has an appropriately astronaut-themed flair, adding some STEM to the usual magic of yuletide. Admission includes access to regular Space Center Houston exhibits, making this the perfect time to check out the museum. Visitors will even learn how astronauts experience Christmas in space! Open through January 4. $19.95 - $27.95.

    Holiday in the Garden
    Christmas by the sea is something special, and Houstonians can make it even more so by checking out the holiday lights and ice sculptures at Moody Gardens. The park also shows holiday films, operates an Arctic slide, and hosts a North Pole-themed talent show. Open through January 3. $25 - $60.

    The Light Park
    Now in three locations around Houston, the Light Park is a one of the premiere professional drive-thru light events. Featuring a mile's worth of sparkling holiday cheer, visitors can enjoy the Light Park in Spring, Katy, and Sam Houston Raceway Park. Open through January 4. $60 per car.

    Marriott Marquis Houston Texas Winter Lights
    As Anne Rice once said, nothing highlights the power of human progress like swimming in the sky during the winter. Guests of the Marriott Marquis Houston can experience that with a holiday twist. The hotel's famous, Texas-shaped lazy river is heated, enabling swimming even as the outside temperature drops. Marriott transforms the Altitude Rooftop into a winter wonderland with igloos, Santa Claus photo ops, lights, snowfall, and more. Open through December 31. $24.47- $47.10.

    POST Winter Wonderlawn
    The five-acre Skylawn rooftop park gets a merry makeover during the holidays that is well worth the visit. Marvel at the downtown skyline while eating cookies and charcuterie and wandering among the lights and candy canes. Open through January 11. $8 - $19.

    Radiant Nature
    Houston Botanic Gardens and H-E-B present a marvelous collection of electric flora and fauna inspired by the Chinese zodiac and traditional lanterns. Celebrating its third season, Radiant Nature highlights iconic Texas wildflowers like bluebonnets and morning glories, as well as a giant snake half a football field in length. See all 12 animals of the zodiac in dazzling colors. Open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays along with select weeknights through Feb. 22. $28.50

    Sugar Land Holiday Lights
    The 12th Annual Sugar Land Holiday Lights at Constellation Field has fun for the whole family, including a 9-hole miniature gold course. Peruse vendors, ride the the carnival rides, and, obviously, look at the brilliant lights. Presented by Houston Methodist. Open through January 4. $18.24.

    Zoo Lights
    TXU Energy's Zoo Lights is one of the most magical holiday traditions in Houston. Not only is it a chance to see come of the animals at the Houston Zoo at night, the campus is lit up with a variety of light sculptures and art installations. New this year is a projection mapping technology show in McGovern Plaza, the Neon Playground, and dancing fountains. Open through January 4. $30.95 - $31.95.

    Houston Zoo Lights
    Photo courtesy of Houston Zoo

    Zoo Lights at Houston Zoo.

    holidays
    news/entertainment
    popular
    series/weekend-event-planner-houston
    series
    CULTUREMAP EMAILS ARE AWESOME
    Get Houston intel delivered daily.
    Loading...