Houston's holiday entertainment features world-class performances across the city's renowned venues. From The Nutcracker ballet to Houston Symphony holiday concerts and festive theater productions, the city offers spectacular seasonal shows. Enjoy professional performances at the Hobby Center, Jones Hall, and theaters throughout the Greater Houston area.
Houston Repertoire Ballet's The Nutcracker
Location: Cypress
Dates: December 5-7, 2025
Cost: $20-$35
The Houston Repertoire Ballet presents its spectacular production of The Nutcracker at the CFISD Visual and Performing Arts Center, featuring a live orchestra and all-new stage sets designed by Ian Loveall. This year, the performance includes guest artists from NYC, such as last year's Sugar Plum Fairy and Cavalier, enhancing the artistry alongside talented local dancers. With intricate choreography and captivating performances, this ballet brings Tchaikovsky's iconic score to life.
Venue: CFISD Visual and Performing Arts Center
Address: 11420 Matzke Rd, Cypress, TX 77429
Phone: 281-940-4721
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Houston Repertoire Ballet's spectacular production of The Nutcracker, featuring a live orchestra.
- All-new stage sets designed by professional set designer Ian Loveall.
- Guest artists from NYC, including last year's Sugar Plum Fairy and Cavalier.
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The Bay Area Chorus of Greater Houston: He Is Born
Location: Houston
Dates: Check website for specific dates and times.
Cost: $$
The Bay Area Chorus of Greater Houston presents 'He Is Born,' a holiday-themed choral performance at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. This event features a captivating celebration of the festive sounds of the season, showcasing the talent of local singers. Experience this unique holiday performance that embodies the spirit of Christmas through music.
Venue: Gloria Dei Lutheran Church
Address: 18220 Upper Bay Rd., Houston, TX 77058
Phone: 346-358-3585
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Experience the festive sounds of the season performed by The Bay Area Chorus.
- Enjoy a captivating musical celebration of the holiday season.
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A Christmas Carol
Location: Houston
Dates: November 16 - December 28, 2025
Cost: $$
The Alley Theatre brings back Houston's beloved holiday tradition, 'A Christmas Carol,' showcasing the timeless tale of Ebenezer Scrooge's transformation. This production features stunning set designs and costumes that recreate the atmosphere of Victorian England, immersing the audience in Dickensian charm. Experience the magic of live performance as the story unfolds with all its themes of love and redemption.
Venue: Alley Theatre
Address: 615 Texas Avenue, Houston, TX 77002
Phone: (713) 220-5700
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Houston's beloved holiday tradition, 'A Christmas Carol', returns to the stage.
- A Dickensian celebration of love, redemption, and the true spirit of Christmas.
- Experience the timeless tale of Ebenezer Scrooge's transformation through live performance.
Texas City Holiday Follies
Location: Dickinson
Dates: December 12-22, 2025
Cost: $$
The Texas City Holiday Follies at StageWorks Performing Arts Center is a festive musical revue that combines song and dance for a delightful holiday experience. This production features a variety of classic and contemporary holiday tunes, showcasing energetic dance numbers and vibrant stage performances. It's a fun-filled show perfect for the entire family.
Venue: StageWorks Performing Arts Center
Address: 1020 FM 517 E, Dickinson, TX 77539
Phone: +1 (281) 508-0000
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- A spectacular holiday musical production filled with song and dance.
- Festive entertainment perfect for the entire family to enjoy.
- Experience a dazzling musical revue featuring classic and contemporary holiday tunes.
The Nutcracker
Location: Houston
Dates: November 28 – December 28, 2025
Cost: $$
Stanton Welch's reimagined version of The Nutcracker at the Wortham Theater Center takes audiences on a journey through Clara's perspective, presenting a visually stunning production with hundreds of characters and elaborate designs. Accompanied by Tchaikovsky's iconic score, this enchanting tale unfolds in a magical world filled with dreams and imagination. Each performance reveals new details and wonders, making it a captivating experience for both first-time viewers and returning fans.
Venue: Wortham Theater Center
Address: 501 Texas Avenue, Houston, TX 77002
Phone: 713.227.2787
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Houston's ultimate holiday tradition, Stanton Welch's The Nutcracker.
- A visually stunning production with hundreds of characters and elaborate designs.
- Tchaikovsky's iconic score accompanying a timeless tale of magic and dreams.
Handel's Messiah
Location: Houston
Cost: $$
Join the Houston Symphony for a full performance of Handel's Messiah at Jones Hall for the Performing Arts, featuring its acclaimed chorus and talented soloists. This timeless masterpiece of classical music is conducted by Juraj Valčuha, ensuring a powerful rendition of the oratorio. The performance showcases the grandeur of this work, making it a must-see for classical music enthusiasts.
Venue: Jones Hall for the Performing Arts
Address: 615 Louisiana Street, Suite 102, Houston, TX 77002
Phone: 713.224.7575
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- A full performance of Handel's Messiah, a timeless masterpiece of classical music.
- The acclaimed Houston Symphony and its talented chorus delivering a powerful rendition of the oratorio.
- Experience the grandeur of Handel's Messiah performed live by a renowned symphony orchestra and chorus.
Disney Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas in Concert
Location: Houston
Experience Disney Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas in Concert at Jones Hall for the Performing Arts, where the Houston Symphony performs Danny Elfman's iconic score live to the film. This unique event combines cinematic and symphonic elements, presenting the beloved animated film on a big screen while the orchestra brings the soundtrack to life. It's a one-of-a-kind experience that marries visual and musical artistry.
Venue: Jones Hall for the Performing Arts
Address: 615 Louisiana Street, Suite 102, Houston, TX 77002
Phone: 713.224.7575
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- A unique cinematic and symphonic event combining film and live music.
- The Houston Symphony performing Danny Elfman's score live to picture.
- Experience the beloved animated film projected on a big screen.
Mariah Carey's Christmas Time
Location: Houston
Dates: November 19, 2024
Cost: $$$
Experience Mariah Carey's Christmas Time concert at the Toyota Center, where the global superstar performs her timeless holiday classics. Celebrate the 30-year anniversary of her 'Merry Christmas' album, enjoying fan-favorite chart-toppers in a festive atmosphere. This concert promises to be a highlight of the holiday season for fans of all ages.
Venue: Toyota Center
Address: 1510 Polk Street, Houston, TX 77002
Phone: 713-758-7200
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Experience Mariah Carey performing her timeless holiday classics.
- Enjoy fan-favorite chart-toppers from the global superstar.
- Celebrate the 30-year anniversary of her 'Merry Christmas' album.
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Resources
Helpful information and links for planning your holiday season in Houston.