Houston Christmas Shows 2025

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Vienna Light Orchestra - The Light of Christmas

Location: Sugar Land

Dates: December 4, 2025

Cost: Tickets from $30

Experience an enchanting evening with the Vienna Light Orchestra as they bring a luminous Christmas celebration to Sugar Land, Texas. This unique concert features world-class musicians performing timeless holiday melodies in a breathtaking candlelit setting, blending symphonic grandeur with intimate theatrical charm. Revel in the warmth of festive music, elegant visuals, and a magical ambiance that captures the true spirit of the season.

Grand Kyiv Ballet Holiday Treat

Location: Stafford

Experience the magic of the holiday season with the Grand Kyiv Ballet’s enchanting performance in Stafford, Houston. This world-renowned company brings its signature elegance and artistry to a festive evening of classic ballet, featuring dazzling choreography, vibrant costumes, and timeless holiday tales. Audiences will be captivated by the blend of Ukrainian tradition and beloved Christmas storytelling, making it a unique and memorable event for all ages.

The Ghosts of Christmas Eve by TSO (Texas Symphony Orchestra)

Location: Houston

Experience the magic of the season as the Texas Symphony Orchestra brings 'The Ghosts of Christmas Eve' to life in Houston with a spectacular holiday concert that blends orchestral grandeur, theatrical storytelling, and dazzling stage effects. This immersive performance features beloved Christmas classics and powerful original compositions, all woven into a captivating narrative that celebrates hope, redemption, and the spirit of the holidays. With breathtaking visuals, live music, and a story that resonates across generations, this is a holiday event unlike any other in Texas.

Christmas Carols by Candlelight

Location: Houston

Cost: Free

Experience the enchanting glow of Christmas Carols by Candlelight in Houston, where timeless holiday melodies are performed live amid the soft flicker of candlelight. This intimate event blends traditional caroling with a serene, warm ambiance, creating a memorable evening of community connection and festive spirit. Attendees will be immersed in classic songs brought to life by skilled musicians, making it a unique celebration of the season’s joy and peace.

Houston Symphony Very Merry Pops

Location: Houston

Dates: December 11-12, 2025

Cost: $$

Experience Houston's cherished 26-year holiday tradition as the Houston Symphony transforms Jones Hall into a winter wonderland with Tony Award-winning vocalist Ali Stroker leading the orchestra through sparkling renditions of beloved Christmas classics and festive sing-alongs. This family-friendly celebration combines symphonic excellence with holiday magic, complete with elaborate seasonal decorations, a towering Christmas tree backdrop, and a special appearance from Santa Claus to create an unforgettable evening of yuletide joy.

Houston Repertoire Ballet: The Nutcracker

Location: Houston

Dates: December 6, 2025

Cost: $$

Experience the magic of Tchaikovsky's timeless ballet as Houston Repertoire Ballet marks its 30th anniversary with a spectacular production of The Nutcracker. Follow Clara's enchanting journey from a festive Christmas party through the shimmering Land of Snow to the radiant Kingdom of Sweets, brought to life by exceptional local dancers, world-class guest artists, and a live orchestra. This holiday tradition features elaborate sets, intricate choreography, and the elegance of classical ballet performed at the highest artistic level.

Alley Theatre Holiday Productions

Location: Houston

Dates: Throughout December 2025

Cost: $$

Alley Theatre in Houston brings the spirit of the holidays to life with a diverse lineup of festive productions that blend classic tales and contemporary stories. Audiences can enjoy timeless favorites like 'A Christmas Carol' alongside the quirky, irreverent 'The Night Shift Before Christmas,' offering something for every mood and tradition. These performances are crafted to celebrate resilience, joy, and the complexity of the season, making the Alley a destination for memorable, thought-provoking holiday entertainment.

Miller Outdoor Theatre Holiday Shows

Location: Houston

Dates: Throughout December 2025

Cost: FREE

Miller Outdoor Theatre in Houston transforms Hermann Park into a vibrant holiday hub each December, offering a diverse lineup of free seasonal performances that blend music, dance, and theater under the stars. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and stunning park setting, the venue presents unique festive productions that celebrate Houston’s cultural diversity and community spirit. From lively concerts to family-friendly theatrical shows, each event is crafted to create memorable moments for audiences of all ages, making it a cherished tradition for locals and visitors alike.

Hobby Center Holiday Performances

Location: Houston

Dates: Throughout December 2025

Cost: $$

Celebrate the holiday season at Houston’s Hobby Center for the Performing Arts with a dazzling lineup of festive shows and concerts throughout December 2025. Experience enchanting Broadway musicals, heartwarming holiday classics, and vibrant cultural performances in a stunning downtown venue known for its exceptional acoustics and elegant design. This seasonal series offers a unique blend of tradition and innovation, perfect for creating lasting holiday memories.

Comedy Improv Houston Holiday Shows

Location: Houston

Dates: Throughout December 2025

Cost: $$

Experience spontaneous holiday comedy magic at Houston's premier improv venues, where talented performers craft hilarious, one-of-a-kind shows featuring festive themes and audience participation. From competitive improv games to fully improvised musical performances, these December shows blend seasonal cheer with unpredictable comedic moments that guarantee no two performances are ever the same. Perfect for those seeking interactive entertainment that combines laughter, creativity, and holiday spirit in an intimate theater setting.

Houston Grand Opera Holiday Concert

Location: Houston

Cost: $$$

Celebrate the holiday season with Houston Grand Opera's Holiday Concert, a captivating evening where world-class opera voices bring timeless Christmas melodies and festive favorites to life. Set in the elegant Wortham Theater Center, this concert blends operatic artistry with seasonal cheer, offering a unique cultural experience that elevates traditional holiday music with powerful vocal performances and orchestral richness.

Da Camera Holiday Concert

Location: Houston

Cost: $$

DACAMERA of Houston transforms the holiday season with an enchanting series of free lunchtime concerts featuring talented young artists performing jazz standards and seasonal classics. Set in the elegant Grand Foyer of the Wortham Theater Center, these intimate performances blend sophisticated musicianship with festive cheer, creating a sophisticated yet accessible celebration perfect for music lovers seeking an uplifting cultural experience during the holidays.

Houston Community College Holiday Performances

Location: Houston

Dates: Throughout December 2025

Cost: FREE

Houston Community College invites the community to celebrate the 2025 holiday season with a series of vibrant, student-led performances across multiple campuses. These festive events feature original arrangements by student musicians, dynamic choir ensembles, and theatrical productions that blend classic holiday themes with contemporary flair. Each performance highlights the creativity and talent of HCC’s emerging artists, offering audiences a unique and uplifting experience that captures the spirit of the season in a welcoming, inclusive setting.

Rice University Shepherd School Holiday Concert

Location: Houston

Cost: FREE

Experience the magic of the holiday season at Rice University's Shepherd School of Music with 'Spirit of the Season,' a vibrant concert showcasing the exceptional talents of student vocalists and instrumentalists. This festive event blends beloved holiday tunes with selections from opera and musical theater, curated by acclaimed Broadway music director and alumnus Andy Einhorn. Guests also enjoy a warm welcome with cookies and hot chocolate before the performance in the elegant Brockman Hall foyer.

University of Houston Moores School Holiday Concert

Location: Houston

Cost: FREE

Celebrate the holiday season with the University of Houston Moores School of Music’s annual Holiday Concert, a vibrant showcase of student musicians performing a diverse selection of festive classics and contemporary favorites. This free event offers an intimate glimpse into the exceptional talent nurtured at Moores, blending choral, orchestral, and solo performances in Houston’s renowned Moores Opera House. Experience the warmth and artistry of the season through dynamic arrangements and spirited renditions that bring holiday cheer to all ages.

Stages Repertory Theatre Holiday Show

Location: Houston

Cost: $$

Stages Repertory Theatre brings the spirit of the season to life with a vibrant holiday show that blends classic warmth and inventive storytelling. Set in an intimate Houston venue, this production features original music, interactive moments, and heartfelt performances that invite audiences to rediscover the magic of Christmas. Unique touches like audience participation and local talent make this a memorable experience for all ages.