Houston Nightlife, Comedy & Date Nights This Week: December 23-29, 2024

Find the can’t-miss events in Houston with our Day + Nightlife Guide from Monday, December 23 to Sunday, December 29, 2024.

We’ve got you covered all week long with our in-the-know list of social nightlife events—including comedy, music, and art—happening around Houston.

Day + Nightlife Guide in Houston This Week: December 23 to December 29, 2024

Events are not ranked but are listed in chronological order, by start date and time and then by end date and time. Festivals, shows and events that span multiple days are listed first in our Ongoing section.

Ongoing

Snow Glow on the Bayou at Allen’s Landing in Downtown | Daily | FREE – New for 2024, Downtown Houston presents a nightly digital, immersive light and sound spectacular at Allen’s Landing. Reflecting in the water and projected onto a 4-story tall, 6-story wide water screen, Snow Glow can be experienced from multiple vantage points, from Buffalo Bayou’s nearby banks or trails, or on a ticketed holiday boat tour from Buffalo Bayou Partnership. Future dates available. 6pm to 10pm.

TUTS: Disney’s Frozen at the Hobby Center | Tuesday to Sunday | Final Week – Travel to Arendelle, where the new Queen Elsa has accidentally made it permanently winter. Based on the beloved Disney movie—itself based on Hans Christian Anderson’s classic fairy tale, The Snow Queen—this is one of the first-ever productions of the show that isn’t created by Disney. More than 300 costumes, a huge set and a 21-piece orchestra bring this story of magic and love to life. $34.50 and up. Showtimes vary.

Great Big Game Show at CityCentre | Daily | Save 20% – Experience all the thrills of a televised game show—the lights, music, and even the live host—at the new, hilariously fun Great Big Game Show in West Houston. Two teams face off in a variety of game show rounds, each with a different style of gameplay—ideal for family team building, corporate events, family reunions, holiday outings, birthday parties and more. Available for 2 players and up. Games can be scheduled daily. $38.99 per person, but save 20% with promocode GrandOpening20.

Drunk Shakespeare at the Emerald Theatre | Tuesday, Thursday to Sunday – Five fearless actors take on a Shakespearian classic after downing several shots of assorted liquors, sending the show in unexpected directions. Guests can order cocktails delivered directly to their seats. $29 and up. Showtimes vary.

Voices of Light: Choral Performances in the Cistern at Buffalo Bayou Park | Thursday, Saturday & Sunday – The Schola Cantorum of Downtown’s Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart presents a 20-minute choral journey through centuries of music inside the park’s cavernous cistern—also animated with special lighting to create a unique winter holiday experience. Future dates available. $29. 7pm, 7:45pm, and 8:30pm.

Comedian Mike Cannon at The Riot Comedy Club | Friday & Saturday – The New York City-based comedian, podcaster, writer, and actor lands on the Montrose stage for 2 live sets. $20 and up. 7pm both nights.

Holiday Fantasy: A Live Show Spectacular at Moody Gardens | Daily – Moody Gardens hosts an all new musical theater production filled with  illusions, acrobatics, stunning visuals and electrifying performances to fuel your holiday joy. Future dates available. Showtimes vary.

Miracle Pop-Up Bar at Daiquiri Time Out, Johnny’s Gold Brick & Winnie’s | Daily – Houston’s original immersive holiday pop-up cocktail experience is back at local watering holes Johnny’s Gold Brick in the Heights, Winnie’s in Midtown, and Daiquiri Time Out in Galveston. The over-the-top kitschy Christmas-themed experience brings holiday magic in the form of cheery cocktails served in themed glassware, nostalgic holiday décor, festive snacks, and spirited vibes. Times and reservation policies vary by location. 

Great Big Game Show at CityCentre | Daily | Save 20% – Experience all the thrills of a televised game show—the lights, music, and even the live host—at the new, hilariously fun Great Big Game Show in West Houston. Two teams face off in a variety of game show rounds, each with a different style of gameplay—ideal for family team building, corporate events, family reunions, holiday outings, birthday parties and more. Available for 2 players and up. Games can be scheduled daily. $38.99 per person, but use promocode GrandOpening20 to save 20%. 

Green Mountain Energy Ice at Discovery Green | Daily – Lace up your skate rentals and head out onto the ice at the beloved winter tradition in the heart of Houston’s official front yard. $18 includes skate rentals for 75 minutes. Tickets must be ordered in advance online. Times vary.

Magical Winter Lights at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds | Daily – Now at a new location, Magical Winter Lights continues showcasing artistry to delight families and photographers with 60 giant illuminated lanterns, millions of holiday lights, and carnival rides. $27 and up. Times vary.

Texas Winter Lights at Marriott Marquis Houston in Downtown | Daily – Perched 6 stories above the heart of Downtown Houston, Texas Winter Lights transforms the hotel’s Altitude Rooftop and Pool into a holiday playland for all ages with over 100,000 glittering lights, captivating displays and photo opps, tasty food and drinks, and lively seasonal cheer. Elevate the night further with a 2-hour private Igloo cabana rental. $30; $20 for ages 2 to 12. 5pm to 10pm nightly.

Best Neighborhoods & Attractions for Christmas Lights in Greater Houston | Daily | Many FREE – Hop in the car and cruise through some of Houston’s most striking neighborhoods to ooh and ahh at the 2024 season of holiday lights. Or head to many of the larger than life tickets holiday light destinations around the metro for photo opps and seasonal cheer.

Space Explorers: The Infinite at Sawyer Yards | Daily | Extended Until January 4, 2025 – Due to popular demand, the immersive VR experience inspired by NASA missions aboard the International Space Station (ISS) is sticking around through the holidays. Guests can experience never-before-seen 360-degree videos captured in space, explore the ISS, and see life as an astronaut before the epic installation ends its Houston run. $29 and up. Times vary.

Monday, December 23, 2024

Mariachi Sol de México de Jose Hernandez: Jose Hernandez’ Merry-Achi Christmas at Jones Hall – José Hernández and his world-renowned, platinum-selling Mariachi Sol de México perform treasured holiday classics and favorites from the mariachi songbook for all ages to enjoy. $46 and up. 7:30pm.

Thursday, December 26, 2024

Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Lost Christmas Eve Concert at Toyota Center – The acclaimed orchestral rock ensemble brings its signature holiday tradition back to the Downtown stage, complete with dazzling spectacle packed with pyrotechnics, lasers, and incredible storytelling. $64 and up, but you may find cheaper or better seats on the online resale market. 3pm and 7:30pm.

Wine Tasting at Number 13 Prime Steak & Seafood – Sip and savor a variety of exquisite wines amidst the cozy ambiance of the charming Galveston restaurant at a 2-hour tasting. $29. 5:30pm.

A Night Up In Flames at Central Market – You’ll work in teams at this hands-on class, where participants review the basic techniques of sauteing and creating pan sauces, and then move on to the art of finishing a dish by lighting it on fire. I love that cooking school classes here are approachable for all levels of skill, and that those 21 and older can enjoy their meal with a glass of wine chosen from the store’s incredible selection. $115. 6:30pm 

The Year Without A Santa Claus Film Screening at Discovery Green | FREE – Downtown’s unofficial front yard screens the 1974 stop motion Christmas special that tells of the year that St. Nick decided to skip Christmas, because he feels forgotten by the world’s children. It also features the catchy earworms sung by the Cold Miser and Heat Miser. 7pm.

Drag Bingo at Eureka Heights Brew Co. | No Cover – Miss Gay Southwest America, Dessie Love-Blake, hosts a night of bingo in the taproom. 7pm to 8:30pm.

Charmin Greene’s Saxxy Holiday Wine Down at House of Blues – Deck the halls and groove the night away to the soulful saxophone sounds of Vandell Andrews and friends upstairs in the Foundation Room. 9pm to midnight. 

Friday, December 27, 2024

No Jacket Required at Equal Parts Brewing | No Cover – The East End brewery tucked off of Harrisburg hosts a Phil Collins Friday happy hour, with $2 off all drafts and $1 off slow pours. 4pm to 6pm.

ECHO Orchestra presents A Night In Italy at Hyatt Regency Houston West – Enjoy an evening of great Italian arias and Italian food. The orchestra offers a selection of music by Rossini, Puccini, Verdi, Donizetti and more. Tenor Rueben Erazo and soprano McKenzie Garey, perform. $50 includes wine, Italian appetizers and desserts. 6:30pm.

Perfume & Candle Making Workshop at Love and Make – Craft your own signature 10mL perfume and a beautifully scented 8oz candle. All materials are provided for you, and BYOB is welcome, so gather up friends and get ready to create. $85. 6:30pm.

Dining in the Dark: A Blindfolded Dining Experience at Weights + Measures – Savor a secret three-course meal while blindfolded, heightening your senses of taste and smell. Meals include an appetizer, main course, and dessert. Select a meat, fish or vegan menu when booking your spot. Future dates available. $64. Seatings at 6:30pm and 8:30pm.

Houston Rockets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves at Toyota Center – Get loud and show your Rockets pride as they face off against the the boys from the Land of 10,000 Lakes. It’s a chance to catch all the action of Houston’s pro basketball team. $29 and up. 7pm.

KenTheMan in Concert at House of Blues – Houston’s own Kentavia Miller, known as KenTheMan, brings her brand of hip hop—including hits like “Join Em,” “Rose Gold Stripper Pole,” and “IDGAF”—performs live at the Downtown music hall. $35.50. 7pm.

Roger Creager: Piano Bar Concert at Goode Co. Armadillo Palace – The Texas country music crooner, originally from Corpus Christi, brings his Piano Bar throwback tour to the backyard for a night of music under the stars. $25 in advance; $30 day of. 7pm.

When Harry Met Sally… Movie Screening at River Oaks Theatre – Part of the theater’s Essentials series, and a personal favorite of mine, the 1989 romcom explores whether or not men and women can truly be friends… or does the sex part always get in the way? A witty script by Nora Ephron and music from Harry Connick, Jr. help bring this Rob Reiner classic (R) to life. $13.89 and up. 7:30pm.

A Few Bad Apples Comedy Show at City Orchard | FREE – Known for his comedy nights at notsuoH and the Secret Group, Clemente Javier hosts an evening of comedy with a lineup of special guests at the Arts District Houston cidery. 8pm to 10pm.

​​The Short & Sweet Speakeasy: A Sexy Burlesque Show at Avant Garden – Take in a live 90-minute burlesque show featuring local talents and a special guest in elaborate costumes, high production quality and more. Tickets include your first drink. Future dates available. $35. 8pm and 10pm.

Ruckus, with St. Judas & The Black Hymns in Concert at Dan Electro’s Guitar Bar – Houston’s folk-rock and Americana band headlines a night of music at the Heights concert venue. St. Judas and The Black Hymns open. $10. 8pm to midnight.

The Charli Parti at White Oak Music Hall – The dance party celebrates all the fabulousness of Charli XCX, while incorporating songs by Ariana Grande, Lady Gaga, and more. $20 and up. 9pm.

Lil Boosie & Lil Keke in Concert at Warehouse Live – The Houston-based rappers who helped put the Bayou City’s rap scene in the national spotlight perform live in Midtown. Hear why they’ve continued to garner fans across the world for the last two decades. $55 and up. 9pm.

Sera Cero: Tributo A Soda Stereo at House of Blues – Paying tribute to Argentina’s beloved rock band, Sera Cero performs live at the Bronze Peacock upstairs in the Foundation Room. $20. 9pm.

Ian Asher at Noto – With a million followers on Insta and a string of hits like “Mas Que Nada” and “Shake, Shake,” Asher blends house beats, hooky vocals and world-influenced sounds. $20 and up. 10pm to 2am.

Saturday, December 28, 2024

Very Merry Jingle Bell Brunch at Brennan’s – One of my favorite things about Brennan’s is its legendary Sunday Jazz Brunch. This weekend, you can experience it on Saturday, with Creole classics, festive drinks and live performances from a roaming jazz band. Holiday attire is encouraged. Prices vary. 11am to 2pm.

Bourbon Boots & Bubbles at a’Bouzy  – Get ready to kick off 2025 with a new pair of boots from the Republic Boots popup shop, while enjoying Champagne specials and time with friends. Reserve online. Prices vary.  11am to 3pm.

Homemade Pasta Workshop at Sur La Table – Learn to craft your own delicious pasta, starting with making dough to create 2 dishes—pappardelle with Tuscan sausage and caramelized onion ragù, and farfalle with walnut pesto, lemon and goat cheese. $89. 1pm.

Houston Plant Swap at Eureka Heights Brew Co. | No Cover – Show up for a white elephant plant giveaway to ring in the new year. If your name’s drawn, you get to choose from wrapped-up plant treasures. 1pm to 5pm.

Northern Lights Painting Class at Art Cellar Houston – If you’re like me, you’ve loved the photos your friends have shared of this year’s incredible Northern Lights phenomenon. This 2-hour public art class at the Eldridge Parkway location lets you tap into your inner artist and paint a Northern Lights scene. BYOB. $39. 2pm.

Candlelight Concert: Tribute to Metallica at Majestic Metro – The Listeso String Quartet performs Metallica classics like “Nothing Else Matters,” “One,” and “Enter Sandman” on strings by the glow of candlelight at the historic theater by Market Square Park in Downtown. Future dates available. $55 and up. 6:30pm and 8:30pm.

Let it Show! A Holiday Burlesque at Henke & Pillot – The Historic Market Square hotspot welcomes dancers Jessabelle Thunder, Layna D’Luna, Mz Juno, Phathoms Deep and Poppy Tart perform, hosted by Lady Annabelle. $45 and up. 6:30pm and 9:30pm.

Comedian Sheng Wang at Bayou Music Center – The Houston native, known for Sweet and Juicy on Netflix and writing for Fresh Off the Boat, returns home for an evening of laughs. $54 and up. 7pm.

Bone Thugs-N-Harmony in Concert at House of Blues – Cleveland sons Bizzy Bone, Wish Bone, Layzie Bone, Krayzie Bone, and Flesh-n-Bone bring the “The Crossroads” and their hip hop catalogue to the House of Blues. $35 and up. 7pm. 

Candlelight Concert: A Tribute to Beyoncé at Lone Star Flight Museum – Soak in Queen B’s classics like “Texas Hold ‘Em,” “Crazy in Love,” and “Hold Up” performed on strings by the Listeo String Quarter amongst the candlelit airplanes in the hangar. $45 and up. 7pm.

Retro Rave with The Hunger & Blake Davidson at Warehouse Live Midtown – A new edition of Retro Rave brings a night of music and dancing to the Midtown rooftop hotspot. $10 in advance; $15 day of. 7pm.

Uncle Lucius in Concert at The Heights Theater – With their unique blend of roots rock and roll and country soul, the 4-man Austin band comes to the Heights, with Sir Woman—named Austin Music Award’s Best New Act of 2020—opening the show. $28 and up. 8pm.

The Deadeye Christmas at Dan Electro’s Guitar Bar – The Austin-based Grateful Dead tribute band caps off the holiday season with a live show in the Heights. $20 in advance; $25 day of. 8pm.

New Year’s Comedy Jam with D.L. Hughley at Smart Financial Centre – The star of the ‘90s sitcom The Hughleys and one of the “Original Kings of Comedy”  headlines a pre-New Year’s comedy lineup in Sugar Land. $73 and up. 8pm.

Dueling Pianos at Home Run Dugout | No Cover – Joilux Band takes the stage at the Katy live music hot spot, offering a high-energy experience, where you can request your favorite songs to be tickled on the ivories. 8pm to 11pm.

Underworld Capricorn Ball at Numbers – Montrose’s legendary nightclub hosts an evening of music, dancing, and astrology celebrating all Capricorns, including DJ Mina. Capricorns get in free with ID. $10 and up. 9pm to 2am.

Candlelight Concert: Tribute to Queen at Lone Star Flight Museum – Hear a program of Freddy Mercury and Queen’s classics—including “I Want to Break Free,” “Radio Ga Ga,” and “Bohemian Rhapsody”—on strings. Think $45 and up. 9:15pm.

Sorry for Party Rocking at Noto – Groove to EDM favorites from 2010 to 2015, showcasing Ke$ha,  Swedish House Mafia, Katy Perry, Afrojack, Selena Gomez, and more. $10; $15 for ages 18 to 15. 10pm to 2am.

Sunday, December 29, 2024

Future Retro Market at Post Houston | FREE – Discover sneakers, streetwear, and vintage goods at the big curated market inside Post. Noon to 6pm.

Blackwings: Danzig Tribute Concert at Warehouse Live Midtown – Blackwings headlines a Nightmare After Christmas Sunday Funday show, with Xero Tolerance, 138 Revamp, and Songs For The Deaf joining the program. Free in advance; $10 day of. 3pm.

Paella Sunday at Mutiny Wine Room – Chef Eduardo creates a seasonal paella on the patio, and shares his family’s secrets about the dish, with a wine pairing available. $38 and up. 1pm, 4:30pm and 6:30pm.

Houston Rockets vs. Miami Heat at Toyota Center – The Rockets lay up the new year as they go head to head against the men of Dade County. $14 and up. 6pm.

29th Annual Menorah Lighting at Houston City Hall | FREE – Expect Chanukah gifts for kids, dreidels, sufganiyot, and Chanukah gelt at Chabad Outreach of Houston’s family-friendly festival. The evening ends with the traditional menorah lighting. 6:30pm.

Toadies in Concert at House of Blues – Formed in Fort Worth back in 1989, the 4-man rock bands is best known for the song “Possum Kingdom.” They come to Downtown Houston to wrap up 2024. Vandoliers open the show. $32.50 to $59.50. 7pm.

The 8th Wonder Comedy Hour at The Secret Group – The weekly Sunday night comedy show hosted Mason James, Conner Carter, and Luis Dejesus presents the final lineup of 2024. Tickets include an 8th Wonder beer and pint glass. $10. 8pm.

Gimme Gimme Disco at White Oak Music Hall – While it’s not exactly live music, the frenetic dance energy of this ABBA-inspired DJ-led party is the perfect way to get in your New Year’s Eve party practice on a Sunday night that may not be followed by Monday morning work. $20. 9pm

Darude at Stereo Live – The Finnish DJ and record producer comes to Houston on his Together tour. Known for EDM trance house hits like “Sandstorm” and “Beautiful Alien,” he represented Finland in 2019’s Eurovision Song Contest. $14.99. 10pm to 2am.

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