2015
D OW N T OW N’S
H O L ID AY
Ring in the season with the 96 T H A NN U A L M AYOR ’S H OL ID AY C E L E B R AT I ON A ND T RE E L I G H T IN G
This spectacular, FREE event is a holiday tradition of music, fireworks and family fun. Featuring criticallyacclaimed performer and seven Grammy® Award winner Al Jarreau! And RaeLynn, “The Voice” season 2 alumnus and Baytown native! houstontx.gov
F RID AY, DE C E MB E R 4 City Hall in Hermann Square 6 to 8 pm
NE W Y E A R ’S E V E T H UR S D AY, DE C E MB E R 31 Theater District, Downtown Houston 7 pm to midnight
Located in the heart of downtown, The Theater District will host special performances to Houston’s largest family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration. FREE P ERFOR MANCES AT T HE AL L E Y T HE AT ER AND WORT HAM T HE AT ER, A SP ECIAL KIDS C OUN T D OWN AT J ONES P L A Z A , BUBBLY G ARDEN P LUS L IVE MUSIC BY T HE TON TONS AND T HE WORL D ’S GRE AT E S T PART Y B AND, T HE B52S !
newyearsevehouston.org
INSIDE... 3
MISTL E TOE ON THE GO
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SHOP D OWNTOWN
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SIGNAT URE E VENTS
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FAMILY F UN
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THE ICE AT DISCOVERY GREEN
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THEATER & C ONCERTS
20 GE T TING AROUND
D OWNTOWN & MAP
MISTLETOE ON THE GO! Pucker up—Texas’ biggest mistletoe ball is coming back to downtown this holiday season. Mistletoe on the Go!, a 150-inch ball of kiss-inducing greenery hanging from a 15-foot giant candy cane, will be located at downtown’s hippest park destinations for a tour of holiday cheer. Passersby
are invited to stand under the massive ball and kiss—just because! Share your smooches using #XOmistletoe. Nov 30-Dec 16 Market Square Park Dec 17-Jan 3 Discovery Green
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TOWN SHOP DOWNTO GREENSTREET Shopping, dining and entertainment... the ultimate downtown destination for fun and frolicking! GreenStreet is located at 1201 Fannin and spans three city blocks. greenstreetdowntown.com T H E S H O P S AT HOUSTON CENTER Power shopping has never been so easy at The Shops at Houston Center. While you’re at it, be sure to grab some lunch at the best food court in town. The Shops at Houston Center is located at 1200 McKinney. shopsathc.com
PHOENICIA SPECIALTY FOODS A foodie paradise, Phoenicia is also a great place to buy wine, sweets and amazing gifts. For the perfect party or group get-together, reserve a spot for your event at MKT BAR. The location is great, parking is complimentary and of course the boutique wines, tasty brews and fabulous food will have your guests clamoring for more. Located at 1001 Austin between McKinney and Lamar. yumstop.com
SPEND $10 OR MORE AT ANY OF THE GREENSTREE T RE TAILERS AND RESTAURANTS, AND ASK FOR A FREE PARKING VOUCHER ON SAT URDAYS FROM 10 AM TO 5 PM AND ON SUNDAYS FROM 10 AM TO 6 PM.
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When exiting the garage, give the free parking voucher along with your purchase receipt of $10 or more and your parking ticket to the attendant in the booth. You must exit the garage before 5:15 pm on Saturdays or 6:15 pm on Sundays or regular parking rates will apply. Free parking vouchers must be used on the same day of purchase.
-KIND A F O ONE
fts i G y a d i Hol
D E S I G N C R A F T: A I G A HOUSTON’S 6H ANNUAL MARKET Dec 5 DesignCraft is AIGA Houston’s 6th annual outdoor market featuring the work of local artists, crafters, creatives and more. The one-day event allows Houstonians to discover local, well-designed and crafted goods in their city, and gives vendors an opportunity to sell their work. This year, guests will also enjoy live music and local food trucks. 10 am-5 pm. Market Square Park, 301 Milam. designcrafthtx.com
DISCOVERY GREEN FLEA Dec 19, Jan 9 Find last-minute, unique gifts at this special outdoor market featuring vintage clothing, antiques and jewelry! Plus enjoy live music, food trucks and more. 11 am-5 pm. Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney. discoverygreen.com
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V EN T S E VENTS 29TH ANNUAL WORTHAM TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY Nov 25 Families will delight in the 29th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Wortham Theater Center as costumed characters from Houston Ballet’s The Nutcracker greet the public for the occasion, which has become a holiday tradition for many. 11 am-1 pm. Free. Wortham Center, 501 Texas. worthamcenter.org
M AY O R ’ S H O L I D AY C E L E B R AT I O N A N D T R E E LIGHTING PRESENTED BY RELIANT Dec 4 Ring in the season with the Mayor’s Holiday Celebration and Tree Lighting presented by Reliant on Friday, December 4, in the heart of Downtown Houston. The spectacular
66TH ANNUAL H-E-B THANKSGIVING D AY PA R A D E Nov 26 The Houston Thanksgiving Day Parade began in 1949, when Santa arrived at Union Station and rode his sleigh to the downtown Foley’s. Free. 9 am. Begins at Smith at Lamar. houstonthanksgivingparade.org event is a holiday tradition of music, fireworks and family fun. A towering holiday tree, glowing with energy efficient LED lights, shimmering ornaments and a stunning star topper will light up the streets of Downtown Houston this holiday season. Free. 6 pm. Hermann Square at City Hall. houstontx.gov CHANUKAH FEST 2015 Dec 6 This will be an event you don’t want to miss as The City of Houston co-sponsors the fabulous
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Chanukah Fest 2015 in front of City Hall. Highlights include a live concert by the 8th Day Band, live entertainment, dozens of fun activities for kids and adults, a dazzling food quarter, Judah the Maccabee Live Statue & Dreidel Mascot, and much more. The event will conclude with a grand lighting of the City Hall Menorah for the first night of Chanukah. Free. 2 pm. City Hall. chanukahinhouston.com 2015 GINGERBREAD BUILD-OFF Dec 12 Over 30 competing teams will create their masterpieces using 100 percent edible materials. More than 3,000 spectators are expected to attend and cheer on the teams, play in the kids’ construction zone, and see Santa! Team registration is open to local architecture firms, design professionals, students, and enthusiasts seeking the coveted Grand Prix de Show for their edible
structure. All entertainment is free and open to the public! 10 am- 4:30 pm. Hermann Square at City Hall, 901 Bagby. aiahouston.org 53RD ANNUAL CANDLELIGHT TOUR Dec 12-13 Imagine cool nights, warm fires, twinkling lights, and a cup of cocoa in hand. Each year, The Heritage Society decorates its historic buildings to reflect holiday traditions from different periods in Houston’s past. In addition to touring homes, guests will interact with historic characters, participate in children’s activities in Santa’s Workshop, and learn about Houston’s early residents, cultures, and customs. This is a perfect way to share the holidays with friends and family. Adults $10, seniors (65+) $8, students (ages 6-18) $5, children 5 and under are free. 5-9 pm. The Heritage Society, 1100 Bagby Street. heritagesociety.org
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32ND ANNUAL TOTA L J I N G L E B E L L RUN & WALK Dec 13 Get in shape and support a great cause during the 2015 Total Jingle Bell Run and Walk. The event, which includes more than 7,000 participants of all ages, benefits the Tellepsen Family Downtown YMCA Annual Campaign. Participants in the event are encouraged to wear holiday costumes as they make their way through the city streets. A kids’ fun run for children 13 and under, a 3-mile family walk, and a 5-mile adult run will be offered. Festivities include a costume contest, live music, kids zone, food trucks and more. See website for regis-
Don’t forget!
tration information. 11 am. The Tellepsen Family YMCA, 808 Pease. ymcahouston.org HOUSTON FIRST PRESENTS NEW YEAR’S EVE Dec 31 Located in the heart of downtown, the Theater District will host special performances to Houston’s largest family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration. Free performances at the Alley Theater and Wortham Theater, a special Kids Countdown at Jones Plaza, Bubbly Garden plus live music by The Tontons and the world’s greatest party band, the B52s! Free. 7pm. Theater District. newyearsevehouston.org
On-street parking in downtown is FREE all day on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Please note that restricted areas, marked in RED or with RED METER BAGS, are still prohibited parking!
FOR HELP FINDING SURFACE LOTS, GARAGE PARKING OR ON-STREE T ME TERS, VISIT DOWNTOWNHOUSTONPARKING.ORG.
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Family S A I L I N G S A N TA Released Nov 16 Saint Arnold’s Sailing Santa brew began its life when fans requested to blend half a pint of Elissa IPA with half a pint of Christmas Ale. This year, Sailing Santa is returning with a toasty tweak, blending the Elissa IPA and Christmas Ale pre-fermentation and adding just a pinch of cinnamon. The result is a spiced Sailing Santa that is great to drink by itself but also an amazing beer to pair with foods, especially holiday recipes. Taste this holiday treat at the Saturday tours! $8. 11 am-2 pm. Saint Arnold Brewing Company, 2000 Lyons. saintarnold.com ALL ABOARD! Nov 30-Dec 31 The Petroleum Club of Houston and Brookfield have partnered to put the Petroleum Club Holiday Train on display for the downtown community to view during the holiday season. Total Plaza (Street Level Lobby), 1201 Louisiana Street. Weekdays, 8 am-6 pm. artsbrookfield.com S A N TA PAW S Dec 5 Bring your pets, family and friends to visit and take photos with Santa, and to experience the holidays at GreenStreet. Free. 12 pm-3pm. GreenStreet, 1201 Fannin. greenstreetdowntown.com
SEASON’S R E A D I N G S AT H P L Dec 5 Celebrate the winter season with family friendly, literary-inspired programs as part of HPL’s Season’s Readings! In this year’s program Aurora Picture Show presents Fantastic Journeys: Animated Shorts featuring films from the Children’s Film Festival Seattle 2015. Join a space-alien potato on his zany adventures, witness the creation of the alphabet, sing along with a brave little octopus, and grow up along with a rebellious daughter made of frosting, in this vibrant celebration of creativity. Free. 3 pm. Houston Public Library’s Julia Ideson Building, 550 McKinney St. houstonlibrary.org
GIF T IDE A BBP has cute dog leashes and portable water bowls for your furry friend. Or for the guy in your life, try the delicious “Bayou Blend” from Katz Coffee and a silk tie with the iconic buffalo. All proceeds benefit the upkeep of the beautifully renovated, Buffalo Bayou. buffalobayou.org
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UNSILENT NIGHT Dec 10 Join UH Cynthia Woods Mitchell Center for the Arts and Buffalo Bayou Partnership for an interactive holiday event, Unsilent Night, a soundscape played by the audience on boom boxes carried through the trails of Buffalo Bayou Park. Free. 6 pm. The Water Works, 105 Sabine Street. buffalobayou.org TRADING PLACES AT M A R K E T S Q UA R E PA R K Dec 11 Come hang out at the park for Trading Places. In fact, it really is a Christmas movie as the season plays a big part in many scenes and even some motivations for some the leads. Leads? Oh. Just Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykyroyd at the top of their games. Upper-crust executive Louis Winthorpe III (Dan Aykroyd) and down-andout hustler Billy Ray Valentine (Eddie Murphy) are the subjects of a bet by successful brokers Mortimer (Don Ameche) and Randolph Duke (Ralph Bellamy). An employee of the Dukes, Winthorpe is framed by the brothers for a crime he didn’t commit, with the siblings then
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installing the street-smart Valentine in his position. When Winthorpe and Valentine uncover the scheme, they set out to turn the tables on the Dukes. Free. 7 pm. 301 Milam. marketsquarepark.com YUMMY! WONDERL A N D I N T E R N AT I O N A L H O L I D AY F E S T I VA L & B R U N C H W I T H S A N TA S AT U R D AY Dec 12 Go global and give back this holiday season! Celebrate with an international holiday festival and brunch highlighting art, music, traditions and customs from around the globe. Entertain the family with holiday crafts, cookie decorating, cultural performances and live music. Bring a toy to donate towards the Houston Fire Department’s (HFD) Operation Stocking Stuffer and snap a photo with Santa. Tickets are $15 (adults) and $8 (children, ages 4-12 years old). 9 am-3 pm. Phoenicia Specialty Foods Downtown, 1001 Austin St. yummywonderland.eventbrite.com B R E A K FA S T W I T H S A N TA Dec 12-13, 19-24 Have a delicious breakfast buffet with Santa and Sharkey! Don’t miss out - you
may see Santa and his elves swimming with the fish! Photo ops also available. Reservations required. Downtown Aquarium, 410 Bagby. downtownaquarium.com H O L I D AY STORYTIME Dec 19 Listen to holiday stories, make arts and crafts, and have some gingerbread! Free. 3 pm. Central Library, 500 McKinney. houstonlibrary.org HOUSTON ROCKETS VS. SAN ANTONIO SPURS Dec 25 Bring the family downtown on Christmas Day and cheer on your Houston Rockets and they take on in-state rivals, the San Antonio Spurs. Toyota Center, 1510 Polk. houstonrockets.com SHARKEY’S NEW Y E A R ’ S E V E Dec 31 Celebrate the New Year with Sharkey and the rest of his underwater friends complete with a buffet, balloon drop, contests & giveaways for the whole family! Reservations required. TIME? Downtown Aquarium, 410 Bagby. downtownaquarium.com
HOUSTON ROCKETS V S . G O L D E N S TAT E WARRIORS Dec 31 Countdown to the new year with the Houston Rockets as they take on the Golden State Warriors. Toyota Center, 1510 Polk. houstonrockets.com NEW YEAR’S EVE SOUL C E L E B R AT I O N AT M K T BAR Dec 31 Enjoy the best local funk, soul, Motown bands and DJs to get the New Year hopping right! Admission includes YUMMY! light bites, a champagne toast at midnight, live music and more surprises. General admission tickets $50, VIP packages with table reservations, bottle service and party favors $100 and up. 9 pm. Complimentary parking is available in the One Park Place garage. Enter on McKinney. MKT Bar, 1001 Austin Street. mktbar.com S AV E T H E D AT E ! LUNAR NEW YEAR Feb 7 Celebrate the Lunar New Year at Discovery Green with performances by DJ Sun and others. 6 -10 pm. Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney. 713.400.7336. discoverygreen.com
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THE ICE
@ DIS C OVE RY GRE E N
Nov 25- Feb 7 Ice skating returns to Downtown Houston this holiday season! Lace up your skates and get ready for a memorable winter experience at Discovery Green. The 7,716 square-foot ice skating surface is the largest in the Southwest. Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney. discoverygreen.com/ice $14 includes skate rental and tax. Skating time limited to 1 ½ hours on all school holidays* and weekends. Tickets are available for purchase in- person at The ICE. $30 Speed Pass includes priority entrance, skate rental and tax (available online only). A portion of ticket sales goes to support Discovery Green Conservancy’s free year-round programming.
HOURS OF OPERATION FRI, SAT, SCHOOL HOLIDAYS*
11 AM – 11 PM
MON – THURS
4 – 10 PM
SUNDAY
11 AM – 8 PM
THANKSGIVING DAY
11 AM – 11 PM
CHRISTMAS EVE
11 AM – 7 PM
CHRISTMAS DAY
1 – 11 PM
NEW YEAR’S EVE 11 AM – 8 PM NEW YEAR’S DAY 1 – 11 PM MARTIN LU THER KING DAY
11 AM – 10 PM
*SCHOOL HOLIDAYS INCLUDE: 11/26, 11/27, 11/28, 12/22, 12/23, 12/28, 12/29, 12/30, 12/31, 1/4, 1/5 THE ICE RINK WILL BE CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC ON 12/6 AND 2/6 AT 4 PM.
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F R O S T I VA L ! Nov 24 Winter arrives with a parkwide celebration! Featuring Reverend Butter, Juan Carlos – the Montrose Rollerblader, live music, ice sculptures and more. 6-10 pm. RAINBOW ON ICE Jan 22 The annual city-wide LGBT celebration returns to The ICE! Celebrate the season with the ultimate dance party and electrifying entertainment. 7-10 pm.
W E E K LY S K AT E EVENTS C H E A P S K AT E N I G H T S Select Mondays, 4-10 pm. Glide around The ICE for just $7 plus tax. TWO STEP T U E S D AY S Tuesdays, 6-10 pm. Grab your dance partner for a boot scootin’ good time on the AnheuserBusch Stage. Line dancing lessons by instructors from Neon Boots from 7-8 pm. Dec 1-Feb 2.
JAZZ NIGHTS ON ICE Wednesdays, 7-9 pm. Jam to jazzy tunes on the ICE with Houston musician and skating Jazzman, Jawad. Sponsored by Ice Rink Events. Nov 25-Feb 3. BANK OF AMERICA SCREEN ON THE GREEN Thursdays, 7 pm. Skate or sit and catch a free flick! Special pricing on ICE tickets for Bank of America card holders available. See website for full movie list. Nov 26-Feb 4. HOT NIGHTS ON ICE Fridays, 7-10 pm. Mix, mingle and turn up the heat. Nov 27-Feb 5. S A N TA S K AT E S ! Saturdays, 4-5 pm. Selfies with Santa on skates! Bring your camera for pictures with the jolly man in red! Nov 28-Dec 19. H O U S TO N S K AT I N G S TA R Z Sundays, 6-6:15 pm. Houston’s top figure skaters dazzle. See website for performers. Dec 3 and 13, Jan 3-31.
iss M t ’ n NS Ca ART IN S TA L L A T IO
igners LOS TROMPOS d by Mexico City des ctive exhibition create era int ntly colored is llia Th bri 22 ife, ar n-l Now-M e, features 20 larger-tha aw Esr r cto Hé bsite for we and a Ignacio Caden pes and sizes. Check tops, in a variety of sha ing nn spi or os,” mp “tro mances. workshops and perfor . T urns to Discovery Green FIELD OF LIGH gical Field of Light ret ma ’s nro s Mu ere ce sph ss Bru Nov 24-Feb 21 00 radiant, frosted gla tallation comprises 4,5 ht This site-specific art ins r optic. The Field of Lig fibe ed nat mi illu nected by y-old live oak trees. tur cen ’s atop slender stems con een Gr y ver color under Disco creates a gentle wave of s. hops and performance rks wo for te bsi Check we F R I D AY ! NIGHT SIGHTS erience Los Nov 27-Mar 18 Exp ht through Trompos or Field of Lig on artists ust Ho performances by these magfor ally eci esp d ate cre Every Friday nificent works of art. night. Free. 7 pm.
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A CHRISTMAS CAROL – A GHOST STORY OF CHRISTMAS Nov 20-Dec 28 A Christmas Carol - A Ghost Story of Christmas returns this year with a re-telling of Charles Dickens’ classic story, which follows Ebenezer Scrooge’s journey with the three ghostly spirits that visit him on Christmas Eve. Tickets $35-$70. Alley Theatre, 615 Texas. alleytheatre.org 29TH ANNUAL WORTHAM TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY Nov 25 Families will delight in the 29th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Wortham Theater Center as costumed characters from Houston Ballet’s The Nutcracker greet the public for the occasion, which has become a holiday tradition for many. 11 am-1 pm. Free. Wortham Center, 501 Texas. worthamcenter.org THE NUTCRACKER Nov 27-Dec 27 Journey with Clara as she dances on the arm of the Nutcracker Prince to the stunning Land of Snow and the delectable Kingdom of Sweets. There are so many reasons to delight in The Nutcracker: the giant Christmas tree, the dancing dolls, Mother Ginger and her adorable clowns, the lavish sets and the iconic Tchaikovsky score. This
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year the Houston Ballet will bid farewell to Ben Stevenson’s beloved production of The Nutcracker as they prepare to premiere a new version by Artistic Director Stanton Welch in 2016. Tickets $29-$119. Wortham Center, 501 Texas. houstonballet.org L AT I N C H R I S TM A S Dec 3 The Latin Philharmonic will present its annual Latin Christmas concert to celebrate the happiest time of year. Venezuelan maestro, Glenn Garrido, will lead the orchestra who will be joined by special guests Rafael “Pollo” Brito, Maria Rivas and Robert Gonzalez. Tickets start at $15. 7:30 pm. Wortham Center, 501 Texas Ave. houstonlatinphil.org HOME ALONE Dec 4 Give your holiday a little laughter with Home Alone, the beloved comedy favorite featuring renowned composer John Williams’
charming and delightful score performed live to picture. Macaulay Culkin stars as Kevin McCallister, an 8-year-old boy who’s accidentally left behind when his family leaves for Christmas vacation, and who must defend his home against two bungling thieves. Home Alone is must-see hilarious holiday fun for the entire family! Tickets start at $35. 7:30 pm. Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana. houstonsymphony.org JUBILEE OF DANCE Dec 4 Houston Ballet will present Jubilee of Dance, a onenight-only event showcasing the depth and range of the company in a program of premieres and high-energy excerpts from signature works and beloved classics.
Wortham Center, 501 Texas. houstonballet.org THE LITTLE PRINCE Dec 4 Join HGO for all the joy and wonder of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s classic story, The Little Prince. After being forced to land his plane in the Sahara desert a pilot is awakened by the gentle but determined voice of a little prince with a strange history. The two become unlikely friends, and while experiencing lessons from the desert’s many creatures, together they discover what is essential in life. Don’t miss this adventure-filled family experience during the holiday season. Tickets start at $48. Wortham Center, 501 Texas. houstongrandopera.org
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T H E S A N TA L A N D DIARIES Dec 4-31 Company artist Todd Waite reprises his role as “Crumpet the Elf ” in the outlandish, and true, chronicles of David Sedaris’ experience as a worker in Macy’s SantaLand display. This compact, one-character comedy is a hilarious cult classic, featuring comic encounters during the height of the holiday crunch. Tickets $35. Alley Theatre, 615 Texas. alleytheatre.org A CHRISTMAS STORY Dec 8-20 Prepare yourself for an all-American Christmas in the holiday show heralded by the Associated Press as “a charming triumph infused with utter joy.” In this clever musical adaptation of the 1983 comedic film, we follow the childhood dreams and schemes of little Ralphie, whose
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heart is set on getting one thing and one thing only for Christmas - the official Red Ryder, carbine action, two-hundred shot range model air rifle. With its timeless scenes, quirky innocence and nostalgic warmth, this musical trip down memory lane will leave the whole family bright-eyed and buoyant. It’s far and away the most fun you’ll have this holiday season! Tickets start at $37.75. Hobby Center, 800 Bagby. tuts.com THE HOT SARDINES Dec 10 Without a doubt one of the highlights of the Christmas performance season will be when New York City’s Hot Sardines performs its Holiday Stomp – a “hot jazz” performance that gives voice to the history-defining jazz of the 1920s, 30s and 40s. The program will include “White Christmas,” “Le Noël de la Rue,” “Mele Kelikimaka,” “Please Come
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Home for Christmas” and more! Tickets $33-$63. 8:00 pm. Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana. spahouston.org VERY MERRY POPS Dec 11-13 “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” at the Houston Symphony with Very Merry Pops, now in its 15th season! Bring your family and friends and rejoice in this Houston holiday tradition with Mike, the orchestra, the chorus—and some special guests who may drop by to join in on the festive fun. Enjoy favorites like “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” “Carol of the Bells” and “It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas,” as well as songs from Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Tickets start at $35. Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana. houstonsymphony.org A FROSTY AND FROZEN CHRISTMAS Dec 12 Bundle up! Temperatures are dropping in a deckedout Jones Hall as we celebrate the magic of the holiday season, including a special guest who may drop by to partake in the
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festive fun. Sing along to “Frosty the Snowman,” and “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” and rejoice in Queen Elsa’s reflective personal journey “Let it Go” from Disney’s Frozen. Join us as we remember what makes this time of year so special—and a bit frosty! Tickets start at $22. Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana. houstonsymphony.org H A N D E L’ S MESSIAH Dec 17-20 Experience the timeless Christmas tradition of this Baroque masterpiece with the finest performances of Handel’s Messiah in Houston. Full of glorious choruses and moving solos, this grand oratorio tells the story of the first Christmas through some of Handel’s most inspired works, including “Ev’ry Valley Shall Be Exalted,” “O Thou That Tellest Good Tidings to Zion” and the famous “Hallelujah” chorus. Tickets start at $29. Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana. houstonsymphony.org STRIKING 12 Dec 17-23 On New Year’s Eve, an over-worked and underinspired single guy who’s had
enough of holiday cheer makes a resolution: to stay home and go to bed early. On another New Year’s Eve, a continent away – and more than a century earlier – Hans Christian Andersen’s Little Match Girl tries unsuccessfully to sell her matches in the snow. The two stories are brought together when a young woman selling special “fullspectrum holiday light bulbs” to combat seasonal affective disorder shows up at the grumpy man’s door. Though the man (who probably could use the bulbs) seems to enjoy the young woman’s company, he sends her away. It’s not until he reads “The Little Match Girl” that he is finally pulled out of his funk. All of this unfolds through a tuneful pop/rock/jazz score that retains the vibrant style of its original performers: the celebrated band, GrooveLily. Tickets start at $25. Hobby Center, 800 Bagby. tutsunderground.com TRANS SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA Dec 18 The famous rock orchestra known for its elaborate concerts and pyrotechnics is back in Houston for two holiday shows. The group includes an orchestral string section, full
rock band, multiple vocalists, a narrator, extensive pyrotechnics, a stunning laser and light show, and a snowfall! Tickets $34-$74. Toyota Center, 1510 Polk. toyotacentertix.com SHEN YUN Dec 22-Jan 2 There was a time when the world was full of magic and splendor, as if all on Earth existed in harmony with Heaven. You could see it in the arts, feel it in the air, and hear it in the beat of a drum. This was a land of heroes and sages, dragons and phoenixes, emperors and immortals. Known today as China, this place was once called “the Middle Kingdom” and “the Land of the Divine.” Shen Yun invites you to experience this divine culture of the Middle Kingdom by bringing the profound spirit of this lost civilization to life on stage with unrivaled artistic mastery. Every dance movement, every musical note, makes this a stunning visual and emotional experience you won’t find anywhere else. See for yourself why this performance is leaving millions around the world in awe. Tickets $70.50-$206.50. Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana. joneshall.org
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HOUSTON BCYCLE
Downtown
Ditch your car and ride a bike to all your holiday hot spots this season! Daily, weekly and annual memberships available with over twelve convenient stations located throughout Downtown Houston. houston.bcycle.com
GE T WHERE YOU NEED TO...FAST! GREENLINK Monday through Friday from 6:30 am6:30 pm catch GREENLINK to get to your holiday destinations for FREE!
T IP A BCycle annual membership makes a great stocking stuffer or secret Santa gift!
PA R K I N G
There are affordable parking options— garages, surface lots and on-street parking— convenient to your destination, UH DOWNTOW whether it be a restaurant or event. STATION On-street, metered parking is available during the day on most downtown streets. The meters accept cash and credit cards or you can pay-by-phone; hourly prices vary depending on location. Meters are FREE after 6 pm
MARKET SQUARE PARK
MARKET SQUARE PA PRESTON STATION
WORTHAM THEATER
DOWNTOWN AQUARIUM
ALLEY THEATRE
BAYOU PLACE
JONES HALL
HOBBY CENTER CITY HALL/ HERMANN SQUARE
MAIN STREET SQUARE STATION
H
START HERITAGE SOCIETY/ SAM HOUSTON PARK
Lam
Lamar
CENTRAL LIBRARY
MAIN STREET SQUARE STATION
FINISH
BELL STATION
Monday-Saturday and all day Sunday. DO NOT park in valet zones or commercial zones (marked with red meters or red striping on the street). Please always read the signs before you park! For help finding surface lots, garage parking or on-street meters, visit downtownhoustonparking.org.
T IP On-street parking is free all day on City of Houston holidays— Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
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If you don’t have the ParkMobile App, then download it NOW!! It is a pay-by-phone parking option that makes on-street parking (and even in some parking lots) so much easier. Get automatic notifications to warn you about your meter expiring, or extend your parking session from your phone without ever having to leave dinner or the show!
La Branch
ARK
DISCOVERY GREEN
THE SHOPS AT HOUSTON CENTER
PHOENICIA
mar
GREENSTREET GREENSTREET
TOYOTA CENTER
DOWNTOWN MAP THANKSGIVING DAY PAR ADE RO U TE BCYCLE STATIONS
D OW N T OW N’S
H O L ID AY
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