Christmas Eve: Bettina and her husband Albert aren’t happy. Bettina’s mother is staying for the holidays, which is awkward, not least because Bettina’s mother met a man on the train, and now she’s invited him over for dinner. 'Winter Solstice,' a razor-sharp comedy by award-winning German playwright Roland Schimmelpfennig, plays with liberalism's inability to immunize itself against fascism’s rhetorical power in this wildly theatrical and inventive production.

Winter Solstice

Rec Room

The Twelve Ways of Christmas reminds us that, while the season may mean something different from one person to the next, the true message remains the same. With an eclectic blend of colorful jazz, R&B, and gospel, Twelve Ways guides us to the heart of our most memorable holiday experiences. Love prevails throughout this fusion of fun, joy, loneliness, jealousy and grief with twelve “ways”; including Romantic Christmas, Military Christmas, Family Christmas, and True Christmas.

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The Twelve Ways of Christmas

Ensemble Theatre

What’s Love Bomb about anyway? Let’s say it’s about “taxi dancers.” Even if it isn’t. So, what’s a taxi dancer? Early last century, taxi dancers attended dance halls, being paid in exchange for a single dance, maybe paid again for another, maybe paid once more for…? There will be music, that’s all we’re saying. Oh, and that there’s nothing people won’t do to find love. The rest is going to have to remain a surprise and you can bet it will be.

Love Bomb

Midtown Arts & Theater Center Houston

Everyone's favorite dysfunctional East Texas family is back!  Two years later, the Dinkel family is gathering back on Mee-Maw's beloved ranch on Christmas Day to celebrate Ginny and Hugo's wedding. But Hugo, the new Head Coach of the Houston NHL expansion team, is stuck in Dallas, snowed in by a whopping eighth of an inch. Hugo's absence forces Gretta, Erik, and Van to once again run a poorly conceived (but well-meaning) scheme to keep the truth from the ultra-anxious Ginny. As they restlessly wait for Hugo's arrival during the winter "storm of the century", a handsome cowboy from a neighboring ranch threatens to upend Erik's plan to win the heart of Hugo's beautiful French-Canadian sister. Blake and Mya, second year students at Texas A&M and UT respectively, have discovered the vitriolic nature of their newfound politics and hate each other again.  And a massive and legendary wild hog lurks on the edge of the ranch, threatening to destroy more than just the wedding and Christmas. The characters you know and love return for another night of Christmas hilarity and poignancy, including a certain critter who’s also not been wasting any time!

A Texas Carol Part Deux

A.D. Players Theater

Experience the grandeur of Beethoven's Emperor Concerto during the Thanksgiving Weekend with the Houston Symphony, under the baton of the esteemed Music Director Juraj Valčuha. This monumental event promises to redefine your understanding of what a piano concerto can be, featuring the extraordinary talents of pianist Yefim Bronfman. Alongside Beethoven's masterpiece, the program will also delight audiences with Schubert’s beloved Unfinished Symphony, creating a three-course feast for the senses.

Set to take place at the prestigious Jones Hall, the performances are scheduled for Friday, November 29, 2024, at 7:30 PM, Saturday, November 30, 2024, at 7:30 PM, and a matinee on Sunday, December 1, 2024, at 2:00 PM. This concert series not only offers an escape from the Black Friday weekend stress but also an opportunity to share the beauty of classical music with family and friends.

Juraj Valčuha, celebrated for his expressive command and deep musical insight, will lead the orchestra through a program that also features Berg's Three Pieces for Orchestra, showcasing his elegant style and the immersive experiences he creates through music. The performance of Yefim Bronfman, a true piano powerhouse, promises to be a highlight, bringing to life the awe-inspiring Emperor Concerto with his renowned skill and passion.

This exclusive event is currently available to subscribers only, offering savings, priority seating, and special perks for the season. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of a musical journey that continues to inspire and uplift audiences, redefining the essence of classical concerts.

Thanksgiving Weekend: Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto

Jones Hall

Experience the ultimate holiday enchantment with Stanton Welch’s The Nutcracker, a cherished Houston tradition. After the annual Stahlbaum Christmas party, embark on a journey through the dazzling Land of Snow to the radiant and jubilant Kingdom of Sweets alongside Clara, Drosselmeyer, and the Prince. Witness their reunion with the Sugar Plum Fairy amidst the clouds, where true magic unfolds. Renowned as one of the most magnificent productions ever staged, Welch’s The Nutcracker boasts hundreds of characters, intricate sets, and breathtaking details that will mesmerize audiences, offering new discoveries with every performance.

The Nutcracker

Wortham Theater Center

The Margaret Alkek Williams Jubilee of Dance is a joyous and fleeting event that commemorates the rich legacy of Houston Ballet while spotlighting the potential of future stars. Featuring highlights from past productions and a sneak peek into what's to come, this annual extravaganza is a fast-paced evening that unfolds at a breathtaking rate.

Margaret Alkek Williams Jubilee of Dance

Join Pinocchio, a sentient AI boy created by tech-savvy inventor Gill Bates, as he navigates a town obsessed with viral TikTok dances. When Pinocchio embarks on a quest to discover his true essence—with the help of everybody’s favorite faithful guide, Buttons—he encounters a world of digital mischief and adventure. Will he unlock the secrets to his identity? Or will the conniving villain Miss Treats disrupt the festivities and thwart Pinocchio’s journey?

Panto Pinocchio

The Gordy

The immensely gifted drummer Terri Lyne Carrington – NEA Jazz Master and 4-time Grammy Award winner – has worked tirelessly over the last decade to advocate for inclusivity in jazz. Carrington and her bandmates delve into the Grammy-winning ‘Best Jazz Instrumental Album’ New Standards Vol. 01, shining a powerful light on music from great women composers including Carla Bley, Cassandra Wilson, Gretchen Parlato, Abbey Lincoln, Eliane Elias and Marilyn Crispell.

Terri Lyne Carrington’s New Standards

Nomadic in nature, the Connections Series continues site-specific collaborative chamber concerts programmed specially for its chosen venues, in partnership with various arts and community organizations.

Connections Series Concert 1

Houston Botanic Garden

Houston Pride Band presents Kringle Kapers. That jolly old elf is at it again, bringing holiday fun to the December celebration.

Kringle Kapers

Experience the magic of the holiday season with "A Viennese Waltz Christmas" presented by the Houston Symphony under the baton of esteemed Music Director Juraj Valčuha. This enchanting concert invites you to waltz into the festivities with a selection of glittering musical pieces by the legendary Johann and Josef Strauss. From the sprightly rhythms of polkas to the sweeping melodies of the iconic Blue Danube Waltz, this event promises an evening of delightful entertainment that will have you dancing in your seat.

Set against the sparkling backdrop of Jones Hall, adorned with festive decorations and a majestic 25-foot Christmas tree, the concert offers the perfect setting for creating unforgettable holiday memories. Whether capturing the perfect holiday selfie or simply soaking in the festive atmosphere, attendees are in for a treat.

The program features a variety of waltzes, each lasting approximately 8-10 minutes, making it an ideal choice for families or those new to classical music concerts. Highlights include Johann Strauss Jr.'s "Kaiser-Walzer," "Egyptischer Marsch," and the "Die Fledermaus Overture," alongside Josef Strauss's "Die Libelle" and "Feuerfest," among others.

Conductor Juraj Valčuha, known for his expressive depth and elegant style, promises to bring these timeless pieces to life with his dynamic conducting and deep musical understanding.

This exclusive concert is currently available to subscribers only, offering them the chance to secure their seats for a season filled with musical wonders. The performances are scheduled for December 7, 2024, at 7:30 PM, and December 8, 2024, at 2:00 PM at Jones Hall.

Don't miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the joy and beauty of Viennese waltzes this holiday season with the Houston Symphony.

A Viennese Waltz Christmas

The holidays are busy. So busy that sometimes we forget to slow down and really enjoy the season – and spend quality time with the people that you love.

Christmas with Nicole Heaston

Join us for a remarkable celebration of one of flamenco music’s most illustrious icons!  We invite you to join us for an experience honoring the legendary Sabicas (Agustin Castellón Campos), from the city of Pamplona, Spain. Sabicas, whose passion for music left Spain during the turbulent years of the civil war in pursuit of artistic freedom in Mexico before traveling to New York City. He redefined flamenco guitar. His collaborations with esteemed flamenco dancer Carmen Amaya cemented his status as one of the greatest flamenco guitarists and composers of the 20th century. Through his soul-stirring performances, Sabicas transformed concert halls and theaters, making flamenco accessible to all. Modern players such as Paco de Lucia, Vicente Amigo, Gerardo Nuñez, and many more acknowledge the great influence of Sabicas’s music.

Lucia & Valdemar Flamenco – The Music of “Sabicas”

Experience the unparalleled mastery of Yo-Yo Ma, the world-renowned cellist, in a one-night-only concert with the Houston Symphony at Jones Hall on December 9, 2024. Under the baton of the acclaimed Music Director Juraj Valčuha, this exceptional performance will feature Dvořák’s profoundly beautiful Cello Concerto, a piece that promises to captivate and move audiences with its emotional depth and exquisite melodies.

Yo-Yo Ma, a 19-time Grammy Award winner, is celebrated not just for his extraordinary musical talent but also for his deep belief in the power of culture to create trust and understanding among people. His diverse career spans across genres and borders, making him one of the most versatile and influential artists of our time. This concert is a rare opportunity to witness his genius live, as he brings his passion, innovation, and soul-stirring interpretations to the stage.

Juraj Valčuha, known for his expressive conductance and elegant style, will lead the Houston Symphony in this special event. The evening will also feature the lively "Die Fledermaus Overture" by J. Strauss, setting the stage for an unforgettable musical journey.

This exclusive event is currently available to 2024-25 Season subscribers, offering them not only the chance to see Yo-Yo Ma perform but also to enjoy a season filled with remarkable music and special perks. Subscribers are encouraged to select their package early for the best seats and savings.

Don't miss this extraordinary evening of music that promises to be a highlight of the cultural calendar. Join us at Jones Hall on December 9, 2024, for an experience that celebrates the beauty of classical music and the enduring legacy of Yo-Yo Ma.

Yo-Yo Ma in Concert

Described by the San Francisco Chronicle as “powerfully adept… with a combination of brilliance and subtlety,” the Telegraph Quartet was awarded the prestigious 2016 Walter W. Naumburg Chamber Music Award and the Grand Prize at the 2014 Fischoff Chamber Music Competition.

Telegraph Quartet: New Worlds

The Menil Collection

Celebrate the holiday season with the Houston Symphony's "Very Merry Pops" concert at Jones Hall, a festive tradition that promises to fill the air with the merry sounds of the season. This year, the concert will be graced by the presence of Broadway star Mandy Gonzalez, who will join the Symphony and Chorus, adding her heartwarming vocals to the mix. Under the baton of conductor Lucas Waldin and with the Houston Symphony Chorus directed by Allen Hightower, audiences are in for a sparkling evening decked with boughs of holly.

The "Very Merry Pops" concert is part of the Houston Symphony's 2023-24 season and is available for purchase as part of a Pick Your Own subscription, offering savings and flexibility. The concert series runs from December 20th through December 23rd, 2023, with performances each evening at 7:30 PM at the iconic Jones Hall. This event is not only a celebration of holiday cheer but also a showcase of the Houston Symphony Chorus's talent, an ensemble with a rich history of performances under the direction of some of the world's most notable conductors.

Don't miss this heartwarming holiday tradition that brings family and friends together for an evening of joyous music and celebration. Secure your subscription now to be part of this festive experience.

Very Merry Pops

Who's Holiday! Is a wildly funny and heartfelt adults-only comedy that tells the story of Cindy Lou Who, now all grown up and residing in a beaten-down trailer in the snowy hills of Mount Crumpit, as she recalls (in between bong rips) that Christmas Eve she first met the Grinch and the twisted turn of events her life has now taken.

Who's Holiday!

Celebrate the festive season with the Houston Symphony at the much-anticipated "Holly Jolly Holiday" concert, a special event designed to create unforgettable memories for kids and families. This annual holiday concert is set to take place at Jones Hall, offering two performances on December 23, 2023, at 10:00 AM and 11:30 AM. 

The "Holly Jolly Holiday" concert is renowned as one of the Houston Symphony's most popular events of the year. Attendees can look forward to a joyous sing-along, complimentary hot chocolate, engaging interactive lobby activities, and the delightful opportunity to meet Santa Claus in person. 

This event is currently exclusive to subscribers, providing them with unbeatable savings, priority seating, and exclusive perks. Subscribers are encouraged to seize this opportunity to create their perfect season with the Houston Symphony for as little as $195.

Don't miss out on this enchanting holiday experience, perfect for making special memories with the entire family. Secure your subscription now to join in the festive fun at Jones Hall this December.

Holly Jolly Holiday

Back by popular demand, Crossing Borders celebrates the rich flowering of music across Hispanic cultures during the Renaissance and Baroque eras, from the “Old” to the “New” World. This festive holiday program includes villancicos and romances for voices and ensemble plus instrumental works that illustrate how music knits together cultures across time and space.

Events in Houston, TX next month

Winter Solstice

Rec Room Arts

The Twelve Ways of Christ...

Ensemble Theatre

Love Bomb

Match

A Texas Carol Part Deux

A.D. Players Theater

Thanksgiving Weekend: Bee...

Houston Symphony

The Nutcracker

Houston Ballet

Margaret Alkek Williams J...

Houston Ballet

Panto Pinocchio

Stages

Terri Lyne Carrington’s N...

Dacamera

Connections Series Concer...

ROCO

Kringle Kapers

Match

A Viennese Waltz Christma...

Houston Symphony

Christmas with Nicole Hea...

Mercury Chamber Orchestra

Lucia & Valdemar Flamenco...

Match

Yo-Yo Ma in Concert

Houston Symphony

Telegraph Quartet: New Wo...

Dacamera

Very Merry Pops

Houston Symphony

Who's Holiday!

Match

Holly Jolly Holiday

Houston Symphony

Crossing Borders

Ars Lyrica Houston