Holidays in Houston: an event guide

Holidays+in+Houston%3A+an+event+guide

Emily Ashlock, Editor-in-Chief

This year, we all need a little more joy. The following events can help you find that extra wisp of magic.

CHRISTMAS EVENTS

The ICE at Discovery Green

These nights include a free Decade music on Tuesdays, Wednesday Date Nights, and much more. Skating lessons are available for all! $14 regular admission (available onsite only) $17 online tickets (not available on Cheap Skate Nights) $8 Cheap Skate (discount off regular admission; valid Mondays Nov. 27–Dec. 18 and Jan. 8)

Tomball German Christmas Market & Festival (DEC 8 – 10)

This free event in Tomball celebrates our German connection. Full of music, shops, and food, Tomball comes together again for three days of festivities.

Friday, Dec 8th 6-10PM

Saturday, Dec 9th 10AM-10PM

Sunday, Dec 10th 10AM-6PM

Gingerbread Build Off (DEC 9)

Frosting, gumdrops, and gingerbread will cover Herman Square in this delicious day of holiday cheer.

Houston Ballet – The Nutcracker (DEC 10 – JAN 6)

Watch the Houston Ballet bring the magical story to life, and even pick up a few presents at the Nutcracker Market. This is one performance you don’t want to miss!

Trans-Siberian Orchestra (DEC 21)

The magical melodies have returned to Houston’s Toyota Center. “The Ghosts Of Christmas Eve,” performed by this talented group of musicians, is the “best of TSO and more.”


CHANUKAH (Hanukkah) CELEBRATIONS

Giant Menorah Lighting Celebration Sugar Land (DEC 13)

Wednesday, December 13 @ 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm

 22nd annual Menorah Lighting at Houston City Hall

 900 Bagby Houston, TX  77002  5th light of Chanukah

Saturday, December 16, 2017 @ 7:30pm

Addresses by Dignitaries and Elected Officials

Music • Dreidels • Sufganiot • Chanukah Gelt • Chanukah Gifts for Children

The Menorah Mobile Parade will leave from Chabad Uptown at 7:30 pm sharp.

The Menorah Mobile Parade will be leaving from 2006 Briarglen Dr, Houston, TX 77027  at 7:30 pm and will be going to Chabad Outreach (11000 Fondren Rd 77096)

The Galleria Lights

1st  Light of Chanukah Tuesday, December 12, 2017, at 6:30 – 7:15 PM between Nordstrom and the Indoor Fountain

7th Annual  Public Menorah Lighting of the Exquisite Galleria Menorah handcrafted by artist I. Cohen

   Music • Dreidels • Sufganiot • Chanukah Gelt & Chanukah Gifts  for Children

Chanukah at Discovery Green

3-6pm – Chanukah at Discovery Green

There will be a live concert with Eli Marcus, arts and crafts, ice skating, face painting, a balloon artist, and Chanukah gifts for the children. The Menorah lighting will be at 5:15 PM, and the admission is free!

DEC. 10: Children’s Museum of Houston’s CHANUKAH WORKSHOP

The Jewish Community Center will guide families through traditional Hanukkah games and activities, primarily the dreidel game. You can also decorate wooden dreidels, make edible dreidels and learn the rules of the dreidel game and practice playing it at the Children’s Museum of Houston.  Plus, make hand print menorahs! Event time: 1-3:00 p.m. in Alexander Art Academy


KWANZAA

Holiday Tree Lighting and Kwanzaa Celebration

This free event begins at 4 pm on December 9thLive performances, a kid zone, and even a fashion show make up this fun-filled celebration.

SHAPE Community Center’s Kwanzaa Celebrations

Monday, December 26, 2016, ~ Umoja (Unity)

The Greater Houston Are Kwanzaa Planning Committee (www.shape.org)

Location: Third Ward Multi-Service Center 3611 Ennis, Houston 77004

Kwanzaa Market Place 5 pm • Opening Ceremony 7 pm

Contact: 713-521-0641 or 713-521-0629 for more information

Tuesday, December 27, 2016, ~ Kujichagulia (Self-Determination)

National Black United Front (www.nbufhouston.org)

Location: S.H.A.P.E. Community Center 3903 Almeda, Houston 77004

Kwanzaa Market Place 5 pm • Opening Ceremony 7 pm

Contact: 832-422-7806 for more information

Wednesday, December 28, 2016, ~ Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility)

Bethany Baptist Church

Location: 7304 Homestead Road Houston 77028

Kwanzaa Market Place 5 pm • Opening Ceremony 7 pm

Contact: Jackie Tatum @ 832-359-2732 or Edward Smith @ 281-460-6909 for more information

Thursday, December 29, 2016, ~ Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)

S.E.H.A.H. Youth and Fitness Center (www.sehah.org)

Location: 5110 MLK, Houston 77021

Kwanzaa Market Place 5 pm • Opening Ceremony 7 pm

Contact: Baba Shango 713-747-0271 for more information

Friday, December 30, 2016, ~ Nia (Purpose)

Nia Cultural Center (www.niacultural.com)

Location: 2627 Ave M, Galveston, TX 77550

Kwanzaa Market Place 5 pm • Celebration and Feast 6 pm

Contact: Sue Johnson @ 409-457-8955 for more information or [email protected]

Saturday, December 31, 2016, ~ Kuumba (Creativity)

S.H.A.P.E. Community Center (www.shape.org)

Location: 3815 Live Oak, Houston 77004

Kwanzaa Market Place 5 pm Opening Ceremony 8 pm

Contact: Deloyd Parker @ 713-521-0641 for more information

Sunday, January 01, 2017 ~ Imani (Faith)

The Shrine of the Black Madonna,

Location: 5309 MLK, Houston 77021

Kwanzaa Market Place 5 pm • Opening Ceremony 7 pm

Contact: Jaha Kadirifu 713-876-8226 or [email protected] or [email protected] for more information

 

Whether you choose to celebrate with friends or to simply stay at home with family, enjoy the holidays!