10 things to do in Houston during the holiday season

By Molly Chiu and Joey Capparella     11/29/12 6:00pm

Are you dreaming of a white christmas? Just because there's no snow in Houston doesn't mean that Houstonians can't appreciate a winter wonderland. Whether you're looking for a fun study break to spread some holiday cheer or wondering what you'll do with all your free time after those pesky finals are over, Houston has plenty of events to offer this holiday season.

Houston Ballet's The Nutcracker

Clara and the Nutcracker Prince are taking on the Rat King in the Houston Ballet's annual production of The Nutcracker ballet. Listen to Tchaikovsky's famous score while Clara travels through the Land of Sweets. Now through

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Dec. 30, you can see the ballet at the Wortham Theater. Although tickets through Passport to Houston are sold out, you can still purchase tickets through the Houston Ballet. For a full schedule of performance dates and times or to purchase tickets, visit www.houstonballet.org/TheNutcracker.

Holiday Lights in River Oaks

Looking for a low-key way to spread some holiday cheer? Grab a few friends and drive over to the River Oaks area to check out the neighborhood's spectacular holiday light displays. River Oaks residents are notoriously competitive about their displays, making for a great show of lights. Sip hot cocoa from the comfort of your car while you cruise through the streets reveling in the glow of the holiday spirit.

Christmas Tree Lighting at City Hall

The City of Houston is kicking off the holiday season today with the Mayor's Holiday Celebration and Tree Lighting at City Hall. Festivities kick off at 6 p.m. and include a Motown performance by Dennis Edwards and The Temptations Review, a visit from Santa Claus and the Houston Ballet Sugar Plum Fairies, and a fireworks show. At the center of the event will be the 63-foot tall White Fir tree, decked to the nines with lights and ornaments. For more information on the celebration, visit www.houstontx.gov. 

A Christmas Carol at the Alley Theatre

Ebenezer Scrooge is getting a visit from the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come in the Alley Theatre's annual production of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. Join the miserly Scrooge as he learns about the true meaning of Christmas. Performances run now through Dec. 24. For a full list of performance times and to purchase tickets, visit www.alleytheatre.org.

Houston City Hall Menorah Lighting

For the 17th year in a row, Chabad Lubavitch Outreach Center of Houston will be hosting a menorah lighting ceremony in front of City Hall to celebrate the eighth and final night of Hanukkah at 8 p.m. on

Dec. 15. After the lighting of Houston's largest menorah, attendants will enjoy Hanukkah treats, such as gelt and dreidels. This year, the celebration will also be in honor of soldiers who have given their lives for the U.S.

Ice Skating

Channel your inner Michelle Kwan, grab a pair of skates and head to the Houston Galleria for some ice skating this holiday season. If you don't own your own skates, you can rent a pair. Skaters of all skill levels are welcome. During the holidays, there is a giant Christmas tree in the middle of the rink. Admission and skate rental cost $15. If you prefer to skate in the fresh air, take a trip down to the ICE at Discovery Green. Now through Jan. 27, outdoor skating is featured on Kinder Lake. Admission and skate rental are $12.

New Year's Eve Live

New York City is not the only place that goes all out for New Year's Eve. Houston has its very own celebration at Discovery Green and the George R. Brown Convention Center called "New Year's Eve Live." This free event is full of exciting celebrations to usher in the new year, including an illuminated art car parade, a special 3-D light and firework show, and live music performances. For more information, visit www.newyearsevelive.com.

Houston Texans

If you're a football fan, take a trip down to Reliant Stadium to support the Houston Texans. With a record of 10-1, the Texans are on a roll. Be sure to wear your navy and red to support Matt Schaub, Andre Johnson, Arian Foster, J.J. Watt, former Rice Owl James Casey and the rest of the Texans. The next home game is Sunday, Dec. 16, against the Indianapolis Colts. To see the Texans' full schedule, visit www.houstontexans.com.

Zoo Lights at the Houston Zoo

You can visit our furry neighbors at the Houston Zoo year-round, but now through Jan. 5, you can see the Zoo lit up for the holiday season. From 6-10 p.m. nightly, visitors can experience Zoo Lights, a spectacular display of lights and music. The zoo is decking the halls at several animal habitats, including the elephants, tigers and giraffes. While you're visiting the animals, enjoy tasty treats like hot chocolate and funnel cake. In addition to the animal exhibits, visitors can also listen to carolers, ride the Wildlife Carousel or watch the Polar Express 4-D Experience. Admission is $8 for members and $10 for nonmembers. Tickets are $1 off if you purchase online. For more information, visit www.houstonzoo.org/zoolights.

Houston Rockets

Have you heard about the legendary beard? Whether it is James Harden's epic mane or the magic of Linsanity that strikes your fancy, watch the Houston Rockets play at the Toyota Center. With 10 home games in December, the Rockets will be looking to improve on their 7-8 record as they battle teams such as the Los Angeles Lakers on Dec. 4, the Dallas Mavericks on Dec. 8 and the Atlanta Hawks on New Year's Eve. For ticket information and a full schedule, check out www.nba.com/rockets.

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