Six ways to spend a very Houston Christmas

By Hugo Gerbich-Pais     12/3/24 11:17pm

The scorching autumn that we have experienced so far this year hasn't exactly invoked the christmas aesthetic, but these holiday activities sure will. In no particular order, here is your Houston Christmas activity guide:

1. Attend a mega-church christmas extravaganza

Regardless of your religious beliefs, when in Texas, one should attend a mega-church Christmas extravaganza. Perhaps as ingrained in Texas culture as barbeque and the first amendment, the Houston area features several mega-churches, who celebrate the christmas spirit with opulent performances. ​​Champion Forest Baptist Church's Christmas Spectacular last year featured live elephants, and you can buy tickets for this year's performance for as little as 12 dollars. 

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2. Go to the theater

From November 15th to December 29th, the Alley Theatre is running a new adaptation of Charles Dickens'  "A Christmas Carol". Dickens' novella is widely credited with popularizing many of the Christmas traditions we enjoy today. The story isn't just a shallow feel-good Christmas story; instead it asks its readers to interrogate how we treat those less fortunate than ourselves and what redemption looks like. This is a perfect activity for those of us who want to celebrate Christmas at the theater, but are tired of blasé performances of the Nutcracker.

3. Christmas shop and drink beer

American Field's holiday market pop-up will be coming to Houston on December 14-15. The event will feature a plethora of independent brands, curated by American Field  with their intentional and authentic character. It would be remiss to not add that the event is being hosted at St Arnold's Brewery, allowing you to eat and drink before, during and after getting your holiday gifts. 

4. Coca-cola Christmas experience

Nothing says Christmas like Coca-Cola. Located at the Memorial City Mall, the Coca Cola Classic Christmas experience features light sculptures, snow slides and even ice skating. Its convenient location also means that you can get your Christmas shopping done at the mall, or take advantage of the Christmas market also located within the experience. 

5. Candlelight Carols and Tours

If you enjoyed the Texas Renaissance Festival, you may enjoy this annual event offered by the Historical Society of Sam Houston Park. Through Candlelight, tour three historic houses located in the park, and interact with era-accurate reenactors, all while listening to Christmas carols sung by the Houston Boys Choir. Your $20 ticket also includes cookies and hot chocolate.

6. Ice skating at the galleria

Last, but certainly not least, is a trip to the Galleria ice rink. If you can put aside the questionable environmental impact of running an ice rink in the middle of a mall, in a city not known for its cold weather, go for it. The vibes don't give Christmas per se, but at least you can get some Christmas shopping done. 

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