Free and Cheap Events in Houston this Weekend
Our top picks for Free and Cheap Events in Houston this Weekend of December 20.
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- Free Events in Houston this Weekend: Snow Glow on the Bayou and First Saturday Arts Market
- Top Picks for Friday: 2024 Winter Solstice: An A Cappella Holiday Concert and ARTECHOUSE
- Things to Do on Saturday: Rogers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella and Cistern Illuminated
- Best Events on Sunday: Santa Hustle 5k, Half Marathon, and Kids Dash and Pink Place: A Festive Art and Market Experience
Check out the full list below!
Editor’s Note: We work hard to bring you the most up-to-date information. However, all information is subject to change! As always, please verify with the organizer before heading out! Also, please note that this article may contain affiliate links. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products and services that we genuinely believe will benefit our readers!
In case you are wondering about the choice of listings in this article, here is how we come up with our recommendations.
Check out our recent articles on the Happy Hour Katy Texas, Christmas Tree Farm Houston, and Christmas Lights 2024 in Houston!
Free and Cheap Events in Houston this Weekend
Santa Paws at Trebly Park
Downtown Houston+ is hosting weekly pet-friendly Santa pop-ups, where you and your furry companion can capture heartwarming holiday memories.
Enjoy live music, delicious hot chocolate, and fun activities while you wait for your turn to meet Santa. Each week, a different cultural Santa will be spreading holiday cheer, celebrating the diversity of Houston.
Snow Glow on the Bayou
Enjoy a breathtaking digital spectacle of light and sound at Allen’s Landing. Projected onto a 4-story tall, 6-story wide water screen and reflecting on the water, Snow Globe can be watched from various vantage points.
Grab your blanket, hot cocoa, and prepare to be enchanted by this unique holiday experience.
Text “Downtown Holidays” to 56512 to access the Snow Glow map and discover the 12 enchanting City Light villages scattered throughout Downtown.
The French Farm Winter Open Warehouse Sale
For five Saturdays in November and December, you’re invited to explore a treasure trove of imported gourmet delights and elegant homewares from France, Italy, Spain, and Portugal.
Indulge in complimentary wine and cheese while you browse through a dazzling array of olive oils, honey, jams, sweets, spreads, and exquisite kitchenware.
First Saturday Arts Market in the Heights
This December, celebrate the 20th anniversary of this beloved Houston Heights tradition.
Browse an array of unique creations from talented local artists, enjoy live music, and savor delicious food truck fare.
Don’t miss this festive opportunity to support local talent, indulge in some holiday shopping, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of the market.
Houston Holiday Market
Find the perfect gifts for everyone on your list at this festive market, nestled within the cozy atmosphere of True Anomaly Brewing Company in EaDo.
Things to do in Houston this Weekend – Friday
ARTECHOUSE: Houston Holiday Spectacular
Immerse yourself in a world of wonder, where art, technology, and imagination collide at ARTECHOUSE.
Tingle Bells Immersion Gallery will transport you to a serene, ASMR wonderland. Lose yourself in mesmerizing visuals and soothing soundscapes as you journey through a world of comfort and curiosity.
Spectacular Factory will ignite your holiday spirit with its dazzling display of giant Christmas bells, candy cane carousels, and dancing nutcrackers. This whimsical journey is perfect for the young and young at heart.
Intangible Forms by Shohei Fujimoto will dazzle you with its kinetic laser show, a mesmerizing blend of light and motion.
And don’t forget to visit the city’s first XR Bar! Unlock augmented reality experiences while sipping on festive cocktails like the Champagne Sparkle or the Winter Caramel Sleigh. This is something I’m looking forward to experiencing.
2024 Winter Solstice: An A Cappella Holiday Concert
Image credit: Space City Sound
Get ready to be dazzled by the celestial sounds of Space City Sound!
This winter solstice, experience the magic of the season through the enchanting melodies of this award-winning a cappella chorus. Let the harmonies transport you to a winter wonderland as you celebrate the spirit of the holidays with family and friends.
Texas Winter Lights at Marriott Marquis
Marriott Marquis Houston is bringing back its dazzling holiday extravaganza for its fourth year. Soar to new heights on the 6th floor at Altitude Rooftop and Pool, where over 100,000 twinkling lights transform the space into a magical winter escape.
Float through the Texas-shaped lazy river, heated to a cozy 80°, as you’re bathed in a breathtaking light show. Indulge in festive cocktails, savor delicious bites, and enjoy a variety of entertainment, including poolside movie nights, live DJ sets, nightly snowfall, and fun yard games like curling.
Free and Cheap Events in Houston this Weekend – Saturday
Radiant Nature
The Chinese Lantern Festival is back at the Houston Botanic Garden, and it’s bigger and brighter than ever. Immerse yourself in a world of wonder with larger-than-life lantern installations that celebrate the beauty of nature and the promise of the Lunar New Year.
Wander through a mile-long path filled with over 50 stunning displays, perfect for capturing unforgettable moments for your social media feeds. From a massive iridescent dome to a life-sized Chinese palace, every corner of the garden is transformed into a magical wonderland.
Rogers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella
Art Factory proudly presents a captivating new production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s beloved Cinderella.
This enchanting tale is reborn in a captivating new staging, while preserving all the cherished songs you know and love, such as “In My Own Little Corner,” “Impossible,” “Ten Minutes Ago,” and “Do I Love You Because You’re Beautiful?”
Step into a world where dreams take flight and magic fills the air.
Holiday with the Cranes
Witness the majestic return of the sandhill cranes at Galveston Island Nature Tourism Council’s Holiday With The Cranes!
For two days, enjoy a series of exciting indoor and outdoor activities at Galveston. Kids aged 10 and up, grab your guardian and get ready for a wild adventure!
The Nutcracker by the Houston Ballet
Image credit: Houston Ballet
Join Clara, Drosselmeyer, and the Sugar Plum Fairy on an enchanting journey through the Land of Snow and the Kingdom of Sweets. Stanton Welch’s breathtaking production brings this beloved holiday classic to life with stunning sets, dazzling costumes, and a talented cast of dancers.
Cistern Illuminated
Cistern Illuminated transforms the historic Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern into a mesmerizing underground wonderland. Witness the cavernous space illuminated by a dazzling play of light and shadow, echoing through the 221 towering columns. Accompanied by a captivating soundscape, this immersive experience will transport you to another world.
The Ugly Xmas Sweater Musical
The hilarious and heartwarming Ugly Xmas Sweater Musical is back to spread holiday cheer! Join the fun and help save Regalia Uniforms from a corporate takeover by designing the ultimate ugly Christmas sweater.
Don your most outrageous sweater, sing along to festive tunes, and strut your stuff on the runway.
Classic Christmas
Dive into a world of pure holiday magic at Coca-Cola’s Classic Christmas. This year, Memorial City Mall transforms into a dazzling winter wonderland, illuminated by millions of twinkling lights. Lose yourself in a mesmerizing light display, shop for unique gifts at the vibrant Market Square, zoom down the thrilling Snow Slide, and glide across the ice rink.Galaxy Lights at Space Center Houston
Reliant’s mind-bending space-themed light show will transport you to the far reaches of the universe. Create unforgettable memories with family and friends as you explore Space Center Houston like never before. Please note that Galaxy Lights admission is separate from general admission to Space Center Houston. Prices may vary for peak attendance days.Things to Do in Houston This Weekend – Sunday
Winter Wonderlawn at Post
Step into a winter wonderland at POST’s Downtown Holiday Lights Celebration. Skylawn is transformed into a magical realm with over 100,000 twinkling lights, a towering 25ft Christmas tree, and captivating holiday-themed experiences.Santa Hustle 5k, Half Marathon, and Kids Dash
Image credit: Santa Hustle
Deck yourself out in your best Santa gear and join the jolly crowd in dashing along the Seawall.
Kids Dash participants will receive a long-sleeve shirt, plus a Santa hat and beard to complete their festive look.
Pink Place: A Festive Art and Market Experience
Image credit: Saint Arnold Brewing Company
Join Saint Arnold Brewing Company and Shop Local Market for the 2-day Pink Place and photos with Santa.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Pink Place, a stunning art installation honoring cancer fighters and survivors.
Explore the curated Shop Local Market, discover unique gifts, and savor delicious seasonal treats. Also, don’t miss the chance to capture magical memories with Santa and snap festive photos at the Pink Holiday House backdrop.
Houston Record Swap #4
Axelrad Beer Garden is hosting Houston Vinyl Record Swap #4, a haven for all things vinyl, CDs, and tapes. Meet passionate record sellers from around Houston and discover hidden gems in their collections.
And don’t forget to bring your own gently used music to trade and barter with fellow vinyl lovers.
Candlelight Concert: Christmas Special with The Nutcracker and More
Under the gentle glow of candlelight, the Listeso String Quartet will serenade you with classic and classical holiday melodies, including selections from Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, seasonal delights by Debussy and Vivaldi, and the traditional Chanukkah song Ma’oz Tzur.
Christmas Village at Bayou Bend
Discover a magical Christmas experience at the stunning Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens. As you cross the dazzling bridge, you’ll be transported to a 14-acre estate illuminated by thousands of twinkling lights.Also, check out our weekly updates on Things to Do in Houston with Kids this Weekend.
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