Nutcracker Market
Reliant Center
11/8/2012 to 11/11/2012
Houston Ballet Guild’s annual shopping extravaganza features more than 300 national and international merchants offering holiday decorations, home décor, gourmet food, clothing, sporting gifts, jewelry and even furniture. 832-667-1743.
Festival of Lights
Moody Gardens – Galveston Island
11/22/2012 to 01/05/2013
The holiday magic glistens at this festive holiday event, attracting more than 85,000 visitors, and featuring holiday shopping, pictures with Santa, a gingerbread house and the area’s only outdoor ice rink. 800-582-4673.
Home for the Holidays
Old Town Spring
11/17/2012 to 12/23/2012
Just north of Houston, Old Town Spring typifies the holiday spirit with brightly decorated streets and shops nestled in a collection of wonderful old houses. Spend the day shopping, listening carolers and enjoying horse and carriage rides. 281-353-9310.
Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service
The Rothko Chapel
11/17/2012
Established more than 20 years ago, this free annual event brings together representatives from nine different religions, including Baha’i, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jain, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh and Zoroastrian, to offer personal reflections on "thanksgiving." 713-524-9839.
A Christmas Carol – A Ghost Story of Christmas
Alley Theatre
11/19/2012 to 12/24/2012
Houston’s seasonal favorite that the Houston Press describes as having "Spectacular London sets …the inimitable Dickens’ tale – spiced with the usual fog and an unusual twist on the ghosts past, present and future." 713-228-9341.
The Ice at Discovery Green
Discovery Green Park
11/17/2012 to 01/27/2013
The Ice at Discovery Green park makes a return to downtown on Thanksgiving Day with over 7,200 square-feet of sparkling ice. In addition to ice skating, visitors will enjoy holiday art exhibits and special skating appearances and performances. 713-400-7336.
