What’s Happening In Houston This Weekend: The Top 10 Things To Do

HOUSTON, TX — It’s the first weekend in December and the weather outside is far from frightful, making it a perfect time for any of the events in downtown or the surrounding communities.

Here are a few of the top events happening in your area:

Mayor’s Holiday Celebration and Tree Lighting| Friday, Dec. 1, from 6-8 p.m.| Ring in the season with the 98th Annual Mayor's Holiday Celebration and Tree Lighting Presented by Reliant. This spectacular event is a holiday tradition of music, Santa, fireworks and family fun, leaving behind a towering holiday tree, glowing with lights, shimmering ornaments and a stunning star topper to light up the streets of Downtown Houston this holiday season! Free. City Hall, 901 Bagby. www.houstontx.gov.

Pop Shop Houston Holiday Festival| Friday, Dec. 1, from 6-10 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 2, from 10 a.m. to7 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 3, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.| A weekend of artfully curated artisan goods from over 120+ artists. Experience the biggest art market in Houston and enjoy modern handmade craft shopping, art exhibitions, art activities, beauty bar demos, live music and more at GreenStreet’s Main St. Studio. $8-$48. 1201 Main. www.popshopamerica.com.

Winter Flea by Night|Saturdays, Dec. 2, 9 and 16, from 6- 10 p.m.|Discovery Green’s popular flea market expands to a weekly event for the winter. The destination market features an array of artful kitsch, vintage items, recycled and repurposed objects and collectibles with live music, food trucks and more! Free. 1500 McKinney. www.discoverygreen.com.

A Grinch Christmas|Saturday, Dec. 2, at 10 and 11:30 a.m.|Join the Houston Symphony and local high school singers as they present the classic story of Dr. Seuss’ Grinch. The festive fun also includes a holiday sing-along and the hit “Believe” from the movie Polar Express. Tickets from $25. Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana. www.houstonsymphony.org.

The ICE at Discovery Green | Take in the wintertime event and take to The Ice rink at Discovery Green. $14 to rent skates. Thursday 5-10pm; Friday 5-11pm; Saturday 11am to 11pm; Sunday 11am to 8pm.

Zoo Lights|Houston Zoo | Take in the spectacular lights and sights of the season while exploring the various exhibits in this annual tradition. Tickets start at $11.95. Wednesday and Thursday 6-10pm; Friday to Sunday 6-11pm.

Tamale Festival Houston| Who doesn’t love a great tamale? Kick off tamale season with a tamale eating contest, live music, festival eats and fun galore. Noon to 10pm.

Barks & Brews Adoption Event|8th Wonder Brewery| Take home a pooch for the holidays or frolick if you will while you enjoy a beer at this Barks & Brews adoption event at 8th Wonder Brewery. Sunday 1-4pm.

Chimney Rock Market| FREE – Held on the first and third Sunday of the month near Anderson Park, Chimney Rock Market showcases art, gifts, produce, artisanal food and refreshments. Sunday, Noon to 4pm.

Houston Public Library’s Candy Cane Cinema Celebration|Sunday, Dec. 3, at 2 p.m.| Houston Public Library and Aurora Picture Show partner for a special program of imaginative short films, a sugary sweet ballet performance and delightful activities that is true fun for all ages! Free. Julia Ideson Building, 550 McKinney. www.houstonlibrary.org

Image: Patch

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