Dec. 1-Jan.8: See the zoo lights
Celebrate the holidays with the Houston Zoo Lights. Experience the Holiday Grove, 33-foot tall color-changing holiday trees, a canopy of glowing flowers and butterflies in the hanging pollinator garden, and s’mores stations. Take a photo with Santa in his workshop at Twiga Café until Dec. 23. Tickets are required for children age 2 and older. 5:30-10:30 p.m. $19.45+. Houston Zoo, 6200 Hermann Park Drive, Houston. 713-533-6500. www.houstonzoo.org
Dec. 10: Join local Pride band for holiday cheer
The Houston Pride Band brings a night of snow-inspired holiday music with works by female, LGBTQ and BIPOC composers. 8 p.m. $5 (age 12 and under), $15 (general admission). Midtown Arts and Theater Center Houston, 3400 Main St., Houston. 713-521-4533. www.matchouston.org
Dec. 10: Stargaze at the arboretum
The family-friendly event allows guests to stargaze while enjoying treats, coffee and hot chocolate. The event also includes star-themed crafts, constellation lore and hiking opportunities. 6-8 p.m. $20 (children ages 5-12), $35 (members), $50 (nonmembers). Houston Arboretum, 4501 Woodway Drive, Houston. 713-681-8433. www.houstonarboretum.org
Dec. 13: Join the Menil for a young artists concert
Violinist Boson Mo of the Houston Symphony and pianist Yvonne Chen of St. John’s School—both alumni of The Menil’s Young Artist Program—will perform a concert featuring works by Sergei Prokofiev, John Corigliano and fellow alumnus Nicky Sohn. 7-8 p.m. Free. The Menil Collection, 1533 Sul Ross St., Houston. 713-525-9400. www.menil.org
Dec. 17: Run a Christmas race
Options at Houston’s 12K of Christmas include a 12K, a 6K and a Kid’s K. All participants receive a finisher medal and a T-shirt. Guests can enjoy appearances by Santa and his elves, Christmas carolers, live music, hot cocoa, cookies and Karbach Brewing Co. beer. 7:30 a.m. $20+. Sam Houston Park, 1000 Bagby St., Houston. 713-366-2565. www.houstonrunningco.com
Dec. 9-30: Explore Christmas village
Have an immersive Christmas experience at Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens’ Christmas Village. Wander through a winter wonderland featuring thousands of lights throughout the 14-acre estate. Enjoy carolers, animated projections and a photo opportunity with Santa Claus. The event will be closed Dec. 24-25. 5:30-9 p.m. (Sun.–Thu.), 5:30-10 p.m. (Fri., Sat. and Dec. 22). $10-$15. Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens, 6003 Memorial Drive, Houston. 713-639-7300. www.mfah.org
Dec. 23: See Roger Creager on Christmas Eve
Corpus Christi native Roger Creager will stop by Goode Co. Armadillo Palace on Kirby Drive for a piano bar show before Christmas Eve. Guests are encouraged join in for singalongs as the songwriter runs through a series of tunes that include tales of adventure, traveling the world and his South Texas roots. 8 p.m. (doors open), 9:30 p.m. (show). $25 (in advance), $30 (at the door). Goode Co. Armadillo Palace, 5015 Kirby Drive, Houston. 713-526-9700. www.thearmadillopalace.com
