Looking for things to do in the Heights, Montrose and River Oaks neighborhoods during the holidays? Check out these six events happening in this area throughout December and early January. This list is not comprehensive.

Houston Holiday Spectacular

Experiential art venue ARTECHOUSE will host the Tingle Bells Immersion Gallery throughout the winter season. It’s a 20-minute art exhibit featuring ASMR digital landscapes and the Spectacular Factory—digital floating bells, candy cane carousels and dancing nutcrackers in a holiday dreamscape for all ages.
  • Nov. 22-Jan. 5, 3-10 p.m. (weekdays), 10 a.m.-10 p.m. (weekends)
  • $17-$36, free for children 4 years old and under.
  • 600 W. Sixth St., Houston
  • www.artechouse.com
The M-K-T mixed-use development in the Heights will light two twinkling pathways along the length of the Heights Hike and Bike Trail. (Courtesy M-K-T)
The M-K-T mixed-use development in the Heights will light two twinkling pathways along the length of the Heights Hike and Bike Trail. (Courtesy M-K-T)
Merry and Bright in The Heights

The M-K-T mixed-use development in the Heights will light two twinkling pathways along the length of the Heights Hike and Bike Trail. There will be photo opportunities throughout the holiday season.
  • Nov. 7-Jan. 6, 4 p.m.
  • Free (admission)
  • 600 N. Shepherd Drive, Houston
  • www.themkt.com
Guests can visit the Alley Theatre throughout December to see a retelling of the classic Christmas novella by Charles Dickens. (Courtesy Lynn Lane)
Guests can visit the Alley Theatre throughout December to see a retelling of the classic Christmas novella by Charles Dickens. (Courtesy Lynn Lane)
'A Christmas Carol'

Guests can visit the Alley Theatre throughout December to see a retelling of the classic Christmas novella by Charles Dickens, performed on-stage with actors in costumes inside elaborate set designs.
Guests can visit the Alley Theatre throughout December to see a retelling of the classic Christmas novella by Charles Dickens. (Courtesy The Houston Ballet)
The Houston Ballet will perform “The Nutcracker” at the Wortham Center in downtown Houston this holiday season. (Courtesy The Houston Ballet)
'The Nutcracker'


The Houston Ballet will perform “The Nutcracker” at the Wortham Center in downtown Houston this holiday season.Breakfast with Santa

The Downtown Aquarium hosts guests for a breakfast buffet, Christmas crafts and photos with Santa Claus and the aquarium's mascot, Sharkey. The buffet includes waffle and omelet stations, chorizo cheese potatoes and avocado toast.12K of Christmas

This Christmas-themed running event starts at Sam Houston Race Park and will feature an appearance from Santa and elves. There are options for a 12K, 6K and a Kids K and family walk.