Christmas is almost here which means your wallet is empty! You’ll be looking for fun, free things to do in Houston and you’ve come to the right place. Free and cheap activities in Houston this week include Pride and Prejudice at Studio 101, Sherlock Holmes and the Christmas Carol, Peter Pan Takes Flight On Stage, The Potted Potter, A Neighborhood Noel and more.

Read more below for our roundup of the best free and cheap things to do in Houston this week:

 

TOP PICKS

Potted Potter

The Potted Potter at Zilkha Hall
What: This smash- hit comedy is a parody of Harry Potter covering all 7 books in 70 hilarious minutes. It’s a must-see show for Potters and Muggles of all ages. There are multiple showings going on now through January 6th at The Hobby Center.
When: Showtimes throughout the week
Where: 800 Bagby St, Houston TX 77002
How much: $39.99+

Pride and Prejudice at Studio 101
What: Kate Hamill’s raucous award-winning adaptation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice is coming to Studio 101. Watch as Elizabeth Bennet and the Dashing Mr. Darcy meet at every turn. Tickets are regularly $32 but now’s your chance to get them for 50% off at just $16!
When: Thurs-Sun
Where: 1824 Spring St, Houston TX 77007
How much: $16

 

EVERYDAY FUN

Here are a few cheap things to do in Houston any day of the week!

Death by Natural Causes at Houston Museum of Natural Science

Think you know what dangers to avoid? Think again! The Death by Natural Causes exhibit at the Houston Museum of Natural Science explores a collection of animals, plants, and everyday items which can actually kill you. Explore the specimens and learn which old wives tales are myths and which ones are true! The exhibit is not included in general admission. Tickets are regularly $30 per person but now, you can get them for just $17 each!

Go-Kart Racing at K1 Speed

Race your kids, family, and friends and try to beat the clock! Experience competition, thrills, adrenaline, and more. Compare your times and ranks- all in a family-friendly environment. Right now, you can get packages ranging from  $17- $38 and tickets are good at any K1 Speed facility.

Lone Star Flight Museum

Whether you’re going for the first time or to get to know the place again, Lone Star Flight Museum has treasures awaiting. The 130,000 square foot museum and warehouse offers 40 vintage and historically significant aircraft. The planes have been restored to flying condition and are available for tours. Don’t miss the Texas Aviation Hall of Fame and their other carefully curated exhibits. Best of all, tickets are now half- off! Just $10 gets you in the door so take advantage now!

Houston Museum of Natural Science

Get General Admission to the Houston Museum of Natural Science for only $10 (regularly $25!). Other HMNS discounts are available, like 50% off tickets to the butterfly habitat & exhibit, planetarium show, and other special exhibits. The museum has several great exhibits on display at the moment as well. (Some exhibits may cost extra.)

 

MONDAY

Zumba at Levy Park
What: Get ready for the week with a free, one- hour sweat- sesh of Zumba. The fast- paced dance class features Latin hits and choreographed dance. Don’t worry about your fitness level- they can accommodate anyone! It’s one of the many great free fitness classes in Houston worth checking out.
When: December 17, 6:30 pm
Where: 3801 Eastside Dr, Houston TX 77098
How much: Free

Story Time at Central Green
What: Small children will enjoy this free, drop- in story time. The author of the week and host is Maria Ashworth. There will also be free cookies!
When: December 17, 10 am
Where: 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd, Katy TX 77494
How much: Free

Reindeer at City of Meadows Place
What: The City of Meadows Place always has something fun going on. Check out the real, live reindeer! It’s just $2 for kids and $5 for adults. You’ll feed and pet the reindeer, make reindeer food, and more.
When: December 17, 12 noon
Where: 11938 Amblewood Dr, Meadows Place TX 77477
How much: $2-$5 per person

TUESDAY

Tai Chi at La Centerra
What: The lawn at Central Green in La Centerra is bustling with fun, free, and family- friendly activities! Get an hour- long session of Tai Chi, completely free! The low- impact work out focuses on breathing, stretching, concentration, and overall health.
When: December 18, 9 am
Where: 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd, Katy TX 77494
How much: Free

Tuesday Night 5K at Elizabeth Meyer Park 
What: Get a free weekly work out with a simple 5K in Meyer Park. A 5K is just 3.1 miles- that’s nothing! You can go at your own pace.
When: December 18, 7- 8 pm
Where: 7700 Cypreswood Dr, Spring TX 77379
How much: Free

Rice University Farmers Market
What: This free, family-friendly farmers market features handmade soap and body products as well as local produce and more. This is one of the great farmers markets in Houston worth a visit.
When: December 18, 3:30 pm
Where: 5600 Greenbriar Dr, Houston TX 77005
How much: Free

 

WEDNESDAY

Photography Workshop at Discovery Green
What: Learn how to capture movement with different techniques taught by the Houston Center for Photography. This free, one hour class is great for all levels from beginner to advanced. Bring your camera or a phone!
When: December 19, 6:30- 8 pm
Where: 1500 McKinney, Houston TX 77010
How much: Free

Children’s Bingo at Levy Park
What: As long as the weather cooperates, Levy Park hosts a weekly session of Bingo for kids. Bring the little ones to practice their numbers and letters- all for free!
When: December 19, 4:30- 5 pm
Where: 3801 Eastside Dr, Houston TX 77098
How much: Free

Hot Pilates in the Park 
What: Evelyn’s Park Conservancy hosts regular free work outs and this is one of the best! Inferno Hot Pilates is here to show you the medium- impact work out great for toning and shaping the body. The combined HIIT with yoga-like Pilates and loud, motivational music.
When: December 19, 6:30 pm
Where: 4400 Bellaire Blvd, Bellaire TX 77041
How much: Free

 

THURSDAY

Polar Express at Discovery Green
What: Get ready for a movie on the lawn at Discovery Green. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs but leave the picnic at home- food and beverages will be available for purchase.
When: December 20, 7- 9 pm
Where: 1500 McKinney, Houston TX 77010
How much: Free

Family Story Time at Levy Park
What: Bring the whole family- young and old- for an all-ages story time at Levy Park. Stay afterward for crafting, singing songs, and other fun activities.
When: December 20, 10 am
Where: 3801 Eastside Dr, Houston TX 77098
How much: Free

19th Street Third Thursday Sip ‘N Stroll
What: Every third Thursday of the month, the shops in the Heights stay open late for shopping and wine! There are cocktails, drink specials, fun activities, and shopping!
When: December 20, 5 pm
Where: 249 W 19th St, Houston TX 77008
How much: Free

 

FRIDAY

The Potted Potter at Zilkha Hall
What: This smash- hit comedy is a parody of Harry Potter covering all 7 books in 70 hilarious minutes. It’s a must-see show for Potters and Muggles of all ages. There are multiple showings going on now through January 6th at The Hobby Center.
When: December 14, 7:30 pm
Where: 800 Bagby St, Houston TX 77002
How much: $39.99+

A Neighborhood Noel
What: Join the Purple Box Theater in Friendswood as Brad Fuller and his wife Amanda take on the neighborhood in their yearly decorating and baking contests. Watch as the neighborhood goes to the birds and the kids of Christmas reel them back in! The show is going on through December 23. Tickets are regularly $15 but you can get them now for just $7.50- that’s half off!
When: December 21, 7:30 pm.
Where: 1305 West Parkwood, Friendswood TX 77546
How much: $7.50

Live Music at Central Green
What: Central Green Park at La Centerra is hosting a free concert by The Johnsons, a local family of very talented siblings. The Larsen Bandits will also be on site for the occasion- another sibling band with kids aging in range from 6- 13 years old. Bring your picnics and lawn chairs, it will be a blast!
When: December 21, 7- 9 pm
Where: 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd, Katy TX 77494
How much: Free

 

SATURDAY

Peter Pan Takes Flight On Stage
What: The Boy Who Never Grows Up and his pals The Lost Boys embark on an adventure to Never Never Land. See this rendition of Peter Pan at Prohibition Theatre every weekend through March. Get your tickets now because they’re selling out fast! Tickets are regularly $20 each but you can get them now for just $10- that’s half- off!
When: December 15, 12 noon
Where: 1008 Prairie St, Houston TX 77002
How much: $10

Sherlock Holmes and the Christmas Carol
What: Enjoy two Victorian classics, combined into one! On Christmas Eve, what else would Sherlock Holmes be doing but solving crimes? Watch as he comes across the ghost specter of his greatest enemy, Professor Moriarty, and learn all about Holmes’ early life. The family-friendly play is at The Company OnStage, and right now, tickets are just $9- that’s half off!
When: December 15, 8 pm
Where: 4930 W Bellfort Blvd, Houston TX 77035
How much: $9

HMNS at Levy Park
What: The Houston Museum of Natural Science hosts occasional hands-on exhibits at Levy Park. This Saturday, explore the science of Sound.
When: December 22, 2- 4 pm
Where: 3801 Eastside Dr, Houston TX 77098
How much: Free

 

SUNDAY

Christmas at Village Heights Church 
What: Bring the whole family for a fun, free Christmas celebration. There will be hot chocolate, carols, and more.
When: December 23, 9- 11:30 am
Where: 311 W 18th, Houston TX 77008
How much: Free

Winter Fest at K & V Bulgarian Market
What: Enjoy traditional Bulgarian foods like Garash cake, Princessa sandwiches, and more. This free, family-friendly event will have free hot chocolate and goodies for the children.
When: December 23, 10 am- 5 pm
Where: 4620 FM 1960 West, Houston TX 77069
How much: Free

Heights Local Running Club
What: Whether you’re training for a race or just want to tag along, this running club is a great start. The group is led weekly by Houston Marathon Ambassador Caro Muriel. The run kicks off at Lululemon with complimentary yoga inside the store after the run.
When: December 23, 8:45 am
Where: 713 Heights Blvd, Houston TX 77007
How much: Free

 

What free and cheap things to do in Houston are you looking forward to this week? Let us know in the comments: