In a city as big and diverse as Houston, there’s always something exciting to do. The best part? There’s plenty of fun to be had without breaking the bank! That’s why we put together this guide to help you find the very best free and cheap things to do in Houston this week.
Free and cheap events in Houston this week include Festival of Lights at Moody Gardens, Miracle on 34th Street at A.D. Players at The George Theater, holiday events in Sugar Land, Story Time at Frolic’s Castle, free trivia, open air markets, free workouts, and more.
Here is your weekly guide to Free and Cheap Things to Do in Houston:
TOP PICK
Festival of Lights and More at Moody Gardens
What: There is no better way to see Christmas lights than at Moody Gardens, where Christmas is taken to a whole new level. You’ll walk a one-mile trail with spectacular views of Galveston’s Bay, a concessions area, a buffet, live entertainment, and more. But the holiday fun doesn’t stop there! Moody Gardens has 8 holiday attractions this year with other fun activities, including Ice Land: Christmas Around the World, Ice Skating, Arctic Slide, Train Rides, Rudolph 4D, and more! Visit on Value Days or purchase combination tickets and save while seeing more!
When: Open Daily
Where: 1 Hope Blvd, Galveston, TX 77554
How much: Varies
DAILY FUN
Events and activities in Sugar Land this week include Sugar Land Holiday Lights, Criss Angel RAW, Holidays in the Plaza with Ft. Travis HS Orchestra, Disney’s Frozen Jr., and more. It’s not called the Sweetest City in Texas for nothing, there is always something to do! Find out about these events and more here.
Miracle on 34th Street at A.D. Players at The George Theater
The beloved holiday classic comes to the stage at The George Theater starting this weekend. The A.D. Players present “Miracle on 34th Street,” the story of Kris Kringle who works as the department store Santa Claus at New York’s Macy’s and becomes a victim of an unfortunate setup that institutionalizes him after word gets out that he believes he’s actually the real Santa Claus. It’s now up to a young girl and a lawyer to prove that he is the real Saint Nick. Showtimes take place 5 days a week.
For the airplane and space flight aficionados in your life, this museum is a bucket list must! With over 40 historically significant restored airplanes, hundreds of thousands of square footage, and a Texas Aviation Hall of Fame, this is a great option for families and people of all ages! Admission is $20 per person for adults but for a limited time, we’re getting you in for just $10!
Houston Museum of Natural Science
Whether you’re looking for your favorite exhibit or curious about their newest openings, there is always something fun at the HMNS. There are so many things to see and do at the HMNS, you could discover something new every day. Those ticket prices can really add up at $25 a pop but we want you to be able to visit time and again. For a limited time, they’re offering General Admission for just $11.10 per person! Go for the Butterfly Exhibit for 50% off and stay for the Planetarium at just $19 per person {regularly $36!}.
MONDAY
Story Time at Frolic’s Castle
What: This story time is perfect for caregivers and their tots! Bring your toddlers and preschoolers for a story time at Frolic’s Castle at Memorial City Mall. Afterwards, you can get all of your shopping done! This is not a drop-off playground, parents and caregivers are expected to stay and monitor their children.
When: December 9, 10 am
Where: 303 Memorial City Way, Houston TX 77024
How much: Free
Cookies with Santa
What: This free event at Chick-Fil-A is open to kids and their families. Grab your dinner and kid’s meals, don’t forget you can trade in your kid’s meal toy for a free ice cream. Afterwards, grab a free cookie and take photos with Santa! There will also be free face painting and balloon animals (don’t forget to tip your artists)!
When: December 9, 6 pm
Where: 753 Dairy Ashford Rd, Houston TX 77079
How much: Free
Free Trivia at Kenneally’s
What: Kenneally’s Irish Pub invites you out for a free, live game of trivia! There will be live entertainment, prizes, and drink specials. No cover.
When: December 9, 8 pm
Where: 2111 S Shepherd Dr, Houston TX 77019
How much: Free Entry
TUESDAY
Snowfall at the Square
What: Every week day during December, bring the tots, toddlers, and preschoolers to experience real snow! This free snow fall is courtesy of Memorial City Mall.
When: December 10, 12 noon – 1 pm
Where: 303 Memorial City Way, Houston TX 77024
How much: Free
La Taquiza Grand Opening
What: Join La Taquiza for their Grand Opening celebration at Conservatory! You’ll get half off of menu prices, plus $6 Margaritas! Admission is free, just bring cash or card for your food and drinks.
When: December 10, 5 pm
Where: 1010 Prairie St, Houston TX 77002
How much: Free Entry
HIIT at Levy Park
What: This free workout in the great outdoors is courtesy of Levy Park. Bring your re usable water bottle and a hand towel for sweat, you’ll need it!
When: December 10, 7 pm
Where: 3801 Eastside Dr, Houston TX 77098
How much: Free
WEDNESDAY
Wednesday Farm Market
What: Hope Farms offers their farm stand open every Wednesday afternoon. You can pick up fresh produce, stroll the farm, and visit the chickens!
When: December 11, 3 – 6 pm
Where: 10401 Scott St, Houston TX 77051
How much: Free
Body Barre at Levy Park
What: Join this free, outdoor session of Body Barre at Levy Park. You will practice the foundations of ballet, pilates, and yoga.
When: December 11, 6 pm
Where: 3801 Eastside Dr, Houston TX 77098
How much: Free
Full Moon Bike Ride
What: Meet up at Westbury at the old post office for an evening bike ride open to adults, families, and kids. You’ll make a one-mile loop and you’re encouraged to light up your bike with Christmas decor.
When: December 11, 8 pm
Where: 5500 Belrose Dr, Houston TX 77035
How much: Free
THURSDAY
Family Story Time at Levy Park
What: This is a multi-generational story telling group with rhymes, songs, and more each week. Admission is free, seating is limited.
When: December 12, 10 am
Where: 1500 McKinney, Houston TX 77010
How much: Free
BoA Screen on the Green
What: Bring your picnic blankets and head to Discovery Green for a free, outdoor movie screening! You’ll enjoy a showing of Its A Wonderful Life.
When: December 12, 7 pm
Where: 1500 McKinney, Houston TX 77010
How much: Free
Samba Dance Class at Midtown Park
What: Wear your dancing shoes and get a free Samba lesson in the beautiful outdoors. This class is great for beginners and all levels.
When: December 12, 7 pm
Where: 2811 Travis St, Houston TX 77006
How much: Free
FRIDAY
Magical Winter Lights
What: Magical Winter Lights is one of the Houston area’s most amazing holiday light displays. This massive lantern festival spans more than 20 acres and offers a unique multicultural approach to the typical holiday lights show. There are 8 themed displays and plenty of fun activities for the whole family.
When: December 13, 5 – 11 pm
Where:1000 FM 2004 in La Marque, TX 77568
How much: Get 20% off with Groupon
Underground Art Market
What: Held at The Sparrow and The Nest, this free art and artisan market offers warm cider, live music, and pop up shops. Admission is free, just bring cash or card for shopping.
When: December 13, 5 – 9 pm
Where: 802 Ralfallen St, Houston TX 77008
How much: Free
Full Moon Fridays
What: Bust out the lawn chairs, pack your picnic blankets. Admission to this outdoor concert is free. The Skatalites will be playing Jamaican Ska.
When: December 13, 7 pm
Where: 1500 McKinney, Houston TX 77010
How much: Free
Noche de Cumbia at Axelrad
What: Every 2nd Friday of the month, there are special guests and rotating performers at Axelrad. Admission is free, 21+ only. Bring your dancing shoes!
When: December 13, 7:30 pm
Where: 1517 Alabama St, Houston TX 77004
How much: Free Admission
SATURDAY
Junie B. Jones in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells at Shadycrest Baptist Church
What: This holiday show is fun, wholesome, and great for the whole family. The story follows first-grader Junie B. Jones preparing for the upcoming Holiday Sing-Along and Secret Santa gift exchange at her school when she encounters some problems along the way that threaten to ruin her Christmas spirit.
When: December 14, 3 & 7 pm
Where:3017 Yost Blvd Pearland, TX 77581
How much: $7.50 (regularly $15)
A Fairy Tale Christmas Carol at Points North Theatre
What: The classic Dickens’ Christmas Carol gets a fairy tale twist in this unique production as Scrooge, the Cratchits, and Ghosts of Past, Present & Future are replaced with The Big Bad Wolf, Prince Charming and Cinderella, fairy godmothers, giant-killers and more. You’ll also be able to get a free photo with Santa at the event, making it the perfect way to have some holiday fun with the whole family.
When: December 14, 11 am & 3 pm
Where: 1540 Sawdust Rd Spring, TX 77380
How much: $7.50 (50% off)
Urban Bird Walk
What: The Nature Discovery Center is sending staff from their Bellaire location to Discovery Green! This weekend, naturalists will lead you on a walk through Houston’s downtown park starting at the Lakehouse Cafe.
When: December 14, 4 pm
Where: 1500 McKinney, Houston TX 77010
How much: Free
Free Pictures with Santa
What: The River Oaks Christmas Lights Association offers free photos with Santa to the public. Enjoy the gorgeous lights and background while you put the little ones on Santa’s lap!
When: December 14, 7 pm
Where: 1600 River Oaks Blvd, Houston TX 77019
How much: Free
Christmas Vacation at City Acre Brewing
What: Have a beer and watch one of the best movies ever! Admission is free, just bring cash or card for your food and drinks.
When: December 14, 7 pm
Where: 3418 Topping St, Houston TX 77093
How much: Free Admission
SUNDAY
Westheimer Sunday Bike Ride
What: This bike ride is for those who can ride 25 miles at 15 miles per hour or more. Meet and Sun & Ski Sports and bring everything you need for the ride.
When: December 15, 8 am
Where: 6100 Westheimer Rd Ste 126, Houston TX 77057
How much: Free
Prelude Concert at Levy park
What: This 45 minute concert features a family friendly, musical performance. The concert is interactive, free, and made for children and families.
When: December 15, 4:30 pm
Where: 3801 Eastside Dr, Houston TX 77098
How much: Free
Muppet Christmas Carol at Axelrad
What: Axelrad has an awesomely fun patio with room for the kids to play. They become 21+ only promptly at 9 pm but as long as you’re there at 8, you can stay until the show is finished. Bring the whole family!
When: December 15, 8 pm
Where: 1517 Alabama St, Houston TX 77004
How much: Free
Have something else in mind? Tell us what kind of events you’re interested in! Leave a comment below:
Tips on free parking at Discovery Green?
Mon-Sat will be pretty difficult to find free parking. However, on Sunday, street parking is free (you shouldn’t have to pay at the meters). https://www.downtownhouston.org/parking/-street-parking/
This is very much appreciated!
Good write-up. I definitely appreciate this site. Keep
writing!
for the “Sundays in the Park at Discover Green”, it mentions the Unplugged event afterwards from 5 to 9. if you have a dog from the event from 2 to 5, will they be allowed for the show as well?
Thanks for all the great information. I liked it better when it was arranged by date and not by event type, it was so much easier to find things to do. Hopefully, you’ll go back to that format.
Me too. I like knowing events by dates
No problem! Try clicking on “Calendar” at the top of the page and you can search by date or keyword or scroll through to find something which interests you. Thanks for reading!
same here
i heard Brad Meldau(sp?) will be here on the ivories this Friday (on KTSU)…allegedly it’s free, but i don’t know the venue-
(helluva nationally-known jazz pianist if you never heard of him)
facts appreciated if you find out before me
Would love to have the info on the Easter Eggstravaganza. Thanks!
Hi, check out our Easter guide here: https://www.houstononthecheap.com/easter-egg-hunts-in-houston