Things to do in Houston this week of December 19 | Santa's Jolly Visit - Ho Ho Ho!

Things to do in Houston this week of December 19 | Santa’s Jolly Visit – Ho Ho Ho! | Image Credit: Children’s Museum Houston

Our top free and cheap picks for things to do in Houston this week of December 19 include Santa’s Jolly Visit – Ho Ho Ho!, A Very Sinatra Christmas Special, Christmas Village at Bayou Bend, Winter Solstice Sound Bath and Candle Labyrinth Walk: PNC Bank, and more!

Houston is among the top 5 metroplexes in the US! What that means is that there’s plenty going on in Houston any day of the week. There are always things to do on Monday in Houston, things to do in Houston on Saturday night, and everything in between!

Some of you may be looking for things to do in Houston with family, while others may be focused on free things to do in Houston this week. Either way, you can be sure that we have you covered in our list below. 

Also, remember to also check out our recent posts on 10 Christmas Volunteer Opportunities in Houston for 2022, Magical Winter Lights Houston 2022, Things to Do on Christmas Day 2022 in Houston, and Dashers Light Show Houston 2022!


Deal Alert – Check out Deals on Highly-rated Beauty and Spa places in Houston

Beauty and Spa Deals in Houston

Check out current discounts at highly rated Face & Skin Care places, Spas, Massages, Salons, and more across Houston! Sometimes you can save as much as 75%, so make sure you check these deals on a regular basis and  SAVE BIG while taking care of yourself! 

Participating businesses include Gangnam SpaMuzino Wax and Skincare, and more!

Get more information and check out Current deals at highly-rated Beauty and Spa places in Houston! 


Top Things to do in Houston this week of December 19, 2022 – Monday

Back for its third year, discover the interactive winter lights experience on the 6th floor Altitude Rooftop & Pool of Marriott Marquis Houston. With new light activations all over the deck, including a magnificent light-up stallion, an adult playground, and a grove of lights, to name a few, visitors will find Instagram-worthy photo opportunities.

Indulge in festive signature cocktails, a winter-themed food menu, and so much more. Float through the lazy river, heated all winter long to 80°, as lights glimmer from above.

When: Monday to Sunday, December 19-25, 2022, 5 pm to 10 pm | Runs until January 8, 2022
Where: 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010, USA
How much: Starts at $25


Fun Top Things to do in Houston this week of December 19, 2022 – Tuesday

Join this event at Levy Park for a cross-generational literacy experience! Family Storytime features a story that would interest all ages, followed by a crafting session that relates to the story. All craft supplies are included as a part of this free program.

When: Tuesday, December 20, 2022, 10 am
Where: 3801 Eastside St, Houston, TX 77098, United States
How Much: Free


Deal Alert: Photography Session by JCPenney Portraits at $29.99!  That’s already 79% off the original price!

Photography Session Deals by JCPenney Portraits

One professional photography session with three high-resolution digital images and one standard print ($124.94 value)

  • Three high-resolution digital images
  • One standard print 10” x 13” or smaller
  • Professional photography session with no session fees
  • 40% off additional prints, wall art, canvas prints, and photo collections
  • Discount to upgrade to the full high-resolution digital album
  • Pet photography is now available. Click here for details.

All prepaid or purchased high-res digital images will be available on Shutterfly within 48 hours.

All in-studio product purchases will be shipped to the home and include an additional $9.50 shipping fee.

Get more information and book your Photography Session Deals by JCPenney Portraits TODAY!!!


Things to do in Houston this week of December 19, 2022 – Wednesday

A Very Sinatra Christmas Special

A Very Sinatra Christmas Special

Image Credit: Post HTX

This holiday season, Sinatra Under the Stars will provide a very “Sinatra” Christmas! Come experience the joy of the holiday season at Houston’s Skylawn Rooftop while listening to one of Houston’s top jazz vocalists perform a collection of holiday songs that Frank Sinatra loved to sing. You shouldn’t miss this holiday evening in Houston!

This event is our top pick for Things to do in Houston this week for Couples!

When: Wednesday to Thursday, December 21-22, 2022, 8 pm to 9:30 pm
Where: 401 Franklin St, Houston, TX 77201, United States
How Much: From $50


Winter Solstice Sound Bath and Candle Labyrinth Walk: PNC Bank

Winter Solstice Sound Bath and Candle Labyrinth Walk: PNC Bank

Image Credit: Discovery Green

As the winter solstice begins, a healing Sound Bath also starts at Discovery Green. For the duration of Studio Iregular’s Solstice art exhibit, eight talented sound healers will play glass bowls till 7 pm.

Plus, a labyrinth made of battery-operated candles by Houston artist Reginald Adams will also be on display for everyone to visit.

When: Wednesday, December 21, 2022, 3:47 pm to 7 pm
Where: 1500 McKinney St, Houston, TX 77010, United States
How Much: Free


Things to do in Houston this week of December 19, 2022 – Thursday

Chocolate Display

As Hilton Americas-pastry Houston’s chef Mahesh Weerasinghe and his amazing team produce their yearly culinary masterpiece, a one-of-a-kind chocolate display is brought to life in time to ring in the holidays! The chocolate display will definitely pique people’s curiosity and make them grin more than usual.

When: Thursday, December 22, 2022
Where: 1600 Lamar St, Houston, TX 77010, United States
How Much: Free


Children’s BINGO at Levy Park

Bring the kiddos and head for Levy Park this Wednesday for Children’s Bingo! This 30-minute program is designed for children ages 4 to 12 and is a fun method for them to practice their alphabet and numbers while collecting prizes. Bingo cards, markers, and prizes are provided by Levy Park.

When: Thursday, December 22, 2022, 4:30 p.m.
Location: Event Pavilion, 3801 Eastside St., Houston, TX 77098 
How Much: Free


Top Things to do in Houston this week of December 12, 2022 – Friday

Christmas Village at Bayou Bend

Christmas Village at Bayou Bend

Image Credit: The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

At Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens, discover a really immersive Christmas. You enter a winter wonderland with thousands of lights throughout the 14-acre estate via a stunning bridge.

This event is our top pick for Things to do in Houston this week for families! 

When: Friday, December 23, 2022, 5:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Where: 6003 Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77007, United States
How Much: $15


Deal Alert – Check out the Latest Deals on Kids’ Activities in Houston 

Groupon deals on kids' activities in Houston

Check out current discounts at highly rated kids’ activities including museums, horse-riding lessons, indoor climbing, gymnastics, paintball and more! Sometimes you can save as much as 75%, so make sure you check these deals on a regular basis and  SAVE BIG while taking care of yourself! 

Participating businesses include the Children’s Museum of Houston, Bowlero, Moonstruck Drive-In, multiple paintball locations, and many more! 

Get more information and check out the Latest Deals on Kids’ Activities in Houston!


Things to do in Houston on Saturday, December 24, 2022

Santa’s Jolly Visit – Ho Ho Ho!

Santa's Jolly Visit - Ho Ho Ho!

Image Credit: Children’s Museum Houston

It’s your final chance to see Santa before he and Rudolph set off on their Christmas-themed globe tour! Bring your camera and your list of holiday wish requests so you may take pictures with the jolly man in red and tell him what you really want.

Santa has a hectic schedule and must leave in the afternoon so he can prepare his sleigh, so be sure to plan on arriving early!

When: Saturday, December 24, 2022, 10 am to 1 pm
Where: Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney Street, Houston, TX 77010
How Much: $15


Holiday Market with Santa

Holiday Market with Santa

Image Credit: Traders Village Houston

Another place for you to catch Santa Claus this weekend is at the Traders Village Houston Holiday Market! Head over to Traders Village Houston this weekend and get your picture taken with the big guy himself!

When: Saturday, December 24, 2022, 12 pm to 4 pm
Where: 7979 N Eldridge Pkwy, Houston, TX 77041, United States
How Much: Free to public; Parking $5; $13.99 all day all rides wristband


Things to do in Houston this week of December 19, 2022 – Sunday

Christmas Day at Kemah Boardwalk

Things to Do on Christmas Day 2022 in Houston - Kemah Boardwalk

Image Credit: Kemah Boardwalk FB Page

Christmas Day bring your Family and friends to enjoy great food and rides!  Welcome the season with Santa, holiday music, movies, a toy drive & more!

When: Sunday, December 25, 2022
Where:215 Kipp Ave, Kemah, TX 77565


Green Mountain Energy Ice at Discovery Green

Green Mountain Energy Ice at Discovery Green is back, so head over and glide beneath the beautiful holiday lights of downtown Houston and experience the magic of the season!

Throughout the season, several special events will happen at the Green Mountain Energy Ice rink. The always popular Skate with Santa is back this year. You can groove to music trends through the decades with DJ Mohawk Steve! Other favorites such as Cheap Skate Mondays (only select Mondays) and Skating with the Stars on Saturday (select days only) are planned as well!

When: Sunday, December 25, 2022 | Runs until January 29, 2023
Where: Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney Street, Houston, TX 77010
How Much: $17 + tax


River Oaks Houston Christmas Lights

One of the most spectacular displays of Christmas lights in River Oaks

Drive through River Oaks to see the mansions and huge oaks wrapped in lights. These traditional displays are amazing with dripping lights and more. River Oaks Country Club, Inwood Drive, Willowick, and Del Monte are some prime streets. Check out the corner house at Mockingbird and Del Monte for an amazing display! This neighborhood arguably offers the best Christmas lights in Houston and is a must-see every year.

When: Sunday, December 25, 2022 | Starts at sunset
Where: River Oaks Blvd Houston, TX 77019


Deal Alert: The Escape Game Houston – CityCentre: Epic 60-Minute Adventures at $41.12 for 2!!!

The Escape Game Houston - CityCentre Epic 60-Minute Adventures

Choose to play one of five uniquely immersive games:

  •    Gold Rush: Find hidden gold in the California hills!
  •    Prison Break: Complete a daring escape from the evil warden!
  •    Special Ops: Mysterious Market: Uncover the truth as a secret agent!
  •    The Heist: Recover a stolen masterpiece from an art thief!
  •    Playground: Complete your report card and get to summer break!

Get more information about The Escape Game Houston!


What are some other things to do in Houston this week that you are interested in? Leave a comment and let us know.

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