The North Pole via Montrose!

Welcome to my Why I Love Houston Series, where I share my favorite Houston experiences and excursions. My goal is to make my hometown of Houston more accessible to the ever-changing mix of folks adopting our amazing city as their home base and reminding natives of the hidden gems throughout H-town. 

Round up the gang for these Houston holiday events! 

The Nutcracker: The Houston Ballet recently re-imagined this traditional Christmas favorite staged every year at the majestic Wortham Center downtown. Join generations of Houston families to take in the stunning scenery of the Land of the Sweets and the charming cast of characters from the Mouse King to the Sugar Plum Fairy. (Last performance 12/27).

It’s a Wonderful Life: Take in the world premiere of the Houston Grand Opera’s riff on the Frank Capra classic, It’s a Wonderful Life. Kathlyn’s Tips: Pre-order drinks at the bar so they will be waiting for you at intermission. Bring your binoculars or rent them on the Grand Tier Level, 5th Floor of the Wortham Center. (Last Performance 12/17). 

Into the Woods: TUTS presents this Broadway crowd pleaser for the holiday season. The music is magical and the cast of fairy tale favorites will enchant young and old. Make a reservation for dining before the show at Artista, conveniently located in the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts with views of Tranquility Park. (Last Performance 12/18). 

Shen Yun: Enjoy the pageantry of classical Chinese dance and music at Jones Hall. Be sure to admire the five civic art pieces on display inside and outside this elegant venue, including The Dancer who greets theater-goers and passersby.  (Last Performance 1/2/17).

Moody Gardens: Head to Galveston for their Festival of Lights and Caribbean Christmas Ice Sculptures at Moody Gardens. Be sure to get tickets for the live penguin encounter at the Aquarium Pyramid. (Ends 1/8/17).

Houston Zoo Lights: More than two million lights and plenty of hot chocolate await you and your family at the Houston Zoo. Be sure your phones and cameras are charged because there’s plenty of photo opportunities from a musical, talking Cadillac to a 33-foot tall Christmas tree. Kathlyn’s Tip: The Houston Zoo has a recycling bin for unwanted holiday string lights located at the main entrance. 
(Ends 1/15/17).

The ICE at Discovery Green: Get some Christmas cardio at Discovery Green’s ice rink which also has a smaller rink for the under 4 set. Afterwards, marvel at the winter art installations currently on display in the park. Kathlyn’s Tip: Be sure to check their Facebook page for closure announcements due to unseasonably warm weather. (Ends 2/5/17).

Merry Christmas!
Kathlyn