Houston Holidays 2014: Christmas Family Shows & Events

TOP TEN

ROCKETTES, MADELINE’S CHRISTMAS, SCROOGE, THE NUTCRACKER, HERITAGE SOCIETY CANDLELIGHT TOUR, HOUSTON BOYCHOIR, MAGICAL CHRISTMAS at MOODY GARDENS, FESTIVE FRIDAY

The Rockettes are in town! The Rockettes are in town! So are Madeline and her schoolmates, Clara and the Sugar Plum Fairy, and Scrooge and Tiny Tim. They’re all right here in Houston this season, spreading holiday cheer, so make the theater circuit rounds and create family experiences and memories you’ll treasure forever!

We are thrilled with the fantastic line-up of shows on stage and events happening in our Bayou City, and beyond, this winter. Kids can enjoy favorite holiday tunes at the Houston Symphony’s family concert and sing along with the carolers at the Heritage Society’s Candlelight Tour. Enjoy an evening of magic in Moody Gardens, historic celebrations at Bayou Bend, or get in the holiday spirit with the angelic voices of the young men of the Houston Boychoir. Happy Holidays!

*Please note: Two beloved theater companies are staging their productions at temporary locations. The Alley Theatre is using the Wortham Theatre at University of Houston. Main Street Theater’s performances of Madeline’s Christmas are at Talento Bilingue de Houston.

CLICK HERE for SANTA CLAUS’ HOUSTON AREA SCHEDULE 2014: LOCATIONS & HOURS

To find exact times for each performance day, check our CULTURE CALENDAR.

RADIO CITY CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR: DECEMBER 5-28

Sarofim Hall, Hobby Center, 800 Bagby, 713-558-8887
Families will be dazzled by the legendary Rockettes and their synchronized eye-high kicks in beloved numbers such as “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers” and new scenes like “New York at Christmas,” which includes a life-size double-decker tour bus on stage. The Christmas Spectacular was first staged in New York City’s Radio City Music Hall in 1933 but is constantly updated and transformed. Kids and parents can still count on experiencing fan favorites including the multiplying Santas in “Here Comes Santa Claus” and the live animals in “The Living Nativity.” But look out for new features like the 50-foot LED screen with high-tech imagery.
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‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS: DECEMBER 13

Jones Hall, 713-224-7575, 10 a.m. & 11:30 a.m.
Sing along with Santa and celebrate the season with the Houston Symphony orchestra! Conductor Robert Franz dresses in costume and engages kids with music trivia and questions as the orchestra performs. Featured guests include Mirron Wills of Houston’s Ensemble Theatre. Families can arrive early before the 10 a.m. concert or stay late after the 11:30 a.m. concert to participate in activities including an instrument petting zoo and arts and crafts.
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THE HERITAGE SOCIETY’S 52ND ANNUAL CANDLELIGHT TOUR: DECEMBER 13 & 14

Sam Houston Park, 1100 Bagby Street, 713-655-1912
How did Houstonians celebrate the holidays in the 19th century? Find out when you visit the eight historic structures at Sam Houston Park during the 52nd Annual Candlelight Tour. Each place offers a variety of family-friendly entertainment including historical re-enactors, storytellers and choirs. Children can create crafts at Santa’s Workshop and, of course, visit with Santa and take a picture. Guests can also visit The Heritage Society Museum Gallery that features the exhibit More Than A Toy: Dolls from The Victorian Era.
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MADELINE’S CHRISTMAS:
NOVEMBER 16 – DECEMBER 21
Main Street Theater, 713-524-6706
PERFORMANCE LOCATION: Talento Bilingue de Houston, 333 S. Jensen Drive
This delightful musical is based on the classic children’s story by Ludwig Bemelmans that famously starts with the rhyme “In an old house in Paris that was covered in vines lived twelve little girls in two straight lines.” Madeline takes charge of her school to avoid a Christmas crisis when all her classmates get sick including their teacher Miss Clavel. Madeline’s Christmas is a wonderful reminder for the whole family that the holiday season is a season of miracles.
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HOUSTON BALLET’S THE NUTCRACKER: NOVEMBER 22- DECEMBER 30

Wortham Theater Center, 501 Texas, 713-227-2787
More than one million people have seen this Ben Stevenson production since its premiere 27 years ago. This beloved ballet, with music composed by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky, tells the story of little Clara who receives a magical nutcracker doll on Christmas Eve. After everyone goes to bed, she travels on a fantastic journey through the Land of Sweets, encountering the Mouse King and the Sugar Plum Fairy. From the magnificent scenery and exquisite costumes to the athletic and elegant choreography, this is an unforgettable holiday tradition for the whole family.
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A CHRISTMAS CAROL – A GHOST STORY OF CHRISTMAS: NOVEMBER 15-DECEMBER 26
Recommended for general audiences and children ages 6 and older. Three spirits visit Ebenezer Scrooge on Christmas Eve – the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future. This production, Michael Wilson’s adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic, offers unusual twists. Director James Black says, “As we watch Scrooge’s transformation, he is shown that the tiniest act of kindness, compassion and charity can have ripples and reverberations that change lives. Love and generosity win every time.”
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A MAGICAL CHRISTMAS DINNER AND SHOW: DECEMBER 18-27

Moody Gardens, One Hope Boulevard, Galveston, 409-683-4186
Master Illusionist Curt Miller and Friends will entertain families with spectacular illusions. Witness people appearing and disappearing! Singers and dancers also join the performance to enhance this amazing holiday experience. Tickets include a dinner buffet and admission to Moody Garden’s Festival of Lights.
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FESTIVE FAMILY FRIDAY: DECEMBER 19

Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens, 6003 Memorial Drive, 713-639-7300
Enjoy the holiday lights and period decorations at Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens. The entertainment includes live music, storytellers, puppeteers, period games and a photo booth. Visit the exhibition Yuletide: Holiday Time at Bayou Bend which features 250 years of celebrations including a children’s tea and dance party in 1700s Philadelphia and a children’s Christmas party at Andrew Jackson’s White House.

HOUSTON BOYCHOIR’S 52ND WINTER CONCERT: DECEMBER 21

First Presbyterian Church, 5300 Main Street, 281-484-1560
The soaring voices of Houston Boychoir make this a unique concert experience. Four choirs will sing carols from around the world – the Preparatory Choir, the Chamber Choir, the Olde Boys and the alumni group Men of the Houston Boychoir.

THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE: DECEMBER 2-23

Grace Theater, A.D. Players, 2710 W. Alabama, 713-526-2721.
Recommended for ages 6 and up. A.D. Players presents this theatrical adaptation of the C.S. Lewis classic, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, the first of seven novels in The Chronicles of Narnia. Two actors give a multi-character performance that’s sure to delight children and adults, especially fans of the fantasy novel.