Houston, if you’re wondering what to do this week, you’ve picked a great time to get out and explore. Let’s dive into some of the most fun and festive things happening around town over the next few days so listeners can start planning now.

Downtown is buzzing tonight at the Marriott Marquis Houston with Texas Winter Lights, a rooftop pool deck transformed into a glowing holiday playground from 5 to 10 p.m. According to DowntownHouston.org, listeners can stroll under light tunnels, snap skyline photos, and sip seasonal cocktails in the warm water of the famous Texas-shaped lazy river. Later this evening, the same hotel hosts Concert Under the Stars: A Very Sinatra Christmas Special from 8 to 10 p.m., a crooner-style holiday show set against the downtown backdrop.

For something a bit more artsy and low-key, DowntownHouston.org also highlights The Fabulous Fifties: Houston Art at the Dawn of the Space Age at the Julia Ideson Library, open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This exhibit walks listeners through Houston’s mid-century art scene just as the city was rocketing toward the space age.

As the week rolls into Friday, DowntownHouston.org notes Hot Cocoa at Lynn Wyatt Square from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and again from 4 to 6 p.m., with free cocoa, festive décor, and live entertainment in the heart of downtown. Friday night, Market Square Park comes alive with Deck the Keys: Dueling Pianos from 7 to 9 p.m., where listeners can sing along to holiday hits under the lights.

History and holiday lovers should head to the Heritage Society at Sam Houston Park Friday and Saturday evenings for the 62nd Annual Candlelight Carols & Tours and Houston Holiday Heritage Market. DowntownHouston.org reports that from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., visitors can tour historic homes by lantern light, browse local vendors, and enjoy choirs performing traditional carols.

Saturday is stacked. DowntownHouston.org features the Tastes & Treasures Pop-Up Artisan Market (Christmas Edition) at Lyric Market from 4 to 8 p.m., plus Santa’s Saturday Night Lights at Market Square Park from 6 to 9 p.m., a family-friendly bash with Santa sightings and festive activities. Over at Discovery Green, Holiday Flea by Night runs from 6 to 10 p.m., offering local makers, vintage finds, and plenty of holiday photo ops.

For something cinematic and cozy, DowntownHouston.org also points to Quiet on the Set! Silent Movie Nights at Lynn Wyatt Square on Saturday from 6 to 9 p.m., where classic silent films are screened outdoors with a live soundtrack, followed by Encore Nights: Theater District After Hours from 9 to 11 p.m., a late-night hangout celebrating Houston’s performing arts scene.

Sports fans can check out the GSA Holiday Classic youth basketball tournament on Saturday and Sunday, highlighted by Ankle Breaker Events as a multi-venue competition bringing teams from across the region to Houston.

If you’re craving something a little different on Sunday, CultureMap Houston notes a Studio Ghibli mini-marathon at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, with screenings of Kiki’s Delivery Service and Spirited Away, perfect for animation fans looking to end the weekend on a magical note.

Whether listeners want rooftop lights, live music, historic holiday tours, or late-night downtown adventures, Houston is absolutely packed with options this week. Thanks for tuning in, and don’t forget to subscribe for more Houston happenings. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI