Find the perfect things to do in Houston New Year’s Weekend with our super-expanded, six-day Houston Weekend Guide for Friday, December 27, 2018, to New Year’s Day, Tuesday, January 1, 2019.

Pop the bubbly and ring in 2019 at one of many New Year’s Eve celebrations around town; sing and dance along to your Fab Five favorites; cheer on the Club America soccer team as they take on Santos Laguna; start your year off with tons of food, some morning meditation, or an evening hike; and more.

Check below to find great things happening around Houston this weekend, from Friday, December 27, 2018, to New Year’s Day, Tuesday, January 1, 2019.

Things to Do All New Year’s Weekend

  • Shen Yunat Jones Hall | Thursday to Sunday and Tuesday – Discover the rich spiritual and artistic culture of ancient China as dancers leap, twirl, and glide across the stage in the annual performance of Shen Yun at Jones Hall. Tickets start at $80.
  • Panto Star Force at Stages Repertory Theatre| Thursday to Saturday – Crack up at this hilarious spoof of the original Star Wars trilogy, which follows Jed, a farm boy from the planet Cypress, who joins forces with a zany band of space rebels to take on the powerful Emperor Snorkelfish and Dark Tater. Tickets start at $25. 7pm daily.
  • Alley Theatre presents A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story of Christmas| Thursday to Sunday and Tuesday – Catch a performance of the classic, seasonal tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, who’s famously visited by the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future in Alley Theatre’s annual production of A Christmas Carol. Tickets start at $37.  Showtimes vary.
  • Potted Potter: The Unauthorized Harry Potter Experienceat the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts | Thursday to Sunday and Tuesday – The magic of Harry Potter comes to life in this comedic performance that runs through all seven books in just 70 minutes at Downtown’s Hobby Center. Tickets start at $49.99. Showtimes vary.
  • Love & Makes Candle-Making Workshop in Rice Village| Friday and Saturday – Design and create a personalized wax candle with help from the team at Love & Makes in Rice Village. The BYOB workshop also features handmade goods from local artisans to shop while your candles set. $45. Times vary.
  • Register Now for Spring Classes at Watercolor Art Society- Houston| Friday and Sunday – Enroll for daytime, evening and weekend watercolor Spring Classes at the Watercolor Art Society– Houston. Learn to paint with watercolor paints and improve your watercolor skills with classes like Beginner Landscapes and Seascapes, Chinese Animal Zodiac, Portrait Painting and Crazy Cats and Mixed Up Mutts and more. Each individual class registration date varies.
  • Potted Potter: The Unauthorized Harry Potter Experienceat the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts | Thursday to Sunday and Tuesday – The magic of Harry Potter comes to life in this comedic performance that runs through all seven books in just 70 minutes at Downtown’s Hobby Center. Tickets start at $49.99. Showtimes vary.
  • Death by Natural Causesat Houston Museum of Natural Science | Friday to Sunday – Discover a range of deadly “animal, vegetable, and mineral” specimens from the natural world at this educational exhibit in the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Full price tickets are $30 for ages 12 and up; $20 for ages 3 to 11; $20 for ages 62 and up. 9am to 5pm daily.
  • Couples Cook: Celebrate the New Year at Central Market| Saturday to Monday – Bring your special someone to a couples cooking class at Central Market, where you’ll learn how to make filet mignon with wild mushroom sauce, grilled lobster tails with herb butter; bananas foster, and more. $180. 6:30pm daily.

Friday, December 28, 2018

  • Love & Make’s DIY Macramé Wall Hanging Workshop in Rice Village– Craft a gorgeous macramé wall hanging out of simple cord and twine in this DIY workshop led by designer Tanya Bagashkawill at Love & Make in Rice Village. BYOB and snacks are welcome. $65. 2pm.
  • Funfetti Fridays on The ICE at Discovery Green– Skate around The ICE at Discovery Green while jamming out to a colorful light show with beats from DJ Mohawk Steve during Funfetti Fridays. Tickets are $11. Skate rentals cost $4. 7pm to 9pm.
  • Intro to Fabric Painting at Plate & Bottle + Mercantile– Learn the art of fabric painting as an experienced artist leads you through his personal technique and shares his favorite products. After the class, you can mix, mingle, and network with local designers and like-minded individuals at a business mixer. $25. 7pm to 9:30pm.
  • Lettuce in Concert at The Ballroom at Warehouse Live– Hit the dance floor when Boston-based funk group Lettuce brings their groovy tunes to The Ballroom at Warehouse Live. Tickets start at $22. 8pm.
  • Avery in Concert at Satellite Bar– Avery, also known as the pop act -Us. and as the drummer for indie band, Wild Moccasins, headlines at Satellite Bar along with special guests, Corbin Dallas, and Yawn Fresno. Tickets are $5 in advance and $10 at the door. 8pm.
  • The Tontons and Black Pumas in Concert at The Heights Theater– Local group The Tontons joins Austin’s Black Pumas for an upbeat and intimate concert at The Heights Theater. Tickets start at $16. 8pm.

Saturday, December 29, 2018

  • Beatles Tribute Band the Fab 5, with Diamond Jack at House of Blues– Hear the iconic music of the Fab Five when a lineup of Beatles tribute bands gets the crowd going at House of Blues. Tickets are $15. 8am to 5pm.
  • New Year’s Eve Historical Bash at George Ranch Historical Park– Gear up for New Year’s Eve festivities when George Ranch Historical Park welcomes visitors for a fun-filled day of crafting. You’ll make masks and noise-makers, then learn the do’s and don’ts of “first-footing” before a noontime countdown and holiday feast. Tickets are $15, seniors are $12, and children’s tickets are $10. 9am to 5pm.
  • Discs and Donuts at Eureka Heights Brew Co| No Cover – Kick back and watch retro Saturday morning cartoons, while eating baked goods from Hugs & Donuts, sipping craft brews, and listening to vinyl records when Eureka Heights brings back its BYO-Vinyl event, Discs and Donuts. 10am to noon.
  • Love & Make’s Bath Bomb Making Workshop in Rice Village – Create your own luxurious, scented bath bomb at this DIY workshop, hosted by Love & Make in Rice Village. The family-friendly activity allows crafters to incorporate essential oils and experiment with fun colors. $45. 11am.
  • Goat Yoga Houston at NettBar– Challenge your strength and stability during a 45-minute session of goat yoga at NettBar Houston. As the name suggests, yogis will practice with assistance from adorable baby goats, followed by 15 minutes of play time. Tickets start at $35. 11:30am to 12:45pm.
  • Little White Oak Night Market at Sideout Volleybar| No Cover – Shop ‘till you drop at The Little White Oak Night Market, which features local farmers, craft vendors, and local artists at Sideout Volleyball. 4pm to 8pm.
  • Club America vs. Santos Laguna at BBVA Compass Stadium– Cheer from the stands during the last game of the 2018 Tour Águila, where Club América will face the current Liga MX champions, Club Santos Laguna, at BBVA Compass Stadium. Tickets start at $35. 4:30pm to 6:30pm.
  • Skate with Spider-Man at Discovery Green– Lace up your skates and head onto the ice to skate alongside one of Marvel’s most popular superheroes at Discovery Green. $11 admission. $4 skate rental. 5pm to 6pm.
  • Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker at Smart Financial Centre – The Moscow Ballet returns to Smart Financial Centre for the Great Russian Nutcracker, featuring world-class artists, hand-painted sets, and jubilant nesting dolls. Tickets start at $33. 7pm.
  • Toadies in Concert at White Oak Music Hall– Sing along to hits by the Fort Worth-based rock group, The Toadies, at White Oak Music Hall. You’ll hear old favorites as well as newer jams from their September 2017 release. Tickets start at $37.50. 7pm.
  • A Selena Tribute With Son de Rey + DJ Soloces at The Continental Club– Bust out your best Bidi Bidi Bom Bom looks for a tribute concert honoring la reina de la cumbia, Selena, at The Continental Club. You’ll hear music from Son de Rey of Austin and Houston’s DJ Soloces. Tickets cost $12 online; $15 at the door. 8:30pm.
  • Cash Cash: NYE Resolution at Stereo Live– Slip on your dancing shoes for a pre-New Year’s Eve concert by The Roseland, New Jersey EDM DJ trio, Cash Cash, at Stereo Live. $33. 10pm to 1:55am.
  • Princess MononokeMovie Screening at River Oaks Theatre – Watch an epic story of conflict between humans, gods, and nature in the 1997 animated film, Princess Mononoke, based on stories from Japanese folklore. $11. Midnight.

Sunday, December 30, 2018

  • Houston Texans vs Jacksonville Jaguars at NRG Stadium– Watch the Houston Texans play the Jaguars on their home turf at NRG. Tickets start at $41. Noon.
  • Sunday Funday Axelmarket at Axelrad| No Cover – Head to Midtown’s hammock-laden patio bar, Axelrad, for this weekly market with local farmers, artists, makers, drink specials, and food trucks. Noon to 11:55pm.
  • Skating with the Stars at Discovery Green– Skate alongside skilled professionals when they take to The ICE at Discovery Green every Sunday evening throughout the winter season. Tickets are $11; $4 skate rental. 6pm to 6:45pm.
  • Washed Out in Concert at White Oak Music Hall– Hear the mellow, hip-hop-inspired production of Georgia’s Washed Out at White Oak Music Hall. Tickets start at $20. 7pm.
  • Mannheim Steamroller Christmas at Smart Financial Centre– Grammy Award winner Chip Davis brings to Houston his seasonal show, which features Mannheim Steamroller Christmas classics, along with a selection of compositions from his Fresh Aire series. Tickets start at $55. 7:30pm.

New Year’s Eve, Monday, December 31, 2018

  • New Year’s Eve Celebrations Around Houston– Ring in 2019 at one of many New Year’s celebrations happening around Houston. With ball drops, fancy feasts, champagne parties, and family-friendly festivities, we’ve got you covered this NYE. Prices, times, and locations vary.
  • Noon Year’s Eve at CityCentre| FREE – Bring the kiddos to CityCentre’s Noon Year’s Eve celebration for face painting, a balloon and caricature artist, and a magic mirror photo booth. You can also dance to music from a DJ and countdown to noon with an explosion of bubbles. 11:30am to 1pm.
  • Havana Nights 2019: New Year’s Eve Extravaganza– Spice up your last night of 2018 with live Cuban music, a gourmet dinner, a giant dance floor and plenty of champagne at the Havana Nights 2019 New Year’s Eve Extravaganza. VIP tickets cost $99. 7:30pm.
  • New Year’s Comedy Jam at Smart Financial Centre– Check out a lineup of knee-slapping comedy when Cedric The Entertainer, DL Hughley, Arnez J, and Nephew Tommy take the mic at Smart Financial Centre. Tickets start at $59.  8pm.
  • Eli Young Band in Concert at House of Blues– Jam out to Texas country music at a concert from Denton’s own Eli Young Band, known for hits like “Crazy Girl,” “Even If It Breaks Your Heart,” and “When It Rains.” Tickets start at $35. 8pm.
  • Houston Rockets vs. Memphis Grizzlies at Toyota Center– Cheer loud for the Rockets when they hit the court to play the Grizzlies at Toyota Center. Tickets start at $29. 6pm.
  • NYE Nash Bash at The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa– The 16th Annual Nash Bash New Year’s Eve, held this year at the Houstonian Hotel, will include hors-d’oeuvres, specially crafted gourmet food stations, a champagne toast, music provided by a DJ and live duo Bill and Kim Nash, and lots of dancing. Tickets and reservations are $200 per person. All proceeds benefit Champions Kids Camp. 6:30pm.
  • Gatsby New Year’s Eve at The Sugar Refinery– Travel back to the roaring ‘20s with this Gatsby-themed party at The Sugar Refinery in Sugar Land. You’ll receive a champagne toast at midnight, party favors, a DJ, a dance floor, and one free drink. A dinner buffet is available for an additional cost. Tickets start at $25. 7pm.
  • Topgolf’s Big NYE Bash at Topgolf Houston-Katy– Say hello to 2019 with live entertainment, a chef-inspired menu, and a midnight celebration with fireworks at the Big NYE Bash, hosted by all three Topgolf locations in Katy, Spring, and Webster. You can upgrade to VIP for exclusive access to an all-inclusive feast with a carving station and a bottle of bubbly to share with friends. Tickets start at $200. 9pm to 1am.
  • Baroque Razzle-Dazzle at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts– Start 2019 on a high note at Ars Lyrica’s annual New Year’s Eve concert, which showcases violinist Adam LaMotte and the music of the first and third of Brahms’ “Brandenburg” concertos. Tickets start at $130. 9pm.
  • Year of the Bo$$ 2K19 NYE Celebration with Slim Thug at House of Blues –Roll into 2019 in style at the Year of the Bo$$ 2K19 NYE Celebration with the legendary Houstonian rapper, Slim Thug and friends at the Foundation Room at House of Blues. Enjoy chef-created á la carte items, a lounge menu, and drink specials all night. Along with Slim Thug, the party will be hosted by comedian Jeff Shelly and sounds will be provided by DJ Staso. Tickets are $75 and $150 for VIP. 9pm.
  • Black Swan New Year’s Eve Celebration at Omni Hotel– Wave goodbye to 2018 in style with an evening of dancing, entertainment and bubbly at the luxe Omni Houston Hotel in the Uptown area. Spend the night at the Omni Hotel with overnight accommodations include tickets for two to The Black Swan night club’s Private New Year’s Eve event, and a bottle of champagne delivered to your guest room. The late check out party will feature a midnight champagne toast, a balloon drop, party favors, a photo booth, and live DJ. 9pm.
  • New Year’s Eve at Hotel ZaZa Memorial City– Wrap up 2018 and ring in the New Year in extravagant style at Hotel ZaZa Memorial City. Dance the year away while enjoying hors d’oeuvres, an interactive photobooth, and a champagne toast to cap off the midnight countdown. Come dressed to impress in your best cocktail attire and Hotel ZaZa will send you into 2019 with complimentary party favors. 10pm.

New Year’s Day, Tuesday, January 1, 2019

  • All you can eat Menudo, Birria & Pozole New Year’s Day at La Calle Tacos– Recover from the previous night’s festivities with all-you-can-eat menudo, birria, and pozole, all known for their hangover-curing abilities, courtesy of La Calle Tacos. Prefer the hair-of-the-dog approach? Sip a bloody mary, mimosa, or michelada made with the restaurant’s extensive Mexican beer selection. Menu prices vary. 7am to 10pm.
  • 2019 Run Houston! at Sam Houston Race Park– Get started on your New Year’s resolutions at the 2019 Run Houston, which offers a 10K, 5K, and Kids 1K race at Sam Houston Race Park. Registration includes free, high-resolution race photos; a T-shirt; a finisher’s medal, and access to the post-race party with food, drinks, and awards. The 10K and 5K are $50, while the Kids 1K costs $30. 8:30am to noon.
  • Rise & Run 5K at Memorial Park| FREE – Lace up your sneakers and start 2019 on the right foot at this free, 5K walk/run at Memorial Park. This event is family- and pet-friendly. 9am to 11am.
  • New Year’s Day Hangover Cure Brunch at B&B Butchers– Kick off the new year with live music on the rooftop patio and a decadent brunch at B&B Butchers. You can eat your way to a lucky year with black-eyed peas and greens, and wash it all down with oversized “Manmosas.” Menu prices vary. 11am to 3pm.
  • New Year’s Day Crystal Bowl Meditation at Rothko Chapel– Start your year with intention, as Rothko Chapel presents a New Year’s Day crystal bowl meditation, led by Bayou Bliss Yoga founder Dana Shamas. Suggested donation of $10. Noon to 1pm.
  • BCO & HTXO New Year’s Hike at Memorial Park| FREE – Hike your way into 2019 with the crew at Bayou City Outdoors, who will lead you through some of Houston’s best inner-city outdoor trails. Hikers will meet in Memorial Park’s Rugby Field Parking Lot on Picnic Lane. 6:15pm.

 

Until tomorrow, if you want to chat me up, follow me on Facebook @woodlandsgoldwiser , on Twitter @IamGinaOlson or on Instagram @HoustonGoldwiser or visit me in person at 24910 Kuykendahl Rd., Tomball, TX 77375