Lights in the Heights

Dec 10 | Woodland Heights 

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Woodland Heights, as the bungalow-cladded neighborhood shines with festive twinklers, along with front porch carolers with a whole lot of cheer.

Free. 6:30—9 pm. Woodland Heights Neighborhood. woodland-heights.org/home

The Honky Tonk Angels Holiday Spectacular

Thru Dec 31 | Stages Repertory Theatre

Playwright Ted Swindley, mastermind of the 2015 musical Honky Tonk Angels, revamps his hit with this country Christmas spectacle as the angels return for a holiday reunion concert. 

$15–26. 3201 Allen Pkwy. 713-527-0123. stagestheatre.com

The First Noel

Thru Dec 30 | Ensemble Theatre

The regional premiere of Lelund Durond Thompson and Michael Webb's 2015 musical, set in Harlem, shares the heartwarming story of three families and one community that stand together during the holidays. Heads up: Don't forget your tissues.

$30–50. 3535 Main St. 713-520-0055. ensemblehouston.com

It's a Wonderful Life Concert

Dec 9 | Houston Symphony

Is it just us, or it isn't the holidays without watching It's a Wonderful Life? Upgrade your viewing experience and see the 1946 holiday classic set to live accompaniment from the Houston Symphony. (Still want more? Don't miss Houston Grand Opera's reimagining of the tale this month.)

From $30. Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana St. 713-224-7575. houstonsymphony.org

The Heritage Society Candlelight Tour

Dec 10–11 | Sam Houston Park

Sam Houston Park decks its historic halls with festive décor as 10 preserved structures—including the Nichols-Rice-Cherry House (1850), which belonged to Rice University founder William Marsh Rice—strut their holiday finest for the society’s 54th annual holiday tour. 

Dec 10, 3–9 pm; Dec 11, 4–8 pm. 1100 Bagby St. 713-655-1912. heritagesociety.org