Ah, the merry sounds of a good old-fashioned Christmas carol. No, not that Christmas Carol (although you can catch a performance of the Victorian classic at the Alley Theatre, now running through December 30). We’re talking about actual Christmas carols, those cherished tunes from across the decades that have kept you humming—at the very least—about Santa, the joy of gift-giving, and the snow we never seem to get in Houston (except that one time) ever since you can remember. 

Caroling in its modern form may date back to the 16th-century, and something called wassailing. Wassailing was a custom in which Anglo-Saxon peasants would go door-to-door singing, and in return receive wassail, the medieval equivalent of eggnog, hot cocoa, or other holiday beverages of choice. 

Nowadays, many Christmas carolers aren’t asking for anything in return, except for not being a Scrooge and closing the door on them. Some groups also carol to raise money for charities or other local organizations, and many gather in one spot to sing instead of going door-to-door, meaning you don’t have to be an extrovert to join in on the festive fun.

So put on your coziest winter gear and grab your loved ones (and maybe even your household reindeer) for some local caroling fun this winter season. Prepare to hear those sleigh bells jingle at one of these Christmas caroling events happening throughout December around Houston.

Jingle & Mingle Real Estate Holiday Networking

Thursday, December 1 | 5:30–9 p.m. | The Texas Real Estate Investment Center | $5

Even though your holiday vacation is just around the corner, it’s always a good idea to fit some networking into your schedule, regardless of the season. Plus, what sounds better than getting to sing along to your favorite holiday tunes with your future business partners? This real estate holiday networking event in Jersey Village will offer complimentary food and drink, activities like bingo and an ugly sweater contest, and caroling starting at 8:15 p.m. 

Trinity 2022 Carol Rounds

Friday, December 2–Sunday, December 18 | Starting at 4 or 6 p.m. | Free

The Trinity Mar Thoma Church in Missouri City will lead Christmas carol rounds through various Houston neighborhoods on weekends throughout the month of December, beginning in Missouri City and Stafford on December 2. Other areas of Houston planning to add some extra holiday cheer include North Shore, Medical Center, Alief, and Sugarland; and on December 17, you can even take your winter getaway early with a carol round in Galveston. 

Advent Lessons & Carols

Sunday, December 4 | 5–6 p.m. | St. Paul’s United Methodist Church | Free

If you’re looking to celebrate the Christmas season with an emphasis on its religious values (or just want to participate in a quieter, more reflective version of Christmas caroling), then consider a calm evening spent listening to a service and traditional carols sung by St. Paul’s Choir and Treble Choir, at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Montrose. St. Paul’s will also offer lessons and carols at 4 and 6 p.m. on Saturday, December 24 as a part of their Christmas Eve services.

West U’s 7 C’s Event

Sunday, December 4 | 4–7 p.m. | West University Church of Christ | Free

For all the foodies who love their chili, this neighborhood caroling event held by West University Church of Christ will be preceded by a chili cook-off that will award the best chili in West U. (Even if you’re not putting your own recipe in the running, you’ll still get to eat as much chili as you want.) Caroling will start at the church at 5:30 p.m., and once you’ve got your Christmas cider in hand, an hour and a half of singing in the streets of West University neighborhoods will leave everyone holly and jolly.

Don We Now! 

Saturday, December 10 | 8–9:30 p.m. | Resurrection Metropolitan Community Church | Tickets starting at $10

This Christmas caroling event at Resurrection Metropolitan Community Church in the Heights offers an all-inclusive holiday soiree, with caroling led by Pride Chorus Houston, one of the oldest LGBTQ+ choirs in the U.S. Expect to sing along to a mixture of classic Christmas carols and new holiday favorites, mingle with a diverse crowd, and bid in the silent auction for the chance to win a handmade Christmas wreath made by members of Pride Chorus Houston.

Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church Christmas Caroling Party with Sanctuary Choir 

Saturday, December 17 | 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m. | Courtyard of Family Law Center | Free

Carol for a cause at Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church’s Christmas Caroling Party in downtown Houston. The event encourages donations of warm clothes, socks, hats, gloves, and books to help the homeless this holiday season. The church’s Sanctuary Choir, led by choir deacon Nancy Blurton, will be overseeing the event, so you’ll get to sing classic carols under the guidance of those who know them best.

Christmas Cosplay Karaoke

Saturday, December 17 | 8–10 p.m. | the Red Door Theatre Company | Free

Drive on down to Pasadena on December 17 for a cosplayer’s Christmas dream come true. At the Red Door Theatre Company, this “Selfies & Sips” Christmas caroling karaoke event encourages guests to come dressed as their favorite holiday characters—will you be taking the traditional route and throwing on a Santa suit (with a real or fake beard attached)? Or will you stand out among the crowd of tipsy elves with a Christmas character of your own design?

Kids Christmas Carol Karaoke

Sunday, December 18 | 1–3 p.m. | Prime Art Gallery | $12

Attention all future pop stars: this Kids Christmas Carol Karaoke and painting party will be held at Prime Art Gallery, home of Primary Paint Party, an art studio which offers public and private painting parties for kids and adults, on December 18. While you paint a holiday-themed art project, you can jam out to Christmas tunes sung by your fellow festive young artists. Or, perform a milk-and-cookies-worthy solo yourself! Ticket price also includes all the painting supplies you’ll need.

Christmas Carol Karaoke  

Thursday, December 22 | 7–9 p.m. | Prime Art Gallery | $35

Also taking place at Prime Art Gallery and a little closer to Christmas on December 22, is the adult version of Carol Karaoke. This holiday painting and caroling karaoke event will offer artsy adults a BYOB-friendly holiday festivity option, where you can get into some Christmas spirit(s) as you paint, sip, and sing your favorite carols among a friendly crowd. Ticket price also includes painting supplies.