Recharge This Midwinter: Winter Fun in and around Houston

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With the arrival of winter solstice, the season has officially changed! Although many of our holiday celebrations look different this year, there are plenty of ways to get outdoors and show up for local arts organizations in Houston this midwinter.

We’ve rounded up some of the most exciting opportunities for local engagement this winter over the next few weeks.

Don’t Skip These Holiday Classics

Fans of the Houston Symphony may already know that the pandemic hasn’t stopped the Very Merry Pops program this year! You can still sign up for their virtual livestream. Even if your kids won’t sit through a video concert, this is a great way to fill your home with holiday favorites, played by world class musicians.

Those who’re missing their annual trip to the ballet can sign up to stream the Nutcracker Sweets from Houston Ballet from home. This year, the show will run through January 8, 2021.

Houston Theaters Opened Their Virtual Doors for the Winter Season

Perhaps you’ve never been to the Alley Theatre. Maybe you’ve been meaning to catch a show at Catastrophic Theatre for years. If so, the good news for you is that both of these local gems are streaming their work this winter season:

  • The Alley Theatre is streaming A Christmas Carol free through December 27th, and they have an exciting winter schedule that starts up mid-January with two shorts plays: The Stronger and A Half-Sheet of Paper.

  • Over at Catastrophic Theatre, Herzstück or My Heart Hit the Floor & Shattered into 10,000 Pieces is streaming for free through January 31st.

If you’re wondering what these plays are all about, may we recommend treating these opportunities with the same open heart that you used to bring to other nights at the theater? Rather than researching each story in advance, go in with no expectations and see if you can have the authentic experience of art that you used to get in a theater full of mesmerized patrons.

Get Some Fresh Air and Stretch Your Legs at a Holiday Lights Display

If you’re looking for family-friendly activities, don’t skip the Houston Zoolights or the Holiday Lights in Eastern Glades, which runs through January 3rd. While these aren’t the only two options in the area, they are perennial favorites.

Go for Stroll with Family or Friends

Here in the era of social distancing and mask requirements, don’t underestimate the joy you can get from going for a walk. Houston’s incredible variety of parks and nearby natural resources provides what can be an overwhelming number of options when it’s time to pick a destination.

After Memorial Park, our two favorites are Hermann Park and Buffalo Bayou:

  • Hermann Park makes for a great outing and features a public golf course.

  • Chances are you’ve visited part of Buffalo Bayou, but now might be the right time to visit a section you haven’t seen before.

Wherever you go, be sure to follow local guidelines for public health and best practices for everyone’s safety.

However you choose to celebrate this holiday season, we hope you take the next few weeks to recharge and refresh.


Firmspace Staff