Houston offers variety of festive cultural events
As the holiday season gets into full swing, residents of the greater Houston area will find no shortage of holidaythemed cultural events and festivities. From lighting ceremonies to theatrical performances, here are some events offering dates all through December and into the new year. People Generation Inc. presents
2017 Magical Winter Lights at 5 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 14, through Tuesday, Jan. 2, at 1000 FM 2004 Road in Houston.
Magical Winter Lights is one of largest holiday lighting events in Houston, and one of the largest lantern festivals of its kind in the U.S. The event will include several traditional themed sections, as well as its newest, The Lone Star State, which will feature a 36-foot tall cowboy lantern and a maze leading to eight Texas icons and buildings. The festival also will include nightly acrobatic performances, authentic arts and crafts created by Chinese artisans, amusement rides, games, live entertain-
ment, and a dinosaur exhibit with rides. Tickets are $15-$25. Visit www. magicalwinterlights.com.
Sugar Land Skeeters presents Sugar Land
Holiday Lights at6 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 14, through Monday, Jan. 1, at 1 Stadium Drive in Sugar Land.
Sugar Land’s holiday lights display features more than 100 walk-through areas and 2.5 million lights throughout the Skeeters ballpark. The event also will include a carnival and theme nights. Tickets are $11-$14. Visit www.sugarlandholidaylights.com.
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presents Christmas Village at Bayou Bend at 6 p.m., Friday, Dec. 15, through Saturday, Jan. 6, at 6003 Memorial Drive in Houston.
This holiday event features carolers, a faux-snowball play area, a handcrafted model train and a trail of lights. Bayou Bend also offers holidaythemed tours of Ima Hogg’s historic mansion with live actors, theatrical effects and Christmas decorations. Tickets are $8-$18. Visit www.mfah.org/a/christmas-villageat-bayou-bend/.
Lone Star Circus presents Cirque Joyeux Noel
Dinner and Show at 6:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 15, through Monday, Dec. 25, at Moody Gardens, 1 Hope Blvd. in Galveston
This one-hour Christmas showcase features an international circus and variety of performers from across the globe, including acrobats, aerialists, jugglers and animal performers. The event also features a holiday buffet dinner. Tickets are $39-$109. Visit moodychristmasshow.com.
Alley Theatre presents A Christmas Carol — A Ghost Story of Christmas, at various times, on Thursday, Dec. 14, through Saturday, Dec. 30, 615 Texas St. in Houston.
This seasonal retelling of Charles Dickens’ classic story is back again in the spirit of the holiday season. Tickets are $28-$60. Visit www. alleytheatre.org/plays/ production-detail/achristmas-carol.
Houston Ballet presents The Nutcracker at various times, Thursday, Dec. 14 through Saturday, Dec. 23, at Smart Financial Center at Sugar Land, 18111 Lexington Blvd.
This new production of timeless classic The Nutcracker is aiming to become a Houston-area tradition.
The music, costumes and familiar characters will puy anyone in the holiday spirit. Tickets are $35-$125. Visit www. houstonballet.org.