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Houston is in the top 20 most fun cities in the US for a reason: we have great nightlife, awesome family activities, universities, and parties and events galore. So it only makes sense that the holidays should be a peak time of year to have some fun in town. But what exactly to do, and how to prepare? There are actually so many holiday events in Houston coming up that it can be hard to decide which ones to go to! Whether you’re looking for an evening holiday party to attend with your significant other or something to do with the family, we’ve got you covered. Not only that, but you want to make sure you’re dressed and prepared appropriately. Keep reading for five of our favorite holiday events in Houston with some tips on how to get ready for them as well!

1. 70th Annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade

Thanksgiving is about a week away, but hopefully you’re not stressing about how you’re going to cook that 20-pound turkey (or someone else is doing it). Distract yourself from dinner plans by getting excited for a Houston Thanksgiving staple: the H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade! The parade starts at 9 AM on Thanksgiving Day and is free for all to attend. This year is the 70th anniversary of this traditional Houston event named after one of Texas’ most well-known symbols, H-E-B grocery. Did you know there are over 350 H-E-Bs in the state of Texas? It’s a beloved part of Texan culture, which makes the 70th annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade a huge deal; it means we’re in store for some extra special additions. In fact, there are going to be 13 floats, 12 huge balloons, and various special musical guests. This year’s Grand Marshal? Gallery Furniture founder Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale! “The Annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade will march us into a holiday weekend filled with community, celebration and tradition,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner. And we agree! Many of us here at Chic Lash Boutique are going to be watching the parade this year to support our local community members. We can even help you get ready for the parade, and for the hectic day ahead, with our makeup and lash services so you can focus on the parade and cooking dinner instead of on your makeup routine!

2. Christmas Village at Bayou Bend

Right across the Bayou from our Montrose location sits the Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens. This beautiful location connected to the Houston Museum of Fine Arts hosts a Christmas Village every year. This year, it runs from December 12th to December 30th. This is a staple in Houston Christmas events, but it’s great for celebrating all holidays. As soon as you cross over their bridge, you’ll be transported into a holiday wonderland. All across the gorgeous 14-acre estate you’ll see thousands of holiday lights, holiday decorations, and more. Carolers, singing groups, theatrical events, scavenger hunts, and snowball fights are all around the Christmas Village. There’s also plenty of food and drink to keep you warm including hot chocolate, Santa’s Kitchen food truck, adult beverages, and many more treats that will put you, your family, and friends right in the holiday spirit. Santa and his reindeer are there rain or shine for your little ones to take pictures with. There’s a snow slide, holiday games, and little shops galore. You could be outside in the cold for a while enjoying yourself, so make sure your skin is properly moisturized and you’re following all of our winter weather tips, too.

3. Dickens on the Strand

Another one of the most popular local holiday events is actually a bit outside of Houston in Galveston. Dickens on the Strand is a historical holiday event that will transport you back to 19th century Victorian London. The Galveston Historical Society makes sure you feel like you’ve truly gone back in time with people dressed for the time period, carolers, actors roaming the event, Victorian food and drink, and little shops and vendors selling Victorian-inspired crafts, jewelry, and more. Attendees are encouraged to get into the spirit of the event with costumes, makeup, food, and more. We’d be happy to help you get your Dickens look ready with any of our services, especially if you’re going to get your picture taken with Father Christmas. This event is December 6th-8th and happens rain or shine.

4. A Christmas Carol at the Alley Theater

The Charles Dickens fun is not excluded to December 6th-8th! Here we have another holiday event in Houston that’s become a tradition: A Christmas Carol at the Alley Theater. This classic tale had to make our list of Houston Christmas events because of the historical Alley Theater and the award winning theatre troupe that performs there. The play is running from November 15th through December 29th, giving you plenty of time to make your way over there. The theater is also turning the lobby into a winter wonderland of trees and decorations with the help from local designers and sponsors, meaning you’ll support the community by attending! For a night out at the theater, why not get all dolled up? Put on your fanciest gown or suit, throw your hair into an elegant up-do, treat yourself to getting your brows done, grab your tiny purse, and head out for a night on the town! Enjoy the play and then head out for dinner and drinks to make it a perfect holiday evening.

5. Gatsby’s House Houston New Year’s Celebration

If family events and plays aren’t your thing, then look at little bit farther ahead on the calendar of holiday events in Houston to New Year’s Eve. New Year’s Eve is a notorious night for wild and fun parties, and what better way to enjoy one than ringing in a new decade? One party caught out eye for this year is the “Gatsby’s House Party” held at the Omni Houston Hotel on New Year’s Eve 2019. This is a ticketed event, but the awesome night that awaits you is worth the price of $99 general admission, $159 VIP ticket, and group discount deals. This event boasts:

• 5 hour-long open bar
• 3 local and top-rated Texas DJs
• VIP areas
• Party favors
• Hors d'oeuvres
• Casino and speakeasy (with prizes!)
• 4 different socializing and dance areas
• An awesome countdown to the new year with a champagne toast

Perhaps the most fun part of this event is the theme: Gatsby. They list the dress code as, “Dress to impress. Flapper, roaring 20s, zoot suits encouraged. Otherwise, semi-formal and/or cocktail attire required.” Why not go big, just like they did in Gatsby’s era? Flapper dressers, cute little bob haircuts, bold makeup, perfectly coiffed eyebrows, big and long lashes (eyelash extensions, anyone?), glittery makeup, and looks that scream “go big, or go home!”

Ready for These Holiday Events in Houston?

Whether you’re gearing up for Thanksgiving or you’re already looking ahead to the party of the decade on New Year’s, we hope that at least one of these holiday events in Houston sparked your interest! Feel free to contact us if you’re looking to get yourself ready for one of the parties or if you’re just looking for a consultation. We’d love to have you in!