The highest mortgage rates in two decades continue to hinder the Houston real estate market. October marked the 19th straight month of negative home sales.
According to the Houston Association of Realtors, single-family home sales across Greater Houston fell 3.4 percent year-over-year, the lowest monthly rate of decline all year. Months supply of homes climbed to 3.6, matching November 2019. Houston area homes averaged 4 days on the market in October.
Per HAR / MLS:
| Category | Jan. 2023 | Feb. 2023 | Mar. 2023 | Apr. 2023 | May 2023 | June 2023 | July 2023 | Aug. 2023 | Sept. 2023 | Oct. 2023 | Nov. 2023 | Dec. 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Property Sales | 5,650 | 6,981 | 9,589 | 8,912 | 10,476 | 10,382 | 9,223 | 9,780 | 8,550 | 7,825 | 7,472 | 7,395 |
| Total Active Listings | 33,606 | 33,109 | 33,442 | 33,203 | 33,919 | 36,431 | 37,079 | 38,439 | 39,632 | 40,630 | 40,724 | 38,028 |
| Single-Family Home Sales | 4,549 | 5,723 | 7,907 | 7,310 | 8,637 | 8,582 | 7,557 | 7,983 | 6,886 | 6,377 | 6,154 | 6,103 |
| Townhome/Condominium Sales | 352 | 441 | 552 | 577 | 670 | 687 | 645 | 610 | 552 | 497 | 463 | 435 |
| Single-Family Months of Inventory | 2.7 | 2.6 | 2.7 | 2.7 | 2.8 | 3.1 | 3.2 | 3.3 | 3.5 | 3.6 | 3.5 | 3.3 |
| Single-Family Pending Sales | 7,167 | 7,546 | 9,043 | 8,988 | 9,146 | 8,634 | 8,447 | 7,842 | 6,676 | 6,669 | 6,069 | 5,723 |
| Days on Market | 59 | 63 | 62 | 55 | 48 | 45 | 42 | 42 | 45 | 47 | 47 | 56 |
| Price Range | Jan. 2023 | Feb. 2023 | Mar. 2023 | Apr. 2023 | May 2023 | June 2023 | July 2023 | Aug. 2023 | Sept. 2023 | Oct. 2023 | Nov. 2023 | Dec. 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1 - $99,999 | 25 | 20 | 44 | 22 | 29 | 29 | 35 | 24 | 26 | 24 | 28 | 37 |
| $100,000 - $149,999 | 78 | 89 | 104 | 88 | 97 | 106 | 94 | 112 | 111 | 93 | 79 | 83 |
| $150,000 - $249,999 | 766 | 916 | 1,125 | 998 | 1,072 | 1,007 | 891 | 1,053 | 892 | 909 | 872 | 797 |
| $250,000 - $499,999 | 2,179 | 2,488 | 3,788 | 3,514 | 4,150 | 4,175 | 3,667 | 3,851 | 3,265 | 3,089 | 3,078 | 3,055 |
| $500,000 - $749,999 | 436 | 554 | 851 | 830 | 1,044 | 1,058 | 908 | 921 | 773 | 639 | 648 | 640 |
| $750,000 and above | 220 | 276 | 466 | 492 | 634 | 654 | 544 | 539 | 431 | 386 | 352 | 346 |
The holidays are upon us and there are a lot of fun events in the Houston area.
PERFORMING ARTS
A Christmas Carol – November 17 – December 30, 2023 – Alley Theatre
Celebrate the holidays with the Alley’s hit new adaptation with colorful Victorian costumes, special effects, lively dancing, stunning sets, and just the right blend of Christmas carols. It is a dazzling Christmas feast with the beloved story of Ebenezer Scrooge and his miraculous transformation..
Thanksgiving Weekend: “I Will Survive” – Diva Legends – November 24 – November 26, 2023 – Jones Hall
From the sweet refrains of Alicia Keys to the earth-shaking vocals of Whitney Houston, LaKisha Jones and Nova Payton channel the charisma and charm of some of the greatest legends of disco, pop, and R&B. Gather your family and friends on Thanksgiving weekend and relive the songs you know and love, with chart-topping hits from Gloria Gaynor, Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Tina Turner, Diana Ross, Alicia Keys, and more!
Houston Ballet’s The Nutcracker – November 24 – December 27, 2023 – Wortham Theater
The ultimate holiday tradition returns with all of the grandeur that audiences love about Stanton Welch’s The Nutcracker. The grand sets. The stunning costumes. The iconic score. From snowflakes to sword fights to the Christmas tree that reaches the sky, The Nutcracker truly is the perfect holiday experience for the whole family. Be there as Clara and Drosselmeyer make their journey to the Kingdom of Sweets and meet the Sugar Plum Fairy and her prince in the land where the real magic happens. One of the most splendid ever staged, Stanton Welch’s The Nutcracker features hundreds of roles and a myriad of exquisite details that will leave you finding something new in every performance.
The Ugly X-Mas Sweater Musical – November 28, 2023 – December 24, 2023 Hobby Center
The Ugly X-mas Sweater Musical is a brand new laugh-out loud, interactive, hysterically funny musical. This is a not so every day story about a large company that is being bought out by an international conglomerate. In order for employees to save their jobs, they must come up with the best Ugly X-mas Sweater ever made.
Blending the comedy of THE OFFICE with the competitive spirit of Project Runway and Pose. Includes tons of your favorite Christmas songs and you can absolutely sing along! Make sure you wear your favorite ugly Christmas sweater!
Cirque Dreams Holidaze – December 2, 2023 – Smart Financial Centre
Immerse yourself in a whimsical family holiday experience featuring the fantastical cast of Holiday Storybook characters in this Broadway-style production. Get ready for a mesmerizing blend of contemporary circus arts, seasonal favorites, and original music scores that will make your visions of sugarplums dance. From the capering elves to the leaping reindeer, the performances will delight audiences of all ages. The show features incredible aerial acrobatics, gravity-defying balancing acts, and daring feats of strength that will leave you in awe.
Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella – December 5 – 24, 2023 – Hobby Center
This “Enchanted” version of the classic tale is inspired by the acclaimed teleplay starring Brandy and Whitney Houston. The timeless, magical fairy tale is reborn as a beautiful, inspiring and romantic story featuring Rodgers & Hammerstein’s most beloved songs.
Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas – December 9 – 10, 2023 – Jones Hall
The Nightmare Before Christmas will be projected in its entirety on the big screen, accompanied by Danny Elfman’s darkly charming score played live by the orchestra.
Christmas Live in Concert -December 10, 2023 – Smart Financial Centre
Multi-platinum selling Grammy winners Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith will take their popular Christmas tour on the road this holiday season, joined by very special guest Michael Tait of the Newsboys. This highly-anticipated seasonal show will feature selections spanning the artists’ expansive repertoire of critically-acclaimed holiday albums.
Duke Ellinton’s Nutcracker – December 12, 2023 – Smart Financial Centre
The Houston Symphony teams up with Jazz Houston to tell the story of The Nutcracker. You’ll hear Duke Ellington’s toe-tapping take on The Nutcracker Suite, along with music from Tchaikovsky’s beloved original score.
Elf in Concert – December 15, 2023 – Smart Financial Centre
Buddy was accidentally transported to the North Pole as a toddler and raised to adulthood among Santa’s elves. Unable to shake the feeling that he doesn’t fit in, the adult Buddy travels to New York, in full elf uniform, in search of his real father. This holiday season relive this heartwarming holiday classic on a giant screen as every note of John Debney’s wonderful score is played live to picture in: ELF in Concert!
Handel’s Messiah – December 15- 17, 2023 – Jones Hall
The glorious holiday tradition of Handel’s Messiah returns! The Houston Symphony, chorus, and guest soloists fill Jones Hall with joyous refrains and exultant arias, including the iconic “Hallelujah” Chorus, in this moving and powerful presentation of the greatest story ever told.
A Christmas Symphony with Sarah Brightman – December 20, 2023 – Smart Financial Centre
“A Christmas Symphony” tour will return to North America for 22 enchanting shows beginning in Laval (Montreal), Quebec on November 21st, concluding on December 20th in Sugar Land, TX.
Very Merry Pops – December 20 – 23, 2023 – Jones Hall
Gather with loved ones in Jones Hall—decked with boughs of holly—for a sparkling concert filled with all your holiday favorites. Featuring Broadway leading lady Mandy Gonzalez (star of Hamilton and In the Heights) and the Houston Symphony Chorus, this concert is guaranteed to get you in the festive spirit quicker than you can sing “Jingle Bells.”Nothing says “holiday” like Very Merry Pops! The sensational N’Kenge, star of Broadway’s Motown: The Musicaland Caroline, Or Change, joins the Symphony and Chorus for this heartwarming concert brimming with traditional carols, festive favorites, and plenty of yuletide cheer.
Holly Jolly Holiday – December 23, 2023 – Jones Hall
The concert will include Hamilton star Mandy Gonzalez performing festive favorites like “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” plus a Christmas Carol sing-along, free hot chocolate, interactive lobby activities, and a chance to visit with Santa.
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas – December 28, 2023 – Smart Financial Centre
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis has been America’s favorite holiday tradition for over 35 years! Grammy Award winner Chip Davis has created a show that features Mannheim Steamroller Christmas classics in the distinctive Mannheim sound. The program includes dazzling multimedia effects performed in an intimate setting.
Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet! – December 29, 2023 – Smart Financial Centre
The beloved family tradition is back: NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet! Gather your loved ones for the warm-glow-nostalgia of America’s favorite Christmas celebration. Experience the extraordinary international cast and Ukrainian Principal Artists performing at the peak of classical European Ballet. Be transported by the magic of jaw-dropping acrobatics, larger than life puppets and stunning hand-crafted sets and costumes.
RUN / WALKS
2023 Jingle Bell Run – December 9, 2023 – Houston Sports Park
The Arthritis Foundation’s Jingle Bell Run raises awareness and funds to support arthritis research for better treatments and a cure. We’re also helping the Arthritis Foundation develop tools, resources and opportunities to connect with each other. Together, we’re committed to conquering arthritis for good.
Santa Hustle – December 17, 2023 – Beach Central / Grand Galvez, Galveston
If you are a Christmas lover, enjoy overplayed holiday music, devouring candy and cookies, and joining in on an epic after party then grab your favorite friends and family and register for the Santa Hustle® Galveston 5k, Half Marathon and Kids Dash.
HOLIDAY FESTIVALS, EXHIBITIONS, EVENTS & FAMILIY ACTIVITIES
Nutcracker Market – November 9 – 12, 2023 – NRG Center
Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market has become the signature holiday fundraising shopping event in Texas that kicks off the holiday season! It is a one-stop shop featuring hundreds of merchants, offering unique items for everyone, including home décor, gifts, food, apparel, toys, accessories and more. It is the best way to shop and give back during the holidays, as proceeds from each admission and special event ticket that is purchased, plus 11% of all the merchandise you buy, goes back to Houston Ballet Foundation.
Green Mountain Energy Ice – November 10, 2023 – January 28, 2024 – Discovery Green
Glide beneath the glittering lights of downtown Houston and discover the holiday magic on Green Mountain Energy Ice at Discovery Green!
Frostival – November 10, 2023- Green Mountain Energy Ice
Discovery Green’s annual winter celebration kicks off Green Mountain Energy’s Ice season. This year experience classic winter traditions outdoors under the glittering lights of downtown Houston.
The Galleria’s 34th Annual Ice Spectacular & Tree Lighting – November 11, 2023 – The Galleria
Grab your family and coats! It’s time to kick off the holiday season with The Galleria’s 34th Annual Ice Spectacular. An iconic and time-honored holiday tradition, the 45-minute tree-lighting show will feature a performance by “The Voice” Season 21 contestant Jershika Maple. The event will culminate with the lighting of the 55-foot Christmas tree, featuring 450,000 twinkling lights and 5,000 ornaments, by Skating Santa and a fireworks display.
Texas Winter Lights – November 11, 2023 – January 8, 2024 – Marriott Marquis Houston
Back for its third year, discover the interactive winter lights experience on the 6th floor Altitude Rooftop & Pool. Guests will find Instagram worthy photo ops with new light activations throughout the deck, including a majestic light-up stallion, adult playground, and grove of lights to name a few. Indulge in festive signature cocktails, a winter-themed food menu, and so much more. Float through the lazy river, heated all winter long to 80°, as lights glimmer from above.
Memorial City Lights – November 11, 2023 – Memorial City Mall
The holiday extravaganza Memorial City Lights will feature the holiday production, The Elves Global Gift Adventure, the arrival of Santa and his loyal reindeer, 3.5 million twinkling lights, preshow Activities with DJ Kevin Quinn from 104.1 KRBE, prizes, and more.
Sip and Sparkle– November 16, 2023 – Houston Zoo
Enjoy TXU Energy presents Zoo Lights without the kids – at Sip & Sparkle at the Houston Zoo! Stroll through the Zoo and take in the sparkling holidays lights, stopping to taste wine or sip your favorite Saint Arnold beer along the way. While you’re there, don’t miss the illuminated interactive dance floor, colorful holiday light tunnel, sparkling photo ops throughout the Zoo, and much more!
Zoo Lights – November 17, 2023 – January 7, 2024 – Houston Zoo
Enjoy the magic of the holiday season at Houston’s favorite holiday lights experience, TXU Energy presents Zoo Lights at Houston Zoo! The spectacular Zoo grounds are the perfect setting to enjoy the sights and sounds of the season with family and friends.
Holiday in the Gardens – November 18, 2023 – January 6, 2024 – Moody Gardens
Several holiday attractions in one venue. Ice Land · Festival of Lights · Ice Skating Rink · Hotel Packages · Holiday 3D Films · Rudolph 4D · Arctic Slide · Train Rides · Pictures with Santa · Nightly Fireside S’Mores · A Christmas Wish Holiday Show · Breakfast with Santa · Nightly Holiday Buffets · New Year’s Palooza · NYE Silver Celebration at Moody Gardens Hotel.
74th Annual HEB Thanksgiving Day Parade – November 23, 2023 – Downtown Houston
One of the oldest Thanksgiving Day parades in the country. Each year, several hundred thousand Houstonians line the streets to cheer on participants. The parade will traverse over 20 city blocks and will feature elaborate floats, colorful marching bands, high-flying balloons and other uniquely Houston entries.
Holly Jolly Jingle – November 30, 2023 – Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
A celebration of sound, an exciting of the spirit, a hello-ing of the holidays. With holiday music everywhere you look and listen, there’s no way you could leave without being in the Christmas spirit. The holiday jingles and Christmas carols throughout the plazas and on the Main Stage are brought to you by talented student musicians from across Conroe ISD. You’ll hear from rocking electric violins, harmonious choral groups, striking symphonies and maybe even a merry mariachi band.
Deck the Park – December 1, 2023 – Memorial Park’s Clay Family Eastern Glades
Ring in the Holiday Season at Memorial Park Conservancy’s 2023 Deck the Park, presented by Crossbell Ventures. There will be a family-friendly kick-off to Memorial Park’s Holiday Lights, featuring a beautiful new 26-foot Holiday Tree on Bowden Terrace lit against Hines Lake in Clay Family Eastern Glades. Guests will toast with hot cocoa and enjoy holiday-themed activities including arts and crafts for children, cookie decorating, and letters to Santa. There will be music, food trucks on site for purchase, festive photo opportunities, and an outdoor movie screening of Home Alone 2. Deck the Park kicks off Memorial Park’s Holiday Lights, which will remain lit for the public through early January 2024.
2023 Houston Heights Holiday Home Tour – December 1 – 2, 2023 – Houston Heights
Get ready to experience the magic of the holiday season like never before in the iconic Houston Heights! The 2023 Houston Heights Association Holiday Home Tour proudly presents “There’s No Place Like Heights for the Holidays!” This enchanting tour features five beautifully decorated homes, each showcasing the unique charm of the Heights during the holiday season.
Dickens On the Strand – December 1 – 3, 2023 – Galveston
Brush off your bowlers and prepare your petticoats as Galveston Historical Foundation presents the 50th annual Dickens on The Strand. Held the first weekend in December, the annual festival is a holiday tradition with great family programming, live entertainment, special events and more. Dickens on The Strand, based on 19th-century Victorian London, features parades, non-stop entertainment on four stages, new additions like Tiny Tim’s Play Land, Shopkeeper Skills Village, and roaming characters throughout the festival. Costumed vendors peddle their wares from street stalls and rolling carts laden with holiday food and drink, Victorian-inspired crafts, clothing, jewelry, holiday decorations, and gift items.
Reliant Lights Mayor’s Holiday Spectacular – December 2, 2023 – Hermann Square at City Hall
Mayor Sylvester Turner and Reliant will kick off the holiday season at the Reliant Lights Mayor’s Holiday Spectacular – 104 years at City Hall. The annual event is fun and free for the entire family. We will celebrate 104 years with live music and the lighting of the holiday tree. This year’s holiday tree is 55.5 ft White Fir, from Grant’s Pass OR. It will feature 99,680 LED lights and 4,000 ornaments.
Christmas Village at Bayou Bend – December 8 – 30, 2023 – Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens
Discover an immersive holiday experience during Christmas Village at Bayou Bend, presented by Texas Children’s. A dazzling bridge brings you into a winter wonderland featuring thousands of lights throughout the 14-acre estate of Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens.
Lights in the Heights – December 9, 2023 – Woodland Heights
Stroll along the pedestrian friendly Highland and Omar streets while enjoying a variety of sights ranging from nostalgic, twinkling white lights to eclectic, colorfully lighted scenes. Listen to the seasonal sounds of Christmas carols, jazz bands, and more, playing on the front porches, driveways, and yards of our neighbors.
S’mores with Santa – December 9, 2023 – George Ranch
Hitch up your sleigh and ride to the George Ranch Historical Park for a very Cowboy Christmas! Have your photo taken with Santa Cowboy Clause as he travels through Texas on his trusty steed, Rudolph the Red Horse. Then sit with the cowhands by the campfire and toast yourself a sweet and gooey s’more while singing Christmas and country songs. Lastly, be sure to stop by the craft table to make a holiday ornament photo frame to remember your trip to the Ranch!
Campfire Christmas – December 16, 2023 – George Ranch
Join a unique Christmas party, Texas style, at the George Ranch Historical Park! Step back in time to 1944 and join Mamie and Albert George as they host a USO dinner and dance in the Ranch House yard. Guests can explore the site at their leisure, visit with the cowboys at the campfire, enjoy a tour of the Ranch House decorated for the season, and dance or listen to live music from the era. The evening includes a rustic buffet style meal and live music by Creole Swing.
