As we begin a new year, the Greater Houston area continues to offer incredible experiences, shows, and events for every age and interest. Here are our Top 5 Can’t-Miss Things to Do This Month.

Go Skating (or Drive a Bumper Car) on an Outdoor Ice Rink

Green Mountain Energy presents Ice at Discovery Green

Through February 16, 2026

Monday–Thursday: 5:00 PM–10:00 PM
Friday: 5:00 PM–11:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM–11:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM–8:00 PM

Tickets: $18 (plus tax; skate rentals included). Special events may have different pricing.

Houston’s only outdoor ice rink offers an idyllic winter wonderland—at least as close as we can get in South Texas! Enjoy a fun family outing, a get-together with friends, or a romantic evening under the glittering lights. Special events include:

• Bumper Cars (through February 16): No license or experience needed to drive. Tickets are $20 plus tax for a seven-minute ride. Riders must be at least 42 inches tall.

• DJ Skate Nights: January 17 – R&B on Ice | February 14 – Love Songs

• Cheap Skate Night Mondays: January 12 & 26; February 2 & 9 | Tickets are $9 plus tax per person (includes skate rental).

• Wine Down Wednesdays: Wednesdays through February 11. Purchase two tickets for $26 and receive a discount at The Grove Market on glasses and bottles of wine.

• Kids Skate FREE Thursdays: Thursdays through February 12. One adult ticket includes two free kids’ tickets. Children must be 10 or under.

Tickets must be purchased online! Get your tickets and learn more here.

 

Enjoy a Musical

Musicals at Sarofim Hall at Hobby Center

Beauty and the Beast — through January 18
Water for Elephants — January 27–February 1
Hadestown — February 10–15

Whether you’re looking for a classic Disney romance, a new award-winning story, or a trend-setting musical, the Hobby Center is hosting top Broadway shows this winter.

Find tickets and more information here.

Explore New Cuisines

Galveston Restaurant Week(s)

January 12 – 30
Galveston brings back its annual Restaurant Week with the coast’s best restaurants offering prix-fixe brunch, lunch, and dinner menus at special price points. Reservations are highly recommended to make the most of your foodie explorations.

Find participating restaurants and details here.

Honor the Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 

Inaugural MLK Unity Parade

Monday, January 19 | 10:00 AM | Downtown Houston

For the first time, two of Houston’s longstanding MLK parades are joining together to embrace Dr. King’s dream—honoring our shared humanity and standing united. The City of Houston, in collaboration with the Black Heritage Society and the MLK Grande Parade, will host the inaugural parade with Grand Marshals Mayor John Whitmire, Madd Hatta, and Charles Stamps.

See the parade route or become a parade partner here.

Kick Off the 2026 Astros Season

2026 Houston Astros FanFest

Saturday, January 24 | 11:00 AM–4:00 PM | Daikin Park

The Houston Astros host their annual kickoff party featuring autograph sessions, photo ops, live music, running the bases, and much more. Entry is $2, with proceeds benefiting the Astros Foundation. Most activities are free, with select exclusive activities available for an additional charge.

Plan your afternoon and purchase tickets here.