The best plays, musical performances, and exhibits in Texas are enjoyed by record-breaking crowds, according to our cultural arts arbiter Leanne Raesener, who shares our favorite recommendations for what to enjoy this holiday season across the state.
AUSTIN
HALLELUJAH, HALLELUJAH
The Austin Symphony Orchestra presents its Christmas holiday tradition, Handel’s Messiah, accompanied by Chorus Austin. A holiday classic and a city favorite, this night of musical magic will fill the audience with the season’s joy. December 6. At AustinSymphony.org.
ON IMAGE: Courtesy of Austin Symphony
MUY BONITO
Hilos de Tradición (Threads of Tradition) Dresses of Mexico is a collaborative exhibition with the Brownsville Historical Association. Featuring 37 traditional outfits representing each state in Mexico, they have been selected to showcase the traditional textiles, art, and dances of each region. Through February 26. At TheStoryofTexas.com.
ON IMAGE: Courtesy Brownsville Historical Association, Brownsville, TX.
AND ALL THAT PIZAZZ
There’s never been a better time to ramp up the razzle-dazzle this holiday season than by (re)experiencing Broadway’s smash hit and longest-running American Musical, CHICAGO. This triumphant show received six Tony® Awards, two Olivier® Awards, a Grammy®, and thousands of standing ovations. Bring your jazz hands. November 1 ̶ 6. At TexasPerformingArts.org.
ON IMAGE: Courtesy of Photo©Jeremy Daniel
DALLAS / FORT WORTH
MIRROR, MIRROR
The Meadows Museum, SMU, will present Dalí/Vermeer: A Dialogue. Vermeer’s painting Woman in Blue Reading a Letter (c. 1663) is reinterpreted by Spanish Surrealist artist Salvador Dalí’s painting The Image Disappears (1938) in his appreciation of the 17th-century Dutch master. These paintings will appear side-by-side for the first time in history. Through January 15. At the MeadowsMuseumDallas.org.
ON IMAGE: Vermeer, Woman in Blue Reading a Letter, c. 1663. Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. On loan from the City of Amsterdam (A. van der Hoop Bequest).
ON IMAGE: Salvador Dalí, The Image Disappears, 1938. Work loaned by the Fundació Gala-Salvador Dalí.© 2022 Salvador Dalí, Artists Rights Society.Image
MASTERFUL DISPLAY
Modern Masters: A Tribute to Anne Windfohr Marion highlights the contributions of one of the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth’s most significant patron, tracing her support over nearly a half-century with an exhibition of 80 works by 47 artists. Through January 8. At TheModern.org.
ON IMAGE: Ellsworth Kelly, Spectrum III, 1967. Collection of the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, Gift of Anne Windfohr Marion
POPS GOES THE MUSIC
The beloved tradition of the Christmas Pops continues with the Dallas Symphony Chorus performing transcendental anthems, classical holiday favorites, and sing-along carols. Santa might even delight. With snow sprinkled in and joyous music, it’s a night to be remembered. December 2 ̶ 11. At DallasSymphony.org.
ON IMAGE: Courtesy of Dallas Symphony Orchestra
HOUSTON
IT’S JUST LIKE THE ENGLISH
From Tudor Queens to Pop Icons, the six wives of Henry VIII take the microphone to remix five hundred years of historical heartbreak into an exuberant celebration of 21st-century girl power. Six has won 23 awards, including the Tony® Award for Best Original Score and the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Musical. It’s worth losing your head over. November 8–20. At HoustonBroadway.com.
ON IMAGE: Photo by Joan Marcus
ALL THAT GLITTERS
Golden Worlds: The Portable Universe of Indigenous Colombia showcases the diversity and brilliance of ancient Colombian cultures. Around 400 works spanning all the major Pre-Columbian cultures are displayed from intricately cast gold to ceramics and rare ancient textiles. Through April 16. At MFAH.org.
ON IMAGE: Calima, Colombia, Circular House Model, 200 BC–800 AD, gold, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, gift of Alfred C. Glassell, Jr.
SET YOUR SIGHTS HIGH
Cirque Dreams Holidaze lights up the stage in this popular and dazzling family holiday spectacular. This annual tradition wraps a whimsical, Broadway-style musical infused with contemporary circus artistry into the ultimate holiday gift for the entire family. December 23-24. At Houston-Theater.com.
ON IMAGE: Courtesy of Cirque Dreams Holidaze
SAN ANTONIO
LASTING IMPRESSION
Traitor, Survivor, Icon: The Legacy of La Malinche examines the enslaved Indigenous girl who served Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés in many roles. Her image and historical and cultural legacy remain relevant to female empowerment five hundred years after her death. Through January 8. At SAMuseum.org.
ON IMAGE: Jesús Helguera (Mexican, 1910–71), La Malinche, 1941. Courtesy of Calendarios Landin
HAPPINESS & CHEER
Doc Watkins and His Orchestra will present The Music of a Charlie Brown Christmas. New arrangements of Big Band holiday favorites, along with classic selections from A Charlie Brown Christmas will delight. December 14. At TobinCenter.org.
ON IMAGE: Courtesy of Doc Watkins
MAGICAL…ENCHANTING…UNFORGETTABLE
Lighthouse Immersive presents Immersive Nutcracker: A Winter Miracle, featuring whimsical animated characters alongside footage of professional ballet dancers. The joyful 30-minute experience is set to the sweeping music of Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky, curating a grand immersive display. November 19–January 2. At Immersive-Nutcracker.com/San-Antonio.
ON IMAGE: Photo by Vladimir Kevorkov