A Houston Mom’s Guide to November

Can you believe it’s already November?!? This, hands down, is my FAVORITE month in Houston. Chillier air blowing in, super fun events around town, and all.the.food. It’s a month where family traditions are created, kids can run around without a heatstroke in the neighborhood, and us mamas can indulge a bit {or a lot!} on our holiday faves. That’s why I am thrilled to link arms with our friends at Whole Foods Market for this month’s events.

This time of the year, only the best will do, and if you need something uniquely delicious, then you need not look further than your local Whole Foods. In fact, they are so passionate about the holidays, they are offering *FREE* Holiday Tasting Events across Houston to give you inspiration {and some yummy bites} of their best products, services, and expertise to make your holiday season the best one yet.  We’ve got the full scoop below, but be sure to mark your calendars for November 4th, 5th, 11th, or 12th from Noon to 4pm for this fun {and delicious!} event.

Not much of a chef?  Don’t worry … they’ve got you covered too.  Get everything you need for an unforgettable Thanksgiving dinner to feed families of all sizes – including turkey dinners, delectable sides, sweet desserts, and so much more.  Whether you need help with the bird or want to add on some fantastic side dishes to your holiday spread, Whole Foods has you covered. YUM-O. Y’all, I’m hungry and ready for my stretchy pants just perusing their menus. Time to swing into the holiday spirit, H-town. You ready? Let’s GO!

A Houston Mom's Guide to November 2017 | Houston Moms Blog

November 1st – 4th | 10am – 5pm :: Day of the Dead at the National Museum of Funeral History 

Celebrate Dia de los Muertos with NMFH, including breath-taking exhibits and beautiful artistry celebrating loved ones. Attendees are also encouraged to bring mementos of their loved ones to their altar which will stay on display throughout November.

November 3rd | 6:30 – 9:30pm :: PJ Masks LIVE! Time to be a Hero!

Who doesn’t love some PJ Masks? Make your way to the Smart Financial Center in Sugar Land for this one-time event, including a character meet and greet! Don’t forget your cameras. Spend time with Owlette, Gekko, and Catboy! Please note, all children 1 year and up will require a ticket. Purchase them here.

November 3rd | 7 – 11pm :: Feast with the Beasts at The Houston Zoo

This is for us, mamas! Head out to the Houston Zoo for the 12th annual food, beer, and wine celebration, featuring more than 60 restaurants and musical guest Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. Set amongst the breathtaking back drop in a festive setting, you’ll support the zoo initiatives and have a fabulous time in the process. Hurry, this event usually sells out – tickets are here!

November 3rd & 4th | 9am – 8pm {Friday}; 9am – 5pm {Saturday} :: Sugar Plum Market

Kicking off the holiday shopping season is the Sugar Plum Market, hosted by the Fort Bend Junior Service League in Stafford. All proceeds will benefit local Fort Bend County charities. Browse among over 100 various vendors with all sorts of fabulous goodies from children’s items, accessories, foods, and of course, holiday gifts galore!

November 3rd, 4th, & 5th | {check website for times} :: Balloonapoolza Fall Fest @ Constellation Field

Originally scheduled for October , but cancelled due to weather conditions, Balloonapoolza makes a comeback in November! This spectacular event features food, arts & crafts, tethered hot air balloon rides, music, and a Hot Air Balloon Night Glow Show. Snag your tickets here.

November 4th, 5th, 11th, & 12th | Noon – 4pm :: A Taste of Whole Foods Market – Holiday 2017 Tasting Events

This month, Whole Foods Market will be hosting FOUR days of events across their stores in an effort to provide holiday inspiration that will make this season the best one yet!  Put on your stretchy pants and head to the location nearest you to taste some of their finest products, take home all of your faves, and get those holiday orders placed before it’s too late.

November 4th | 1 – 8pm :: The Greater Houston Food Truck Festival

This family-friendly event has outgrown it’s former home and is now at the Hobby Center! Enjoy face painting, water slides, sno cones, ice cream, and the greatest variety of Houston food trucks around. The event stays family oriented until 8pm, but for all of you with babysitters, stick around until 2am to enjoy adult beverages and great eats. Snag your tickets now! {FREE admission for kids from 1pm – 4pm with prior RSVP.}

November 4th | 10am – 2pm :: iFest Live – Sugar Land

Hey, world travelers! This  international event celebrates the diversity of cultures within the community and features dozens of local organizations that will showcase their unique and vibrant heritages from all around the world through performances, art, food, and activities. A special prize will be given to those who become expert world travelers by visiting seven or more countries and regions. FREE and open to the public!

November 8th – 12th | {check website for times} :: Disney On Ice Presents Reach for the Stars

Join Mickey and the gang for this star-studded spectacle at NRG Stadium. Expect appearances by Elsa and her crew, plus Ariel, Sebastian, Belle, the Beast, and more! This show is sure to delight the young and young-at-heart as Houston comes alive with that special Disney magic. Tickets available here.

November 9th – 12th | {check website for times} :: Houston Ballet’s Nutcracker Market

No November calendar would be complete without the Nutcracker Market! Moms, this one is for YOU! Grab your girlfriends, your wallet, and perhaps a cocktail, and spend the day shopping till you drop. This epic annual event is not to be missed. Plan your strategy and trip down in advance here{NOTE :: No strollers are allowed in the market, so may want to plan for that babysitter now.} Special advance tickets here.

November 9th – 12th | {check website for times} :: PAW Patrol Live: Race to the Rescue

The PAW Patrol in a roll! Now that you have that catchy phrase replaying in your mind {you’re welcome!}, make your kids’ day by heading out to the first-ever LIVE version at The Hobby Center. Join Ryder, Marshall, Chase, Skye, and the rest of the crew on their great adventure! Ruff, ruff, grab your tickets here!

November 11th | 8am – 10am :: Veteran’s Day Walk in Pearland

Join the city in honoring those who have served. They are back from the battlefield, but for many, the battles continue on the inside as they and their families face PTSD, depression, and other challenges. A 4K and 1 mile walk/run route is available. Registration is just $20 a person and funds support Hike for Mental Health, a 501c3 non-profit to support our veterans.

November 11th & 12th | 10am – 5pm {Saturday}; Noon – 5pm {Sunday} :: 22nd Annual Children’s Festival at Cynthia Woods

Let’s get WILD as ExxonMobil presents their 22nd annual Children’s Festival! See Jack Hannah live along with the Berenstain Bears, character meet and greets, and educational venues all around the complex. This epic adventure is not to be missed. Tickets are just $8 in advance and $10 at the door.

November 11th | 6:30 – 8:30pm :: Movie Under the Stars in Sugar Land

Hosted by First Colony Church of Christ, enjoy a beautiful fall night with your family and a showing of the always popular, Jungle Book. Make sure you grab your lawn chairs and blankets for this completely FREE event!

November 17th | 7 – 9pm :: Movies at Miller – Elf

Time to get into that holiday spirit, and nothing says it better than a showing of Elf, am I right? Our beloved Buddy comes to life on the beautiful grounds of the Miller Outdoor Theatre. This family-friendly favorite is a non-ticketed event!

November 18th | 6 – 10pm :: Ice at Discovery Green Returns

Whether it’s 80 degrees or 32, the Ice at Discovery Green is sure to get you in that winter state of mind! Powered by Green Mountain Energy, the ice uses recycled water from Kinder Lake to create a 7,716 square-foot ice skating surface, making it the largest outdoor skating rink in the Southwest. Don’t miss the major kick off with Frostival – live ice sculpting, music by the Peterson Brothers Band, food, warm drinks, and more!

November 20th – 22nd & 24th | 8:45am – 4:15pm :: Camp Zoofari at The Houston Zoo

For those needing a fun experience for the kiddos while school is out for Thanksgiving break, look no further than the Houston Zoo! This year’s theme is “Bountiful Feast.” Send your campers for a day {or for the whole week} and allow them to ride the carousel, have animal encounters, and visit multiple sections of the park. Register here.

November 29th | 6 – 8pm :: Rice Village “Sing-Off”

For a little something different on your Wednesday, head out to Rice Village for their annual tree lighting, plus a star-studded singing competition that is sure to blow you away! Loosely based on Pitch Perfect, six a cappella groups from across Houston will compete for first prize … and even better, the proceeds from the event go back to United Way.


Don’t forget to order your holiday meal below…


Looking for even more this month? We’ve got you covered!

Ultimate Guide to Houston Photographers {Updated!}

Texans Win! Freebies and Deals Around Houston

Babies & Beer :: A Guide to Houston’s Kid-Friendly Breweries

Houston Murals Guide

60 Family-Friendly Houston Area Restaurants


Please Note :: While we make every effort to crosscheck current links and event details on our guides, we always encourage you to do the same before making final plans. If details are missing or incorrect, please let us know so that we can make every attempt to correct them.  And if you know of any other events happening this month, include them in the comments to keep the list going!

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Meagan Clanahan
Meagan is a Dallas native who has lived in the Katy area for over a decade. She kicked a soccer ball all the way to Louisiana to attend college at her family’s alma mater of LSU, where she promptly fell in love with a Texas Aggie in Baton Rouge for an internship. After swimming back to Texas following Hurricane Katrina, Matt and Meagan fell in love with the Houston area and now couldn’t imagine living anywhere else. Following several years of infertility, their miracle twins Ryan and Quinn were born in June of 2010. She believes there is nothing better than a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio, a large Sonic Diet Coke, sushi take-out, Girls Nights Out, and a mindless book to curl up with. Besides playing chauffeur and catering to the whims of her children, Meagan also is the Co-Owner of Houston Moms Blog. You can keep up with Meagan at The Clanahan Fam and on Instagram @meaganclanahan!

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