Well, hello 2017!!! We are so glad to see you! While 2016 was an amazing year for all things Houston Moms Blog, we know it included challenges for so many. Thankfully, a new year means a fresh start though, and we cannot wait to dive head first into 2017 with each and every one of you. First up? All the hot {errrr, maybe cold?} happenings around our great city for Houston area families!
Before we pop the cork on all that January has for Houstonians, we MUST tell you about our gracious sponsors for this month and the awesome new year’s specials that they are currently offering {more info below}! Club Pilates Memorial opened July 2015 and Club Pilates Katy opened in August 2016 to provide a variety of class times to fit a mom’s busy schedule. Classes are offered Monday through Friday from early morning to late into the evening, including Noon classes too. {Check with each location for their specific class times.} Class formats range from beginner reformer workouts to intense and challenging cardio, Barre fusion, TRX, and Bootcamp H.I.T. classes All of their classes are taught by highly skilled instructors who have each completed a minimum of 500 hours of comprehensive instructor education.
Their gorgeous, state-of-the-art studios are equipped with brand new Balanced Body Reformers, Exo-chairs and Springboards, plus TRX equipment, mats, balls, dumbbells, and ballet barres. Their specialty is to provide a fun, challenging experience and the best value in Pilates in the Katy and Memorial areas. If you are looking to kick start your new year, we highly recommend taking a 30 minute FREE demo class at either location. Right now they are offering 10% off your membership package for the first 3 months — and who doesn’t love saving money? Go check them out!
Alright, Houston Moms? Who is ready to tackle January in Houston? Let’s GO!!!
Now through January 8th | Sun – Thurs {6 – 9pm}; Fri – Sat {6 – 10pm} :: Sugar Land Holiday Lights
The magic of the season continues into January with the amazing lights at Constellation Field in Sugar Land. With 8 themed areas, over 2.5 million lights, great food, and fun vendors, celebrate the New Year in style! Grab your advance tickets here.
Now through January 11th | 10am – 6pm :: Rockin’ New Year Wonderweek with The Children’s Museum
The Children’s Museum is ready to kick off 2017 in a memorable way, including a full week of activities. Make confetti bookmarks, write resolutions, play New Year’s bingo, roll a snowman, and even make film canister rockets at the Science Station.
Now through January 15th | 6 – 10pm :: Houston Zoo Lights
Missed this Houston spectacle during the holiday season? No worries as the Houston Zoo continues to present “Zoo Lights” inconjunction with TXU Energy. Using millions of LED lights, the zoo is illuminated with magical creations around the animal habitats. Grab your grub at the Macaw Cafe or Cypress Circle and refresh the little ones with hot chocolate as well. {Hint :: Bailey’s will be available for an adult kick!}
Now through February 5th | {check website for times} :: ICE at Discovery Green
January is the perfect time for some slip-sliding action at the ICE of Discovery Green, sponsored by Green Mountain Energy. With the largest outdoor skating rink in the Southwest, this amazing feat of 7,000 square feet of skating ice is something the entire family will enjoy. There is even a pint-sized rink for skaters under the age of 4. Ticket prices range from $14-$17 per person which includes skate rental — purchase them in advance here.
January 1st | 8am – Noon :: Run Houston! January Race Series
Kick off 2017 with this unique race series at Sam Houston Race Park! This completely family-friendly event offers a 1K option for kiddos, plus 5K and 10k races for adults. All registrations include a finisher’s medal, custom t-shirt, free parking, and post race party with food and drinks. Sign up now here!
January 1st | 5 – 10pm :: Ignite the Night Lantern Festival
Looking to get your hopes up for 2017? Head out tonight to Matzke Park to send up a lantern with all proceeds benefitting The House of Charity, a non-profit with a mission to heal and change lives across the globe. Lanterns may be purchased at the door for $10 each.
January 7th | 6am – Noon :: Christmas Bird Count at the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
For kids ages 13 and up, this FREE educational activity is not only fun, but also assists the National Audubon Society with important data to monitor the North American bird populations. Bring your own snacks, weather-appropriate clothing, camera, and a notebook to chart. You must pre-register here.
January 7th & 14th | 10am – 2pm :: Houston Super Bowl’s Touchdown Tour
Prepping for the February 5th kick off of Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium, get hyped up with these two FREE events for the entire family with hours of games, attractions, vendors, food, and fun. Don’t forget your camera for memorable photo taking action as the city comes together to celebrate America’s game. {Check website for locations.}
January 8th | 10am :: Lisa Loeb in Concert at Barish Sanctuary of Congregation Emanu El
Twenty years after her platinum-selling hit song “Stay”, Grammy®-nominated singer/songwriter Lisa Loeb has channeled her wit, wacky humor, and sparkling creativity into the world of children’s music. Lisa is bringing her original and classic songs for children into the Barish Sanctuary of Congregation Emanu El. This event is FREE and OPEN to all in the community – so fun!
January 14th | 7pm & 10pm :: Grand Opening of Smart Financial Centre with Jerry Seinfeld
The iconic stand up comedian and TV star will headline the grand opening of the Smart Financial Center. Ticket prices range from $65 – $150 with two showings at 7pm and 10pm. This state-of-the-art indoor venue will include various different programming from children’s shows, theatre, renowned artists, and concerts. Various levels of seating will be available including custom suites.
January 15th | 7am :: Chevron Houston Marathon
Spots at this annual event are sold out for participants, but not for spectators! Expect 200,000+ to cheer on the 20,000 amazing athletes as they run the streets of downtown Houston. Watch from the comfort of your home via stream or on ABC13/ESPN3. Or join the excitement of all that race day brings! Here is a list of the top places to get in on the action LIVE.
January 16th | 10am – Noon :: MLK Grande Parade MidTown Houston
Celebrate with Houstonians for the 23rd annual MLK Parade – one of the largest multicultural events in the United States for this historic holiday. Co-lead by the University of Houston marching band and the PVAMU Marching Band, 300,000 plus spectators will see 15 various floats, 150 performing groups, and 30 additional marching bands. View the parade route here.
January 19th | 5pm – 9pm :: 19th Street Sip & Stroll {Sip ‘n Super Bowl}
Join the merchants of 19th street to kick off Third Thursdays for 2017. Event proceeds will benefit Rebuild Houston. This event is FREE and open to the public!
January 21st | 10am – 2pm :: Arbor Day
The Houston Arboretum turns FIFTY this year, and they want to celebrate with you and your family! Enjoy free family-friendly activities – including nature crafts, food trucks, guided nature hikes, woodworking, and more. Arbor Day has never been so much fun.
January 21st | 5:30pm :: Odd Squad — Live! at Jones Hall
Kids ages 5 through 8 years old won’t want to miss this interactive adventure of the Odd Squad! Audience members will be able to participate as they hone their math and problem solving skills. The show will feature all new songs, as well as the “classic” tunes fans have come to know and love. Prepare to laugh, be entertained, sing, and learn! Buy your tickets here.
January 21st & 22nd | 11am – 8pm; 11am – 6pm :: Lunar Lantern Festival
Immerse yourself in the spectrum of Asian cultures with two unforgettable nights of food, music, and entertainment. Bring the family to sample some of the best Asian delicacies from more than 100 vendors with dishes from nearly every different Asian ethnicity such as Thai, Japanese, Vietnamese, Mongolian, Chinese, Korean, and Indonesian. Then, cap off the evening with one of the most dazzling lantern shows you have ever seen! Buy tickets here.
January 28th | 10am – 5pm :: Winterfest
Enjoy a fun-filled day to play in the snow, carnival, petting zoo, inflatables, and more in the heart of Pearland. Bring a canned good to receive $2 off your admission price for pre-sale tickets. Ages 2 and under are FREE!
January 28th | 10am – 4pm :: 2017 Lunar New Year Festival
Celebrate the Year of the Rooster with a full day of family fun including 20+ unique cultural performances, an Asian bazaar, street-style foods, workshops, games, and crafts. The Chinese Community Center promises that this year will be bigger and better than ever! Check their Facebook page regularly for updates.
January 28th | 7pm – 10pm :: KSBJ Presents Girls Night Out
Looking for an inspirational way to kick off 2017 with your girlfriends? Head out to Grace Church Houston for a night of laughter and encouragement for our mommas. Leave behind expectations and to do lists and prepare to rediscover your identity. Plus, hear amazing music from renowned artists like Lysa TerKeurst, Meredith Andrews, and Nazareth. Search for tickets here.
January 30th | 7pm – 10pm :: NFL Opening Night at Minute Maid Park
Super Bowl Opening Night will be the first time the players and coaches meet with the media in Houston for this nationwide favorite event. Fans will sit in the stadium stands and watch thousands of media interview the Super Bowl players. In addition, the event will feature live musical performances from premiere talent, special appearances and autographs by NFL Legends, cheerleaders and team mascots, and a Red Carpet fan photo opportunity.
I don’t know about you, but I am ridiculously excited to usher in all that January and a fresh start has to offer. Don’t forget that our friends over at Club Pilates Memorial & Katy have some amazing deals for you, too! Give it a shot with a 30 minute FREE demo class and 10% off your membership package for the first 3 months. {And save the date for April 7th when their Teacher Training Course begins! Perfect intro for becoming a Pilates instructor or learn for your own personal growth as a Pilates student.} Demo Event Dates are available at the following times ::
And if that wasn’t enough for 2017, here are some other great resources!
The BEST of HMB :: Top 10 Posts of 2016
Houston Murals Guide :: Freshly Updated!
The Ultimate Guide to Houston Photographers
60 Family-Friendly 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 January events around town, include them in the comments to keep the list going as well!
