Discovery Green is hosting something special this December 13. Carols on the Green with the Houston Grand Opera—a celebration of Latin American culture that’s part of HAR’s Home for the Holidays.
And it’s free. It’s outdoors. It’s downtown Houston. And it’s exactly what the holidays need.
What You’re Getting
This isn’t your typical Christmas carol singalong. This is a sophisticated, culturally rich celebration of music curated and conducted by Jorge Parodi, music director of the UH Moores Opera Center and general and artistic director of Opera Hispánica.
The evening features:
- Los Pumas Mariachi Band
- The Segundo Barrio Children’s Chorus
- Members of Houston Grand Opera’s Butler Studio program
- Bauer Family High School Voice Studio
- The renowned Houston Grand Opera Chorus
Traditional Spanish songs. Holiday carols. Mariachi music. Opera. All of it performed by world-class musicians under the stars of downtown Houston.
The Details
Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025 Time: 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM Location: Anheuser-Busch Stage at Discovery Green Cost: Free Address: Discovery Green, downtown Houston
The Anheuser-Busch Stage is a state-of-the-art outdoor concert venue with professional audio and lighting. Behind the performers is a magnificent view of Houston’s downtown skyline.
Why This Matters
Houston’s cultural calendar is packed with events. But how many offer world-class opera, mariachi bands, and children’s choirs performing together under professional production? How many are free?
This is one of Discovery Green’s signature experiences—the kind of event that makes you remember why you live in Houston. It’s sophisticated. It’s accessible. It’s beautiful.
What to Know Before You Go
Bring a blanket or chair. This is an outdoor event, so come prepared for December weather. It’s typically mild but can cool down in the evening.
Arrive early. Signature experiences at Discovery Green draw crowds. Get there early to get a good spot.
Free parking available. Discovery Green offers parking options. Check their directions page for details.
Food and drink available. Discovery Green has restaurants and vendors on-site if you want to grab something before or after the show.
Park rules apply. This is a public park, so standard rules about alcohol, smoking, and conduct apply. Check the park rules online before you go.
About Discovery Green
Discovery Green is Houston’s 12-acre downtown urban park. It’s free and open to the public. The park hosts over 600 free events every year—everything from concerts to art installations to fitness classes to nature programs.
Carols on the Green is part of their winter programming. They’re also running ice skating, holiday lights, and other seasonal experiences through January.
The Bigger Picture
What makes this event special is that it celebrates Latin American culture during the holidays. Houston is a diverse city. This programming reflects that diversity and makes everyone feel included in the holiday celebration.
Instead of just English-language carols, you’re getting Spanish carols. Instead of just traditional Christmas music, you’re getting mariachi and opera. Instead of one style of music, you’re getting multiple traditions coming together.
That’s Houston.
How to Get There
Discovery Green is located in downtown Houston at the corner of Avenida de las Americas and Gray Street, just south of the George R. Brown Convention Center.
Directions: Google Maps or Waze Parking: Visit discoverygreen.com/parking/ for options Public Transit: Discovery Green is accessible via METRORail and bus
Bring Someone You Love
This is the kind of event where you bring someone you care about. A family member. A friend. A partner. Someone with whom you can share something beautiful.
The holidays are about connection. Music is about connection. This event is about both.
December 13. 7:00 PM. Free. Downtown Houston. World-class performers. Latin American holiday music. The Houston Grand Opera.
This is what the holidays should feel like.
For more information, visit discoverygreen.com or call the park directly.
