The holiday season transforms Houston into a wonderland of lights, music, and celebrations. Whether you’re looking for classic Christmas traditions, unique local events, or fun activities for the whole family, Houston offers an array of festive experiences. Here’s a list of 35 Christmas things to do in Houston this holiday season, guaranteed to fill your calendar with joy and holiday cheer.
Top Christmas Activities in Houston
1. Zoo Lights at the Houston Zoo
- Location: Houston Zoo, 6200 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX
- Details: Millions of sparkling lights transform the zoo into a winter wonderland. Walk through colorful tunnels, see giant lighted animal sculptures, and enjoy seasonal treats like hot chocolate and s’mores.
2. Magical Winter Lights in La Marque
- Location: Gulf Greyhound Park, 1000 FM 2004, La Marque, TX
- Details: This massive lantern festival features themed displays, from the Dinosaur Kingdom to a dazzling castle. Enjoy live entertainment, carnival rides, and interactive areas for children.
3. Ice Skating at Discovery Green
- Location: Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney St, Houston, TX
- Details: Skate under the stars on an outdoor rink in downtown Houston. The rink offers skate rentals and hosts themed nights, making it a fun outing for couples, families, and groups.
4. Houston Ballet’s The Nutcracker
- Location: Wortham Theater Center, 501 Texas Ave, Houston, TX
- Details: A holiday classic, The Nutcracker, performed by the Houston Ballet, brings the magic of the season to life with stunning sets, costumes, and choreography.
5. Holiday Shopping at the Houston Galleria
- Location: Houston Galleria, 5085 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX
- Details: With high-end shops and festive decorations, the Galleria is a great spot to tackle your holiday shopping. Snap a photo with Santa and admire the massive Christmas tree in the mall’s center.
6. Christmas Village at Bayou Bend
- Location: Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens, 6003 Memorial Dr, Houston, TX
- Details: Stroll through beautifully decorated gardens filled with Christmas lights, enjoy live music, and sample holiday treats. Don’t miss the Christmas village display with interactive activities for kids.
7. Moody Gardens Festival of Lights
- Location: Moody Gardens, 1 Hope Blvd, Galveston, TX
- Details: This event features more than 100 lighted scenes and holiday music. Enjoy the Arctic Slide, 3D holiday films, and festive train rides along the waterfront.
8. Holiday Markets at CityCentre
- Location: CityCentre, 800 Town and Country Blvd, Houston, TX
- Details: Shop for unique gifts and enjoy live entertainment at the CityCentre holiday markets. With decorated streets, festive food stalls, and a beautiful Christmas tree, this is a great spot for holiday cheer.
9. The Mayor’s Holiday Spectacular
- Location: Hermann Square, 900 Smith St, Houston, TX
- Details: This free annual event includes a massive tree lighting, fireworks, live music, and appearances from Santa and local performers. It’s the perfect kickoff to the holiday season.
10. Santa’s Wonderland
- Location: 18898 Hwy 6, College Station, TX
- Details: Santa’s Wonderland offers hayrides, snow machines, and over four million lights. Explore themed villages, meet Santa, and try seasonal treats.
11. Lights in the Heights
- Location: Woodland Heights neighborhood, Houston, TX
- Details: Walk through beautifully decorated streets featuring live music and festive gatherings. This neighborhood tradition is beloved for its community feel and spectacular decorations.
12. Houston Symphony Christmas Concerts
- Location: Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana St, Houston, TX
- Details: The Houston Symphony hosts several holiday concerts, including the beloved “Very Merry Pops.” Enjoy holiday classics performed by one of the city’s premier orchestras.
13. Christmas Boat Lane Parade on Clear Lake
- Location: Clear Lake, TX
- Details: Watch boats decked out in holiday lights sail down Clear Lake. The best views are from Kemah Boardwalk and other nearby shores.
14. Santa Hustle 5K and Half Marathon
- Location: Moody Gardens, 1 Hope Blvd, Galveston, TX
- Details: Join a festive run through Moody Gardens with participants dressed as Santa, holiday treats along the route, and Christmas music. Finishers receive a Santa hat and a medal.
15. Tomball German Christmas Market & Festival
- Location: Old Town Tomball, 201 S Elm St, Tomball, TX
- Details: Celebrate with German food, live polka music, and over 200 vendors offering crafts and gifts. The market has activities for kids, including pony rides and a petting zoo.
16. Christmas at Kemah Boardwalk
- Location: 215 Kipp Ave, Kemah, TX
- Details: Kemah Boardwalk becomes a holiday wonderland with nightly Christmas light shows, Santa visits, and festive decor. Ride the Ferris wheel for a view of the lights over the bay.
17. Enchanted: A Magical Christmas Experience
- Location: Houston Raceway Park, 2525 FM 565, Baytown, TX
- Details: Explore a Christmas village, get lost in a light maze, go ice skating, and visit Santa. This immersive experience is full of interactive holiday displays.
18. Pecan Grove Christmas Lights
- Location: Pecan Grove neighborhood, Richmond, TX
- Details: Drive through this neighborhood known for its synchronized light displays and themed decorations. Tune your car radio to a local station to hear music synchronized with the lights.
19. Old Town Spring Home for the Holidays
- Location: 403 Main St, Spring, TX
- Details: Experience Old Town Spring with vintage Christmas decor, unique shops, and seasonal entertainment. Enjoy warm cider while browsing holiday gifts in the charming historic town.
20. Holiday Tea at the St. Regis
- Location: St. Regis Hotel, 1919 Briar Oaks Ln, Houston, TX
- Details: Indulge in an elegant holiday-themed afternoon tea, complete with seasonal pastries, delicate sandwiches, and even Santa appearances on select dates.
21. Sugar Land Holiday Lights
- Location: Constellation Field, 1 Stadium Dr, Sugar Land, TX
- Details: Over three million lights illuminate themed displays throughout Constellation Field. Shop from vendors, enjoy seasonal foods, and take a photo with Santa.
22. Buffalo Bayou Cistern Holiday Lights
- Location: Buffalo Bayou Park, 105 Sabine St, Houston, TX
- Details: Explore Houston’s historic underground cistern transformed with mesmerizing holiday light displays. Guided tours add context to the magical atmosphere.
23. Photos with Santa at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s
- Location: Katy, TX, and Pearland, TX
- Details: Both locations offer free professional Santa photos, holiday crafts for kids, and festive activities in a winter wonderland setting.
24. Christmas Eve Services at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church
- Location: 717 Sage Rd, Houston, TX
- Details: St. Martin’s Episcopal Church hosts beautifully lit traditional midnight services with live music, scripture readings, and a peaceful ambiance.
25. Holiday Theater Performances at Alley Theatre
- Location: 615 Texas Ave, Houston, TX
- Details: Enjoy festive performances such as A Christmas Carol, staged in the heart of downtown Houston. The intimate setting and incredible acting make for a memorable holiday outing.
26. Polar Express Train Ride
- Location: Texas State Railroad, Palestine, TX
- Details: Take a magical train ride inspired by the beloved Polar Express book. Enjoy hot cocoa, storytelling, and a special visit from Santa during the journey.
27. Houston Museum of Natural Science Holiday Events
- Location: 5555 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX
- Details: The museum hosts holiday-themed exhibits and events, including festive film screenings at the planetarium and special seasonal activities for families.
28. Holiday Pop-Up Bars
- Locations: Mistletoe on Main (Spring, TX), Miracle on Bagby (Downtown Houston)
- Details: Enjoy specialty holiday-themed cocktails and festive decor. These bars are perfect for adults looking for a cheerful evening out.
29. Gingerbread House Decorating at Local Bakeries
- Location: Select bakeries across Houston, including Three Brothers Bakery
- Details: Sign up for family-friendly workshops where you can create your own gingerbread masterpiece with professional guidance and delicious materials.
30. Tomball’s Night of Lights
- Location: Old Town Tomball, TX
- Details: This community event features live entertainment, a Christmas tree lighting, and holiday food vendors. The quaint downtown area is beautifully decorated for the season.
31. Holiday Karaoke at Truck Yard Houston
- Location: 2118 Lamar St, Houston, TX
- Details: Sing your favorite Christmas songs with friends while enjoying holiday drinks and food truck fare at this lively outdoor venue.
32. Holiday Craft Markets at Sawyer Yards
- Location: 2101 Winter St, Houston, TX
- Details: Browse handmade gifts, jewelry, and art from local artisans while enjoying food trucks and live music.
33. Candlelight Tours at Sam Houston Park
- Location: 1100 Bagby St, Houston, TX
- Details: Tour historic homes decked out in holiday decorations, with guides sharing stories about Christmas traditions from the 19th century.
34. Christmas Tree Farm Visits
- Locations: Spring Creek Growers (Magnolia, TX), Dewberry Farm (Brookshire, TX)
- Details: Visit local tree farms for a classic holiday experience. Many farms also offer activities like hayrides, hot cocoa, and opportunities to cut down your own tree.
35. Christmas Eve Pajama Party at iPic Theater
- Location: River Oaks District, Houston, TX
- Details: Watch a classic holiday film in comfort while wearing your coziest PJs. Enjoy gourmet snacks and drinks served directly to your plush theater seat.
Enjoy Houston’s Best Christmas Events
With these festive events, Houston has something for everyone this holiday season! From stunning light displays and unique shopping to seasonal concerts and immersive experiences, there’s no shortage of Christmas cheer across the city. Whether you’re a lifelong Houstonian or visiting for the holidays, enjoy these festive traditions and make unforgettable holiday memories.
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