Holiday cheer is here, Houston! Let our guide lead you to all the festive fun. Whether you're a Houston insider or an outsider looking in, this guide ensures you don't miss a moment of joy.
Popular Events: Step into the magic of the holiday season with Houston Ballet’s enchanting performance of The Nutcracker, where you can experience the classic tale brought to life through stunning choreography and music. Delight in the joyous sounds of the season at Mariah Carey's Christmas Time, showcasing her iconic style and festive spirit. And definitely don't forget A Christmas Carol, a timeless story that captures the essence of generosity and redemption during this special time of year. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Houston
- Houston Ballet - The Nutcracker
- A Christmas Carol
- Mariah Carey's Christmas Time
- Zoo Lights
- Galaxy Lights
- Moody Gardens Holiday Attractions (Galveston)
- Festival of Lights (Galveston)
- Magical Winter Lights (Katy)
- A Magical Cirque Christmas (Sugar Land)
- The Polar Express Train Rides (Galveston)
See these and even more events listed below!
Houston Holiday Light Displays
Galaxy Lights
What to Expect:
Space-inspired light displays saluting Houston's part in space history.
Description:
Galaxy Lights at Space Center Houston is a space-themed holiday light show featuring dynamic and intensive light installations, interactive exhibits, and hands-on activities that celebrate the intersection of space exploration and holiday magic.
Where: Houston | More Info: Galaxy Lights
Zoo Lights
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday light displays with digital map navigation.
Description:
TXU Energy presents Zoo Lights is a holiday lights experience featuring twinkling paths and colorful displays at the Houston Zoo, open from November 17, 2023, to January 7, 2024.
Where: Houston | More Info: Zoo Lights
Magical Winter Lights
What to Expect:
Interactive lantern displays and live shows.
Description:
Magical Winter Lights is a spectacular holiday event featuring over 60 lantern displays, including the Space Maze and Dino Land, with larger-than-life lanterns, a towering Christmas tree, and animal kingdoms. The event also includes carnival rides, live shows, and mouth-watering treats from various vendors and food trucks.
Where: Katy | More Info: Magical Winter Lights
Festival of Lights
What to Expect:
Two million lights along a mile-long trail.
Description:
A mile-long trail illuminated by two million lights, themed to holiday music, offering a visually stunning display of seasonal decorations.
Where: Galveston | More Info: Festival of Lights
Moody Gardens Holiday Attractions
What to Expect:
Extensive holiday light displays and interactive attractions.
Description:
Moody Gardens offers a diverse array of holiday attractions, including ICE LAND, Festival of Lights, and an Ice Skating Rink, set amidst breathtaking natural surroundings. The resort features educational activities, dining options, and exciting entertainment for all ages.
Where: Galveston | More Info: Moody Gardens Holiday Attractions
Sugar Land Holiday Lights
What to Expect:
Over 3 million lights and festive activities.
Description:
Sugar Land Holiday Lights features over 3 million lights, a carnival, holiday vendors, and Santa Claus at Constellation Field.
Where: Sugar Land | More Info: Sugar Land Holiday Lights
Radiant Nature
What to Expect:
Interactive Chinese lantern installations with immersive, Instagram-worthy features.
Description:
Radiant Nature is a Chinese lantern festival featuring over 50 larger-than-life installations and interactive activities set among the display gardens of the Houston Botanic Garden. The event celebrates traditional Chinese lantern festivals with hand-painted fabric and is suitable for all ages.
Where: Houston | More Info: Radiant Nature
The Light Park
What to Expect:
Synchronized light and sound show.
Description:
The Light Park is a mile-long, drive-thru spectacle featuring millions of synchronized lights and festive music, perfect for a holiday celebration.
Where: Houston | More Info: The Light Park
City Lights Downtown Holiday Magic
What to Expect:
11 themed holiday villages with diverse attractions.
Description:
City Lights Downtown Holiday Magic presented by Shell Energy transforms downtown Houston into a vibrant holiday destination with 11 themed villages, featuring spectacular lights, ice skating, and family-friendly activities.
Where: Houston | More Info: City Lights Downtown Holiday Magic
Santa’s Wonderland
What to Expect:
Dazzling light displays and festive activities.
Description:
Santa’s Wonderland is a grand outdoor Christmas celebration in College Station, Texas, featuring millions of dazzling lights, REAL Texas snow and ice, and a multitude of cheerful attractions. Enjoy hayrides, Marshall Frostbite's Snow Playground, meeting Texas Santa, snow tubing, and more. The event includes nightly live entertainment, specialty Texas-sized food and drinks, train rides, bull rides, photo ops, and Christmas shopping opportunities.
Where: College Station | More Info: Santa’s Wonderland
Lone Star Lights
What to Expect:
Immersive light displays and interactive activities.
Description:
Lone Star Lights is a premier Christmas experience featuring over a million lights, immersive thematic zones, and a variety of activities including a petting farm, snow zone, and live entertainment. Guests can also enjoy local food and retail vendors, as well as a dinner theater performance by A.D. Players. The event offers multiple lodging options to enhance the experience.
Where: Caroline Creek | More Info: Lone Star Lights
Cistern Illuminated
What to Expect:
Interactive light and sound installation with unique acoustic qualities.
Description:
Cistern Illuminated is an immersive light and sound installation in the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern, featuring new interactive elements and showcasing the Cistern’s repeating columns and their uncanny reflections on the glassy water below. The event highlights the space’s extraordinary acoustics with special choral performances.
Where: Houston | More Info: Cistern Illuminated
Houston Holiday Shows and Entertainment
A Christmas Carol
What to Expect:
Ebenezer Scrooge's transformative journey guided by three Christmas ghosts.
Description:
A timeless adaptation of Charles Dickens' novella, A Christmas Carol, follows Ebenezer Scrooge as he encounters the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, transforming from a miserly loner to a benevolent benefactor. The production features dazzling costumes and stunning sets, transporting audiences to Victorian England.
Where: Houston | More Info: A Christmas Carol
Houston Ballet - The Nutcracker
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
Houston Ballet's The Nutcracker is a cherished Houston tradition featuring Stanton Welch's production, boasting hundreds of characters, intricate sets, and breathtaking details. After the annual Stahlbaum Christmas party, Clara embarks on a journey through the dazzling Land of Snow to the radiant Kingdom of Sweets alongside Drosselmeyer and the Prince. Witness their reunion with the Sugar Plum Fairy amidst the clouds, where true magic unfolds.
Where: Houston | More Info: Houston Ballet - The Nutcracker
Mariah Carey's Christmas Time
What to Expect:
Celebration of Mariah Carey's iconic holiday music.
Description:
Mariah Carey's Christmas Time features the global superstar's timeless holiday classics alongside fan-favorite chart-toppers, celebrating the 30-year anniversary of her Merry Christmas album and "All I Want For Christmas Is You."
Where: Houston | More Info: Mariah Carey's Christmas Time
The Polar Express Train Rides
What to Expect:
Immersive holiday experience with live entertainment and Santa's visit.
Description:
The Polar Express Train Ride is a family-oriented event where passengers embark on a round-trip journey to the North Pole, led by talented actors and set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack. The conductor punches golden tickets, and hot chocolate and cookies are served by dancing chefs. Passengers read along with the classic children’s book, The Polar Express, and meet Santa Claus.
Where: Galveston | More Info: The Polar Express Train Rides
A Magical Cirque Christmas
What to Expect:
World-class variety show with America's Got Talent's Duo Transcend.
Description:
A variety show featuring world-class entertainers performing to your favorite holiday music, with stunning costumes and awe-inspiring performances for all ages.
Where: Sugar Land | More Info: A Magical Cirque Christmas
Nightmare Before Christmas - Film with Live Orchestra
What to Expect:
Live orchestral performance of Danny Elfman's iconic score.
Description:
Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas is projected in its entirety on a big screen, accompanied by Danny Elfman's darkly charming score played live by the orchestra.
Where: Houston | More Info: Nightmare Before Christmas - Film with Live Orchestra
Houston Other Holiday Activities
ICE at Discovery Green
What to Expect:
Inclusive skating nights for guests with disabilities.
Description:
Green Mountain Energy Ice at Discovery Green is an outdoor skating rink offering a unique winter experience with regular and discounted admission options, including Cheap Skate Mondays. The rink is open from November 15 through February 2, with special events and inclusive skating nights.
Where: Houston | More Info: ICE at Discovery Green
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Pasadena (11 miles)
- Cloverleaf (12 miles)
- Alief (14 miles)
- Missouri City (14 miles)
- Pearland (15 miles)
- Deer Park (15 miles)
- Channelview (15 miles)
- Mission Bend (19 miles)
- Friendswood (19 miles)
- Sugar Land (19 miles)
- Atascocita (20 miles)
- La Porte (22 miles)
- Spring (22 miles)
- Baytown (23 miles)
- League City (24 miles)
- Alvin (25 miles)
- Cypress (25 miles)
- The Woodlands (28 miles)
- Rosenberg (30 miles)
- Texas City (38 miles)
- Conroe (38 miles)