Feel the excitement of the holiday season in Texas City! Our guide is your ticket to all the festive events and activities happening around the city. From Texas City old-timers to fresh faces, this guide ensures a holiday experience to remember.
Popular events abound during this magical time, including the enchanting Magical Winter Lights, where vibrant displays and captivating light installations transform the landscape into a winter wonderland. The Nutcracker - Houston Ballet offers a delightful ballet performance perfect for all ages, highlighting the beauty of the classical holiday tale. And the Moody Gardens Festival of Lights is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring an impressive array of light formations and activities in a stunning garden setting. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Texas City
- The Nutcracker - Houston Ballet (Houston)
- Magical Winter Lights (Houston)
- Moody Gardens Festival of Lights (Galveston)
- Holidays at Moody Gardens (Galveston)
- Cleburne Whistle Stop Christmas Market (Cleburne)
- KENNY G - The Miracles and Holiday Hits Tour (Houston)
- Mariah Carey's Christmas Time (Houston)
- A Christmas Carol - Alley Theatre (Houston)
- Home for the Holidays in Old Town Spring (Spring)
- Nacogdoches Nine Flags Christmas Market (Nacogdoches)
See these and even more events listed below!
Texas City Holiday Light Displays
Cleburne Whistle Stop Christmas Market
What to Expect:
"Millions of lights and holiday activities in downtown Cleburne."
Description:
The Cleburne Whistle Stop Christmas Market features millions of lights, holiday festivities, food and gift vendors, and activities like children's train rides and a Living Nativity Scene.
Where: Cleburne | More Info: Cleburne Whistle Stop Christmas Market
Magical Winter Lights
What to Expect:
Interactive lantern festival with life-size dinosaurs and carnival rides.
Description:
Explore over 60 lantern displays, including the Space Maze and Dino Land, featuring life-size dinosaurs and stunning light displays. Enjoy carnival rides, live shows, and mouth-watering treats from various vendors.
Where: Houston | More Info: Magical Winter Lights
Moody Gardens Festival of Lights
What to Expect:
Spectacular light display with themed animations and festive activities.
Description:
Moody Gardens Festival of Lights features a one-mile trail with over two million lights, animated displays, and festive scenes. Enjoy hot cocoa, fireside s'mores, and photo opportunities amidst the holiday music. The event includes attractions like the Arctic Slide, train rides, and holiday 3D films.
Where: Galveston | More Info: Moody Gardens Festival of Lights
Home for the Holidays in Old Town Spring
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with horse-drawn wagon rides and strolling performers.
Description:
Home for the Holidays in Old Town Spring features a spectacular display of twinkling holiday lights, horse-drawn wagon rides, and family-friendly activities, including strolling performers and local entertainers. Visitors can enjoy holiday lights, entertainment, and unique gift ideas from local shops and boutiques.
Where: Spring | More Info: Home for the Holidays in Old Town Spring
Christmas Illuminated - Family Life Church
What to Expect:
Vibrant holiday lights and joyful community celebrations.
Description:
Join Family Life Church for a spectacular holiday event featuring vibrant lights and joyful celebrations, fostering community and faith.
Where: Houston | More Info: Christmas Illuminated - Family Life Church
Holidays at Moody Gardens
What to Expect:
Immersive holiday experience with giant ice sculptures and festive lights.
Description:
Moody Gardens transforms into a holiday destination with ICE LAND, Festival of Lights, ice skating, and various dining options, offering a diverse range of attractions for all ages.
Where: Galveston | More Info: Holidays at Moody Gardens
Sugar Land Holiday Lights
What to Expect:
Spectacular light displays and festive activities.
Description:
Sugar Land Holiday Lights features over 3 million lights, a carnival, Santa Claus, and various themed displays at Constellation Field.
Where: Sugar Land | More Info: Sugar Land Holiday Lights
Dasher's Light Show
What to Expect:
Synchronized light and sound show with Texas-themed displays.
Description:
Dasher's Light Show features over a million lights synchronized to holiday music, creating a vibrant and immersive experience with iconic seasonal displays and unique Texas-themed elements.
Where: Houston | More Info: Dasher's Light Show
The Christmas Train - Victory Camp
What to Expect:
Unique holiday train ride through extensive Christmas lights and displays.
Description:
The Christmas Train at Victory Camp in Alvin offers a unique holiday experience with an old-fashioned train ride through hundreds of thousands of Christmas lights and decorations. Enjoy the ride in open-air coaches and explore the decorated walking trail for photo opportunities. Concessions offer handmade pizza, hot cocoa, cookies, popcorn, and cotton candy.
Where: Alvin | More Info: The Christmas Train - Victory Camp
Festival of Lights at Woodlands Church
What to Expect:
Radiant light displays symbolizing the light of Christ.
Description:
The Festival of Lights at Woodlands Church is a heartwarming celebration featuring radiant light displays symbolizing the light of Christ, with all proceeds supporting local missions.
Where: The Woodlands | More Info: Festival of Lights at Woodlands Church
Tree Lighting Ceremony - Pearland Town Center
What to Expect:
Santa lights the tree with a brief fireworks display.
Description:
Join us at the Pearland Town Center for a festive Tree Lighting Ceremony on November 30th from 6pm to 9pm. Santa will arrive shortly after 6pm to light the Christmas tree, followed by a brief fireworks display. Enjoy live music, dance on our LED dancefloor, and explore our Holiday Gift Market featuring LED swings and seesaws.
Where: Pearland | More Info: Tree Lighting Ceremony - Pearland Town Center
Christmas Tree Lighting - Sugar Land
What to Expect:
Family-friendly holiday celebration with festive live performances and Santa photos.
Description:
The City of Sugar Land's Annual Christmas Tree Lighting features live performances, photos with Santa, family-fun activities, and sweet treats at Sugar Land Town Square.
Where: Sugar Land | More Info: Christmas Tree Lighting - Sugar Land
Santa's Wonderland - College Station
What to Expect:
Dazzling light displays and festive activities for all ages.
Description:
Santa's Wonderland in College Station, Texas, features millions of dazzling lights, REAL Texas snow and ice, and a multitude of cheerful attractions. Discover delightful shops and indulge in delicious food options. The event includes a hayride through millions of lights, Marshall Frostbite's Snow Playground, meeting Texas Santa, snow tubing, and more.
Where: College Station | More Info: Santa's Wonderland - College Station
Tree Lighting Ceremony - Conroe
What to Expect:
Illumination of a 35-foot Christmas tree at Heritage Park.
Description:
The Tree Lighting Ceremony in Conroe marks the official start of the Christmas season with a 35-foot shimmering Christmas tree illuminated at Heritage Park. Santa and Mrs. Claus attend festivities, including a holiday market and kid activity stations.
Where: Conroe | More Info: Tree Lighting Ceremony - Conroe
Texas City Holiday Markets and Shopping
Nacogdoches Nine Flags Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Lighted parade entries from local businesses and individuals.
Description:
The Nacogdoches Nine Flags Christmas Parade features lighted entries from local businesses, schools, and individuals, including decorated floats, vehicles, and walking groups. The event takes place in downtown Nacogdoches, offering live music, vendors, and food trucks.
Where: Nacogdoches | More Info: Nacogdoches Nine Flags Christmas Market
Pearl Holiday Night Market
What to Expect:
Local vendors and live holiday music.
Description:
The Pearl Holiday Night Market features over 60 local vendors offering festive goodies, live music, and a Santa Express Mailbox for kids to drop off their wish lists. Enjoy a variety of holiday treats and shopping in a lively atmosphere.
Where: San Antonio | More Info: Pearl Holiday Night Market
Holiday in The Park - League City
What to Expect:
Largest holiday parade in Galveston County.
Description:
Holiday in The Park - League City is a three-day family-friendly event featuring holiday shopping, food vendors, entertainment, and three parades, including the Grand Night Parade, which is the largest holiday parade in Galveston County.
Where: League City | More Info: Holiday in The Park - League City
Texas City Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Lighting of the Doves Festival - Town Green Park
What to Expect:
Symbolic illumination of giant doves with diverse performances and festive activities.
Description:
The Lighting of the Doves Festival at Town Green Park is a long-standing tradition that signifies the start of the holiday season. It features traditional and international performances, showcasing cultural diversity and holiday traditions. The event includes snow play areas, vendor booths, children's activities, and strolling entertainment, culminating in a special appearance by Santa Claus and a dazzling fireworks display.
Where: The Woodlands | More Info: Lighting of the Doves Festival - Town Green Park
A Christmas Carol - Alley Theatre
What to Expect:
Ebenezer Scrooge's transformative journey guided by 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. Dazzling costumes and stunning sets transport audiences to Victorian England, celebrating love, redemption, and the true spirit of Christmas.
Where: Houston | More Info: A Christmas Carol - Alley Theatre
The Nutcracker - Houston Ballet
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
The Nutcracker by Houston Ballet is a renowned holiday production featuring hundreds of characters, intricate sets, and breathtaking details. It tells the story of Clara's journey through the Land of Snow and the Kingdom of Sweets, culminating in a reunion with the Sugar Plum Fairy. The production offers new discoveries every performance.
Where: Houston | More Info: The Nutcracker - Houston Ballet
Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas in Concert
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 the big screen, accompanied by Danny Elfman's darkly charming score played live by the orchestra.
Where: Houston | More Info: Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas in Concert
Mariah Carey's Christmas Time
What to Expect:
Celebrating 30 years of Mariah Carey's iconic holiday music.
Description:
Mariah Carey's Christmas Time is a spectacular holiday event featuring the global superstar's timeless holiday classics and 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
Swingin’ Christmas with Houston Jazz Orchestra
What to Expect:
Jazz renditions of holiday favorites in a beautifully decorated venue.
Description:
The Houston Jazz Orchestra, accompanied by vocal ensemble SASS, performs jazzy takes on holiday classics like "Joy to the World," "Hark The Herald Angels Sing," and "Jingle Bells." Sparkling decorations, including a 25-foot Christmas tree, adorn Jones Hall.
Where: Houston | More Info: Swingin’ Christmas with Houston Jazz Orchestra
Celebrating Christmas Joy - The Bay Area Chorus of Greater Houston
What to Expect:
Choral holiday concert with diverse musical selections.
Description:
The Bay Area Chorus of Greater Houston presents Celebrating Christmas Joy, a festive holiday concert featuring a variety of choral music to bring joy and cheer to the community.
Where: Houston | More Info: Celebrating Christmas Joy - The Bay Area Chorus of Greater Houston
KENNY G - The Miracles and Holiday Hits Tour
What to Expect:
Signature saxophone performances blending holiday classics with R&B, pop, Latin, and jazz.
Description:
Renowned saxophonist Kenny G presents a delightful mix of holiday classics and fan favorites, infused with his signature fusion of R&B, pop, Latin, and jazz. The show promises to share cherished melodies and spread holiday spirit with everyone.
Where: Houston | More Info: KENNY G - The Miracles and Holiday Hits Tour
A Magical Cirque Christmas - Smart Financial Centre
What to Expect:
World-class entertainers performing holiday music with stunning costumes and acrobatic acts.
Description:
A variety show filled with nostalgia, charm, and awe-inspiring performances for all ages, featuring world-class entertainers performing to your favorite holiday music.
Where: Sugar Land | More Info: A Magical Cirque Christmas - Smart Financial Centre
Hip Hop Nutcracker - Smart Financial Centre
What to Expect:
Contemporary dance spectacle blending hip-hop and Tchaikovsky's music.
Description:
The Hip Hop Nutcracker at Smart Financial Centre features a contemporary dance spectacle blending hip-hop and Tchaikovsky's music, directed by Jennifer Weber. The show includes a powerhouse cast, DJ, violinist, and guest MC Kurtis Blow, celebrating love, community, and the holiday season.
Where: Sugar Land | More Info: Hip Hop Nutcracker - Smart Financial Centre
Twelve Ways of Christmas - The Ensemble Theatre
What to Expect:
Eclectic blend of jazz, R&B, and gospel music.
Description:
The Ensemble Theatre presents "Twelve Ways of Christmas," a heartwarming musical celebration blending colorful jazz, R&B, and gospel. This eclectic blend guides audiences through various holiday experiences, including Romantic Christmas, Military Christmas, Family Christmas, and True Christmas.
Where: Houston | More Info: Twelve Ways of Christmas - The Ensemble Theatre
A Texas Carol Part Deux - A.D. Players Theater
What to Expect:
Dysfunctional family dynamics and holiday hilarity.
Description:
The Dinkel family returns for another Christmas celebration at Mee-Maw's ranch, filled with schemes, politics, and a legendary wild hog.
Where: Houston | More Info: A Texas Carol Part Deux - A.D. Players Theater
A Christmas Story, the Musical - Class Act Theater
What to Expect:
Heartwarming holiday tale with nostalgic humor.
Description:
A Christmas Story, the Musical, presented by Class Act Productions, brings the beloved holiday tale to life with heartwarming characters and nostalgic humor, perfect for families and theater enthusiasts.
Where: The Woodlands | More Info: A Christmas Story, the Musical - Class Act Theater
A Christmas Carol - The Grand 1894 Opera House
What to Expect:
Timeless adaptation of Dickens' classic with heavy doses of humor and song.
Description:
A classic tale by Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol, comes to life at The Grand 1894 Opera House with lush costumes, stunning sets, and a powerful story of redemption.
Where: Galveston | More Info: A Christmas Carol - The Grand 1894 Opera House
The Nutcracker - Houston Repertoire Ballet
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
The Nutcracker by Houston Repertoire Ballet features a stunning production with guest artists from American Ballet Theatre, new stage sets designed by Ian Loveall, and performances at the CFISD Visual Performing Arts Center.
Where: Houston | More Info: The Nutcracker - Houston Repertoire Ballet
Holiday Follies - Stageworks
What to Expect:
Heartwarming holiday performances with festive cheer.
Description:
Stageworks Theatre's Holiday Follies is a family-friendly show filled with heartwarming performances and holiday spirit, featuring a joyful array of songs and dances.
Where: Houston | More Info: Holiday Follies - Stageworks
Christmas Movie at The Texas Theatre
What to Expect:
Unique blend of classic films and live adaptations.
Description:
The Texas Theatre hosts a variety of events, including film screenings and live performances, showcasing a diverse range of cinematic and cultural experiences.
Where: Houston | More Info: Christmas Movie at The Texas Theatre
Houston Urban Nutcracker
What to Expect:
Inclusive holiday ballet performance showcasing Houston's diverse communities.
Description:
Houston's Urban Nutcracker offers a modern, inclusive twist on the holiday classic, celebrating Houston's cultural heritage through dance, music, and narration.
Where: Houston | More Info: Houston Urban Nutcracker
Holly Jolly Jingle - The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
What to Expect:
Large-scale student-led holiday performance.
Description:
Over 500 Conroe ISD students come together for a free holiday performance at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, featuring a joyful celebration of music and community spirit.
Where: The Woodlands | More Info: Holly Jolly Jingle - The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
Dickens on The Strand - Galveston
What to Expect:
Victorian-era themed holiday celebration with parades and live entertainment.
Description:
Dickens on The Strand is a Victorian-era themed holiday festival in Galveston, featuring parades, live entertainment, and costumed vendors selling holiday food, crafts, and gifts.
Where: Galveston | More Info: Dickens on The Strand - Galveston
Merry Memories with Santa - Memorial City
What to Expect:
Interactive Santa visits and festive activities.
Description:
Merry Memories with Santa - Memorial City offers a delightful holiday experience with Santa visits, festive activities, and family-friendly entertainment.
Where: Houston | More Info: Merry Memories with Santa - Memorial City
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride - Galveston Railroad Museum
What to Expect:
Immersive theatrical experience with live performances and Santa's visit.
Description:
The Polar Express Train Ride at the Galveston Railroad Museum is a theatrical re-creation of the classic children's story, where passengers embark on a one-hour journey to meet Santa. The event features live performances, hot chocolate, cookies, and a special appearance by Santa Claus. Each guest receives a silver sleigh bell as the first gift of Christmas.
Where: Galveston | More Info: THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride - Galveston Railroad Museum
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ - Texas State Railroad
What to Expect:
Unique holiday train ride with Santa and festive activities.
Description:
The Polar Express train ride at Texas State Railroad is a captivating journey where families and friends relive the magic of the classic children's book. The train departs from the Palestine Depot, featuring festive settings and costumed characters. Onboard, chefs serve hot chocolate and cookies while reciting the story, and Santa greets passengers with a silver sleigh bell. The adventure includes singing joyous Christmas carols and offers various seating classes with unique experiences.
Where: Palestine | More Info: THE POLAR EXPRESS™ - Texas State Railroad
Main Street Tree Lighting - Seabrook
What to Expect:
Community event with free hot cocoa and cookies, live music, and Santa's visit.
Description:
The Main Street Tree Lighting in Seabrook features hot chocolate, cookies, local vendors, and musical performances by area schools, culminating in the lighting of the Christmas tree with a special appearance by Santa Claus.
Where: Seabrook | More Info: Main Street Tree Lighting - Seabrook
Cookies & Cocoa with Santa & Friends - The Woodlands
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday gathering with Santa and friends.
Description:
Join Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, and their friends at the Woodlands Township Recreation Center for a delightful morning of hot cocoa and cookies. Enjoy the festive atmosphere and cheerful company.
Where: The Woodlands | More Info: Cookies & Cocoa with Santa & Friends - The Woodlands
The Great Elf Show
What to Expect:
Interactive elf performance with holiday-themed activities.
Description:
The Great Elf Show is an entertaining event featuring an engaging performance by elves, adding to the holiday cheer at Victory Camp.
Where: Alvin | More Info: The Great Elf Show
Texas City Other Holiday Activities
Holiday in the Park - Bellaire
What to Expect:
Snow slides and live music from local choirs.
Description:
Join us at Holiday in the Park in Bellaire, where we welcome the holiday season with lots of snow, music from local choirs, and family fun.
Where: Bellaire | More Info: Holiday in the Park - Bellaire
Deck the Depot Tree Lighting - Tomball Depot
What to Expect:
First snow of the season and local performances.
Description:
Join Santa and his merry crew for a festive celebration filled with holiday cheer. Enjoy free hot chocolate and holiday treats while supplies last. The event features cheerful holiday tunes, local performances by Cool Freddie E. & The Crew, and the lighting of the Christmas tree by Mayor Lori Klein Quinn. It's a perfect way to kick off your holiday celebrations with an evening full of joy and twinkling lights.
Where: Tomball | More Info: Deck the Depot Tree Lighting - Tomball Depot
Christmas Village at Bayou Bend
What to Expect:
Immersive holiday experience with live actors and festive decorations.
Description:
Christmas Village at Bayou Bend features a dazzling bridge leading to a 14-acre estate filled with thousands of lights, live actors, and festive decorations. Highlights include a handcrafted model train, sledding down a faux-snow slide, cotton snowball fights, and holiday-themed games. Visitors can also enjoy live music, 3-D video animation, and unique holiday gifts at the Cottage Shop.
Where: Houston | More Info: Christmas Village at Bayou Bend
Old-Time Christmas
What to Expect:
Family-friendly Christmas tree farm with cut-your-own and pre-cut trees.
Description:
Old Time Christmas Tree Farm offers a family-friendly experience with cut-your-own Christmas trees, pre-cut trees, and various activities like hayrides and a petting zoo. The farm is conveniently located in Spring, Texas, just minutes north of Houston.
Where: Houston | More Info: Old-Time Christmas
Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops
What to Expect:
Free photos with Santa Claus.
Description:
Santa's Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops offers families a special holiday experience with free photos with Santa Claus, a variety of outdoor gear, and festive activities.
Where: Houston | More Info: Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops
Pictures with Santa - First Colony Mall
What to Expect:
Personalized holiday photos with Santa Claus.
Description:
At First Colony Mall, Pictures with Santa offers a delightful opportunity for families to capture cherished moments with Santa Claus. The event is designed to create lasting memories, with Santa available for photos in a festive setting.
Where: Sugar Land | More Info: Pictures with Santa - First Colony Mall
Jingle on the Boardwalk
What to Expect:
Live music and holiday-themed activities.
Description:
Jingle on the Boardwalk is a lively event featuring live music, holiday-themed activities, and festive decorations.
Where: Kemah | More Info: Jingle on the Boardwalk
Big Al’s Pizza Parlor
What to Expect:
Unique holiday dining experience with homemade pizza and festive treats.
Description:
Big Al’s Pizza Parlor offers handmade deep-dish pizza, hot cocoa, cookies, popcorn, and cotton candy in a festive setting with sparkling lights.
Where: Alvin | More Info: Big Al’s Pizza Parlor
Go-kart track
What to Expect:
Largest outdoor karting track in the Houston area.
Description:
MSR Houston Karting features the largest outdoor track in the Houston area, offering 10-minute karting sessions and an inclusive environment for all ages. The track is perfect for parties and corporate events, ensuring a great time for everyone.
Where: Alvin | More Info: Go-kart track
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Galveston (9 miles)
- League City (14 miles)
- Friendswood (21 miles)
- La Porte (21 miles)
- Alvin (21 miles)
- Baytown (25 miles)
- Deer Park (26 miles)
- Pearland (26 miles)
- Pasadena (28 miles)
- Channelview (30 miles)
- Cloverleaf (32 miles)
- Houston (38 miles)
- Lake Jackson (40 miles)
- Missouri City (41 miles)