The holiday season in Houston is full of unforgettable celebrations; whether you are a local Houstonian or just in town visiting, you will be amazed. From ice skating at Discovery Green, taking a stroll under twinkling lights at the zoo, or enjoying an old-fashioned train ride looking ad festive light displays. We are sure you will have a month packed full of fun family holiday festivities.
Galaxy Lights
Space Center Houston
1601 E NASA Pkwy
Houston, TX 77058
Embark on an out-of-this-world adventure when you visit the Space Center during the Holiday season. Space enthusiasts of all ages will be inspired by this fantastic interactive experience presented by Reliant. Explore the space center nightly starting at 6 pm with the last time slot at 9 pm running until January 2. spacecenter.org/galaxy-lights
A Christmas Carol
Alley Theatre
615 Texas Avenue
Houston, Texas 77002
Bah, Humbug! Enjoy a night at the Alley Theater with grumpy Scrooge for a revamped version of A Christmas Carol. This year will be an in-person event, so get your tickets today for this Christmas Carol like no other. The last showing is on December 29. alleytheatre.orghttp://alleytheatre.org
Houston Ballet’s Nutcracker Ballet
Wortham Theater Center
501 Texas Ave.
Houston, TX 77002
Get ready to be taken on a magical adventure to the Kingdom of Sweets with Clara with Stanton Welch’s The Nutcracker Ballet. This holiday classic is perfect for the whole family. You’ll have “Sugar Plum Faries” dancing through your holiday season after seeing this excellent play. Get your tickets online, with day and evening options, with the last showing on December 24. houstonballet.org
Festival of Lights
Moody Gardens
One Hope Boulevard
Galveston, TX 77554
Enjoy a holiday stroll along a mile-long trail with more than one million lights and lighted displays that will take you around the Moody Gardens property with spectacular views of Galveston Bay. You will find stops along that way that will have tasty treats for purchase, plenty of photo opportunities, and make sure to see Star the Dancing Tree of Light. The event runs till January 2, and tickets are available online. moodygardens.com/holiday_season
Gingerbread Build-Off
Levy Park
3801 Eastside St.
Houston, TX 77098
Head out to Levy Park on Saturday, December 11, 2021, to watch competing teams create unique gingerbread masterpieces using 100% edible materials. The event is free and open to the public; there will be a kids’ construction zone, and Santa will make a grand appearance for part of the event. Visit their website for a full schedule. aiahouston.org/v/site-home/Gingerbread-Build-Off/39
Zoo Lights
Houston Zoo
6200 Hermann Park Drive
Houston, TX 77030
TXU Energy celebrates ten years of one of Houston’s best-loved holiday traditions with Zoo Lights at the Houston Zoo. Stroll through the beautifully lit zoo grounds as you take in the sights and sounds of the holiday season. Impressive light displays, fantastic photo opportunities, take a picture with Santa, and so much more. All the animals will be asleep, but don’t let that keep you from visiting because there will be plenty to keep you busy and amazed. Get your tickets online today. houstonzoo.org/events/zoo-lights-2021
The Christmas Train
Victory Camp
1407 Victory Ln #8532
Alvin, TX 77511
Join LS Church at Victory Camp for another year of them hosting the Christmas Train. Victory camp is transformed into a winter wonderland for you and your family to enjoy from an old-fashioned train ride on open-air coaches. Enjoy hundreds of lights and displays, fantastic food, and go-karts. Advanced tickets are recommended to ensure you get your seat on the train, as many nights will sell out. thechristmastrain.com
Lightscape Trail
Houston Botanic Garden
8210 Park Place Blvd.
Houston, TX 77017
The Houston Botanic Garden has been transformed into a magically light display; you’ll travel through the garden on a beautifully illuminated path. This one-of-a-kind experience will take you on a trail that blends new and old collections with impressive towering arch tunnels sparkling with 100,000 lights. Tickets are available for different days and time slots; the event runs until January 2, 2022, from 5:45 – 11 pm. hbg.org/lightscape
Green Mountain Energy Ice at Discovery Green
Discovery Green Conservancy
1500 McKinney
Houston, TX 77010
It isn’t the holiday season without gliding beneath downtown Houston’s glittering lights and discovering the holiday magic at Discovery Green. Green Mountain Energy Ice is back for another holiday season for families to enjoy a day of ice skating, running now until January 30, with various time slots and events throughout the rest of the year. discoverygreen.com/ice
Dasher’s Lightshow
22731 FM 2920
Hockley, TX 77447
Experience the magic of Houston’s original drive-thru Christmas adventure. The family will be in aww as you drive-thru light tunnels, snowmen, and light displays on acres of land all synced up to your favorite holiday songs. Open daily until January 2 from 6 pm – 10:30 pm. Tickets need to be purchased in advance with a designated date and time. dasherslightshow.com/houston/
