Houston, Texas, is a popular destination for spending winters in North America due to its relatively warmer subtropical climate. Each year, it attracts plenty of visitors due to its amazing sights and excellent facilities. The city that houses the largest healthcare destination in the world, Texas Medical Center, comes alive during Christmas. Galaxy Lights, a technologically advanced light show, is organized by Space Center Houston to celebrate Christmas and is totally worth checking out. Moreover, numerous shows and carnivals such as Magical Winter Lights are held in and around the city to commemorate the festive season.
Are you eager to find out more about Christmas festivities that can be found in this part of the Lone Star State? Read on to discover the top things to do at Christmas in Houston, Texas.
1. Take part in Deck the Trees
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
A beloved holiday tradition held at Alley Theatre for the past 15 years, Deck the Trees serves as a celebration and a fundraiser. It supports the theater’s educational, community, and artistic initiatives, and evokes the Christmas spirit of giving. This year the event will commence on November 18, 2022 and last till January 2, 2023.
During the Christmas season, the lobby of Alley Theatre and window scape at the George R. Brown Convention Center exhibit rows of wonderfully decorated Christmas trees. Don’t forget to take holiday selfies when you go to attend the fantastic stage plays held at Alley Theatre!
Deck the Trees – A Season of Giving
Address: 615 Texas Ave, Houston, TX 77002, USA
Website: Deck the Trees – A Season of Giving
2. Enjoy a magical evening on the ice
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Presented by Green Mountain Energy, the seasonal ice rink at Discovery Green park is a welcome treat the denizens of Houston look forward to every year. It’s a fun activity for families and friends, where everyone can skate safely to some great music. Special, themed events are organized that allow skaters of all ages to have a great time on the ice.
Green Mountain Energy Ice at Discovery Green
Address: 1500 McKinney St, Houston, TX 77010, USA
Website: Green Mountain Energy Ice at Discovery Green
Opening hours: Mon – Thu: 5pm - 10pm; Fri: 5pm - 11pm; Sat: 11am - 11pm; Sun: 11am – 8pm (varies on holidays)
Price: 17 USD (plus tax)
3. Let the Galaxy Lights mesmerize you at Space Center Houston
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Space Center Houston on Tuesday, November 24, 2020
The Galaxy Lights is a special holiday exhibit from the brilliant and artistic minds at Space Center Houston. Visitors can expect intense and dynamic light shows choreographed to perfection. However, it’s not all about fun and games as revelers can also gain some knowledge by watching the interactive show, Celebrate Light. Moreover, Galaxy Lights presents the opportunity to understand more about the solar system with the help of large-scale, illuminated models of each planet. Visitors can even purchase an extra layer of clothing, scarves, and hats from the gift shop as memorabilia.
As a precaution, do note that guests with light-sensitive conditions must prepare accordingly.
Space Center Houston Galaxy Lights
Address: 1601 E NASA Pkwy, Houston, TX 77058, USA
Website: Space Center Houston Galaxy Lights
Opening hours: Nov 12 - Jan 1: 6pm - 10pm (closed on Nov 24 & Dec 8, 24, 25)
Price: 19.95 USD
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4. Watch A Christmas Carol at Alley Theatre
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
A Christmas Carol, the classic novel by Charles Dickens, has been adapted for the stage by director Rob Melrose at Alley Theatre. You’re in for a delightful feast for the senses as you watch this traditional story unfold in a witty, evocative manner. Experience the dramatic delivery and music, all performed in period-accurate Victorian costumes, to create everlasting memories.
Guests with different disabilities can enjoy captioned and audio-described performance of the show on November 27.
A Christmas Carol at Alley Theatre
Address: 615 Texas Ave, Houston, TX 77002, USA
Website: A Christmas Carol at Alley Theatre
Opening hours: Nov 18 - Dec 30 : 1pm, 2pm, 6pm & 7pm (show time varies per date)
Price: from 39 USD
5. Have breakfast with Santa in Downtown Aquarium
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Make the season merry and bright at our Breakfast with Santa event! Call to make your reservations today.
Posted by Downtown Aquarium - Houston on Friday, November 2, 2018
Start a fun-filled day at Downtown Aquarium, a public aquarium and restaurant, by joining Santa for a scrumptious breakfast buffet along with their mascot, Sharkey. Make new friends as you try out the exciting themed rides and carnival-style games. If you’d rather make some new furry, leathery, or scaly friends, you can meet them at their respective animal exhibits at the park’s zoo and aquarium.
Christmas To Go Packs are made available during the festive season and help patrons order takeaway holiday meals.
Breakfast with Santa - Downtown Aquarium
Address: 410 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002, United States
Website: Breakfast with Santa - Downtown Aquarium
Opening hours: Dec 10, 11, 17, 18, 21 - 24 (times vary on booking)
Price: All Day Pass: 24.99 USD for adults; 22.99 USD for children (Breakfast with Santa requires separate reservation)
6. Admire the Texas Winter Lights at Marriott Marquis Houston
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Fall is officially here, time to plan for the holidays. We’re bringing Texas Winter Lights back November 11 - January 3!...
Posted by Marriott Marquis Houston on Wednesday, September 22, 2021
Altitude Rooftop & Pool at Marriott Marquis Houston is transformed into a beautiful light-filled holiday venue during Christmas. What awaits you is a menu of winter-themed feasts and exquisite seasonal cocktails. You are welcome to take a dip in the heated lazy river underneath the dazzling lights. Also, be sure to snuggle up for Thursday’s movie nights, while for Fridays you can get free hot cocoa by dressing up in your holiday sweater.
If you’re staying at Marriott Marquis Houston, then access to the Texas Winter Lights is also included as part of your accommodations.
Texas Winter Lights at the Marriott Marquis Houston
Address: 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010, USA
Website: Texas Winter Lights
Opening hours: Nov 11 - Jan 8: 5pm - 10pm
Price: from 25 USD
7. Witness a memorable performance of The Nutcracker by Houston Ballet
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Perhaps the most-remembered of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s works, The Nutcracker has become a worldwide Christmas custom. Ballet companies all over prepare and practice vigorously for this seasonal production. Enjoy this holiday classic by Houston Ballet this Christmas to create everlasting memories. It is choreographed by award-winning dancer, choreographer, and Houston Ballet’s artistic director, Stanton Welch and audiences can expect an exciting and unforgettable performance.
By purchasing the VIP experience, you can enjoy sweet treats and complimentary beverages. That’s not all, you are welcomed on stage after the show’s conclusion and presented with a commemorative gift.
The Nutcracker by Houston Ballet
Address: 501 Texas Avenue at Smith Street Houston, TX 77002
Website: The Nutcracker
Opening hours: Nov 25 - Dec 27 (show time varies per date)
Price: from 30 USD
8. Brighten up your Christmas holiday with Zoo Lights Houston
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
If you’re visiting Houston Zoo, then you should definitely check out Zoo Lights Houston, a spectacular Christmas light show. You can enjoy the creative lights that welcome the festive season and brighten the mood. Walk amongst the extraordinary illuminations depicting your favorite creatures, including dinosaurs.
Be sure to warm up with some hot chocolate along the way as you walk through the exhibit’s route. But if you’re in need of a break or some nourishment, grab some delectable dinner at the restaurants nearby.
Zoo Lights Houston
Address: 6200 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030, USA
Website: Zoo Lights Houston
Opening hours: Nov 18 - Jan 8: 5:30pm - 10:30pm (closed on Dec 7, 24 & 25)
Price: from 12.90 USD
9. Enjoy an immersive Christmas experience at Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Situated on the grounds of The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, the Christmas Village at Bayou Bend turns the 14-acre (609,840-sq ft) estate into a holiday wonderland. Feel the Christmas cheer as carolers welcome visitors with their music. If you want to buy souvenirs, there are plenty of cottage shops that might have what you’re looking for. Drinks are available at the bar and other beverages and meals can be purchased at Mrs. Claus’s Kitchen, a food truck.
Exciting games such as scavenger hunt and antler rings abound and can be enjoyed by everyone. You can try the faux snow slide with friends, or split into teams and have a cotton snowball fight.
Christmas Village at Bayou Bend
Address: 6003 Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77007, USA
Website: Christmas Village at Bayou Bend
Opening hours: Dec 9 - 10, Dec 16 - 17, Dec 22 - 23, and Dec 30: 5:30pm - 10pm; Dec 11 - 15, Dec 18 - 21, and Dec 26 - 29: 5:30pm - 9pm
Price: 15 USD for adults; 10 USD for children (ages 5-12); free for children aged four and younger.
10. Let the Lightscape at Houston Botanic Garden dazzle your Christmas holiday
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Months of planning and weeks of installation all come down to this...Lightscape makes its public debut at the Houston...
Posted by Houston Botanic Garden on Friday, November 19, 2021
Marvel at the mystical displays and installations that illuminates the Botanic Garden trail. Created by artists from all over the world, the various Lightscape installations are a sight to behold. Be sure to take plenty of holiday selfies and videos to brag to your friends as you make your way through the wondrous displays, including the fan-favorite arch tunnel shining with 100,000 lights.
Food and beverages are available should you need to re-energize, as well as fire pits for roasting s'mores and marshmallows.
Lightscape at Houston Botanic Garden
Address: 1 Botanic Lane, Houston, TX 77017, USA
Website: Lightscape at Houston Botanic Garden
Opening hours: Nov 18 - Jan 1: 5:30pm - 10:00pm, latest entry by 8:30pm (closed on Nov 21-22, 24, 28-30; Dec 1, 5-7, 12-13, 25)
Price: from 26 USD for adults; 16 USD for children (age 3-15); free admission for infants (age 0-2)
Houston isn't just about space exploration
Houston, nicknamed Space City, has so much to offer in addition to its excellent modern infrastructure and facilities. It is a traveler’s paradise that comes alive during the Christmas season. Visit Houston during the holidays and refer to our list of the top things to do at Christmas in Houston for a truly memorable experience.
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