Event Roundup: What's Happening this Christmas Weekend

Happy Friday and happy holiday weekend! Looking for festive activities to enjoy with family over the next few days? Here are some fun happenings around town. *Note: Please check individual event websites for any weather-related updates. Stay safe and warm! 

Santa at Saint Arnold 
Santa will make a stop at Saint Arnold Brewing today for free family photos, 1-4 p.m.

There is 100 percent chance of snow at Children's Museum Houston, Dec. 17-Jan. 8. Come play in the snow! 

Snow Days at Children’s Museum Houston
There’s 100 percent chance of snow projected for the Children’s Museum Houston through Dec. 28. The courtyard is transformed into a winter wonderland. The Museum will be open on Christmas Eve, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., and closed on Christmas Day. 

Houston Rockets vs. Dallas Mavericks
The Rockets take on the Mavs at Toyota Center today, 7 p.m. 

Glide around The Ice at Discovery Green this holiday season. (Photo: Katya Horner)

Green Mountain Energy Ice at Discovery Green 
Glide around the ice at Discovery Green. Tonight, DJ Mohawk Steve plays some of the greatest hits through the decades. Holiday hours: Open Christmas Eve, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Open Christmas Day, 1-7 p.m. 

Santa stops by Children's Museum Houston on Christmas Eve, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. 

Santa at Children’s Museum Houston 
Santa will make a special visit to the Children’s Museum on Christmas Eve, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Say hi and snap a selfie with Santa. 

This year’s Lightscape trail will include a spectacular display of Bluebonnets, an installation unique to Texas.

Lightscape at Houston Botanic Garden 
The holiday lights and music event at Houston Botanic Garden is open on Christmas Eve and closed on Christmas Day. Timed entries at 15-minute intervals from 5:30-8;30 p.m. 

Sugar Land Holiday Lights presented by Houston Methodist offers a holiday experience including more than three million lights, 10 themed areas, holiday shopping, food, movie nights, Santa Claus, a carnival, and more. (Photo: Sugar Land Space Cowboys) 

Sugar Land Holiday Lights 
The 9th annual Sugar Land Holiday Lights presented by Houston Methodist features more than three million lights, 10 themed areas, holiday shopping, food, movie nights, Santa Claus (through tonight, Dec 23), a carnival, and more. Holiday Lights is open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, 6-10 p.m. 

Magical Winter Lights is an experiential adventure, sprawling with more than 100 vibrant lanterns within seven expansive displays and six million lights. 

Magical Winter Lights 
Magical Winter Lights, offering themed lantern attractions, carnival rides and games, and family-friendly entertainment, is open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, 5-10:30 p.m. 

CHRISTMAS VILLAGE After a two-year hiatus, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, brings back the beloved Christmas Village tradition at Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens, including a trail of lights, carolers, a hand-crafted model train, and holiday-themed tours of the first floor of Ima Hogg’s historic mansion. (Courtesy of The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston)

Christmas Village at Bayou Bend 
The immersive Christmas experience at Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens includes a handcrafted model train, a faux-snow slide, music from carolers, a tour of Ima Hogg’s historic house, and more. Santa will be visiting and offering photos through tonight, Dec. .23. Christmas Village is closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. 

City Lights Downtown Holiday Magic
Downtown Houston is a holiday destination and includes eight themed villages across downtown. Find details here about all the various features.  

 

Boxing Day at Rienzi 
Celebrated in Great Britain on Dec. 26, Boxing Day is a day when employers traditionally boxed up gifts for their workers to thank them for their service throughout the year. Rienzi invites families to enjoy their beautifully decorated grounds and participate in some English traditions in Houston with art, self-guided tours, beverages and cookies, holiday music, and a gallery talk. 

More Events 
See more events on our online event calendar and find more holiday events in our December Holiday Happenings listing.