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Festive Fun
Houston holiday happenings
This time of year, Houston is illuminated by countless holiday lights and the joy of festive fun around town. Find ideas for what to do with friends and family this holiday season.
The 75th Annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade, led by nine-time gold medalist Carl Lewis, will take place on Thanksgiving Day in downtown Houston. This year's parade will honor Houstonians who competed in the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics.
75th Annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade
Thurs., Nov. 28, 9 a.m., Downtown Houston, Free
Nine-time gold medalist Carl Lewis will lead the 2024 parade through downtown Thanksgiving Day. This year’s parade will kick off with a salute to the Houston-area Paris Olympians and Paralympians with a special performance of songs from Bring it On: The Musical by Lin-Manuel Miranda performed by Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS). The parade will feature colorful floats and balloons, marching bands, dance companies, and more.
Visit with Santa and two of his reindeer at CityCentre during Holiday in the Plaza presented by Sewell Cadillac. (Photo courtesy of CityCentre)
Sat., Nov. 30, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., CityCentre, Free
Visit with Santa and two of his reindeer at CityCentre during Holiday in the Plaza presented by Sewell Cadillac. The event includes holiday songs with the Houston Show Choir at 12, 2:30, and 4 p.m. Bring a donation (new, unwrapped toys) to help fill Santa’s Cadillac, and get a free photo with Santa.
West U’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will include dance performances, vendors, holiday games, selfie stations, face painting, and ice sculpting.
West U's Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Mon., Dec. 2, 5:30-7 p.m., Friends’ Park, Free
Kick off the holiday season at West U’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. The event will include dance performances, vendors, holiday games, selfie stations, face painting, and ice sculpting.
Bellaire’s Holiday in the Park
Thurs., Dec. 5, 6-8:30 p.m., Bellaire Town Square, Free
Bellaire’s Holiday in the Park will include live music, snow slides, inflatables, food, and fun for the whole family. Lots of “snow” is forecast.
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston transforms Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens into a sparkling Christmas village. (Photo courtesy of MFAH)
Christmas Village at Bayou Bend
Dec. 6-30; closed Dec. 9-10, 16-17, 24-25, Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens, $18 adult and youth ages 13+; $12 child, ages 5-12; free for ages 4 and younger; prices increase on premium nights
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston brings holiday cheer to Bayou Bend, including a trail of sparkling lights, carolers, a hand-crafted model train, animated projections, and festive activities such as a cotton snowball toss, reindeer games, and sledding on a faux-snow slope.
DECK THE PARK Memorial Park Conservancy’s Deck the Park features family-friendly holiday activities, a tree lighting ceremony, an outdoor movie screening, and festive treats. The event kicks off Memorial Park’s Holiday Lights, which will remain lit through early January. (Courtesy of Memorial Park Conservancy)
Deck the Park & Memorial Park’s Holiday Lights
Deck the Park: Fri., Dec. 6; doors open at 5 p.m.; holiday tree lighting ceremony at 6:30 p.m. Holiday lights will be lit through early Jan., Deck the Park: $10; children 2 and under are free. Holiday Lights viewing is free and open to the public.
Memorial Park Conservancy’s Deck the Park, presented by Chevron, features fun, family-friendly holiday activities, a tree lighting ceremony, an outdoor movie screening, and festive treats. Deck the Park kicks off Memorial Park’s Holiday Lights, presented by CenterPoint Energy Foundation, which will remain lit through early Jan. 2025.
Southside Place Winter Wonderland Carnival
Sat., Dec. 7, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Southside Place Clubhouse and surrounding green spaces, $25; free for ages 2 and under
The annual carnival includes activities for all ages, such as inflatables, games, face painting, glitter tattoos, hair art, Cookies with Santa (10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.), food trucks, confetti eggs, and lots of snow. The event supports the Fire Truck Park Fund.
Reliant Lights Mayor’s Holiday Spectacular
Sat., Dec. 7, 6-8 p.m., Hermann Square at City Hall, Free
The City of Houston kicks off the holidays with this family-friendly event, featuring live music and performances, the lighting of the holiday tree, free photos with Santa in his North Pole-themed booth and other festive activities.
MERRY Levy Park offers a two-day, family-friendly holiday festival, including live music, a performance by River Oaks Dance, photos with Santa, a holiday market, crafts, and more. (Courtesy of Levy Park)
Levy Park’s 2024 Holiday Festival
Sat.-Sun., Dec. 7-8, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Levy Park, Free
The annual two-day festival features a holiday market, a craft station, live music performances throughout the park, a special performance by River Oaks Dance, a free photo booth with Santa Claus, and food and drink concessions. Santa will be available for photos both days, 1-5 p.m.
Champagne and Candy Canes Market
Thurs., Dec. 12, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Evelyn’s Park Event Center, Admission: Free; $3 mimosas
Shop crafts and gifts from local vendors at a holiday-themed market held at Evelyn’s Park Event Center. Santa will make an appearance from 4-7 p.m.
Houston Symphony’s Very Merry Pops
Thurs., Dec. 12, 7:30 p.m.; Sat., Dec. 14, 7:30 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 15, 2 and 7:30 p.m., Jones Hall, Tickets vary
Very Merry Pops, a festive, family-friendly performance, includes a visit from Santa. Tony-nominated Broadway star Betsy Wolfe joins the Symphony and Chorus for favorite holiday songs.
15th Annual AIA Gingerbread Build-Off
Sat., Dec. 14, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Levy Park, Free for spectators
Architecture Center Houston hosts this delicious, annual event in which competing teams will create their masterpieces using 100 percent edible materials. More than 4,000 spectators are expected to cheer on the teams, play in the kids’ construction zone, participate in a scavenger hunt, and take a picture with Santa. Entertainment is free and open to the public.
Houston Symphony’s Holly Jolly Holiday
Sat., Dec. 14, 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., Jones Hall, Tickets start at $39
Santa stops by Jones Hall to spread lots of Christmas cheer at Houston Symphony's annual holiday concert for kids, which includes hot chocolate, interactive activities in the lobby, and an opportunity to visit with Santa.
Houston Grand Opera's Carols on the Green is a family-friendly evening featuring a program of opera, holiday hits, mariachi, and more. (Photo: LaTroya Brooks)
Houston Grand Opera's Carols on the Green
Sat., Dec. 14, 7-8:30 p.m., Discovery Green, Free
Houston Grand Opera hosts its annual Carols on the Green concert and sing-along, in partnership with Discovery Green. It’s a family-friendly evening featuring a program of opera, holiday hits, mariachi, plus interactive activities for all ages. Company favorite Vanessa Alonzo, who has performed in all three of HGO’s world-premiere mariachi operas, will take the stage. She’ll be joined by the University of Houston Mariachi Pumas band, Indigo Diaspora Dance Company, Segundo Barrio Children’s Chorus, members of HGO’s Butler Studio program and Bauer Family High School Voice Studio, and the HGO Chorus. Guests are invited to wear festive holiday attire.
Sat., Dec. 16, 4 p.m., The Church of St. John the Divine, Free
The Church of St. John the Divine invites the community to its annual Christmas on the Boulevard, including a live nativity, snow, food trucks, a Christmas concert, and jazz reception.
The Memorial Villages Twinkle Light Parade
Thurs., Dec. 19, 6-8:30 p.m., Parade begins at Frostwood Elementary School; holiday celebration takes place at Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church; Free
The 8th annual Twinkle Light Parade will feature dozens of festive floats. The parade begins at 6 p.m. at Frostwood Elementary School and will arrive at Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church by 7:30 p.m. for a community holiday celebration including cookie decorating, hot chocolate, a balloon artist, and pictures with Santa.
Concert Against Cancer Fundraiser
Dec. 21, 7 p.m., Axelrad Beer Garden, Free to attend; donations accepted at concertagainstcancer.com
Benefiting The Broach Foundation, the Concert Against Cancer was founded in memory of Tom Bres, who passed away from glioblastoma in 2015. His daughter, Meg, founded Concert Against Cancer to raise awareness and funding for The Broach Foundation (as told in Buzz article Concert for a Cause, Dec. 2023). The concert will mark its 10th year.
Weds., Dec. 25, 4-6 p.m., Bellaire Town Square, Adults: $15; children: $10 (includes dinner)
The Shul of Bellaire hosts the annual Chanukah Festival; highlights include a Lion Dance Show, a Chinese dinner buffet, and a grand menorah lighting. Enjoy Chanukah crafts, face painting, inflatables, latkes and donuts.
Thurs., Dec. 26, 10: 30 a.m., Congregation Beth Yeshurun, Free; registration required
PJ Library is hosting a Chanukah concert featuring Jewish singer/songwriter/entertainer Billy Jonas, who will be joined by several Houston musicians in a collaborative Chanukah celebration.
CLASSIC Coca-Cola’s Classic Christmas, new to Houston this year, takes place at Memorial City Mall and includes light displays, a holiday market, ice skating, a snow slide, live entertainment, and visits with Santa. (Courtesy of Enchant Christmas)
Through Dec. 29, Memorial City Mall, Adult: $20; ages 4-17: $14; ages 3 and under: free
This festive event is filled with tons of joyful activities for the whole family, including larger-than-life light displays, a holiday market, ice skating, a snow slide, seasonal treats, live entertainment, and visits with Santa. Theme nights include Paws n’ Claus (Dec. 1), Country Christmas (Dec. 6), Houston Texans Night (Dec. 10), and more.
The Alley Theatre presents A Christmas Carol, from the novella by Charles Dickens; adapted and originally directed by Rob Melrose; remount directed by Amber D. Gray. (Photo: Lynn Lane)
A Christmas Carol at Alley Theatre
Through Dec. 29; Alley Theatre; Prices vary
Get in the holiday spirit with the timeless tale of Ebenezer Scrooge’s transformation as he encounters the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. The Alley Theatre presents A Christmas Carol, from the novella by Charles Dickens; adapted and originally directed by Rob Melrose; remount directed by Amber D. Gray.
Experience an out-of-this-world holiday event at Galaxy Lights, a space-themed holiday light show. (Photo courtesy of Space Center Houston)
Space Center Houston’s Galaxy Lights
Through Jan. 5, 6-10 p.m., including Tues., Dec. 31, 6-8 p.m. Closed Nov. 28, Dec. 5; Dec. 24, Dec. 25, Space Center Houston, $19.95-27.95; free for children ages 3 and younger; not included in general admission
Experience an out-of-this-world holiday event at Galaxy Lights, presented by Reliant. Featured activations and presentations include light displays, kinetic light shows, crystal fireworks shows, Apollo-themed lantern displays, a light tunnel, light pods, astronaut “selfie” lantern display, a walk-through space launch system rocket display, a large shooting star display, s’mores fire pits by the launchpad, LED swings under the 747 Boeing Aircraft, and a screening of Holidays in Space.
The annual TXU Energy presents Zoo Lights transforms the Houston Zoo into a winter wonderland. (Photo courtesy of the Houston Zoo)
TXU Energy Presents Zoo Lights
Through Jan. 5, 5:30-10:30 p.m. (last entry: 9:30 p.m.); Houston Zoo, Tickets vary depending on date; $24.95+
The annual Zoo Lights, presented by TXU Energy, transforms the Houston Zoo into a winter wonderland. The Zoo will be lit with earth-friendly LED bulbs. Highlights include Snowy Slopes, featuring a snow machine and ski lift chairs, life-sized animal lanterns, and s’mores-making stations. Santa returns to his workshop to take photos until Dec. 23. New this year: Stroll through the Immersive Twinkle Trail, sponsored by TC Energy, enjoy cookie-decorating stations, and a new holiday tree.
Through Dec. 23, weekends and select dates, Galveston Railroad Museum, Adult tickets start at $39; child tickets (3-12) start at $34
Set to the soundtrack of the motion picture, The Polar Express is theatrically recreated to immerse passengers in the sights and sounds of the classic children’s tale while they travel for a magical one-hour trip to meet Santa. Meet many of the characters from the film. Wear PJs and enjoy cookies and hot chocolate served by singing chefs. The train ride consists of six separate cars pulled by vintage locomotives from the Galveston Railroad Museum’s collection.
Houston Ballet’s The Nutcracker
Through Dec. 29, Wortham Theater Center, Prices vary
Experience Stanton Welch’s The Nutcracker, a beloved Houston holiday tradition. After the annual Stahlbaum Christmas party, embark on a journey through the dazzling Land of Snow to the radiant and jubilant Kingdom of Sweets alongside Clara, Drosselmeyer, and the Prince. Welch’s The Nutcracker presents hundreds of characters, intricate sets, and breathtaking details.
Through the holiday season; Houston Museum of Natural Science, Price varies
HMNS is celebrating the holidays with a slew of magical holiday activities and special events, including the Holiday Movie Party featuring A Christmas Carol (Sun., Dec. 1, 4:30 p.m.); Santa’s Workshop (Sat., Dec. 7, 10 a.m.); Santa Claws (Sun., Dec. 8, 6:30-8:30 p.m.); Storytime with Santa (Sun., Dec. 8, 2 and 3 p.m.); Breakfast with Santa (Sat., Dec. 14, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.); Cookies with Santa (Sun., Dec. 15, 9 a.m.); and Snow Flurry (Sat., Dec. 21, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.). Don’t miss the beloved Trains over Texas exhibit, the largest indoor O-scale model railroad in Texas.
Through Jan. 1, Moody Gardens, Galveston, Ice Land: Starts at $29 for adults; $24 for kids/seniors; Festival of Lights: Starts at $25 for adults, $21 for kids/seniors. Holiday Pass and other packages available.
Moody Gardens transforms into Holiday in the Gardens, offering festive, family-friendly attractions including Ice Land, Festival of Lights – a mile-long walking trail decked out with two million lights, plus animated displays themed to holiday music – ice skating, an Arctic Slide, train rides, holiday 3D and 4D films, more.
Through Jan. 5, 2025, Constellation Field, Prices vary; kids 3 and under are free
Sugar Land Holiday Lights presented by Houston Methodist takes place at Constellation Field, featuring more than 3.5 million lights, a dazzling 40 ft. light up tree, light shows, numerous themed displays, Santa Claus (through Dec. 23), holiday vendors, food, and more. New this year: Enjoy a synthetic ice rink on the field.
Immersive art studio ARTECHOUSE presents the first-ever immersive Houston Holiday Spectacular, a dazzling experience that brings the holiday season to life through art, technology, and interactive design. (Photo: ARTECHOUSE)
ARTECHOUSE’s Holiday Spectacular
Through Jan. 5, 2025, ARTECHOUSE, Prices vary; general admission: Starts at $30; children (4-15): $17; children under 4: free
Immersive art studio ARTECHOUSE presents the first-ever immersive Houston Holiday Spectacular, a dazzling experience that brings the holiday season to life through art, technology, and interactive design. The exhibit reimagines popular holiday and ASMR themes through stunning digital landscapes, including The Tingle Bells Immersion Gallery, which invites visitors into three captivating scenes that evoke comfort, curiosity, and nostalgia, and Spectacular Factory, a whimsical adventure featuring floating bells, candy cane carousels, and dancing nutcrackers.
Skylawn, the 5-acre rooftop park at POST Houston, is decked out in beautifully illuminated lights and décor this season. (Photo: Lance Childers)
Through Jan. 11, POST Houston, $7-15
Skylawn, the 5-acre rooftop park at POST Houston, is decked out in beautifully illuminated lights and décor this season. Experience thousands of lights, a 25-foot Christmas tree, and multiple holiday-themed activations with a fantastic view of Houston’s skyline as the backdrop.
It's the opening weekend of Green Mountain Ice at Discovery Green, a perfect spot for picturesque ice skating. (Photo courtesy of Discovery Green)
Through Feb. 2, 2025; times vary, Discovery Green, Admission: $18
Skate around the ice rink at Discovery Green. Throughout the Ice season, there will be special events, including DJs, Skating Stars, Sundays with Santa, We Love Houston Wednesdays, and more. New this year: Bumper Cars on Ice, Jan. 6-19.
A stunning 100-foot long tunnel featuring fuchsia flowers is just one of 50 eye-catching lantern displays at the Houston Botanic Garden's all-new Radiant Nature.
Radiant Nature Presented by Reliant
Fri., Sat., and Sun. nights, starting at 6 p.m., as well as some weeknights, through Feb. 23; Houston Botanic Garden, $28.50 for ages 3+
Inspired by traditions celebrating the Lunar New Year, as well as regional plants and animals, Radiant Nature features more than 50 Chinese lantern installations throughout the mile-long path, set to a complementary soundtrack. This year’s exhibit features an all-new collection of lantern installations, including a massive iridescent dome that guests can walk inside, where they’ll see a large, moving lotus flower. Other new attractions include a life-sized Chinese palace, a canopy tunnel constructed of traditional oil paper umbrellas, pandas in a field of bamboo with a waterfall, interactive morning glories and sunflowers, and an interactive dragon that guests can manipulate to make it “dance.”
Radio Tave, General admission: $40+, Timed ticketing
Meow Wolf’s Houston location, which opened this fall, is set in an alternative radio station stuck in a parallel universe. Although Meow Wolf is not holiday-themed, exploring the new immersive art installation would be a fun experience with family and friends this holiday season. Meow Wolf features a maze of rooms connected by secret passageways, including through washing machines and refrigerators, and encourages visitors to engage with the exhibit through all five senses.
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