Event Roundup: What to Look Forward to This Weekend

Happy Friday, and happy new year! Soak up the final days of the festive season this weekend – it’s the last chance for several holiday events, including Zoo Lights, Polar Palooza Snow Days at the Children’s Museum, the ARTECHOUSE Holiday Special, and more.

A winter-style twist on a classic: enjoy the Discovery Green Ice Rink in a smashing new way with Bumper Cars on Ice, starting Friday, Jan. 2. (Photo courtesy of Discovery Green).

Bumper Cars on Ice
Fri., Jan. 2 through Feb. 16.
Fridays 6-11 p.m.
Sunday 6-8 p.m.
Tickets are $20 plus tax for a seven-minute ride. Children must be taller than 42 inches to ride.
It’s the first day of Bumper Cars on Ice at Discovery Green! Bumper Cars on Ice offers visitors the opportunity to slip, slide, spin, and crash across the ice from January 2 through February 16, 2026. This playful twist on a classic amusement ride is open to children and adults, with no license or prior experience required, and tickets are $20 plus tax. Height requirements apply for riders. New this year, guests can celebrate Galentine’s Day on February 13, taking a fun spin on the ice with friends, or enjoy a romantic Valentine’s Day skating experience on February 14, gliding hand-in-hand beneath the stars.

Houston Texans vs. Indianapolis Colts
Sun., Jan. 4 at 12 p.m.
NRG Stadium
Tickets start at $65
The Houston Texans face off against the Indianapolis Colts this Sunday at noon.

Last chance for many holiday events, such as...

Let it snow! Play in the snow at Children's Museum Houston during Polar Palooza days, Dec. 20-24, Dec. 29-29, Jan. 1-4. (Photo: Cody Duty)

Polar Palooza Snow Days
Through Jan. 4, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Children's Museum Houston
Included with general admission
Bring your mittens and play in real snow!

Astros Light Up the Park, an all-new holiday celebration, will transform Daikin Park into a one-of-a-kind, immersive winter wonderland, Nov. 22-Jan. 4. (Photo: Houston Astros) 

Astros Light Up the Park
Through Jan. 4, 5-10 p.m.
Daikin Park
$20-$45
This new immersive experience presented by Houston Methodist will offer a festive blend of lights, sounds, and holiday joy with an Astros twist. Expect themed Astros- and Houston-inspired light displays and shows; special guests including Astros Santa and Orbit, holiday treats, and theme nights.

The Houston Zoo offers immersive light displays and festive experiences for the whole family during Zoo Lights, Nov. 21-Jan. 4. (Photo: Houston Zoo)

TXU Energy Presents Zoo Lights
Through Jan. 4, 5:30-10:30 p.m.
Houston Zoo
$26+
Explore a dazzling winter landscape filled with fantastical bursts of color, immersive light displays, and festive experiences for all ages. As the Zoo transforms into a nighttime holiday spectacular, visitors will journey through vibrant realms like the Enchanted Forest, marvel at the shimmering Iridescent Immersion, and sip hot chocolate by cozy s’mores stations. New features include Wild Wonder Lights and the Neon Playground.

Houston's brightest space-themed holiday light show, Space Center Houston's Galaxy Lights, takes place Nov. 15-Jan. 4. (Photo: Space Center Houston - Aaron Rodriguez)

Space Center Houston’s Galaxy Lights
Through Jan. 4, 6-10 p.m.
Space Center Houston
$19.95-$27.95
Experience the magic of the holiday season and the wonders of space at Galaxy Lights. View the Apollo-themed lantern activations, take a walk under the stars through a 200-foot LED light tunnel and 30-foot-tall light display of the Space Launch System rocket, enjoy LED light swings under the 747 Boeing aircraft, a crystal fireworks light show choreographed to an epic playlist, a 40-foot-tall shooting star light display, and daily screenings of the original film Holidays in Space. Then, gather around a fire pit station and enjoy hot cocoa and s’mores.

The 12th annual Sugar Land Holiday Lights presented by Houston Methodist features 3.5 million lights and family-friendly holiday fun, Nov. 21-Jan. 4.

Sugar Land Holiday Lights
Through Jan. 4, 6-10 p.m.
Constellation Field
$18.24+
The 12th annual Sugar Land Holiday Lights features millions of dazzling light displays, a new 9-hole Mini Golf Course, a carnival (through Jan. 1), a synthetic ice rink, vendors, food, and more.

 

ARTECHOUSE Holiday Special
Through Jan. 4, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
ARTECHOUSE Houston
$15-$45
Experience the magic of the holiday season reimagined through art and technology! This limited engagement brings together two audience favorites – Spectacular Factory and Tingle Bells – in one joyful, multisensory celebration for the entire family. From vivid visuals and dynamic soundscapes to touch-based experiences, the ARTECHOUSE Holiday Special transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary – a festive fusion of creativity, innovation, and cheer for visitors of all ages.

More Events
Find more upcoming events on our calendar.