City Lights Downtown Holiday Magic

Houston First and Central Houston, Inc are joining forces to transform Downtown Houston into the ultimate holiday destination this year. Dubbed City Lights Downtown Holiday Magic, the festivities kick off on Friday, Nov. 18, beginning at 5:30 p.m. with a ceremonial lighting on the plaza @ Avenida Houston. The experience continues through Jan. 2, 2023, and whether you’re enjoying a night out with friends or co-workers, an evening of family fun, a memorable activity for visiting friends and relatives, or just some “me” time, there is something special for everyone and all ages to enjoy.

Open to the public and mostly free, City Lights Downtown Holiday Magic will span eight unique, themed villages across downtown. Discover holiday markets, a hot chocolate bar, roaming carolers, movie nights, sweet treats, and more.

Plaza at Avenida - Deck the Trees and Live Music
Benefitting the Alley Theatre’s educational community and artistic initiatives, a display of 30 wonderfully festooned Christmas trees will appear in the Grand Holiday Window at the George R. Brown Convention Center facing Avenida de las Americas. Adding to the ambiance is the Avenida Concert Series with live musical performances. Check out www.avendiahouston.com for the concert schedule.

Marriott Marquis - Texas Winter Lights
The Marriott Marquis is bringing back their one-of-a-kind poolside tradition, Texas Winter Lights, an interactive walk-through - or float–under–lights experience at Altitude Rooftop & Pool. From November 11 – January 8, guests can set course through the Marriott’s Grove of Trees, float among the Archway of Lights, or kick back on the lazy river, which is heated all to a perfect 80 degrees all winter long, as lights glimmer from above. Enjoy more than 30 festive beverage offerings, a new interactive graffiti wall, and nightly snowfall, or cozy up with a poolside movie every Thursday at nightfall. Tickets start at $25 and are available for purchase here. Make a night of it and upgrade your stay with room rates starting at $179/night.

Discovery Green - Holiday Ice Village
Glide your way into the holidays underneath the glittering lights of Downtown at this bustling, open-air ice-skating rink sponsored by Green Mountain Energy in the heart of Discovery Green. You can anticipate a number of quirky and cool, themed skate nights and even an opportunity to hit the ice with Santa. Tickets are priced at $17 per person and include a skate rental. And if skating isn’t your thing, enjoy a holiday movie under the stars every Thursday evening or explore the park and Solstice Art Installation. Every Saturday in November and December, Flea by Night brings an eclectic array of vendors selling items perfect for gifting that special someone. Check www.discoverygreen.com for details.

Hilton Americas - Land of Sweets
Get ready to be wowed in the lobby of the Hilton Americas with the return of its iconic holiday chocolate display. Sweeter than ever this year, this year’s hand-sculpted and Minion-themed masterpiece will boast well over 2,000 pounds of chocolate. Check it out and explore all the festivities Downtown has to offer with the hotel’s ‘Tis the Season package, which includes luxurious accommodations, a holiday treat, and two tickets to the Discovery Green ice rink.

Wortham Theater – Sugar Plum Plaza
Looking for visions of sugarplums to dance in your head? For this magical time of year, the iconic Fish Plaza at the entrance of the Wortham Theater is being reimagined as an ode to the holiday season. Listen to cheerful tunes while you wander around the seasonally renamed Sugar Plum Plaza to gaze at the larger-than-life custom-built ornaments.

Market Square Park - Mistletoe Square
Texas’ biggest mistletoe installation returns to historic Market Square Park aka Mistletoe Square for the holidays. Share a smooch with a loved one under this 150-inch ball of greenery hanging from a giant 15-foot candy cane. Snuggle up under the twinkling lights and enjoy a holiday movie – check www.marketsquarepark.com for details – or make your very own gingerbread house with Phoenicia Specialty Foods.

Main Street Square – Santa’s Village
Santa Claus is coming to town to share the wonder of the season. Get your photo with Kris Kringle every Friday and Saturday starting at 6 p.m. at Santa’s Village in Main Street Square, known for its vibrantly lit 40 -foot water bursts and 250-foot-long, eight-inch-deep reflecting pool. After Santa shares his magic, explore a series of holiday markets taking place every Friday and Saturday.

Winter Wanderland on Bagby Street
Ensure your season is merry and bright as you stroll through 100,000 twinkling LED lights along recently reconstructed and beautified Bagby Street from Lamar to Preston. Signature elements include giant angel wings, constellation arches, and an 80-foot light tunnel across from The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts.