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Houston's Top Things to Do Between Christmas and New Year's with Kids
Feeling bored over Christmas vacation? Here's a list of great things to do with kids in Houston in the lull between Christmas and New Year's.
With the kids out of school and Christmas behind you, it’s the perfect time to explore Houston. But with kids out of school, it’s also hard to find the time to plan anything! Don't worry, we've got you covered with a curated list of the top things to do in Houston over the winter break so you can spend more time with your family and less time figuring out what to do before the kids go back to school.
Don’t forget to check our calendar, which is updated daily with great events and things to do in the area.
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What are the Best Things to Do with Kids Between Christmas and New Year's in Houston?
Unless you're celebrating Kwanzaa, which will take place between Dec. 26 and New Year's Day this season, you may be dreading that lull between the holidays where the days seem to meld together. Keep spirits bright and fill your winter break with all the family-friendly activities Houston has to offer, from neighborhood lights displays (traffic is much lighter after Christmas!) and outdoor winter merriment to local museums, seasonal festivals, and more.
Tips for Enjoying Winter Break in Houston
The 5 days between Christmas Day and the end of the year are weird. It feels like a time vacuum of holiday leftovers and couch potato-ing. And that's just for the people who are in town for the holidays. If you're one of the determined families who venture out for kid-friendly fun over Christmas vacation, you may just find that you have the city to yourselves! Make the most out of it with these tips:
- Check the weather and dress accordingly before you venture out. It's Houston, after all, so it could be freezing or it could be near 90 degrees. For those times where it seems like we get every season in one day, opt for layers.
- Reserve tickets in advance - not only will this secure your spot, but it may provide that necessary motivation you need to get out of the house and enjoy your Christmas vacation.
- Double check business hours as many attractions are on unique holiday schedules this time of year.
More Family Holiday Guides for Houston
Top Family Events and Activities in Houston During Winter Break
1. City Lights Downtown Holiday Magic - Downtown
Check out all the magic of Downtown Houston decked out in lights and festive cheer with this event hosted by Kroger. Eleven different spots, from the ice skating rink at Discovery Green to Daikin Park and the Theater District, offer new experiences your whole family can enjoy.
2. Astros Light up the Park - Downtown
New this year, an Astros-themed light show comes to Daikin Park for some home-team holiday fun. The crowds will likely be smaller after the holiday!
3. Radiant Nature - Southeast Houston
Houston Botanic Garden's Radiant Nature is back this year. It transforms the Gardens into an illuminated wonderland featuring dozens of Chinese lantern installations after dark. Read our review for details and photos.
RELATED: Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for Houston Families
Head to Houston's only outdoor rink at Discovery Green. Photo courtesy of Discovery Green
4. Green Mountain Energy Presents Ice at Discovery Green - Downtown
One of our favorite ice skating rinks during the winter break is the outdoor Ice at Discovery Green. There are also many other fun outdoor and indoor ice skating rinks in the Houston area.
5. The Play Space - Webster
When the weather is frightful, let your kids get their wiggles out at The Play Space in Webster, where they can navigate tunnels, slide, and play in the comfort of the space-themed facility. For other indoor playgrounds, check out our guide to the Top Indoor Playgrounds in Houston.
6. Slick City Action Park - Katy and Tomball
Slick City is an indoor waterless slide park that boasts fun-for-all-ages rides and activities. Bumper cars, sports courts, and loads of slides will get your family pumped up.
7. Children's Museum Houston - Museum District
Inspire imaginative play and get the wheels in their noggins turning again before school starts back up with a visit to Children's Museum Houston over Christmas vacation. After you've explored this museum, see some more - don't forget to check for Free Museums and Free Museum Days in Houston.
8. Museum of Illusion Houston - Galleria
Head to one of Houston’s best immersive experiences at the Museum of Illusion Houston and prepare to have your mind blown. Your kids will want to look back at the photos for years to come! Read our review for a description of all the best exhibits.
Palace Social in Bellaire has arcades, bowling, and more. Photo courtesy of Palace Social.
9. Palace Social - Bellaire
Try out one of the many Kid-Friendly Bowling Alleys in Houston, like Palace Social, which blends classic bowling with arcade fun.
10. Cidercade - EaDo
Visit one of our favorite arcades, Cidercade. It’s family-friendly until 9pm and features 275 arcade games that you can play for free all day for just $12!
11. Houston Arboretum and Nature Center - Memorial
Get outdoors and hike at the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center, full of fun things to do. Once you've finished up your nature walk, find some other great Houston trails and make a Christmas break goal to hike one per day. The routes through State Parks Near Houston and Kid-Friendly Hiking Trails in Houston make for a great way to exercise as a family.
12. Hermann Park - Museum District
Hop aboard the holiday train at Hermann Park (an experience all on its own) and ride it to The Commons at Hermann Park, a must-visit playground area your littles will love. You should also check out other parks to explore from our Guide to Playgrounds and Parks in Houston.
13. Houston Zoo - Museum District
Head to the Houston Zoo with your family this Christmas break and enjoy spending a leisurely day with the animals. Cooler temps often mean the animals are more active, so you can get unique experiences you'd likely miss in the summer.
14. Sloomoo Insitute - Spring Branch
Sloomoo Institute has a location in Houston, where you can play with slime, make your own, and even get slimed. We went last year and it was so much fun.
15. Blue Bell Creamery - Brenham
Get out of Houston for the day with an easy day trip to an attraction in a neighboring town, like Blue Bell Creamery in Brenham, where you can see how the ice cream is made and enjoy sweet scoops.
16. Galaxy Lights - Clear Lake/Webster
See why Houston is known as Space City when you explore Galaxy Lights at Space Center Houston for out-of-this-world fun. Interactive experiences add to the galactic appeal for families.
17. The Light Park - Katy
See the holiday lights along a mile-long trail from the comfort of your car at The Light Park in Katy. Stock up on snacks and tune your radio station in before you cruise.
18. Zoo Lights - Museum District
An H-Town holiday staple, Zoo Lights is an after-hours event featuring lights displays that inspire whimsy and enchantment. The new neon playground may be the highlight of your little one's winter break!
19. Holiday in the Gardens Festival - Galveston
Moody Gardens hosts the annual Holiday in the Gardens with dazzling lights displays, an ICE LAND exhibit with larger-than-life ice sculptures, a giant ice slide, an ice skating rink, and so much more. Go coastal in Galveston at this frosty fest.
20. Santa's Wonderland - College Station
Hold onto that holiday magic a little bit longer with a post-Christmas day trip to Santa's Wonderland, which we wrote about in detail. You can sled, play in real snow, go on a hayride through the legendary light trail, and enjoy winter favorites like hot cocoa - all without the crowds.
21. Sugar Land Holiday Lights - Sugar Land
Head out to Constellation Field for a satisfying lights display the whole family will love. After the show, go for a spin on the carnival rides and enjoy a little healthy competition with a round of mini golf.
22. Color Factory Houston - Upper Kirby
Immerse yourself in colors and brush up on your art knowledge at Color Factory Houston. Guests of all ages can walk through 14 hands-on art exhibits that put you in the picture, from a playful confetti room to a ball pit and beyond.
Are There Holiday Light Shows and Outdoor Attractions Still Open After Christmas in Houston?
Yes! From neighborhood lights that stay up until January to massive displays and events, there's plenty of holiday fun to be had in Houston after Christmas. Some of our favorites are Zoo Lights, Holiday in the Gardens Festival at Moody Gardens, and City Lights Downtown Holiday Magic. You can also enjoy ice skating at multiple rinks and even ride a festive train through Hermann Park.
What Indoor Activities can Families Enjoy Between Christmas and New Year's in Houston?
Whether you're ready to hit up an indoor playground with your toddlers or take your teens to an arcade, there are plenty of indoor activities for families open after Christmas. Stop by your favorite museum, see one of the last showings of The Nutcracker by the Houston Ballet, or visit an immersive exhibit like Sloomoo or Color Factory to make memories with your kids this winter vacation.
Are There Any New Year's Eve or New Year's Weekend Events for Kids in Houston?
Watch the ball drop with your kids (either at midnight or noon) at one of the many family-friendly New Year's Eve events in Houston. Children's Museum Houston typical hosts an afternoon event for all the fun with none of the over-tired fussing. Firework shows, celebrations, bashes, and paloozas range from the Downtown Aquarium to Moody Gardens, Sugar Land, and beyond with the perfect event to suit every family.
FAQs - Things to Do Between Christmas and New Year's in Houston
Q: What are the best family-friendly events between Christmas and New Year's in Houston?
A: Enjoy crowd-free holiday events, light shows, museums, events, and more in Houston this winter break.
Q: Are there any free things to do with kids after Christmas in Houston?
A: There are plenty of free activities in Houston over Christmas vacation, from exploring parks and nature trails to viewing neighborhood light displays and touring museums on their free days.
Q: What indoor activities are open between Christmas and New Year's in Houston?
A: Sloomoo, Slick City, Color Factory, arcades, indoor playgrounds, bowling alleys, and more are all wonderful indoor activities the whole family can enjoy.
Q: Do holiday lights displays stay open after Christmas?
A: Most Houston light displays stay open into early January.
Q: What family events are happening on New Year's Eve in Houston?
A: Most local children's museums host noon NYE parties, and family-friendly New Year's activities are hosted at Kemah Boardwalk, Downtown Aquarium, CityCentre, Moody Gardens, Sugar Land Holiday Lights, and more.
Q: Are museums, zoos, and attractions open during winter break in Houston?
A: Yes! Houston's zoo, museums, and popular attractions are all open during Christmas break. Check holiday hours before visiting.
Q: What's the best day trip from Houston during Christmas break with kids?
A: There are plenty of great winter day trip destinations from Houston. Some of our favorites are Brenham for Blue Bell Creamery and College Station for Santa's Wonderland.
