Hurry to Cirque Dreams Holidaze before it leaves town! Photo courtesy of the event.
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Santa's Wonderland in College Station is open on Christmas Day. Photo by Rebecca Ortiz.
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Yes, you can snow tube in Texas! Photo courtesy of Gaylord Resorts.
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Photo courtesy of Moody Gardens
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Head to the Houston Zoo for a fun outing this Christmas break. Photo courtesy of the zoo
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The Black Bear Diner in Houston offers Christmas dinner with all the trimmings. Photo courtesy of the restaurant
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Tomfoolery is packed with toys. Photo by Jessica Stautberg
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Dickens on the Strand in Galveston. Photo courtesy of Visit Galveston
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Santa's Wonderland is a whole holiday lights extravaganza. Photo courtesy of Santa's Wonderland, A Texas Christmas Experience at College Station
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Beautiful neighborhood Christmas lights are all around Houston. Photo courtesy of the Franck's Christmas Light Show
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Bass Pro Shops Present Santa's Wonderland. Photo courtesy of the event.
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There are so many ways to see The Nutcracker in Houston this season. Photo courtesy of NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet
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It's time to get your annual picture with Santa, and we know just where to go. Photo courtesy of the Houston Galleria
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College Station is perhaps the closest Christmas town to Houston. Photo courtesy of Santa's Wonderland at College Station, Facebook
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Christmas trains near Houston 2025. Photo courtesy of The Polar Express Train Ride at the Texas State Railroad
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Buffalo Bayou Park has trails, climbing structures, and skate park, slides, and more. Photo by Jessica Stautberg.
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Free alligator education at Brazos Bend State Park. Photo by Sarah Banks.
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Visit the Hall of Paleontology at the Museum of Natural Science. Photo courtesy of Visit Sugar Land.
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Help your Scout rack up the badges at these programs in Houston. Photo courtesy of Canva.
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Our favorite gymnastics gyms in Houston. Photo courtesy of Canva
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Palace Social has bowling and a restaurant in addition to arcade games. Photo courtesy of Palace Social
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These Houston ice cream shops have the best treats for kids. Photo by Kelly Patino, courtesy of Mommy Poppins.
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Discovery Green hosts free events like Arte en el Parque, where kids learn Spanish while making art. Photo courtesy of Discovery Green
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Levy Park in Houston has one of our favorite playgrounds. Photo courtesy of OJB Landscape Architecture
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NASA's Space Center is one of Houston's best science museums for kids. Photo by Pierce Ingram, courtesy of Travel Texas
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Firetruck Park in West University. Photo by Jessica Stautberg
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Baywatch Dolphin Tours are a fun, kid-friendly tour near Houston. Photo courtesy of Visit Galveston
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Houston's Walking Stick Brewing Company has plenty of outdoor space. Photo courtesy of the Walking Stick Brewing Company
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Urban Air has quite a few trampoline parks near Houston. Photo courtesy of Urban Air Adventure Park
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Must-Do 2019 Holiday Events in Houston for Kids

Skate on Ice at Discovery Green this holiday season.
Skate on Ice at Discovery Green this holiday season.
11/4/19 - By Carrie Taylor

The holidays in Houston are a magical time for families because there is just so much to do. There are endless opportunities to have breakfast or brunch with santa, take a picture with santa, ride holiday trains and check out winter festivals. If it all becomes just a bit overwhelming, here are holiday events in Houston you simply must do with your kids.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Ongoing Holiday Events

Miracle on 34th Street at Stages Repertory Theatre

Nov. 6-Dec. 15, 2019
When the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade needs a replacement Santa they get a little more than they bargained for when their Kris Kringle claims to be the real deal. Be part of the studio audience for this live musical radio play adapted from the original 1947 Lux Radio Broadcast. READ MORE

Santa's Wonderland in College Station

Nov. 8-Dec. 30, 2019
Experience Santa's magical world at the biggest Christmas attraction in the state of Texas. Enjoy hayride tours, train rides, live music, shopping, horse and carriage tours, a food village, campfires, and more. READ MORE

The Polar Express at the Galveston Railroad Museum

Weekends Nov. 15-Dec. 29, 2019
The adventure comes to life on this round-trip journey to the North Pole led by a cast of talented actors. Passengers relive the magic of the classic story as they are whisked away on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ for a one-hour trip to meet Santa. READ MORE

A Christmas Carol at the Alley Theatre

Nov. 15-Dec. 29, 2019
Rediscover the timeless tale of Ebenezer Scrooge's transformation as he encounters the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. READ MORE

Holidays at Moody Gardens

Nov. 16, 2019-Jan. 12, 2020
Head down to Moody Gardens for an unparalleled holiday experience that includes the Festival of Lights, ice skating rink, artic slides, train rides, pictures with Santa, and more.  READ MORE

Magical Winter Lights at Fort Bend County Fairgrounds

Nov. 15, 2019-Jan. 5, 2020
Magical Winter Lights Festival features thousands of intricately designed lanterns in various themes, shapes, and sizes. READ MORE

Holiday Train at Hermann Park

Dec. 1, 2019-Jan. 5, 2020
Enjoy festive lights and holiday music on the Hermann Park Train during the holiday season!   READ MORE

The ICE at Discovery Green

Nov. 15, 2019-Feb. 2, 2020
Ice skating at Discovery Green is back this year with fun-filled days for the entire family! READ MORE

Special Holiday Events

The Houston Ballet's Nutcracker Market

Nov. 14-17, 2019
Ready, set, SHOP! The Nutcracker Market is back! As one of the largest holiday markets in Houston featuring a wide array of specialty items, clothes, toys, and more, you're sure to find everything you need for a successful holiday season.  READ MORE

Tree Lighting at Market Street

Nov. 21, 2019
The lighting of Market Street's 70-foot Christmas Tree officially kicks off the "Market Street in Lights" holiday season celebration, with hundreds of people gathering to witness the 25,000+ twinkling lights and holiday music.  READ MORE

Lighting of the Doves Festival

Nov. 23, 2019
The Lighting of the Doves Festival is a long-standing tradition in The Woodlands that signifies the start of the holiday season in the community. Symbolizing peace during the holidays, the ceremonial illumination of the giant doves has attracted thousands of visitors each year. READ MORE

Santa Ranch Express at Oil Ranch

Dec. 5-14, 2019
All aboard the Santa Ranch Express for a magical holiday ride that takes you around the Lake Buenas Noches to see the decorations. After, get hot chocolate at the General Store and visit Santa and Mrs. Claus at the North Pole. READ MORE

Tomball German Christmas Market and Festival

Dec. 13-15, 2019
The annual Tomball German Christmas Market is back, offering a festive weekend for the whole family. Guests can enjoy a variety of vendors, live entertainment, and fun contests, all set in a charming holiday atmosphere. READ MORE

Places featured in this article: