Stearman Santa photo courtesy of the Lone Star Flight Museum
Mistletoe Market, Carols on the Green, and More Things to Do in Houston This Weekend with Kids
Take a road trip to play in the snow. Photo courtesy of Canva
Snow Near Houston? 6 Places in Texas Where You Can See Snow This Holiday Season
Bass Pro Shops Present Santa's Wonderland. Photo courtesy of the event.
27 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in Houston for Kids
Dickens on the Strand in Galveston. Photo courtesy of Visit Galveston
19 Best Things to Do in Houston December 2024 with Kids
GUIDE
Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for Houston Families
Go Rio Riverboat at Hilton Palacio del Rio San Antonio during Christmas. Photo by Nan Palermo via Flickr 2.0
The Best Family Christmas Getaways in Texas
Christmas trains near Houston 2024. Photo courtesy of The Polar Express Train Ride at the Texas State Railroad
Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains Near Houston
It's time to get your annual picture with Santa, and we know just where to go. Photo courtesy of the Houston Galleria
Pictures with Santa Claus in Houston: From Malls to Rodeos
Photo by Mommy Poppins
GUIDE
Outdoor Activities Guide for Houston Kids
There are so many ways to see The Nutcracker in Houston this season. Photo courtesy of NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet
The Nutcracker Ballet and Other Holiday Shows for Kids in Houston
Holidays at Moody Gardens. Photo courtesy of Visit Galveston
19 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in Houston for Kids
Beautiful neighborhood Christmas lights are all around Houston. Photo courtesy of the Franck's Christmas Light Show
Best Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights in Houston
Photo courtesy of Levy Park, Facebook
Best Budget-Friendly (Cheap) Birthday Party Places for Houston Kids
See animals up close at some of these farms near Houston. Photo courtesy of Dewberry Farm
Best Farms in Houston with Family Entertainment
Pleasure Pier in Galveston is a top attraction near Houston. Photo courtesy of Visit Galveston
Best Attractions and Things To Do in Houston that are Kid-friendly
Stop at Cadillac Ranch near Amarillo for some cool photos on your roadtrip to the Texas Panhandle.
Best Texas Road Trips for Families
Baywatch Dolphin Tours are a fun, kid-friendly tour near Houston. Photo courtesy of Visit Galveston
Best Kid-Friendly Tours in Houston
Make dining out with kids more fun at one of Houston's themed restaurants. Photo courtesy of Rock N Roll Sushi
Themed Restaurants in Houston for a Fun Night Out With Kids
City Park Skate Park near Houston. Photo courtesy of the Sugarland Texas Govt.
Kid-Friendly Skate Parks in Houston
Urban Air has quite a few trampoline parks near Houston. Photo courtesy of Urban Air Adventure Park
Fun Trampoline Parks Near Houston for Kids to Jump in the AC
Batting cage photo courtesy of the Bellaire Bats
Indoor Batting Cages Near Houston Where Kids Can Practice Their Swings
Houston's Walking Stick Brewing Company has plenty of outdoor space. Photo courtesy of the Walking Stick Brewing Company
Family-Friendly Houston Breweries Where Kids Can Play, Too
Plan a magical quinceañera with these dress shops and venues. Photo courtesy of Canva
Quinceañeras in Houston: The Best Dress Shops and Venues for Your Teen Birthday
Photo courtesy of Big Air in North Houston
17 Coolest Indoor Activities for Houston Teens
In winter, visit Luminations at the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center. Photo by Ann Alva Weiding Photography, at bigredmuse.com.
Austin with Kids: 35 Best Things To Do in Austin, Texas
New to fishing? Try a Galveston fishing boat tour.
Best Kid-Friendly Tours in Galveston For Your Family Trip
The outdoor pool at the Moody Gardens Hotel, photo courtesy of Visit Galveston.
Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Galveston, TX
One of our favorite petting zoos near Houston. Photo courtesy of Dewberry Farm
The Best Petting Zoos Near Houston
Make it an unforgettable family getaway from Houston by hiking Enchanted Rock. Photo courtesy Passport to Texas.
GUIDE
Houston Day Trips and Family Getaways Guide
Photo courtesy of Schlitterbahn Waterparks
20 Top Things To Do in Galveston with Kids
Photo by author Rebecca Matheson Ortiz for Mommy Poppins.
Tips and Secrets to the Houston Zoo with Kids
Little girl playing at an indoor play space in Houston. Photo courtesy of Frogs, Snails and Fairy Tales
Top Indoor Playgrounds & Play Spaces in Houston
Houston has many kid-friendly museums, and not all are children's museums. Photo courtesy of the Children's Museum of Houston
Best Museums in Houston for Kids and Families
John P. McGovern's state-of-the art playground is perfect for both younger and older children. Photo courtesy of Discovery Green.
20 Things To Do in Downtown Houston With Kids
Ice at the Galleria provides year-round ice skating in Houston. Photo courtesy of the Houston Galleria
Best Indoor and Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks in Houston for Kids and Families
MKT has great family-friendly restaurants! Photo courtesy of @mendocinofarms and MKT
Best Things to Do in The Houston Heights with Kids
Fishing in Lake Somerville. Photo courtesy of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
10 State Parks Near Houston With Lakes, Beaches, and Hiking
There's no shortage of fun baby activities in Houston.
Best Things To Do with Babies in Houston Before They Turn 1
Your little learner will love the variety of toddler classes in Houston. Photo courtesy of the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
Fun Preschool and Toddler Classes in Houston for Little Learners
Houston's bucket list for kid activities
100 Things To Do In Houston Before Kids Grow Up
Treat your kid to one of these Houston spas with services for children. Photo courtesy of Float Baby
Kid-Friendly Salons and Spas Near Houston
Climb with your kids at one of these indoor rock climbing gyms in Houston. Photo courtesy of Texas Rock Gym
Best Indoor Rock Climbing Gyms in Houston for Kids
Bowling is a fun indoor activity to add to your list this summer. Photo courtesy of Palace Social
Kid-Friendly Bowling Alleys in Houston
Fishing at Sea Center in Freeport, TX. Photo courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife
Freeport with Kids: Best Things To Do in Freeport, Texas
Photo courtesy of Osprey Cruises
30 Things To Do Near South Padre Island, TX with Kids
Round up the girls and head out for a kid-free night in Houston. Photo courtesy of Thirsty Bee Meadery
Mom's Night Out in Houston: 5 Fun Itineraries for a Kid-Free Evening
Kids love the carousel on Kemah's boardwalk.
Top Things to Do at Kemah Boardwalk with Kids
San Antonio has a lot of budget-friendly things to do with kids. Photo courtesy of the San Antonio Botanical Garden
Fun Budget Weekend Getaways for Houston Families
Birdwatching at the Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary, photo courtesy of Houston Audubon
Best Things to Do in Memorial, West Houston with Kids
Photo courtesy of Cypress Academy
Ninja Warrior Gyms, Obstacle Courses, and Parkour in Houston for Kids
Hero Headquarters is a birthday party entertainment company in Houston. Photo courtesy of Hero Headquarters
15 Fun Houston Birthday Party Entertainers Who Will Come to Your House
Check out one of these breakfasts in Houston for a casual meal when the kids get up early. Photo courtesy of Snooze
Best Breakfasts in Houston for Kids and Families
Free activities like feeding the ducks at Mary Jo Peckham Park are simple and still great fun for kids. Photo courtesy of Canva
GUIDE
Free Things to Do in Houston with Kids Guide
Photo courtesy of Threadfare Children's Boutique
Best Baby Stores in Houston, From Clothes to Gear to Resale
The Houston Zoo is a great stop for kids, and near other things to do in Houston, too. Photo by Jessica A., courtesy of the zoo
3 Days in Houston with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom
Families enjoying a night out. Photo courtesy of Paradigm Brewing in Tomball
25 Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Houston: Where Kids Can Play While Parents Eat
Montessori preschools focus on hands-on learning. Photo courtesy of The Woodlands Montessori School
13 Top-Notch Montessori Preschools in Houston
Levy Park in Houston has one of our favorite playgrounds. Photo courtesy of OJB Landscape Architecture
Best Playgrounds in Houston: Destination Playgrounds Worth the Drive
Playgrounds Without Limits photo courtesy of Memorial Park, Facebook
Accessible Playgrounds in Houston: 14 Places Where All Kids Can Play
Take a look at one of these popular toddler dance classes in Houston. Photo courtesy of the Houston Ballet preschool program.
Toddler Dance Classes in Houston for your Tiny Dancer
Baby music classes are a great way to bond and learn. Photo courtesy of Musik Garden
Baby and Toddler Music Classes in Houston
Photo courtesy of Texas Health Resources
Pregnancy Classes and Parenting Classes in Houston
Photo courtesy of the Children's Museum of Houston
Exploring The Children's Museum Houston
Birthday party places near Houston include arcades, escape rooms, climbing gyms, and more. Photo courtesy of The Main Event
Teen Birthday Party Ideas in Houston: 10 Cool Party Places for Teens and Tweens
There are a variety of fishing lakes near Houston to fish with your kids. Photo courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife
Fishing Lakes Near Houston and More Kid-Friendly Places To Go Fishing
San Antonio is full of amusement parks, good food, and lots of other things to do with kids. Photo courtesy of the San Antonio Riverwalk
San Antonio with Kids: 26 Best Things To Do in San Antonio, Texas
Try fishing for the first time in Lake Livingston. Photo courtesy of Lake Livingston State Park, Facebook
Fun Things to Do in Lake Livingston State Park with Kids
Kids eat Free at Dickey's on Sundays with each adult purchase of $10 or more. Photo courtesy of Dickey's
13 Kid-Friendly Barbecue Restaurants in Houston
The St. Regis in Uptown is one of Houston's best family-friendly resorts.
Best Family-Friendly Spa Resorts And Hotels Near Houston
Photo courtesy of Lake Conroe KOA Campground, Facebook
Camping in Houston: Best Campgrounds in Texas for Families
Hiking at Garner State Park in the Texas Hill Country. Photo courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife
Texas Hill Country with Kids: Where to Go, Eat, and Stay
Fresh air is one of the best antidotes to a grumpy toddler or baby. Photo courtesy of Bigstock
Top 10 Stroller Hikes in Houston and the Suburbs
Come for the queso, stay for the ice cream at these Tex-Mex restaurants in Houston.
Best Tex-Mex Restaurants in Houston with FREE Ice Cream
Explore the 21 miles of trails around the park, of varying lengths and difficulty to suit your family’s needs.
20 Things to Do in Huntsville State Park with Kids
Kids can learn about Robotics at the Houston Space Center. Photo courtesy of Rebecca Ortiz.
Top Attractions in Houston for Kids and Families: Museums, Theme Parks, & More
Photo courtesy of Levy Park, Facebook
Best Budget-Friendly (Cheap) Birthday Party Places for Houston Kids
Samuel Sykes, owner of Trill Taco, photo courtesy of Samuel Sykes
10 Black-Owned Restaurants Near Houston to Try with Kids
Calling all space lovers! NASA’s Space Center Houston, photo by Rebecca Matheson Ortiz
17 Fun Things to Do with Kids in Clear Lake and Webster
Toddlers can enjoy playing with the foam block structures at Exploration Park. Photo courtesy of Exploration Park
Best Houston Playgrounds and Parks for Toddlers
The Menil Collection is a free art museum in Houston. Photo courtesy of the Menil Collection
Free Museums and Free Museum Days for Kids in Houston
​Galveston's Schlitterbahn is an indoor waterpark near Houston. Photo courtesy of Schlitterbahn in Galveston Island
The Best Indoor Waterparks in Texas
Reaching for Butterflies at the Cockrell Butterfly Center at the Houston Museum of Natural Science
Best Things to Do at the Houston Museum of Natural Science with Kids
Horseback riding is a favorite kid activity in Conroe
20 Things To Do in Conroe with Kids

Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows in Houston

Santa's Wonderland is a whole holiday lights extravaganza. Photo courtesy of Santa's Wonderland, A Texas Christmas Experience at College Station
Santa's Wonderland is a whole holiday lights extravaganza. Photo courtesy of Santa's Wonderland, A Texas Christmas Experience at College Station
11/24/24 - By Elizabeth R

Christmas light shows in Houston make the holidays come alive — even when it's still 80 degrees outside. From drive-thru Christmas lights experiences to walking adventures, and from traditional holiday lights or out-of-this-world displays, we've rounded up holiday and Christmas lights in Houston to suit every taste. For the best Christmas lights near Houston, check out one of the locales or events below.

 And for more holiday and Christmas ideas, check out our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for Houston Families.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Dasher's Lightshow has several locations for their Christmas lights drive-thru. Photo courtesy of Dasher's Lightshow
Dasher's Lightshow has several locations for their Christmas lights drive-thru. Photo courtesy of Dasher's Lightshow

Drive-thru and Drive-by Christmas Lights in Houston

The Light Park in Spring

Spring
Friday, November 1, 2024 through Sunday, January 5, 2025
Enjoy an exciting drive-through light show at The Light Park. Eat, drink, and watch as the night is electrified with millions of Christmas lights and festive music. READ MORE

The Light Park in Katy

Katy
Friday, November 1, 2024 through Sunday, January 5, 2025
Enjoy an exciting drive-through light show at The Light Park. Eat, drink, and watch as the night is electrified with millions of Christmas lights and festive music. READ MORE

Dasher's Lightshow at Sam Houston's Race Park

Northwest Houston
Friday, November 22 through Tuesday, December 24, 2024
Enjoy a delightful hayride that will whisk you away for approximately 20 minutes through a dazzling display of Christmas lights. READ MORE

Christmas at Big Rivers in New Caney

New Caney
Friday, November 22 through Tuesday, December 31, 2024 (Select dates)
Experience a winter wonderland filled with holiday cheer for the whole family, including thousands of synchronized lights, drive-through lights, a bounce house and maze for kids, hayride, Santa photo ops, and more.  Also enjoy the fairgrounds that have classic rides with a festive twist.   READ MORE
Galveston is great for more than just the beach. Check out the Christmas lights display at Moody Gardens. Photo courtesy of Holidays at Moody Gardens
Galveston is great for more than just the beach. Check out the Christmas lights display at Moody Gardens. Photo courtesy of Holidays at Moody Gardens

Holiday and Christmas Light Shows and Experiences in Houston

Winter Wonderlawn at POST

Downtown
Friday, November 1 through Saturday, January 11, 2025
Experience hundreds of thousands of lights, a 25-foot Christmas Tree, and multiple holiday-themed activations on Skylawn with views of Houston’s skyline as the backdrop. READ MORE

Texas Winter Lights Marriot Marquis Houston

Downtown
Thursday, November 7, through Tuesday, December 31, 2024
Experience Texas Winter Lights at Marriott Marquis Houston where the Altitude Rooftop & Pool transforms into an interactive light experience this holiday season with thousands of twinkling lights and winter-themed activations. READ MORE

Radiant Nature at the Houston Botanic Garden

Southeast Houston
Friday, November 8, 2024 through Sunday, February 23, 2025
Experience a dazzling Chinese lantern festival with larger-than-life installations showcasing the beauty of nature and celebrating the promise of the Lunar New Year. READ MORE

Santa's Wonderland in College Station

College Station
Friday, November 15 through Monday, December 30, 2024
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

Sugar Land Holiday Lights

Sugar Land
Friday, November 15, 2024 through Sunday, January 5, 2025
Bring your friends and family out to enjoy over 3.5 million lights, a dazzling 40 ft. light up tree, light shows, numerous themed displays, Santa Claus, holiday vendors, food, and SO much more!  ​ READ MORE

Magical Winter Lights at Fort Bend County Fairgrounds

Rosenberg
Friday, November 15, 2024 through Sunday, January 5, 2025
Magical Winter Lights Festival features thousands of intricately designed lanterns in various themes, shapes, and sizes. READ MORE

Galaxy Lights at Space Center Houston

Clear Lake Area
Saturday, November 16, 2024 through Sunday, January 5, 2025
Embark on a holiday adventure that transcends Earth’s boundaries and transports you to the edge of the universe. Galaxy Lights is a space-themed holiday light show that defies gravity. READ MORE

Lone Star Lights in Huntsville

Huntsville
Friday, November 22 through Sunday, December 22, 2024
Experience over a million lights, a Snow Zone, a Petting Farm, food and marketplace vendors, live entertainment, Santa and so much more! READ MORE

City Lights Downtown Holiday Magic Presented by Shell Energy

Downtown
Friday, November 22 through Wednesday, December 25, 2024
There’s no better place to get into the holiday spirit than in the heart of downtown Houston! City Lights Downtown Holiday Magic, presented by Shell Energy, is back for the third year with more spectacular lights, music, and magical fun. READ MORE

Zoo Lights at the Houston Zoo

Museum District
Friday, November 22, 2024 through Sunday, January 5, 2025
The Houston Zoo is transformed into a winter wonderland with life-sized animal lanterns and thousands of lights. READ MORE

Holidays at Moody Gardens

Galveston
Saturday, November 23, 2024 through Wednesday, January 1, 2025
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

Christmas Village at Bayou Bend

River Oaks
Friday, December 6, 2024 through Monday, December 30, 2024
Discover an immersive holiday experience during Christmas Village at Bayou Bend. A dazzling bridge brings you into a winter wonderland featuring thousands of lights throughout the 14-acre estate of Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens. READ MORE

Holiday Lights in Eastern Glades at Memorial Park

Memorial Park – FREE
Friday, December 6, 2024 through Wednesday January, 8, 2025
Featuring beautiful new lighting features, including a one-of-a-kind Holiday tree on Bowden Terrace lit against Hines Lake, the outdoor holiday wonderland will be a festive spectacle, with lights and lanterns along the Clay Family Eastern Glades’ entire half-mile Promenade.   READ MORE

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