Check out Gingerbread Village at City Place on Christmas Day in Houston. Photo courtesy of City Place Plaza
What's Open on Christmas Day in Houston: A List of Awesome Things To Do
Head to the Houston Zoo for a fun outing this Christmas break. Photo courtesy of the zoo
Christmas Vacation in Houston: 16 Staycation Ideas for Things To Do With Kids
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Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for Houston Families
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
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.
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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
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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

Christmas Weekend 2024 in Houston Top Things To Do: Polar Palooza, Santa Visits, and More

Have some fun in the snow at Polar Palooza. Photo courtesy of the Children's Museum Houston
Have some fun in the snow at Polar Palooza. Photo courtesy of the Children's Museum Houston
12/20/24 - By Rachael Cherry

Looking for the best things to do in Houston this Christmas weekend? Here are some awesome events and activities for kids to add to your list for Christmas 2024.

Santa Claus is heading to H-Town, and the magic is already underway! This weekend, don’t miss Snow Glow on the Bayou—an enchanting, immersive light and music experience projected onto a massive, four-story water screen at Allen’s Landing, with its stunning reflection dancing across the water. And at Children’s Museum Houston, Polar Palooza kicks off this weekend, transforming the courtyard into a snowy wonderland filled with festive fun. With special events like a chance to meet Santa, it’s the perfect holiday outing for the whole family!

Enter the Wiggles Bouncing Balls! Tour Giveaway!  This month, we’re giving away a family four pack of tickets to The Wiggles Bouncing Balls! Tour concert.  You can enter to win by signing up for our newsletter here!

From the Mommy Poppins Houston team, we want to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

More Things To Do in Houston this Week with Kids:

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Lace up your skates and have a whirl round the rink with Santa at Discovery Green this Christmas weekend. Photo courtesy of Discovery Green
Lace up your skates and have a whirl round the rink with Santa at Discovery Green this Christmas weekend. Photo courtesy of Discovery Green

Things to Do Christmas Weekend in Houston with Kids

A Berry Merry Christmas at Dewberry Farm

Brookshire
Select dates through December 29
Dewberry Farm is pulling out all the stops with its new holiday tradition, A Berry Merry Christmas! Snuggle up on a wagon ride, sip hot cocoa, and take in the breathtaking trail of 3 MILLION sparkling holiday lights! Throw snowballs, build a real snowman, meet Santa, and much more. Save $8 per ticket with code: POPPINS8 at checkout! READ MORE

Christmas at Big Rivers in New Caney

New Caney
Through December 31
Enjoy hayrides, pictures with Santa, a petting zoo, the world’s largest Christmas-themed inflatable obstacle course, axe throwing, archery, amusement park rides, and much more festive fun for the entire family! Use code MOMPOP for 10% off tickets to Christmas at Big Rivers!   READ MORE

Movies Under The Stars: Elf at Market Square Park

Downtown – FREE
Thursday, December 19
 Pull out your lawn blanket, and enjoy a free movie screening of Elf!   READ MORE

Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt in Downtown Houston

Downtown – FREE
Friday, December 20 through Sunday, December 22
Embark on an exciting scavenger hunt through downtown Houston – find hidden elves at each of six Holiday Village locations throughout the weekend! READ MORE

Snow Glow on the Bayou

Downtown – FREE
Friday, December 20 through Sunday, December 29
Downtown Houston debuts a digital, immersive light and music spectacular at Allen’s Landing. Reflecting in the water and projected onto a four-story tall, six-story wide water screen,Snow Glow can be experienced from multiple vantage points, as well as from the bayou’s banks or trails. READ MORE

Saturday Morning Cartoon Cereal Party at Houston Toy Museum

The Heights
Saturday, December 21
Join a Cartoon Cereal Party all about the holiday season with episodes from some favorite shows, including Animaniacs, Darkwing Duck, The Flintstones, and more!   READ MORE

Anna, Elsa, and Olaf at The Woodlands Children's Musuem

The Woodlands
Saturday, December 21
Embrace the cold and enjoy photo opportunities with favorite Frozen friends Anna, Elsa, and Olaf. READ MORE

Flea by Night presented by Green Mountain Energy at Discovery Green

Downtown – FREE
Saturday, December 21
Shop local! Flea by Night is an open-air market featuring local artisans and small business owners selling vintage, handmade, recycled, repurposed and local goods. READ MORE

Movies Under the Moon: The Polar Express at Sugar Land Town Square

Sugar Land – FREE
Saturday, December 21
Settle in for a free and festive screening of the holiday classic, The Polar Express. Bring blankets and snacks and make it a special night for all the family.   READ MORE

Young Audiences of Houston - Holidays from Around the World at Levy Park

Upper Kirby – FREE
Saturday, December 21
Young Audiences of Houston offers family-friendly, live art experiences perfect for a wide variety of ages. These interactive workshops and performances last between 60 and 90 minutes and involve YAH artists and ensembles, crossing genres of dance, visual arts, theater, music, and literary arts. READ MORE

Polar Palooza 2024 at Children's Museum Houston

Museum District
Saturday,December 21 through Saturday, January 4
The Museum is a snowy wonderland! Experience Polar Palooza, a plethora of multi-cultural activities and festive happenings all around the Museum! ‍ READ MORE

Jolly Trolley Bayou Safari at Armand Bayou Nature Center

Pasadena
Sunday, December 22
Enjoy a Bayou Safari Tour with a festive twist including wildlife observation and decorating cookies! READ MORE

Joyful Fanfares: Holiday Brass Spectacular at the Houston Symphony

Downtown
Sunday, December 22
Members of the Houston Symphony brass section welcome you for a concert brimming with holiday cheer! Featuring exquisite classical works by Bach and Gabrieli, beloved selections from Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, and festive favorites like Sleigh Ride and Joy to the World, these are the sounds that make the season sing.   READ MORE

Skate with Santa at Discovery Green

Downtown
Sunday, December 22
Children of all ages are invited to visit with a Santa Claus of different backgrounds. Visit with Santa included with ticket purchase.  READ MORE

Places featured in this article: