Don't miss the Snow Days at Polar Palooza. Photo courtesy of Children's Museum Houston.
Elf in Concert, Polar Palooza, and More Things to Do in Houston This Weekend with Kids
Photo courtesy of Moody Gardens
Houston's Unusual and Underrated Christmas and Holiday Activities
Head to the Houston Zoo for a fun outing this Christmas break. Photo courtesy of the zoo
Houston's Top Things to Do Between Christmas and New Year's with Kids
GUIDE
Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for Houston Families
The Black Bear Diner in Houston offers Christmas dinner with all the trimmings. Photo courtesy of the restaurant
Best Family-Friendly Restaurants Open on Christmas Day in Houston
Tomfoolery is packed with toys. Photo by Jessica Stautberg
The Best Toy Stores in Houston: Gifts for Kids of All Ages
Dickens on the Strand in Galveston. Photo courtesy of Visit Galveston
21 Best Things To Do in Houston with Kids December 2025, According to Mommy Poppins Editors
Disney Junior Play Zone at Katy Mills Mall. Photo courtesy of Simon Malls/Simon Property Group.
29 Free Things To Do Indoors in Houston: Indoor Places To Play On Cold and Rainy Days
Santa's Wonderland is a whole holiday lights extravaganza. Photo courtesy of Santa's Wonderland, A Texas Christmas Experience at College Station
Houston’s Brightest: Top Christmas Light Shows and Drive-Thrus for 2025
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
Bass Pro Shops Present Santa's Wonderland. Photo courtesy of the event.
27 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in Houston for 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
It's time to get your annual picture with Santa, and we know just where to go. Photo courtesy of the Houston Galleria
Best Places for Santa Photos in Houston This Holiday Season 2025
College Station is perhaps the closest Christmas town to Houston. Photo courtesy of Santa's Wonderland at College Station, Facebook
Top 10 Christmas Towns in Texas to Light Up Your Holiday Season
Christmas trains near Houston 2025. Photo courtesy of The Polar Express Train Ride at the Texas State Railroad
Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains Near Houston in 2025
With activities for all, Texas Ren Fest is the largest Renaissance-themed attraction in the county.
Texas Renaissance Festival: A Magical Fall Tradition for Houston Families
Buffalo Bayou Park has trails, climbing structures, and skate park, slides, and more. Photo by Jessica Stautberg.
Things To Do in Houston That Everyone Will Love - From Toddlers to Teens (and Parents Too!)
Free alligator education at Brazos Bend State Park. Photo by Sarah Banks.
The 10 Best Free Hidden Gems for Kids in Houston
Visit the Hall of Paleontology at the Museum of Natural Science. Photo courtesy of Visit Sugar Land.
Why HMNS at Sugar Land Is a Must-Visit for Houston Families
Help your Scout rack up the badges at these programs in Houston. Photo courtesy of Canva.
Best Places to Earn Scout Badges in Houston
Unique Birthday Party Venues in Houston for One-of-a-Kind Birthday Parties
Our favorite gymnastics gyms in Houston. Photo courtesy of Canva
Gymnastics Gyms in Houston: Places to Take Gymnastic Classes, Camps, or Open Gym
Palace Social has bowling and a restaurant in addition to arcade games. Photo courtesy of Palace Social
Where to Find the Coolest Arcades for Kids in Houston
The Mini classes at Goldfish Swim School are a great bonding experience for parent and child. Photo courtesy of the school
Best Mommy and Me Classes for Houston Babies and Parents 2025
Ready Go Amusement Arcade photo by author Elizabeth R.
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A crafting party at one of these venues or at home is the perfect celebration for a creative kid. Photo courtesy of Color Me Mine
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Our top picks for your Houston bar/bat mitzvah. Photo by Juliano ASTC, courtesy of Pexels.
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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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Go for a nature walk in on of Houston's huge parks. Photo by Anthony Rathbun, courtesy of the Houston Arboretum.
Houston Budget-Friendly Weekend Itinerary for Families
Discovery Green hosts free events like Arte en el Parque, where kids learn Spanish while making art. Photo courtesy of Discovery Green
100 Free Things To Do in Houston with Kids
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
Explore the Best Science Museums in Houston for Kids: Educational Fun for All Ages
Firetruck Park in West University. Photo by Jessica Stautberg
Neighborhood Guide: Things To Do in West University and Rice Village with Kids
See animals up close at some of these farms near Houston. Photo courtesy of Dewberry Farm
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Children's Museum Houston is free every Thursday evening. Photo courtesy of the Children's Museum Houston
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Photo courtesy of Levy Park, Facebook
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City Park Skate Park near Houston. Photo courtesy of the Sugarland Texas Govt.
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Pleasure Pier in Galveston is a top attraction near Houston. Photo courtesy of Visit Galveston
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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
Stop at Cadillac Ranch near Amarillo for some cool photos on your roadtrip to the Texas Panhandle.
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Baywatch Dolphin Tours are a fun, kid-friendly tour near Houston. Photo courtesy of Visit Galveston
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Make dining out with kids more fun at one of Houston's themed restaurants. Photo courtesy of Rock N Roll Sushi
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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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Batting cage photo courtesy of the Bellaire Bats
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Photo courtesy of Big Air in North Houston
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Plan a magical quinceañera with these dress shops and venues. Photo courtesy of Canva
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Houston has many kid-friendly museums, and not all are children's museums. Photo courtesy of the Children's Museum of Houston
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In winter, visit Luminations at the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center. Photo by Ann Alva Weiding Photography, at bigredmuse.com.
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New to fishing? Try a Galveston fishing boat tour.
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The outdoor pool at the Moody Gardens Hotel, photo courtesy of Visit Galveston.
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One of our favorite petting zoos near Houston. Photo courtesy of Dewberry Farm
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Make it an unforgettable family getaway from Houston by hiking Enchanted Rock. Photo courtesy Passport to Texas.
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Photo courtesy of Schlitterbahn Waterparks
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Photo by author Rebecca Matheson Ortiz for Mommy Poppins.
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MKT has great family-friendly restaurants! Photo courtesy of @mendocinofarms and MKT
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There's no shortage of fun baby activities in Houston.
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Your little learner will love the variety of toddler classes in Houston. Photo courtesy of the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
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Treat your kid to one of these Houston spas with services for children. Photo courtesy of Float Baby
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Climb with your kids at one of these indoor rock climbing gyms in Houston. Photo courtesy of Texas Rock Gym
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Passport to Santa, Nochebuena Christmas Spectacular, and More Top Things To Do in Los Angeles This Weekend

Las Posadas is happening in DTLA this weekend, Photo courtesy of the City of Norwalk
Las Posadas is happening in DTLA this weekend, Photo courtesy of the City of Norwalk
12/17/25 - By Toby B

Looking for the best things to do in Los Angeles this weekend? Here are some of our favorite events and activities to add to your list this weekend

It's the weekend before Christmas and we are embracing the holiday spirit. We've booked our Passport to Santa for a magical North Pole adventure to visit Santa Claus. Our holidays get a Mexican spin at the Soraya's annual Nochebuena Christmas Spectacular; this year's show welcomes Mexican actress & singer Ximena Sariñana.  And we celebrate the last of Hanukkah's eight crazy nights, with menorah lighting ceremonies at Lomita City Hall, the Reagan Library, and more.

Want even more fun things to do this weekend? Our Los Angeles Events Calendar is packed with great family activities every day of the week— and you can filter by age, location, or even free events!

Not on our newsletter list yet? Subscribe for free and get the best local family fun sent straight to your inbox. Already subscribed? Share it with a friend and start planning your weekend together!

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There's still time to see
There's still time to see "The Nutcracker." Photo by Cheryl Mann Photography

Best Things To Do This Weekend in Los Angeles

Passport To Santa

Beverly Grove
Through December 31
Step into the North Pole with Passport to Santa, an interactive holiday adventure where every child becomes a traveler on a festive quest. Along the way, they’ll sign the Naughty or Nice List with Mrs. Claus, build toys in Santa’s Workshop, train with Rudolph, race in the Gingerbread Tower Challenge, test their strength in Nutcracker Kingdom, dunk the Grinch, and write wishes with the Christmas Angel. Each completed activity earns a stamp in their passport, which can be redeemed during a personal visit with Santa himself for exclusive access to his Christmas Carnival —... READ MORE

Las Posadas

DTLA - FREE
Starts Tuesday, December 16
A reenactment of Mary and Joseph's search for a room at the inn is presented by the Olvera Street merchants, their families, and friends. Visitors are encouraged to join the nightly candlelight processions and Christmas carol singing in Spanish and English. READ MORE

Newport Beach Boat Parade

Newport Beach - FREE
Wednesday - Sunday, December 17 -21
A Christmastime tradition celebrating its 117th year, the country's oldest boat parade sets the harbor alight for five consecutive nights. Beautifully decorated yachts, boats, kayaks, and canoes flow to this year's theme: Magical Night of Lights READ MORE

Warner Brother Studio Tour - Holidays Made Here

Burbank
Starts Thursday, December 18
The Warner Bros. Studio Tour is getting dressed up in its holiday finest! Guests can immerse themselves in cinematic holiday magic; this year's event gives a nod to Gilmore Girls' 25th anniversary, as the iconic back lot is transformed into Stars Hollow. And guess who's showing up? Scott Patterson, who played Luke Danes, appears daily and will record live episodes of his podcast,  “I Am All In…Again!” on December 18. Please note that there is no set schedule for these appearances. READ MORE

Disney on Ice: Let's Dance (Crypto.com)

DTLA
Thursday - Sunday, December 18 - 21
It's a dance party on ice with favorite Disney characters in the latest Disney on Ice show. Moana, Anna and Elsa, Simba and Nala, Ariel, and many more move to the music in Disney on Ice: Let's Dance READ MORE

Los Angeles Ballet's The Nutcracker at the Dolby

Hollywood
Starts Friday, December 19
Los Angeles Ballet's production of The Nutcracker is a classic with a distinctly Southern California twist. In this production, set pieces are designed to mimic beloved landmarks and trademarks of Southern California, while the ballet stays true to Tchaikovsky's iconic score.  READ MORE

Capistrano Lights

San Juan Capistrano
Starts Friday, December 19
The swallows aren't the only thing that come back to Capistrano every year. Orange County's only Mission is lit for the holidays, inviting families to experience the Mission by day and at night with a nightly tree lighting and candlelit music program. READ MORE

Nochebuena Christmas Spectacular

Northridge
Saturday, December 20
The Soraya's annual Nochebuena celebration returns for its 10th year to celebrate the holiday traditions of Mexico. Throughout the decade, some of Mexico’s most beloved stars have joined the celebration, a tradition continued in 2025 with Mexican actress and multi-nominated Grammy and Latin Grammy vocalist Ximena Sariñana. READ MORE

Santa Paddle 2025

Ventura - FREE
Saturday, December 20
Christmas characters go for a paddle in the Ventura Harbor! Dress up as Mrs. Claus, Santa Claus, elves, reindeer, or another holiday classic and paddle around the harbor- or watch from the docks. Santa leads this festive float, starting at 11am. The event is free to observe from the Ventura Harbor Village. The best dressed Santa wins a prize!  READ MORE

Toy Giveaway at MacArthur Park

DTLA - FREE
Saturday, December 20
Just in time for Christmas, Santa Claus is coming to MacArthur Park. Children are invited to come for a free festive celebration, where they can meet Santa, and enjoy games and arts & crafts. Extra fun includes face painting and balloons. READ MORE

Family Matinees at the Academy Museum

Mid-Wilshire
Saturday, December 20
On Saturdays the Academy Museum shows films for families of all ages. All movies in this series are rated G or PG, unless otherwise noted.  The final Family Matinee of every month is an accessible screening, with open captioning, the theater dimly lit, and volume maintained lower specifically for neurodivergent viewers.  A long time ago (this December), in a galaxy far, far away (Wilshire Blvd.)... A New Hope emerges as the Rebels fight to restore freedom to the galaxy.... The Academy Museum explores the Star Wars universe starting with Episode IV. READ MORE

Yuletide Cinemaland at Heritage Square

Montecito Heights
Saturday & Sunday December 20 - 21
Ho, ho, Heritage Square! Heritage Square teams up with Street Food Cinema for outdoor screenings of holiday classic movies, aka, Yuletide Cinemaland. Folks can get in the Christmas spirit with films such as Elf and Muppet Christmas Carol. The evenings include guided Victorian home tours, festive decor, piano sing-alongs, themed photo ops, and more. READ MORE

Gabby's Dollhouse Live in Anaheim

Anaheim
Sunday, December 21
Gabby and her friends visit the Grove of Anaheim for a live stage show. The audience can sing and dance along as to favorite songs including “Sprinkle Party”, “Hey Gabby”, “Music In You”, and “You Can’t Spell Meow Without Me”. READ MORE

Santa Snacks and Stories

Pasadena - FREE
Sunday, December 21
Stories and snacks, just what was on our wish list! One Colorado and Santa Claus host an enchanting afternoon filled with festive fun and holiday cheer. The fun takes place in the ONE Colorado Courtyard near Sage.  READ MORE

Light up Lomita Menorah Lighting

Lomita - FREE
Sunday, December 21
Chabad of South Bay lights up Lomita with a Menorah Lighting celebration at Lomita City Hall. A great chocolate gelt drop from a Fire Truck ladder sweetens the occasion. READ MORE

Menorah Lighting at the Reagan Library

Simi Valley - FREE
Sunday, December 21
The Reagan Library hosts an outdoor Hanukkah celebration. In addition to the Menorah lighting, the program includes crafts for children, live Klezmer music, and latkes and doughnuts (while supplies last). READ MORE
Zoo lights is back at the LA Zoo. Photo by Jamie Pham
Zoo lights is back at the LA Zoo. Photo by Jamie Pham

More Things To Do in Los Angeles This Week With Kids

22 Best Things to Do in Los Angeles December 2025 with Kids

With Hanukkah, Christmas, and New Year's, December has so much to do. READ MORE

LA's Unusual and Underrated Christmas and Holiday Activities

The hidden gems of the holiday season. READ MORE

38 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in Los Angeles for Kids

These celebrations ring in the holidays without wringing out your pockets! READ MORE

100 Fun Free Things To Do in Los Angeles with Kids

Free family fun in LA is budget-friendly bliss! READ MORE
The Mission Inn and Spa is over-the-top festive for the holidays. Photo courtesy Mission Inn and Spa
The Mission Inn and Spa is over-the-top festive for the holidays. Photo courtesy Mission Inn and Spa

More Fun Holiday Things To Do With Kids

Christmas Towns & Festive Hotels Near LA That Will Blow Your Mind

You don't always need snow for holiday magic. READ MORE

Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for Los Angeles Families

The best holiday and Christmas events in Los Angeles, including Christmas lights, Santa activities, Christmas trains, Nutcrackers, day trips, and more. READ MORE

Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows in Los Angeles

These holiday light shows dazzle in gardens, zoos, trains, and more! READ MORE

Christmas Activities and Holiday Fun for Kids

Find the best gifts, trips, and holiday crafts for kids this holiday season. READ MORE

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