If you’re looking for the best spots to experience Christmas Houston lights displays, and enjoy festive Christmas events in Houston, you’re in the right place! You’ll see everything from impressive neighborhood displays, space themed holiday light shows, and massive installations. During the holidays, Houston really comes alive with festive celebrations.

Whether you’re planning on strolling through sparkling light trails, or visiting one of Houston’s iconic holiday attractions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Read through this guide to discover all the must-see Christmas lights and events in Houston that are sure to brighten your holiday season!

Map of Houston’s Popular Christmas Lights

Start planning your route to see the biggest and brightest Christmas Houston lights displays this season!

Festive Christmas Houston Lights Displays

If you’re looking for festive displays, the Christmas Houston lights are a must-see this holiday season. Capture the magic of the holiday season by visiting some of the most popular Christmas Houston lights displays around the city.

River Oaks

Address: River Oaks Blvd., Houston, TX	Dates: Nov. 25- Jan. 5	Prices: Free

While driving through neighborhoods to see free displays of Houston’s Christmas lights, River Oaks Blvd has one of the most impressive holiday spectacles. These beautiful and large houses draw crowds every year eager to see their breathtaking displays.

If you’d like to walk the neighborhood, street parking is only available. It’s best to arrive around 5pm- 5:30pm, but you can certainly see the lights by slowly driving by. Remember that people will need to have access to their house, so do not block driveways. Be sure to glance at the River Oaks Facebook page for updates.

Magical Winter Lights

Address: 5000 Katy Mills Cir, Katy, TX 77494	Dates: Nov 15 to Jan 5 Hours: Sun-Thurs 5pm-10pm Fri-Sat 5pm-11pm	Prices: Adults: $27- $32 Senior: $19-$22 Family of 4 pack: $96-$108 Carnival Wristband: $30-$32

If you’re looking for a unique way to experience Christmas in Houston, Magical Winter Lights is one of the most enchanting Christmas events in Houston. Spread over acres, you’ll walk through several illuminated sections with 60 large lantern displays. You’ll see themes like dinosaurs, the sea, and outer space. Even though Christmas is a big focus, with the many different themes displayed, this event is great to attend even if you don’t celebrate Christmas.

You’ll also see Disney characters like Anna, Elsa, Ariel, and even the Grinch. Next to some of the best Christmas lights in Houston, there’s also a carnival area with food, classic rides and games for an additional cost. Magical Winter Lights is the perfect holiday outing for families, couples, or anyone wanting to see an impressive light display during the holiday season!

“Galaxy Lights” at Space Center Houston

Address: 1601 E NASA Parkway, Houston, TX 77058	Dates: Nov. 16- Jan 5 Closed: Nov. 18-21 & 28 Closed: Dec 5, 24 & 25 Hours: 6pm- 10pm	Prices: Adult $19.95-$27.95 Child (3 & younger) Free

Visiting Galaxy Lights at the Space Center Houston is an out-of-this-world way to experience Christmas in Houston! Being one of the best Christmas events in Houston, Galaxy Lights displays the wonder of space with dazzling Christmas Houston lights.

Expect an entire night filled with two space-themed light shows, a stunning display of constellations, and a 200-foot LED light tunnel that dances to festive holiday music and much more. Warm up with treats, at this Houston holiday event, available for purchase, including s’mores and hot chocolate. It’s truly one of the best Christmas lights displays for those looking for something different to see among the other holiday events in Houston!

“A Berry Merry Christmas” at Dewberry Farm

Address: 7705 FM 362, Brookshire, TX 77423	Dates: Nov. 22- Dec. 23 Hours: 5pm- 10pm (Extended hours vary. Check website for details)	Prices: TBD

For a magical holiday experience just outside of Houston, head to Dewberry Farm in Katy, Texas. “A Berry Merry Christmas” is one of the best Christmas events in Houston with an impressive 3 million Christmas Houston lights display.

While there, you can build a real snowman, throw real snowballs, and, of course, meet Santa Claus himself. Don’t miss the Christmas Forest wagon ride, where you’ll travel through 2 million lights and see 40-foot dancing trees! With 40 rides and attractions on the property, there’s endless fun for the entire family.

Parking is free, and if you’re in need of a Christmas tree, you can pick one out at their own Christmas tree farm! Plan your trip to visit one of the best holiday events in Houston for family-friendly, festive fun.

Houston Zoo Lights

Address: 6200 Hermann Park Drive, Houston, TX 77030	Dates: Nov. 22- Jan. 5 Hours: 5:30pm- 10:30pm Sensory Inclusive Date: Dec. 2, 5:30pm-10:30pm	Prices: $24.70- $30.70

Visiting Houston Zoo Lights is a holiday experience you won’t want to miss! This is one of the best Christmas events Houston has to offer, perfect for enjoying festive lights and fun activities. As you stroll through the zoo, you’ll see displays like the Whimsical Wildlife Tree, animal-themed lanterns, and dancing trees. One of the biggest highlights in the park is the Twinkle Trail and the African Forest. The colorful and moving light pathways create a magical atmosphere!

Stop at the cafes for cookie decorating and seasonal treats. Be sure to grab photos of the large Coca-Cola Polar Bear, Enchanted Forest, Geo Prism Safari and more. Though you won’t see the animals (they’ll be sleeping), there’s so much to enjoy with Christmas Houston lights. Stop by Santa’s Workshop to say hi and snap a photo with Santa!

Tickets are timed entry, but feel free to linger as long as you’d like. Free parking for the zoo is located in Hermann Park, but once it fills up there are other parking options. When you arrive to the zoo, take a look at the map and be sure to see all the holiday lights for the best photo ops.

Light Park

Address: 555 Katy Fort Bend Rd Parking Lot, Katy, TX 77494	Dates: Nov. 1- Jan. 5 Hours: Sun- Thurs 5:30pm-10pm Fri-Sat 5:30pm- 11pm Extended hours: Nov 26-Dec 1 & Dec 20-29	Prices per vehicle: $29-$50

The Light Park is a perfect choice for enjoying Christmas Houston lights, especially when you’re looking for a weatherproof holiday activity! Located just outside of Houston in Katy, Texas, this drive-thru-only event is one of the most popular Christmas events in Houston.

Simply drive through, stay in your car, and soak up the festive displays—dogs are even welcome! The Light Park stays open rain or shine. On weekdays, you can expect the drive to take around 30-40 minutes, while weekends may take closer to 60-90 minutes due to more visitors.

Guests can pick up snacks and drinks along the way to add to their visit. This holiday event in Houston is a must for families and couples for creating holiday memories and traditional no matter the weather!

Winter Wonderlawn at Post Houston

Address: 401 Franklin Street Houston, TX 77201	Dates: Nov 1-Jan 11 Hours: 5pm-10pm	Prices: Adults: Mon-Thurs: $7, Fri- Sun: $10 Child (5 & younger) Free

Visiting Winter Wonderlawn at Post Houston for their Christmas display is a fantastic option when looking to celebrate Christmas in Houston! With a beautiful view of the city, Post Houston transforms its 5-acre rooftop park, Skylawn, into a breathtaking holiday wonderland.

Guests will enjoy thousands of lights and holiday decor including a 25-foot Christmas tree and several festive installations. The Skylawn is perfect for trendy photos, especially because of the stunning backdrop of Houston’s skyline!

When you arrive, check in at the Info Desk at the front entrance of the Food Hall. Feel free to grab a bite from the POST Market downstairs and bring it up to enjoy with a view. Alcohol is also available for purchase from the rooftop’s mobile bars. Purchase your tickets online but remember that refunds are not available. If your schedule changes, tickets are flexible, allowing you to attend on a different day. For anyone looking for holiday events in Houston, this is one of the most scenic Christmas events Houston has to offer!

More Places to Spend Christmas in Houston

While looking for more ways and places to celebrate the holidays, check out some of these festive events happening all around Houston. You’ll find everything from pop up holiday bars, ice skating rinks and more.

Holly Jolly Bar

Address: McIntyre’s Downtown, 901 Commerce St, Houston, TX	Dates: Nov. 22- Dec. 28 Closed Mon & Tues Hours: 4pm- 1:45am (Must purchase timed tickets)	Entrance Fee: $18- $25

Holly Jolly Bar at McIntyre’s Downtown is a must-do Christmas event in Houston for anyone who loves over-the-top holiday decor and festive drinks! Houston is the only spot in Texas to experience this national pop-up bar, and it goes all out with floor-to-ceiling tinsel, sparkling ornaments, and seasonal trimmings. It’s enough to make you feel like you’ve stepped right into a Christmas wonderland.

Each ticket includes a 90-minute reservation and your choice of one holiday-themed cocktail or mocktail, with plenty of other creative options available for purchase. This is a 21+ event, so it’s a fantastic holiday outing for friends or a date night. Be sure to take advantage of the trendy photo ops throughout the space, as every corner is designed for capturing festive memories.

If you’re seeking some of the best Christmas lights in Houston mixed with a cozy, vibrant holiday vibe, the Holly Jolly Bar has it all!

Ice Skating at Discovery Green

Address: 1500 McKinney St, Houston, TX 77010	Dates: Nov. 15- Feb. 2 Hours: 11am- 10pm	Prices: Military, First Responders: $15 Members of Bank of America: $15 Green Mntn Energy Customers & Employees: $15 General Admission: $18

Discovery Green has a fun skating rink and is one of the most magical Christmas events in Houston! This outdoor rink lets you skate beneath the glow of holiday lights with Houston’s impressive skyline as your backdrop, making it a perfect outing for Christmas in Houston.

In the spring, this space transforms into an outdoor roller rink, bringing year-round skating to the city. Whether you’re there for a holiday date night or a fun family outing, Discovery Green’s ice rink is a can’t-miss destination among the best Christmas lights in Houston.

Nutcracker Market at the Houston Ballet

Address: 601 Preston St, Houston, TX 77002	Dates: Nov. 14- Nov. 17	Prices: $20/person Child (2 & younger): Free

The Nutcracker Market is one of the most festive holiday events in Houston that is a city tradition for over 20 years. Held indoors, this busy Christmas village, Houston-style, brings together hundreds of vendors. Find one-of-a-kind holiday gifts, decor, clothing, and gourmet goodies.

With over 100,000 shoppers visiting each year, the crowds can be pretty big. Keep in mind that strollers, carts, wagons, and pets aren’t allowed to ensure everyone can shop comfortably. If you want more space while shopping, try visiting in the afternoons or evenings when it tends to be less packed.

Most Recommended Christmas Events Houston Offers

As you plan your holiday outings, Houston offers countless ways to experience the magic of Christmas. My favorite event out of all the things to do in Houston for Christmas is hands down the Magical Winter Lights. I first heard about it from the TV show, “The Great Light Fight” and seeing it in person is such a spectacle.

I also love the Holly Jolly Bar! It’s so over the top and is sure to get anyone in the Christmas mood. It can get crowded though. Try to get the earliest option for your timed tickets to this event. Grab your loved ones and dive into the holiday spirit!