The holiday season is in full swing, and Houston is alive with festive cheer! Explore our dedicated Holiday Events Guide, packed with activities across the Houston area—perfect for creating lasting memories with loved ones.
Here’s a glimpse of what’s happening this season. 👇
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🌟 Now - Jan. 5: Zoo Lights at Houston Zoo
Experience holiday magic at Houston Zoo Lights, featuring sparkling light displays, festive activities, and photo ops! This year, see the new Whimsical Wildlife Tree, decorate cookies at Twiga Café, and walk through the immersive Twinkle Trail in the African Forest. Don’t miss favorites like the Holiday Grove, Enchanted Forest, and Santa’s Workshop.
📍 Houston Zoo, 6200 Hermann Park Drive
🕒 5:30 - 10:30 p.m., last entry at 9:30 p.m.
🎄 Now - Dec. 29: Classic Christmas at Memorial City Mall
Experience the magic of the season at Classic Christmas, an enchanting 55,000-square-foot holiday wonderland brought to life by the creators of Enchant Christmas and Coca-Cola.
📍 Memorial City Mall, 303 Memorial City Way
🕒 Nov. 16 - Dec. 29, 5:30 - 9:30 p.m.
💵 Tickets: Starting at $27.99
READ MORE: Classic Christmas brings holiday magic to Houston with lights, ice skating, and festive fun
🎄Now- Jan. 5: Houston Holiday Spectacular at ARTECHOUSE
Step into a world where holiday magic meets immersive digital art at ARTECHOUSE’s first-ever Houston Holiday Spectacular! This dazzling holiday experience features ASMR-inspired visuals and soundscapes, taking visitors through whimsical digital landscapes that blend nostalgic and serene seasonal vibes. Highlights include the Tingle Bells Immersion Gallery and Spectacular Factory, an interactive digital wonderland with giant wreaths, floating bells, and dancing nutcrackers.
📍 ARTECHOUSE Houston, 600 W 6th St.
🕒 General Hours: Daily, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.XR Bar: Mon-Thurs 4 p.m. – Close, Fri-Sun 11 a.m. – Close
💵 Tickets: Visit their website
🌟 Now–New Year: Uptown Houston’s Winter Wonderland
Experience the magic of the season with Uptown Houston’s breathtaking holiday display! More than 300 holiday trees along two miles of Post Oak Boulevard create dazzling “dancing lights” with over 16 million color possibilities. Synchronized lighting on sidewalks, stainless-steel rings, and 1,000 twinkling stars add to this unforgettable experience.
📍 Location: Post Oak Boulevard (from the West Loop to Richmond Avenue)
🕒 When: Now through the New Year
💵 Price: Free
🎭 Dec. 3-22: The Ugly Xmas Sweater Musical
Houston’s favorite holiday tradition is back! Join Theatre Under the Stars for The Ugly Xmas Sweater Musical, a hilarious, interactive show where the mission is to create the ultimate ugly Christmas sweater. Come dressed in your holiday best, sing along, and strut your stuff on the runway for a night of festive fun!
📍 Zilkha Hall, Houston
🕒 Showtimes: Dec. 3-22; times vary
💵 Tickets available now.
🎭 Dec. 3–Dec. 22: Sister’s Christmas Catechism: The Mystery of the Magi’s Gold
It’s “CSI: Bethlehem” as Sister investigates the mystery of the Magi’s gold with her comedic holiday antics and a living nativity featuring audience participation.
📍 Stages
🕒 Showtimes vary
💵 $84-112
🎄 Dec. 3: Christmas Parade of Lights
Experience the magic of the holidays with the City of Humble’s Parade of Lights! This year’s “Polar Express” theme brings festive floats to historic Main Street, followed by a chance to meet Santa Claus at Uptown Park and share your holiday wish list.
📍 Historic Main Street, Humble; Uptown Park, 310 E. Main St., Humble
🕒 Dec. 3, 6:30 p.m.
💵 Admission: Free
🎶 Dec. 7-8: A Viennese Waltz Christmas
Celebrate the holidays with a sparkling evening of waltzes and polkas by Johann and Josef Strauss, including the beloved “Blue Danube” Waltz. Let the Houston Symphony sweep you into the festive season with this enchanting performance.
📍 Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana St.
🕒 Showtimes: Dec. 7 at 8 p.m., Dec. 8 at 2:30 p.m.
💵 Price: Visit the website for ticket details.
🎄 Dec. 7: Reliant Lights Mayor’s Holiday Spectacular
Kick off the holidays with Houston’s beloved tradition! Mayor John Whitmire and Reliant invite you to Hermann Square at City Hall for an evening of festive cheer, including live music, dazzling dance performances, and the lighting of the city’s spectacular 48-foot holiday tree.
📍 Hermann Square at City Hall, Houston
🕒 6-8 p.m.
💵 Free for all!
🎨 Dec. 7-8: Holiday Vibe Market
Discover the perfect handcrafted gifts at the Holiday Vibe Market inside POST HTX! With over 120 local artists, makers, and creatives, you’ll find unique items like fine art, ceramics, leather goods, and more. Enjoy local music, complimentary cocktails, and fun for the whole family, including Santa photos and delicious food from 10 restaurants.
📍 POST HTX, 401 Franklin St.
🕒 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
💵 Free admission, kid-friendly!
🎄 Dec. 7: The Nutcracker in Cypress
Celebrate the magic of the holidays with the Houston Repertoire Ballet’s 26th annual performance of The Nutcracker! Featuring professional guest artists from the American Ballet Theatre and the HRB Company Orchestra, this dazzling production brings Clara’s enchanting journey to life with timeless elegance.
📍 11440 Matzke Road, Cypress
🕒 2 p.m.–4:30 p.m.
💵 Tickets: $20–$35 (No lap seating; minimum age 2+)
🎄 Dec. 7: Christmas in the Park
Celebrate the season at the 21st annual Christmas in the Park festival! Enjoy a dazzling tree lighting, unique vendors, delicious food, and talented artists in the heart of Kingwood.
📍 Town Center Park, 8 N. Main St., Kingwood
🕒 Dec. 7, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
💵 Admission: Free
🎩 Dec. 7: 51st Annual Dickens on the Strand
Step back in time to Victorian London at Galveston’s beloved holiday tradition, Dickens on the Strand! Enjoy live entertainment, parades, unique pop-up events, and the charm of costumed vendors selling holiday treats and crafts along cobblestone streets.
📍 Historic Downtown Galveston
🕒 10 a.m.–9 p.m.
💵 Tickets: $25 (adults), $15 (ages 7–12), Free (ages 6 & under); VIP options available.
🎄 Dec. 7: Magnolia Christmas Parade
Kick off the holiday season with the Magnolia Christmas Parade! Watch local businesses, schools, and organizations showcase festive, Christmas-decorated vehicles as they parade around Unity Park and along Nichols Sawmill Road.
📍 Unity Park, 19450 Unity Park Drive, Magnolia
🕒 Dec. 7, 5:30 p.m.
💵 Admission: Free
🏡 Dec. 8: 63rd Anniversary Christmas Tour of Homes
Celebrate the season with the Blue Triangle Garden Club’s 63rd Anniversary Christmas Tour of Homes. This year’s theme, “A Christmas Homecoming,” invites you to explore five curated spaces, including three homes, the newly opened HealthCo Pharmacy, and the Blue Triangle Community Center—all showcasing distinct holiday styles and charm.
📍 Locations: 3902 Roseneath, 3819 S. MacGregor Way, 4371 N. MacGregor Way, 2541 N. MacGregor Way, 3005 McGowen
🕒 1–5 p.m.💵
Price: $15 (Tickets available on Eventbrite or from Garden Club members)
🎄 Dec. 8: Clara’s Tea at Safari Texas Ranch
Take a magical journey into The Nutcracker’s land of sweets with BalletForte Guild’s Clara’s Tea. Enjoy an enchanting afternoon filled with tea, confections, and a whimsical performance of The Nutcracker at Safari Texas Ranch in Richmond.
📍 Location: Safari Texas Ranch, Richmond
🕒 Time: Dec. 8, 3–5 p.m.
💵 Price: $48
🎄 Dec. 11-18: Tinsel Trek: Buffalo Bayou Park Wellness Walk
Get into the holiday spirit while staying active! Join Buffalo Bayou Partnership and Urban Paths founder Laura Conely for a free 3-mile festive walk through Buffalo Bayou Park’s illuminated paths and downtown’s dazzling holiday lights. Perfect for all fitness levels—let’s walk, talk, and be merry!
📍 105-B Sabine St, Houston
🕒 Dec. 11-18, 6:30–8 p.m.
💵 Price: Free
🎵 Dec. 12, 14 & 15: Very Merry Pops
Celebrate the holidays with Houston’s cherished music tradition, Very Merry Pops! Enjoy timeless carols, festive tunes, and even a visit from Santa himself. Broadway star Jessica Vosk, hailed for her sensational voice and humor, will bring your holiday favorites to life in a way that’s truly unforgettable.
📍 Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana St, Houston
🕒 Dec. 12, 14 & 15
💵 Price: Starting at $26
🎄 Dec. 13–15: Tomball German Fest Christmas Market
Experience the charm of the annual Tomball German Festival Christmas Market! Enjoy shopping from over 150 vendors, live music across four stages, and performances by over 30 entertainers. A festive weekend for the whole family!
📍 201 S. Elm St., Tomball
🕒 Dec. 13: 6–10 p.m.; Dec. 14: 10 a.m.–10 p.m.; Dec. 15: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
💵 Admission: Free
🕯️ Dec. 13: Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings
Experience the magic of Christmas in an intimate setting as First United Methodist Church of Houston glows with candlelight for a live string performance of timeless holiday carols. Don’t miss this enchanting, multi-sensory musical experience.
📍 First United Methodist Church, 1320 Main St, Houston
🕒 6:30–7:45 p.m.
💵 Price: $32.48
🎶 Dec. 14: Carols on the Green
Join the Houston Grand Opera for a festive evening of holiday music at Discovery Green! The free annual concert features opera classics, mariachi tunes, and holiday hits performed by Vanessa Alonzo, the Mariachi Pumas, Indigo Diaspora Dance Company, and more. Sing along, enjoy family-friendly activities, and embrace the holiday spirit in your most festive attire.
📍 Discovery Green, Anheuser Busch Stage
🕒 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
💵 Admission: Free
🎄 Dec. 14: Historic Montgomery Christmas Parade
Celebrate the season with the annual Historic Montgomery Christmas Parade! Watch as civic organizations, school groups, and community members showcase their holiday spirit along the charming streets of Downtown Montgomery.
📍 14420 Liberty St., Montgomery
🕒 Dec. 14, 10 a.m.
💵 Admission: Free
🎅 Dec. 14: Holly Jolly Holiday with the Houston Symphony
Bring the kids to Jones Hall for an unforgettable holiday celebration with the Houston Symphony! This beloved annual concert features a festive sing-along, free hot chocolate, interactive lobby activities, and a visit from Santa himself.
📍 Location: Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana St.
💵 Price: Visit website for details
🛍️ Dec. 14-15: Markets for Makers Houston Holiday Market
Shop unique finds at Markets for Makers’ holiday edition at POST Houston! With 100+ makers, a DIY station, photo walls, and delicious food and drinks, it’s the perfect place to pick up special gifts. Kids get in free, and friendly pets are welcome—making it a fun outing for the whole family!
📍 Location: POST Houston, 401 Franklin St.
🕒 Time: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
💵 Price: $8 (includes a free tote and DIY access)
🎥 Dec. 18: Movie Night at Helix Park | The Grinch
Spread some holiday cheer at Helix Park with a free screening of The Grinch! Enjoy freshly popped popcorn, sweet treats, and festive drinks while relaxing under the stars. Don’t forget to wear your holiday best for this cozy cinematic experience.
📍 Texas Medical Center, 1885 Old Spanish Trail
🕒 Dec. 18, 6–8 p.m.
💵 Price: Free
🎶 Dec. 20-22: Houston Symphony presents Handel’s Messiah
Experience the splendor of Handel’s Messiah as the Houston Symphony brings this timeless masterpiece to life. From the stirring arias to the triumphant “Hallelujah” Chorus, this powerful performance will fill Jones Hall with the spirit of the season.
📍 Location: Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana St.
🕒 Showtimes: Dec. 20, 21, & 22
💵 Price: Varies
🎄 Dec. 21: Tomball Farmers Market Christmas Market
Celebrate the season at the Tomball Farmers Market Christmas Market! With 50 vendors offering unique holiday gifts, it’s the perfect spot to shop for everyone on your list while enjoying the festive atmosphere.
📍 205 W. Main St., Tomball
🕒 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
💵 Admission: Free
🕯️ Dec. 21: Candlelight: Holiday Special featuring “The Nutcracker” and More
Immerse yourself in the holiday magic with Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker and other seasonal classics performed under the soft glow of candlelight. This multi-sensory musical experience at Resurrection MCC promises to enchant audiences of all ages.
📍 Location: Resurrection MCC, 2025 West 11th St.
🕒 Time: 8:45 p.m. – 10 p.m.
💵 Price: $34.64
🎄 Dec. 21–22: A Prairie Home Companion Christmas at the Grand 1894 Opera House
Step back in time with Garrison Keillor and the original Prairie Home crew for a nostalgic holiday celebration in Historic Downtown Galveston. Relive the magic of the beloved live radio show with fresh takes on classic sketches like “Adventures of Guy Noir” and “The News from Lake Wobegon,” plus audience caroling and holiday cheer.
📍 Location: The Grand 1894 Opera House, Galveston
🕒 Showtimes: Dec. 21–22, 8 p.m.
💵 Price: $38–$108
🎶 Dec. 26: Carols on the Green with Houston Grand Opera
Join Houston Grand Opera for a magical evening of opera, holiday hits, mariachi, and more at Discovery Green. Featuring performances by Vanessa Alonzo, the UH Mariachi Pumas, Indigo Diaspora Dance Company, Segundo Barrio Children’s Chorus, and the HGO Chorus, this event promises to delight audiences of all ages.
📍 Location: Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney St.
🕒 Time: 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
💵 Price: Free
🎥 Dec. 26: Family Movie Night: The Year Without a Santa Claus
Gather the family for a magical movie night under the stars at Discovery Green! Enjoy the holiday classic The Year Without a Santa Claus in the park’s cozy atmosphere. Don’t forget your blanket or lawn chairs, and grab snacks, meals, or drinks from The Lake House to complete the evening.
📍 Location: Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney St.
🕒 Time: 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
💵 Price: Free
🎶 Dec. 26: Trans-Siberian Orchestra: Lost Christmas Eve Tour
Experience the magic of the holidays like never before as Trans-Siberian Orchestra brings The Lost Christmas Eve back to the stage for the first time in over a decade! Packed with pyrotechnics, lasers, and captivating storytelling, this dazzling performance at Toyota Center promises an unforgettable evening of rock-infused holiday spirit.
📍 Location: Toyota Center, 1510 Polk St.
🕒 Time: 7:30 p.m.
💵 Price: Tickets available online.
🎭 Dec. 29: Nutcracker Ballet in Sugar Land
Experience the enchantment of Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet in Sugar Land this holiday season. Featuring an international all-star cast, this reimagined production blends classical ballet with breathtaking acrobatics, larger-than-life puppets, and stunning hand-crafted sets and costumes. A holiday tradition for the whole family, set to Tchaikovsky’s timeless score.
📍 Location: 18111 Lexington Blvd, Sugar Land
🕒 Time: 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
💵 Price: Varies
📩 Want your event featured? Email the details to hgalvan@kprc.com