Light up your holiday season with a day trip (or in this case, night trip) outside of Houston. Just a short drive from Downtown Houston, the surrounding cities are getting into the holiday spirit with dazzling light displays that are sure to take your breath away. Here are places outside of the city limits where you can experience the joy and magic of the season.
Galveston Island
Festival of Lights at Moody Gardens
November 16 – January 12
The holidays have never been brighter. This mile-long trail with more than one million lights and lighted scenes is a tradition for families and groups alike. The winding trail takes you around the Moody Gardens property with spectacular views of Galveston Bay. It doesn’t stop at the light show, though! Stay to enjoy the outdoor skating rink, festive food, live entertainment and more.
Lasers, Lights and Shopping in Historic Downtown
November 24 – December 31
The Historic Downtown district encompasses 36-blocks that sparkle with lasers and lights during the holiday season. Explore small boutiques for unique gifts, take in the holiday cheer from a restaurant or coffee shop or pop into a local art gallery to appreciate the collections in the area.
Sugar Land
Sugar Land Holiday Lights
November 22 – January 5
Constellation Field gets festive with light shows Sunday – Thursday this season! Three million twinkling lights and numerous lighted displays make this the perfect backdrop to enjoy great food, explore vendors and even meet Santa. Kids will be wowed by the magnificent holiday décor and are sure to have a great time at the carnival, too.
Bay Area Houston
Space Center Houston’s Galaxy Lights
November 16 – January 5
This high-tech light show brings Space City into the holiday season with space-themed light displays throughout Space Center Houston. You can even jump on the tram ride to see holiday displays in Rocket park and wander through the large-scale light setups in Independence Plaza. All lighting displays have space components, including the interactive lights and 3-D projections on the massive Saturn V rocket which tell the story of the Commander Quest via light projection mapping.
Port Arthur
A Very Marshy Christmas
Saturday, December 14
Ever wonder how Santa gets around in the marsh to visit the good little boys and girls? By air boat of course! Santa and Mrs. Claus have booked Sea Rim State Park’s cabin and will be arriving by air boat on Saturday, Dec. 14. Children may get a photo made with Santa beginning at 3 p.m. when he arrives on the marsh side of the park. Bring your camera to capture the day and warm up with hot chocolate and cookies.
Christmas Parades
‘Tis the season for parades! Watch the processions during Port Arthur’s Cultural Lighted Holiday Parade on December 14th or enjoy the kick off to the holiday season in Nederland on December 3rd for their community parade. Port Neches and Groves will both host their community parades on December 7th.
Find tickets to holiday activities in and around Houston on the Houston Experience Marketplace and plan your most magical holiday season yet!