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Galveston Railroad Museum - 2602 Santa Fe Pl
NOVEMBER 14 - DECEMBER 23, 2025
Make a family trip to Galveston and immerse yourself in the magic of the Polar Express as it takes you on a spectacular ride to the North Pole! Guests will enjoy hot cocoa and cookies while they read along with the classic children’s book, The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg. Experience live entertainment as the characters on board bring the story to life. The hour-long train ride concludes with a special gift from Santa himself to all passengers. Families are encouraged to wear their pajamas to complete the experience. Tickets are limited, but still available. Secure your spot for a memorable Christmas activity the whole family will enjoy.
Alley Theatre - 615 Texas Ave
NOVEMBER 16 - DECEMBER 28, 2025
Rediscover the timeless tale of Ebenezer Scrooge's transformation as he encounters the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. Be transported into Victorian England with dazzling costumes and stunning sets. Join us for a Dickensian celebration of love, redemption, and the true spirit of Christmas!
Alley Theatre
NOVEMBER 27 - DECEMBER 27, 2025
Join Margot on her Christmas Eve shift, braving grumpy drive-thru customers until her late best friend’s ghost warns her of imminent spirits. Margot confronts her inner Scrooge in this holiday show packed with humor and heart!
Wortham Theater Center - 501 Texas Ave
NOVEMBER 29 - DECEMBER 29, 2025
One of Houston’s ultimate holiday traditions is the Houston Ballet's ‘The Nutcracker’ performance. A visual delight, the ballet company’s grand sets, stunning costumes, iconic score, and storied talent bring this story to life every year. Be there as Clara and Drosselmeyer make their journey to the Kingdom of Sweets and meet the Sugar Plum Fairy and her prince in the land where the real magic happens. Be sure to grab your tickets in advance, as this is a popular holiday spectacular!
Hilton Americas-Houston
DECEMBER 6 - 21, 2025
Breakfast with Santa comes to Hilton Americas-Houston. Enjoy a signature breakfast buffet with all the trimmings at 1600 Bar + Grille and don't miss an appearance from Old Saint Nick as you pose for the perfect keepsake photo at Santa's Selfie Station. Reservations are available to book on OpenTable Saturdays and Sundays, December 6-21, 2025.
Very Merry POPS
Back to Top of ListJones Hall - 615 Louisiana St
DECEMBER 11, 13, 14, 2025
Houston’s biggest holiday spectacle returns! Cozy up with friends and family and celebrate the best time of the year with Ali Stroker, the Houston Symphony, and a merry chorus. Featuring sparkling decorations, your favorite carols, and a special visit from Santa, this concert delivers instant holiday cheer. Houston’s treasured holiday tradition continues to deliver magical holiday cheer, now in its 26th year and counting! Jones Hall’s iconic towering Christmas tree makes the perfect holiday card backdrop and is fun for the whole family; plus, tickets make for a great holiday gift!
DECEMBER 13, 2025
Architecture Center Houston’s sweetest tradition returns! Join us at Levy Park for the 16th Annual Gingerbread Build-Off, where local architects, designers, engineers, students, and enthusiasts compete to create incredible 100% edible architectural masterpieces made of gingerbread, candy, and all kinds of sugary treats. This year’s theme, “Lights, Camera… Confection!”, brings your favorite movie moments to life one gumdrop at a time! Enjoy the Kids Construction Zone, lawn games, holiday music, and festive fun for the whole family. All activities are free and open to the public.
Discovery Green - 1500 McKinney St
DECEMBER 6, 13, 20, 2025
Gather the fam and head to Discovery Green for an interactive experience with Santa at the Green Mountain Energy Ice Rink. Enjoy the twinkling lights as you. Tickets are just $18 + tax and include skate rental. Plus, there’s plenty to experience in the area at City Lights Downtown Magic.
Kemah Boardwalk - 215 Kipp Ave
DECEMBER 31, 2025
Ring in the New Year at the Boardwalk! Head to Kemah for a full day of family-friendly entertainment and activities. Enjoy live music, crafts for the kids, and delicious food! The evening comes to a festive ending with a stunning display of fireworks to help you bring in 2026. Plus, all this fun is totally free for everyone!
Where to Stay
Hilton Americas - Houston
The 1,207-room Hilton Americas-Houston, a 24-story state-of-the-art convention hotel, is connected via two skybridges to the George R. Brown Convention Center. Members of the Hilton Honors loyalty program can check in with ease using a state-of-the-art digital key check-in, which allows guests to access their room via their smartphones. Book your stay and experience the holidays at Hilton with special experiences like Land of the Sweets and Breakfast with Santa.
Grand Galvez Resort & Spa
GALVESTON, TEXAS
Enjoy an unforgettable stay at the iconic Texas hotel, the Grand Galvez Resort and Spa in the coastal town of Galveston. It’s the perfect time to book your stay, as the town is bursting with tons of holiday events and activities for the whole family to enjoy, like the Polar Express. Plus, a stay at this luxurious hotel would be a perfect present for you and your significant other to enjoy.
Explore other HOTELS IN HOUSTON, find out how to save more with HOTEL DEALS IN HOUSTON, and don't forget to check out in EVENTS other unforgettable experiences that await you in Houston.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS IN HOUSTON!
Photos: Courtesy of hotels and attractions presented in this post.
