Holiday Lights in Houston

City Lights Downtown Holiday Magic
NOV. 21 - DEC. 31, 2026

City Lights Downtown Holiday Magic, presented by Kroger and in partnership with Citgo and Houston Area Realtors, is pulling out all the stops to transform Downtown Houston into the perfect winter wonderland with 12 unique themed villages. Open to the public and mostly free to enter, these sites offer an ice-skating rink, lights to gaze at, and activities to brighten the season for the whole family.

Astros Light Up the Park
DEC. 4, 2026 - JAN. 3, 2027

Take me out to the ballpark for holiday lights and Astros fun! The Houston Astros will present Astros Light up the Park, presented by Houston Methodist, at Daikin Park in Downtown Houston this year. Houston’s newest and most unique holiday celebration kicks off on December 4 and runs through January 3. This immersive experience is designed for all ages and offers a magical blend of lights, sounds, and holiday joy with an Astros twist!

Reliant presents “Deck the Hall” 
DEC. 5, 2026

Ring in the holidays at the Mayor's Holiday Tree Lighting and Concert on December 5. Deck the Hall will begin with the Mayor's annual countdown to the holiday tree lighting, followed by a festive concert that captures the season's joy. Get ready for powerhouse vocalist Jessica Sanchez and MAJOR., followed by the iconic R&B supergroup En Vogue as headliner. The night will close with a breathtaking fireworks display launched from the top of City Hall, making Deck the Hall a true holiday tradition to remember!

Zoo Lights 
NOV. 19, 2026 – JAN. 3, 2027
5:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. (last entry at 9:30 p.m.)

Unearth new worlds of whimsy and wonder at TXU Energy presents Zoo Lights! This holiday lights experience invites you to explore the fantastical and let your imagination run wild as you adventure through the Zoo like never before. From fanciful bursts of color in our Enchanted Forest to the dazzling sights at Iridescent Immersion, the delights never end! New attractions include a safari experience of animal lanterns at Gateway to Wonder, 100-year-old oak trees covered in dazzling lights in Celestial Flight presented by TXU Energy, the Candy Cane Lane, and more! Ticket prices are the same for adults and children. Children ages 2 and under are free. Tickets will not be available for purchase at the gate, and the Zoo does not offer refunds or exchanges.

Christmas Village at Bayou Bend  
DEC. 4 – DEC. 30, 2026

Spend the holidays at one of the nation's foremost American decorative art assemblages! Discover an immersive Christmas experience at Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens. A dazzling bridge brings you into a winter wonderland featuring thousands of lights throughout the 14-acre estate. Whether you're sledding down faux snow, tossing cotton snowballs with friends, or hunting for Santa's reindeer in the festively lit gardens, the whole family will have fun. Tours, photo ops, sensory-friendly nights, and more all await at this artfully immersive holiday experience.

Self-Guided River Oaks Christmas Lights Tour
DECEMBER, 2026

Enjoy holiday lights in one of Houston’s most elegant neighborhoods! If you want to see one of Houston’s most beautiful neighborhoods transformed into a magical Christmas village, head to River Oaks. The residents of River Oaks spare no expense in adorning their homes and properties with thousands of Christmas lights. Start at the River Oaks Country Club and work your way around the neighborhood. The intriguing lighting displays and fanciful mansions are truly reminiscent of your favorite Hallmark holiday movies.

Lights in The Heights
DECEMBER 12, 2026

Every year, Woodlands Heights transforms into a winter wonderland with the annual Lights in the Heights (LITH®) celebration. Lights in the Heights is a beloved community tradition that brings festive cheer and dazzling light displays to the neighborhood, creating a magical experience for all ages. Stroll through the streets of the historic Houston neighborhood with family and friends and soak up all the creativity homeowners proudly display all in the name of holiday cheer! 

Galaxy Lights
NOV. 14, 2026 – JAN. 3, 2027

Galaxy Lights transforms Space Center Houston into a larger-than-life holiday light experience where space exploration meets holiday wonder. Now in its eighth year, the annual tradition invites guests to experience the center after dark through immersive light displays, interactive experiences, and festive surprises inspired by the awe of space. 

Radiant Nature
NOV. 20, 2026 - FEB. 21, 2027

The dazzling Chinese lantern festival, with larger-than-life installations that showcase nature's beauty and celebrate the promise of the Lunar New Year, returns to Houston Botanic Garden with all-new displays and interactive elements. Radiant Nature, presented by H-E-B with generous support from The Susan Vaughan Foundation, is an unforgettable adventure for the entire family. In its third season, highlights include a towering peach tree, a pair of mythical horses, bluebonnets, poinsettias, and much more. The interactive zone again features illuminated swings and an angel-wings photo spot, plus a collection of new immersive, Instagram-worthy features sure to put a smile on the faces of visitors of all ages.

The Light Park in Katy
NOV. 6, 2026 – JAN. 3, 2027

Electrify the Night at Texas’s #1 Drive-Thru Holiday Light Show with millions of dazzling lights perfectly synced to holiday music, all from your car. Charge up your holiday spirit as you cruise through millions of dazzling lights, synced perfectly to the rhythm of our festive tunes, courtesy of our very own DJ Polar Ice, all from the comfort of your own vehicle. Tickets cover each car, so pack in and get ready for a light show you won't forget!
 

Uptown 2026 Holiday Season
NOV. - DEC. 2026

The holiday season is alive in Uptown! Visitors can expect the sights and sounds of Christmas, including 300 dazzling holiday trees along Post Oak Boulevard and 1,000 twinkling stars that adorn the area in festive lights. Spanning two miles from the West Loop to Richmond Avenue, the LED light units produce over 16 million color combinations, creating a dynamic holiday light show that has become one of Houston’s favorite seasonal traditions. Head down for photo ops and holiday cheer!

Sugar Land Holiday Lights
NOV. 20, 2026 – JAN. 3, 2027
 

Just 20 minutes south of Houston, you’ll find a sparkling wonderland! Head to Sugar Land and Constellation Field for the 13th annual Sugar Land Holiday Lights presented by Houston Methodist from November 20 - January 3. Enjoy millions of beautiful lights, Santa (nightly through December 23), a 9-hole mini-golf course in the H-E-B Picnic Plaza (included with your Holiday Lights ticket), vendors, delicious food, plus two new themed areas for 2026! Check the calendar of events to learn more about themed nights, discounts, and holiday movie showings.

Holiday in the Gardens Festival
NOV. 21, 2026 – JAN. 2, 2027

Celebrate the holidays on the island! Holiday in the Gardens at Moody Gardens is a beloved seasonal celebration that transforms the property into a winter wonderland filled with festive attractions for all ages. Guests can explore the award-winning ICE LAND exhibit with towering ice sculptures, stroll through the Holiday Lights Trail featuring millions of sparkling lights and animated displays, enjoy outdoor fun on the ice rink and Arctic Slide, and catch special holiday-themed films. The Moody Gardens Hotel also offers festive getaway packages, family-friendly events, and dining experiences, making it the perfect destination to celebrate the holiday season on the Texas Gulf Coast.

Christmas Lights Tour
NOV. 28  – DEC. 31, 2026

Photo: Courtesy of Carriage Haus Rentals

Experience the magic of the holiday season on Galveston Island with a Christmas Lights Tour aboard a replica Model T from 1908. This festive evening adventure offered by Carriage Haus Rentals takes visitors through Galveston's historic districts, where they can admire beautifully decorated homes and some of the island's most impressive holiday light displays. Each private tour is 90 minutes and includes snacks, hot cocoa, and a cozy blanket to keep guests warm.

Happy Holidays!

Looking for ways to elevate your holiday season after you’ve checked out all of Houston’s light displays? Discover holiday events recommended by Visit Houston that your friends and family won't want to miss out on!