Holidays in Houston 2020

Holidays in 2020 will certainly be jolly! With proper precautions and protocols, there is no reason you and your family can’t make this season special. From performing arts and holiday festivals to Christmas markets and family-friendly events, we’ve got you covered. Plus, don’t forget that we have another blog totally dedicated to the best Christmas light displays in and around Houston.

Performing Arts

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Alley Theatre (@alleytheatre) on Dec 22, 2019 at 7:30am PST

A Christmas Carol – A Ghost Story of Christmas
Dec. 4 – Dec. 27, 2020

Houston’s seasonal favorite, A Christmas Carol - A Ghost Story of Christmas will be offered as a free virtual production. Presented by ConocoPhillips, this performance is a highly inventive, digital adaptation of the Dickens classic, pared down to its essential elements. A resident company of actors assemble online to perform a new production of the heartwarming Christmas story. It will be “A Christmas Carol” like no other.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Houston Symphony (@housymphony) on Oct 18, 2020 at 2:32pm PDT

A Baroque Christmas
Dec. 4 – Dec. 6, 2020
8 p.m.

Christmas concerts are always magical and A Baroque Christmas is no different. Join the Houston Symphony, both in person at Jones Hall and virtually, for famous arias from Handel’s “Messiah,” music from Corelli’s “Christmas Concerto,” and more in this special holiday performance. Due to social distancing requirements, in-person seating for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday is very limited and current 2020–21 Season subscribers receive priority. 

Very Merry POPS
Dec. 11 – Dec. 13, Dec. 18 – Dec. 19, 2020

This year, we need a little holiday cheer more than ever, and the Houston Symphony’s Very Merry POPS is the perfect way to get in the spirit of the season! Michael Krajewski leads treasured carols and fun-filled favorites that will have you humming along, including “Feliz Navidad,” “O Holy Night,” “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” and “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” Join us for a socially distanced concert at Jones Hall, or grab some festive drinks and snacks and enjoy the livestream from home.

 

Holiday Festivals and Markets

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Old Town Spring VisitorsBureau (@oldtownspringtx) on Dec 2, 2019 at 8:24am PST

Home for the Holidays in Old Town Spring
Nov. 14 – Dec. 25, 2020

Head to Old Town Spring’s 40th Annual Home for the Holidays festival featuring a spectacular display of twinkling holiday lights, entertainment, family-friendly activities and photos with Santa every weekend! Patrons will experience a Texas-style winter wonderland and hassle-free holiday shopping that includes unique gift ideas, hand-made and locally sourced products and more. 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Moody Gardens (@moodygardens) on Jan 2, 2020 at 6:33am PST

Moody Gardens Festival of Lights
Nov. 21, 2020 – Jan. 2, 2021
6 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Enjoy a festive stroll along this mile-long trail featuring more than two million lights and lighted scenes themed to holiday music that take you around the Moody Gardens property with spectacular views of Galveston Bay. Stops along the way bring you to see Star the Dancing Tree of Light, concession areas, hot chocolate, fireside s'mores and other festive foods, mistletoe, along with plenty of photo opportunities!

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by CityPlace Springwoods (@cityplacespringwoods) on Dec 5, 2019 at 1:22pm PST

CityPlace Gingerbread Village
Nov. 29, 2020 – Jan. 9, 2021

The yuletide season officially kicks off at CityPlace Gingerbread Village on Sunday, November 29 with the Holiday Lighting Celebration and Gingerbread Village from 4 to 7 p.m. and continues daily. This year’s experience includes a 40-foot floating tree, light installations, a life-size gingerbread house, carolers, and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, this is one event you won't want to miss.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Galveston Historical Fndn. (@galvestonhistory) on Oct 31, 2020 at 6:54am PDT

Dickens on the Squares
Dec. 5 – Dec. 6, 2020
10 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.

For more than 46 years, Galveston Historical Foundation has hosted Dickens on The Strand in downtown Galveston to experience the architecture, sights, and sounds of a Victorian holiday. This year finds the beloved annual event in a new configuration while addressing the ongoing impact of COVID-19. Each square will feature entertainment, Dicken’s pubs, and food options with a specially designed holiday market on Pier 21. The market features numerous craft, food, and holiday vendors that guests seek out each year. 

 

Family Holiday Fun

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by The Christmas Train (@christmastrainalvin) on Dec 23, 2018 at 1:25pm PST

The Christmas Train
November 27-28, December 4-5, 10-12, 14-23
6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Head to Alvin, Texas for a truly Texan Christmas experience. The Christmas Train is fun and interactive ride with over 300,000 lights and hundreds of Christmas decorations. Colorful gingerbread villages, penguin snow lands and life-size storybook illustrations are all some of the scenes you and your family will experience along the way. Trains depart every 7-10 minutes. For the best experience, purchase tickets before you arrive. Tickets can be purchased online and reserve a place on your selected train.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Historic Market Square (@marketsquarehou) on Dec 4, 2019 at 6:27pm PST

Movies at Market Square Park
Dec. 2, Dec. 16, 2020
7 p.m. – 10 p.m.

On two evenings in December, make sure to head to Market Square Park for movie night. You’ll catch “The Night Before” with Seth Rogen on Dec. 2 and “The Muppet Christmas Carol” on Dec. 16. While we’re filing this event under a family option, viewer discretion is advised for “The Night Before.” Lawn chairs and blankets are highly recommended. Food and non-alcoholic beverages are welcome. Outside alcohol is not allowed to be brought into the park; however, beer and wine are sold at Niko Niko's on-site along with delicious Greek and American food.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by The Woodlands Resort (@woodlandsresort) on Dec 5, 2019 at 6:15am PST

Breakfast with Santa at The Woodlands Resort
Dec. 5 – 6, Dec. 12 – 13, Dec. 19 – 20, 2020
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Enjoy a staycation at The Woodlands Resort, but make sure you meet up with Santa while you’re there! The whole family can enjoy Breakfast with Santa that includes a full breakfast menu, photos with Santa in a safe, contactless holiday setting and holiday merriment. Tables will be set with social distancing in mind and are available both indoors and outdoors. Not staying at the resort, no problem, the event is open to the public. Limited capacity due to restrictions, so make your reservations early!

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Aquarium Houston (@aquariumhouston) on Dec 2, 2019 at 1:00pm PST

Breakfast with Santa
Dec. 12, Dec. 19 – 20, Dec. 24, 2020

Santa will travel all the way from the North Pole to Houston’s Downtown Aquarium for breakfast with boys and girls on the nice list! At Breakfast with Santa, enjoy a delicious meal and get your picture taken in a safe and socially distanced environment. Keep a close eye on the aquarium tank, you may see Santa swimming with the fish! Reservations required.

MAKE IT A STAYCATION!

Tired of looking at the same four walls? Book a night at one of Houston's top hotels for a nice change of scenery. The city's hospitality industry has committed to making guests' safety their top priority. Before you book, check out these Houston hotel deals.