- Travel Planning
- Things to Do
- Events
- Restaurants & Bars
- Hotels
-
About Houston
-
-
Houston Neighborhoods
- Acres Homes
- Chinatown
- Bay Area Houston
- Downtown
- EaDo/East End
- Galleria/Uptown
- Galveston
- Greenspoint/IAH
- Houston Heights
- Medical Center/NRG Park
- Memorial Park/Washington Corridor
- Memorial/Energy Corridor
- Midtown
- Montrose
- Museum District
- River Oaks
- Hobby Airport/Third Ward
- Upper Kirby/Greenway Plaza
- West University/Rice Village
-
More in About Houston
-
- Meetings
-
Weddings
- Planning Tips & Ideas
- Wedding Fashion
- Venues
-
Vendors
- Alterations, Gown Cleaning & Preservation
- Bachelor / Bachelorette Party Resources
- Cakes / Bakeries
- Catering / Bartending
- Dance Lessons
- DJs / Bands
- Event Decor & Party Rentals
- Event Planners
- Favors
- Flowers / Florists
- Invitations / Printers / Calligraphy
- Lighting
- Officiants
- Photographers / Videographers
- Registries
- Salons & Spas
- Transportation / Shuttle Service
- Unique Entertainment
- Vendor Checklist
- Travel / Honeymoon
- Vendor Tips
- Weddings Blog
- Travel Professionals
- Reunions
-
Members
- MemberNet Login
- Member Benefits
- Maximize Your Benefits
- Become a Member
- Investing in Houston
- Diamond/Platinum/Gold Members
- Member Services Directory
- Newsletters & Updates
- Membership Events
- Member Business Service Outlet
- Houston First Business Opportunities
- Manage Your Communication
- Advertise
- Advertising Co-ops
- Membership Staff
- Executive Bios and Photos
- GHCVB Executive Committee of the Board of Directors
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
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.
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
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.
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!
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.
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
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.
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.
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!
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.