Thursday, November 16, 2023

Experience Holiday Magic in Houston

Published November 16, 2023 by Hailea Schultz

The holiday season is officially upon us, which means Houston is about to undergo a magical transformation into an enchanting winter wonderland. To get into the spirit, we’ve rounded up a few fun-filled festivities happening in the Houston area.

Galaxy Lights at Space Center Houston

Now – Jan. 7 | 6:00 – 10:00 pm
Space Center Houston offers a celestial holiday experience with magical lights and space-inspired displays as you journey through the cosmos and planets, where you might even see a real spaceship! Visitors can enjoy fireside smores and hot cocoa while gazing at a sparkling 20-foot tree.

Texas Winter Lights

Now – Jan. 8 | 5:00 – 10:00 pm
Marriott Marquis Houston’s rooftop transforms into the ultimate holiday getaway with dazzling lights, festive drinks and private igloos overlooking Houston’s breathtaking skylines. Other activities include holiday movie screenings, silent disco, trivia night and a virtual reality sleigh ride experience.

holiday cheer in ice

Frostival at Discovery Green

Nov. 17 | 5:00 – 10:00 pm
Discovery Green’s Frostival offers an evening filled with holiday cheer where guests can make snow angels, take pictures with Santa, hit the ice at the park’s outdoor skating rink and enjoy a live performance by DJ Mohawk Steve featuring nostalgic hip-hop and H-Town favorites.

Dasher’s Light Show

Nov. 17 – Dec. 31 | Times Vary
Houston’s very own drive through light show is the ultimate holiday experience for the entire family, including your four-legged furry friends! With locations at Sam Houston Race Park and Big Rivers Waterpark and Adventures, load up the car, grab some hot cocoa and enjoy twinkling lights, colorful tunnels and holiday music.

zoo lights

Houston Zoo Lights

Nov. 17 – Jan. 7 | 5:30 – 10:30 pm
A favorite amongst Houstonians – the Houston Zoo lights features life-size LED animal-themed displays, a towering 33-foot tree and a 125-foot-long infinity tunnel decorated in colorful lights. Take a stroll through the Zoo’s enchanted forest and view a canopy of glowing flowers and butterflies in the Hanging Pollinator Garden. Be sure to stop by Santa’s workshop for a picture with the man himself!

Magical Winter Lights

Nov. 17 – Jan. 7 | 5:00 – 10:30 pm
Explore immersive themed exhibits decorated in lights and lantern displays ranging from a galactic space maze to a botanical garden. Offering jaw dropping photo ops, visitors can take selfies by a massive, glistening tree, an enchanting castle, underwater sea creatures and even life-size dinosaurs! A carnival-like experience will also be available, offering rides, games and food.

Moody Gardens Holiday in the Gardens

Nov. 18 – Jan. 6 | 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Moody Gardens’ iconic Holiday in the Gardens has become a holiday tradition for most Houstonians. From glistening trails lined with lights and displays to a massive interactive ice sculpture room – Ice Land, there are no shortage of things to do. Other activities include outdoor ice skating, 3D and 4D movie screenings, pictures with Santa and fireside smores.

Deck the Park

Dec. 1 | Begins at 5:00 pm
Hosted at Memorial Park’s Eastern Glades, this annual celebration is the perfect holiday excursion for the entire family. Enjoy hot cocoa and watch as a beautiful 26-foot tree will light up the entire park. Visitors can expect cookie decorating, letters to Santa, food trucks and a live screening of Home Alone 2.