Embrace the spirit of the season with the whole family at the best kid-friendly things to do from Monday, December 12 to Sunday, December 18, 2022.
This week, walk around a trail of festive lights in Pasadena, have some bubbly fun at a park, light the menorah around town, enjoy a rustic campfire meal, and more.
Do you know an event that could make the list? Drop us a line at [email protected] with a link to the official event details.
Top 15 Things To Do for Kids & Families in Houston This Week
- Harry Potter: A Yule Ball Celebration at Paraiso Maravilla | Daily – Immerse yourself in a whimsical wintertime ball honoring the iconic Triwizard tradition, complete with amazing performances, photo ops, themed food and drink to purchase, dancing, and more. Costumes and/or cocktail attire encouraged. Ages 6 to 12 are welcome during Saturday and Sunday family sessions; 12 and up allowed at all times. Tickets start at $59; $49 for ages 12 to 17. Times vary.
- 4th Annual Hometown Holidays & Trail of Lights at Silver Sycamore | Daily – The fourth edition of this holiday celebration on the beautiful, old west grounds of Silver Sycamore in Pasadena keeps lighting up the night with its signature trail of holiday displays, appearances by Santa Claus, live performances, market shopping and more. $23; $15 for ages 3 to 12; free for ages 2 and under. Times vary.
- Bubbles and Board Games at Evelyn’s Park | Monday, December 12 | FREE – Bring the kiddos to play board games and enjoy some bubbles at Evelyn’s Park in Bellaire. 11am to noon.
- Gremlins Movie Screening at Discovery Green | Thursday, December 15 | FREE – Catch a holiday classic when the Downtown park space hosts a screening of the 1984 comedy horror film, Gremlins, which follows small, destructive monsters that wreak havoc on a town on Christmas Eve. 7pm.
- Storybook Theatre presents I Have a Little Dreidel at the Woodlands Children’s Museum | Friday, December 16 – Gather around to hear I Have a Little Dreidel by Maxie Baum. This story is based on the classic Hanukkah song and highlights the family celebrations and traditions of the holiday. $7.50 for ages 1 and up. 11am.
- The Grinch Movie Screening at Levy Park | Friday, December 16 | FREE – The 2018 animated version of The Grinch screens outdoors at Levy Park, just off Richmond Avenue, for a Family Movie Night event. 7pm.
- Breakfast with Santa at the Westin Houston Memorial City | Saturday, December 17 – Enjoy a breakfast buffet, photos with Santa, crafts and more at the Memorial City outpost of Westin hotels. $42 for ages 13 and up; $24 for ages 12 and under. Seatings at 8am and 10am.
- Houston Symphony presents Ho-Ho-Holiday at Jones Hall | Saturday, December 17 – This family concert from Houston Symphony offers a morning of songs from Disney’s Frozen, The Polar Express, holiday sing-alongs and more. Plus, families can enjoy kid-friendly activities before the first concert and after the second concert, including a visit with Santa, caroling stations and free hot chocolate. $29 and up. 10am and 11:30am.
- Frozen Over at Children’s Museum Houston | Saturday, December 17 – Don’t miss your chance to gather the fam and meet Olaf and Elsa from Disney’s Frozen at a winter wonderland celebration complete with snow play in the Museum District. $15 for ages 1 and up. 10am to 4pm.
- Stearman Santa at Lone Star Flight Museum | Saturday, December 17 – An annual tradition returns to the runway as Santa Claus makes an appearance at Lone Star Flight Museum, flying in on a different kind of sled, the PT-17 Stearman. Once on the ground, he’ll make visit with families joined by Mrs. Claus, while families are welcome to participate in holiday craft activities. 11am to 12:30pm.
- Martin Burniston’s Christmas Singalong at McGonigel’s Mucky Duck | Saturday, December 17 – A holiday tradition, singer and musician Martin Burniston performs his 30th annual singalong in Upper Kirby with a kid’s show in the afternoon, and an adults show to follow in the evening. $30 and up. 1pm and 7pm.
- Campfire Christmas at George Ranch Historical Park | Saturday, December 17 – The annual campfire event in Fort Bend sees the historical park welcoming revelers for a night of rustic dining, self-guided wandering of the site, a lively dancing tent, cowboy singalong, and a campfire under the stars. $60; $45 for ages 12 and under. Sessions at 5:30pm and 7:30pm.
- Santa Hustle 5K, Half Marathon & Kids Dash in Galveston | Sunday, December 18 – Galveston Island’s beloved holiday tradition returns, with runners dressed as Santa Claus running along the beach, up and down Seawall Boulevard in a 5K, half marathon, and kids dash. There will be cookie and candy stations along the route, with the traditional water stations. Registration starts at $54.99 for the 5K; $74.99 for the half marathon; $10 for the Kids Dash. 7:30am to 11am.
- Menorah Lighting at Sugar Land Town Square | Sunday, December 18 | FREE – Chabad of Sugar Land is ready to celebrate Chanukah, and you’re invited for a evening of entertainment. There is plenty of fun to be had for the whole family with bounce houses, face painting, delicious donuts, music, dancing, and more. Following the fun, the menorah will be lit at 5:30pm. 4pm to 6pm.
- 27th Annual Menorah Lighting at Houston City Hall | Sunday, December 18 | FREE – The city marks the first night of the Festival of Lights with this celebration that includes dreidels, Chanukah gelt and gifts for children, and more. Chabad Outreach of Houston also returns with the 20th Annual Menorah Parade, which heads from Meyerland to City Hall for the menorah lighting. 5:15pm to 7pm.
More Holiday Attractions & Things to Do
Find More Things to Do in Houston All Year Long
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