Take a tour of Christmas lights through Houston’s must-see neighborhoods & holiday destinations

Pile in the car for a leisurely holiday drive or take a hot cocoa-fueled stroll while you ooh and ah at Houston’s most popular Christmas light displays—in residential neighborhoods and at city landmarks alike.

Every year, Houston neighborhoods light up like a Christmas tree (literally), with homes, streets, and yards decked in the season’s finest adornments.

In most cases, checking out some of Houston’s best neighborhood Christmas light displays won’t cost you anything more than the gas it takes to get there. Just be sure you respect the neighborhoods and the residents who so kindly showcase their homes.

Appropriate hours to do Christmas light drive-bys are typically from 7pm to 10pm; and the light displays usually start going dark and coming down the weekend following New Year’s Day.

2021 Christmas Light Displays in Houston Neighborhoods

• River Oaks – For one of the most extravagant displays of holiday lights in the city, you’ll want to check the grand, decked out homes and towering oak trees around one of Houston’s most prominent neighborhoods, River Oaks. Enter from Kirby—either from Shepherd or Westheimer—and begin winding your way through the hood as you uncover enclave after enclave of bright holiday lights and tradition. You can also park your car near the River Oaks Country Club to traverse the hood’s most popular streets by foot.
• The Heights & Woodland Heights – With its annual Lights in the Heights block party, this friendly neighborhood brings all the charm and holiday spirit. You’ll find shimmering displays throughout the month of December, from the fun and funky to the quaint and beautiful. And all of it is easy to see by foot or with a quick drive through the hood. Check out the area bordered by I-10, Heights Boulevard and 19th Street, and I-45.
• Downtown Houston | City Hall, Market Square Park, Main Street Square, Discovery Green & Avenida Houston – Check out the annual, towering Holiday Tree at City Hall and wonder through light tunnels and displays at Winter Wanderland; spend some holiday cheer in the beautifully adorned Market Square Park (and steal a kiss from your sweetheart under Texas’ biggest mistletoe ball), marvel at the Deck the Trees display in the windows of George R. Brown Convention Center (facing Avenida de las Americas, a.k.a. Avenida Houston), and don’t miss making a pit stop to skate or take in the vibes at The Ice at Discovery Green (make sure you book a spot in advance if you’re planning to skate, though).
• Prestonwood Forest near Willowbrook – Nestled in Northwest Houston, this neighborhood subdivision has been a holiday destination since the ‘70s. During its annual Nite of Lites (which begins this year on Saturday, December 11), hundreds of homes light up, all competing in a holiday-spirited competition with categories like Best House, Best Door, Best Mailbox, Best Block, and the People’s Choice Award. The map includes the area around Prestonwood Forest from Cypresswood to 249, and from Ravenhurst and Schroeder to Charlynne Oaks to Hargrave.
• The Woodlands – You’ll find that most neighborhoods in The Woodlands feature homes, if not whole streets, that offer extravagant Christmas lights. In the past, the Panther Creek and Alden Bridge neighborhoods have been known for setting the bar high, several of the homes featuring over-the-top displays, some of which are choreographed to music. In addition, a stroll along the tree-lit Woodlands Waterway is a holiday tradition worth starting, as is checking out Market Street, with its soaring Christmas tree and twinkling lights.
• Houston’s Shopping Districts | Uptown, River Oaks District & Highland Village – Running along Post Oak and Westheimer, these merry and bright shopping districts are well worth a drive-by, or a stop-in if you want to hit all of those holiday sales. Drive down Post Oak and south towards the Galleria, taking in the white lights on the Christmas trees lining Uptown’s main holiday thoroughfare. When you arrive to Westheimer, take a left and cross under the Loop to head towards the dazzling River Oaks District and Highland Village.
• Garden Oaks/Oak Forest – The Shepherd Park Plaza neighborhood has rocked over-the-top lights and decked-out holiday displays since the late 1960s. The nearby Candlelight Park gets in on the action, too; both residential areas bringing entire streets together to create a magical experience complete with Santas, inflatables, fun themes, and shimmering lights.
• Pecan Grove – This festive Richmond neighborhood draws locals in with its showstopping Christmas lights. Plantation Drive is the main strip, with some streets being more decorated than others. Take a drive to take in the neighborhood’s holiday spirit.

2021 Ticketed Christmas Light Displays Around Houston

• City Lights at Avenida Houston | Through Sunday, January 2, 2022 | Some FREE – Take in the lighted sights along the plaza, scope out 28 elaborately decorated Christmas trees in Alley Theatre’s Deck the Trees (appearing at the George R. Brown), and explore Discovery Green’s sights and sounds for free (and The Ice at Discovery Green for a fee). 5pm to 10pm.
• Galaxy Lights at Space Center Houston | Through Sunday, January 2, 2022 – The most interactive and technologically advanced light display in Texas returns to the Space Center Houston campus, with outdoor wonders, space-themed light installations, and a look at some real interstellar history that should captivate all ages. Tickets range from $19.95 to $24.95; free for ages up to 3. Admission to the Space Center is not included with Galaxy Lights admission (combo tickets are available). 6pm to 10pm. 
• Light Park at Typhoon Texas | Through Sunday, January 2, 2022 – Roll into the holiday season at the Light Park in Katy, which features an interactive holiday experience that sends cars through millions of twinkling lights, accompanied by holiday music and festive cheer. Tickets start at $30 per vehicle; $35 from Friday to Sunday. Times vary.
• Dasher’s Light Show: A Christmas Drive-Thru in Hockley | Through Sunday, January 2, 2022 – Get in the spirit with a daily light-filled spectacle that you can drive through in Hockley, past giant Christmas trees, snowmen, and through acres of land. Tickets start at $25 per vehicle. Times vary.
• Lightscape at Houston Botanic Garden | Through Sunday, January 2, 2022 – This internationally acclaimed lighting event arrives at the Houston Botanic Garden in South Houston for an immersive trip through illuminated paths, a 100,000-light arch tunnel, and other dazzling displays. Tickets are $23 to $25 for adults; $16 to $18 for ages 3 to 12; free for ages 2 and under. Timed slots available from 5:45pm to 9:30pm.
• Texas Winter Lights at Marriott Marquis Houston | Through Monday, January 3, 2022 – Have some Texas-sized fun in the 6th floor Altitude Rooftop & Pool at the Marriott Marquis in Downtown during Texas Winter Lights, an interactive light experience available nightly. Enjoy huge light displays, walk-through experiences and more than 20 ‘Gram-worthy elements. Stick around for a nightly “snowfall” and a winter-themed dining menu. Tickets are $20. 5pm to 10pm.
• Zoo Lights in the Museum District | Through Sunday, January 9, 2022 – Young and old alike will be in awe of the twinkling holiday lights that illuminate the Houston Zoo at Hermann Park. The annual Zoo Lights runs all season long and into January, with over two million LED lights brightening up its ancient oaks and winding paths to transform the zoo into a bonafide winter wonderland. Tickets range from $17.20 to $25.95, depending on the date. 5:30pm to 10:30pm daily.
• Sugar Land Holiday Lights at Constellation Field | Friday, November 19 to Sunday, January 9, 2022 – Head to the Sugar Land Skeeters’ home field for a stunning display of 2.5 million lights, with red and green lights lining the seating sections, light tunnels, giant light displays, and more. Tickets generally are $16; $14 ages 4 to 12, and for ages 55 and up. Some nights will be discounted while others may be slightly higher. Times vary.
• Magical Winter Lights at Houston Raceway Park | Friday, November 19 to Sunday, January 2, 2022 – Spanning 20 acres, this massive-scale light show sends visitors through variously themed sections that include a magical castle, a Christmas village, a Dino fun zone, skylines of Houston, plus meet with Santa and enjoy festival foods, carnival rides, games and more. Tickets start at $23.50 for ages 13 and up; $15.50 for ages 3 to 12 and 65 and older; free for ages under 3. Carnival rides and other attractions require a separate fee. 5pm to 10pm.
• Holiday in the Gardens at Moody Gardens in Galveston | Saturday, November 20 to Sunday, January 2, 2022 – The sprawling family attraction goes all out this year with their Holiday in the Gardens event, featuring a brightly shining Festival of Lights where guests can take a stroll on a mile-long trail flanked by two million lights and holiday scenes. Stops along the way include Star the Dancing Tree of Light, concession areas, hot chocolate, fireside S’mores and other foods, mistletoe and plenty of ‘Grammable opportunities. Fees start at $18 on value days; $22 on regular admission days. Festival of Lights and holiday attractions are open from 4pm to 10pm daily (until 9pm on Value Days); other attractions from 10am to 5pm daily.