Don your best holiday garb and show the kids a fantastic time around Houston with the best kid-friendly things to do in and around Houston from Monday, December 13 to Sunday, December 19, 2021.
This week, kids can see the Little Mermaid up close, send the North Pole their wish lists, catch Holiday movies, watch Santa arrive by plane, and more.
Do you know an event that could make the list? Drop us a line at events@365houston.com with a link to the official event details.
Top 12 Things To Do for Kids & Families in Houston This Week
- Sensory Friendly Day at Children’s Museum Houston | Monday, December 13 – Children with autism spectrum disorder and their families are welcome to experience the Children’s Museum with dimmed lights, limited extra sounds, and no distracting motions at Sensory Friendly Day. $5. 10am to 3pm.
- TUTS presents Disney’s The Little Mermaid at Hobby Center for the Performing Arts | Tuesday, December 14 to Sunday, December 19 – The beloved animated movie comes to life, following the adventures of Ariel the mermaid, who trades her voice to a sea witch in the hope of finding true love. All the songs you love, including “Under the Sea” and “Part of Your World” are here, along with some new, soon-to-be favorites. Tickets start at $40. Times vary.
- 3rd Annual Hometown Holidays & Trail of Lights at Silver Sycamore | Starts Thursday, December 16 – Silver Sycamore—known for its beautiful, old west grounds—presents the third edition of Hometown Holidays & Trail of Lights celebration in Pasadena. The eight-day lights festival will feature a magical walking trail of lights, Santa Claus, live performances, shopping and more. Tickets are $14 in advance; $10 for ages 12 and under. Times vary.
- How the Grinch Stole Christmas Movie Screening at Discovery Green | Thursday, December 16 | FREE – Pack a picnic and a blanket for a family-friendly screening of the holiday favorite starring Jim Carrey, How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000), at Discovery Green. 7pm.
- Home Alone Movie Screening at CityPlace | Friday, December 17 | FREE – Bring the family out to CityPlace in Spring to watch an outdoor screening of the John Hughes Christmas classic, Home Alone. 6:45pm.
- Santa at Betsy’s in Evelyn Park | Saturday, December 18 | FREE – Bring the kiddos out to Evelyn Park in Bellaire to snap a pic with Santa when he visits Betsy’s restaurant. 10am to 12pm.
- Stearman Santa at Lone Star Flight Museum | Saturday, December 18 – Rudolph gets a break as Santa Claus swings by the Lone Star Flight Museum aboard the PT-17 Stearman. Visitors can catch his arrival on the museum’s ramp, meet Saint Nick, and enjoy story time with Mrs. Claus, holiday crafts and more. Included with general admission to the museum; $15 for adults; $13 for ages 12 to 17 and ages 65 and up; $10 for ages 6 to 11; free for ages 5 and under. 11am to 12:30pm.
- Winter Express Party: Pictures With Santa at Primary Paint Party | Saturday, December 18 & Sunday, December 19 – For two days, the West Houston paint party venue becomes a winter wonderland featuring a special paint party with Santa Claus and his helps. Tickets include pictures with Saint Nick. $5. Noon to 4pm.
- The Polar Express Movie Screening at the Park at La Centerra | Saturday, December 18 | FREE – All aboard for a screening of the holiday classic, The Polar Express, on the lawn at the Cinco Ranch shopping center. Along with the beloved movie, kids can enjoy mascots, face painting, and even building their own cardboard train car to parade around the park with others. 4pm to 8pm.
- Twinkling Tunes at CityCentre | Saturday, December 18 | FREE – Listen to live holiday tunes and watch the trees light up in rhythm with the music at the West Houston shopping center. 6pm to 9pm.
- Family Day at Bayou Bend Collections & Gardens | Sunday, December 19 | FREE – Bring the family to the American decorative arts museum along Memorial Drive for a day filled with a puppet show, storytelling, arts and crafts, and more. 1pm to 5pm.
- Christmas Lights in Neighborhoods & Ticketed Events Around Houston | Ongoing – 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.
Find More Things to Do in Houston All Year Long
You can find more fun in our interactive event calendar and 365 Weekend Guides.
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