Deck the halls at the best kid-friendly things to do in Houston from Monday, December 4 to Sunday, December 10, 2023.
This week, get a lesson in gingerbread house decorating, catch an annual tree lighting, walk among the dinosaurs, 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 20 Family Things To Do in Houston This Week
- Gingerbread House Decorating Class at the Art Cellar of Houston | Wednesday, December 6 | FREE – The Art Cellar near Energy Corridor presents a DIY gingerbread house decorating class that features step-by-step instructions to help your children create fun gingerbread houses for the family. $35 per person. 4pm to 6pm.
- Energy Corridor District’s Tree Lighting Celebration at Hyatt Regency Houston West | Thursday, December 7 | FREE – Kick off the holiday season with the Energy Corridor’s lighting of its 50-foot Christmas tree, live music, a drone show, photo ops with Santa, and more at Hyatt Regency Houston West. 5pm to 9pm.
- Chabad of Sugar Land presents Chanukah Spectacular at Sugar Land Town Square | Friday, December 7 | FREE – The whole family will enjoy this celebration with kids’ crafts, balloon art, Israeli doughnuts, a menorah lighting, and a special visit from firefighters who will serve Chanukah treats from atop their hook and ladder truck. 6pm.
- Mistletoe Market at Baldwin Park in Midtown | Friday, December 8 & Saturday, December 9 | FREE – The annual market takes to the shady oaks of Baldwin Park for two days of art shopping, live music and free DIY workshops that help kids and adults alike craft that perfect gift from the heart. Workshop sessions are limited in space, so advance RSVP is strongly encouraged. Friday 5pm to 10pm; Saturday 10am to 4pm.
- Jurassic Quest at NRG Center | Friday, December 8 to Sunday, December 10 – Walk among the dinosaurs at this larger-than-life adventure for dino lovers. Get up-close to massive photorealistic dinosaurs, take part in arts and crafts activities, and more. $22 and up. Times vary.
- Tomball German Festival Christmas Market in Old Town Tomball | Friday, December 8 to Sunday, December 10 | FREE – Do as the Germans do and celebrate Christmas with plenty of food, beer, and wine, as well as live music on three stages, a petting zoo, and a holiday market featuring more than 150 vendors with antiques, arts and crafts, souvenirs, and more. Times vary.
- Rudolph Run 5K & 10K at CityCentre | Saturday, December 9 – Runners, walkers, and strollers of all ages are invited to take a lap at the Rudolph Run at CityCentre, including lengths of 5K and 10K, as well as a Cupid 1K. Enjoy pictures with Santa and special treats after the fun run, and the best Christmas costume will receive a gift card. $40 and up; $20 for the Cupid 1K. 7am.
- Donuts with Santa in Conroe | Saturday, December 9 – Have some donuts with old Saint Nick, snap some pics, and enjoy some nutcracker-themed activities at Oscar Johnson Jr. Community Center in Conroe. $5 per person. 7am to noon.
- 14th Annual Gingerbread Build-Off at Levy Park | Saturday, December 9 | FREE – Architecture Center Houston hosts the 14th Annual Gingerbread Build-Off, featuring teams creating 100% edible, architectural masterpieces using gingerbread, candy and plenty of other sweet treats. Guests are welcome to visit for free, cheer on the teams, play in the kids’ construction zone, and see Santa Claus. 10am to 5:30pm.
- Lights in the Heights 2023 in Woodlands Heights | Saturday, December 9 | FREE – Stroll through the beautifully decorated streets of Woodlands Heights during one of Houston’s favorite holiday events, Lights in the Heights. Load up the wagon and walk through the dazzling decor of the Heights while getting into the festive spirit. 6pm to 9pm.
- 62nd Annual Christmas Boat Parade at Kemah Boardwalk | Saturday, December 9 | FREE – Hundreds of boats decked out in Christmas lights cruise through the Kemah Boardwalk in the 62nd edition of this popular holiday attraction. Come by to see the parade of festive vessels, then stick around for family fun along the Boardwalk. 7pm to 8pm.
- Carols on the Green with Houston Grand Opera at Discovery Green | Saturday, December 9 | FREE – Just outside the Ice at Discovery Green, you can catch this annual carol concert featuring songs that celebrate the rich cultures of Houston’s community, as well as Hanukkah, Christmas and more selections for a night of spirited seasonal celebration. 7pm to 8:30pm.
- 10th Annual Islamic Arts Festival at Masjid Al-Salam | Saturday, December 9 & Sunday, December 10 | FREE – Featuring art by renowned artists from all across the USA, this two-day festival will highlight interactive art sessions, insight on Islamic art and culture, ethnic cuisine from food trucks, live calligraphy and henna tattoo demonstrations, children’s art activities, and more. 10:30am to 5pm.
- Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas at Jones Hall | Saturday, December 9 & Sunday, December 10 – The Nightmare Before Christmas will be projected in its entirety on the big screen, accompanied by Danny Elfman’s darkly charming score played live by the Houston Symphony. $55 and up. Saturday 7pm; Sunday 2:30pm.
- Breakfast with Santa at Moody Gardens | Saturday, December 9 | Ongoing | FREE – The Galveston pyramids host a holiday breakfast series for families, complete with a meeting and photo with Santa Claus. The traditional breakfast features family favorites including waffles, eggs, bacon, and more. $47.48; $28.99 for ages 4 to 12; free for ages 3 and under. Seatings at 8:30am and 10am.
- Holiday Cookie Decorating Class at Urban South HTX | Sunday, December 10 – Hit up the Arts District brewery and learn how to ice a variety of holiday-shaped cookies, and enjoy a chocolate chip cookie and free drink during the class. $30; $15 for kids. Classes at 1pm, 2pm and 3pm.
- Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve at Toyota Center | Sunday, December 10 – The acclaimed orchestral ensemble brings its signature holiday tradition back to Houston for their Ghosts of Christmas Eve: The Best of TSO & More tour. $54 and up. 2:30pm and 7pm.
- The Grinch Movie Screening at Marriott Marquis Houston | Sunday, December 10 | FREE – Watch a screening of the 2018 holiday movie, The Grinch, at Texas Winter Lights at the Downtown hotel. Watch as the Grinch’s Christmas plans run into the love offered by the town of Whoville, set to a stellar soundtrack. $15 and up. 5pm.
- Magical Winter Lights at Katy Mills | Daily – Discover the wonder at Magical Winter Lights, one of Houston’s most popular holiday attractions. The event has moved to Katy, offering a lit-up wonderland filled with dazzling themed displays, decked out in more than 6 million lights and crafted using cutting-edge lantern art. Tickets are $25; $18 for ages 3 to 12 and 65+; free for ages 2 and under. Family 4-packs are available for $88. Carnival wristbands, which offer unlimited rides, are $25. Sunday to Thursday 5pm to 10pm; Friday & Saturday 5pm to 11pm.
- Galaxy Lights at Space Center of Houston | Daily – Space Center Houston welcomes the return of Galaxy Lights, presented by Reliant—a stellar spectacle that twinkles throughout the campus and allows guests to step through space-themed light installations, take in high-tech experiences, and walk among flown space craft in a one-of-a-kind holiday event that can only be found in Space City. $19.95 and up; free for ages 3 and under. Save $5 on each ticket when you use promo code 365XLIGHTS at checkout. 6pm to 10pm.
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