See a spectacle of lights at holiday attractions across Houston

Dash through a tunnel lined with thousands of Christmas lights | Courtesy of Houston Botanic Garden

Take a stroll through some of Greater Houston’s most bedazzling Christmas and holiday lighting displays at seasonal attractions across the city.

The holiday season is in full swing and attractions can be found in all corners of the Greater Houston area, offering spectacles of light for visitors to stroll through, holiday decor, and the perfect photo op for your next post.

We’ve gathered some of the most festive displays to check out this holiday season. Many of them require tickets, but a few are free and open to the public.

Of course, if you want to just pile in the car and take a tour of holiday decor, you can check out our guide for some of the best lit streets in Greater Houston’s most decked out neighborhoods.

Galaxy Lights offers an out-of-this-world holiday experience | Courtesy of NASA; Johnson Space Center

2021 Holiday Attractions and Christmas Light Events 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.
  • Magical Winter Lights at Houston Raceway Park | Through 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 | Through 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.
  • 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.
  • Holiday Lights in the Clay Family Eastern Glades | Through Monday, January 3, 2022 | FREE – The newest addition to the Memorial Park campus, the Clay Family Eastern Glades lights up in an outdoors display of holiday wonderland decor, including oversized ornaments, tinsel-wrapped light poles, and colorful tree lights winding around the half-mile Promenade path. Swing through on the weekend and enjoy bites and drinks from food trucks on site. 5pm to 11pm daily.
  • Zoo Lights at the Houston Zoo | 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 | Through 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.
Houston Zoo Lights | Courtesy of Houston Zoo

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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Justin Jerkins
A longtime Houstonian, Justin Jerkins always keeps an eye out for what's ahead on Houston's horizon while serving as Editor-in-Chief of 365 Things to Do in Houston. When he's not passing along the latest events, destinations and hidden treasures in H-Town, he loves diving into the city's food scene, shopping local and learning about Houston's rich history.