Make your holiday season merry and bright with our top 25 Christmas events and things to do around Houston in 2019.

If you’re counting down the days until Christmas and have already started jamming to Holiday tunes, you’ll probably want to mark your calendar for a few of these events and seasonal attractions. From Christmas light displays to shopping markets, theatrical performances, skating rinks and home tours, there’s something for everyone, “kids from 1 to 92”.

Note: Items are broken into events and ongoing activities and are listed in chronological order by start date and end date.

Scheduled Events & Things to Do for Christmas in Houston 2019 in Houston

This holiday season, Houston is home to a number of festive events taking place on specific dates and weekends, which you’ll find below. Scroll down to view ongoing events and installations taking place throughout the holiday season.

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Zoo Lights | Photo courtesy of the Houston Zoo

Ongoing Activities & Things to Do for Christmas 2019 in Houston

During the holiday season, Houstonians can find dozens of markets, performances, lighting displays, and other events to fill their Christmas calendars. These events take place throughout the holiday season, listed in chronological order of their final date.

  • Home for the Holidays in Old Town Spring | Through Sunday, December 22 | No Cover – Pop into local businesses and restaurants around Old Town Spring every weekend in November and December for festive exhibits, strolling carolers, holiday decor, visits from Santa, unique gift ideas, and live entertainment. Hours vary. 
  • Holiday Light Sightseeing in Houston’s Most Decorated Neighborhoods | Through New Year’s Day, Tuesday, January 1, 2020 (Approximately) – Pile in the car and cruise through River Oaks, Woodland Heights, Prestonwood Forest, and Houston’s other ‘hoods known for extravagant Christmas lights. 
  • Sugar Land Holiday Lights at Constellation Field | Through Sunday, January 5, 2020 – 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 section, light tunnels, giant light displays and more. While you’re there, you can cross some holiday shopping off your to-do list, grab a bite to eat, and meet Santa. Sunday through Thursday, tickets are $15; $12 for children and seniors. On Friday and Saturday, tickets are $16; $14 for children and seniors. Times vary. 
  • Magical Winter Lights at Sam Houston Race Park | Through Sunday, January 5, 2020 – Explore seven themed areas lit up by oversized Chinese lanterns at Sam Houston Race Park’s Magical Winter Lights. Along the trail, you’ll spot displays resembling everything from famous landmarks and a Christmas village to the Houston skyline and a dinosaur zone. Tickets cost $22 for ages 13 and up; $13 for ages 4 through 12 and 65+. Children 3 and under are free. Times vary.
  • Festival of Lights at Moody Gardens | Through Sunday, January 5, 2020 – Brighten up your holiday season at the Festival of Lights in Moody Gardens, which features a mile-long trail of more than one million lights and illuminated scenes with views of Galveston Bay. The family-friendly mainstay also offers an outdoor skating rink, vendors serving hot chocolate and eats, and live entertainment, plus the Ice Land attraction, where a team of skilled ice carvers have transformed two million pounds of ice into a festive journey around the world. Tickets start at $18.95. 6pm to 10pm.
  • Zoo Lights at Houston Zoo | Through Sunday, January 12, 2020 – Stroll through the Houston Zoo with hot chocolate in hand while you admire glimmering displays made up of more than two million Christmas lights at this annual must-see attraction. You can snap a selfie on the giant ice throne, play in the snow, make your way through an illuminated tunnel, and take photos with Santa on select nights. Tickets start at $12.95. 5pm to 9:30pm. 
  • THE ICE at Discovery Green | Through Sunday, February 2, 2020 – Though not specifically related to Christmas, Discovery Green’s beloved outdoor skating rink, The ICE at Discovery Green, returns as a defining staple of Houston’s holiday season. Check out the calendar for themed skate nights on select dates. Tickets start at $15, plus fees. Times vary.

Find More Things to Do in Houston All Year Long

You can find more fun in our interactive event calendar and 365 Weekend Guides.

Be sure to subscribe to our free Weekend Guide email to receive a round-up of great things to do this weekend in Houston in your inbox every Thursday. If you don’t want to miss a thing, you can also opt in to our Daily Update emails (emailed six days a week).

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Sugar Land Holiday Lights at Constellation Field | Photo courtesy of Constellation Field
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Lindsey Craun Sönmez
Lindsey Craun Sönmez