Discover your plans for family time this month with the 17 best kid-friendly things to do in and around Houston for December 2024.
Looking for festive fun with the family this December in Houston? With local holiday traditions like Zoo Lights, The Polar Express, A Christmas Carol and more, the city is brimming with activities that will make the month merry and memorable for all.
Here is everything you need to add to your family calendar in Houston this December.
Top 17 Things To Do for Kids & Families in Houston This Month: December 2024
Oh, What Fun! Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration at City Place | Sunday, December 1 | FREE – December launches with a holiday bang with a pop-up celebration in Spring featuring a giant gingerbread village, trackless train rides, photos with Santa, snow experiences, a holiday DJ, face painting and balloon artists, a vendor market, and more. 3pm to 7pm.
Holly Jolly Jingle at Cynthia Mitchell Woods Pavilion | Thursday, December 5 | FREE – The annual Woodlands tradition brings a free family-friendly holiday concert to Cynthia Mitchell Woods Pavilion, with holiday jingles from the student musicians of Conroe ISD. Gates at 6pm; show at 7pm.
Charlie & the Chocolate Factory: The New Musical at The Crighton Theatre | Weekends through Sunday, December 15 – The Broadway production of Roald Dahl’s beloved children’s classic comes to downtown Conroe, inviting theatre-goers to join Charlie Bucket in his adventure through Willy Wonka’s mysterious chocolate factory. The show runs two hours and 30 minutes with one intermission and is suitable for all ages. $70 and up. Showtimes vary.
The Polar Express at the Galveston Railroad Museum | Weekends & Select Week Days through Monday, December 23 – One of the most magical holiday experiences around can be found down in Galveston, as the Railroad Museum puts on its annual Polar Express train rides. Families can dress in PJs and journey on to the North Pole, meet characters from the iconic film, including the conductor, the singing chefs, the hobo, and Santa Claus; dig into cookies and hot! hot! hot chocolate; and enjoy dancing elves, thousands of lights, and more. Round-trip train time is 60 minutes and guests should arrive at the Galveston Railroad Museum Train Depot 30 minutes before departure time. Prices and times vary.
Classic Christmas at Memorial City Mall | Through Sunday, December 29 – From the minds behind the renowned World’s Largest Christmas Light Maze comes Houston’s inaugural Classic Christmas experience, an immersive holiday celebration rocking thousands of dazzling lights, live entertainment, a snow slide, and more family-friendly holiday charm. Prices and hours vary.
A Christmas Carol at Alley Theatre | Through Sunday, December 29 – Charles Dickens’ timeless holiday classic returns to Alley Theatre’s Hubbard Stage this year in a refreshed production. Audiences are invited on a magical journey of merriment and music as Ebenzer Scrooge, Mr. “Bah Humbug” himself, is visited by three spirits, each prepared to impart unforgettable lessons. Run time is approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, with intermission. Ages 6 and up. $60 and up. Showtimes vary.
Magical Winter Lights at The Fort Bend County Fairgrounds | Through Sunday, January 5 – Champion of the Great Christmas Light Fight on ABC, The larger-than-life Magical Winter Lights offers a dazzling 50-day festival that offers a vibrant multicultural twist on classic holiday light displays. Admission includes access to all lantern attractions and nightly acrobatic shows. Additional carnival rides/games, food, souvenirs and dino ride tokens available to purchase. Prices and times vary.
Zoo Lights at the Houston Zoo | Through Sunday, January 5 – Kids of all ages are invited to experience the enchantment of the holiday season at Houston’s beloved TXU Energy Zoo Lights, opening Friday, November 22 and running through the New Year. The zoo grounds will be festively lit up and decked out, with twinkling trails, animal-themed lanterns, great oaks wrapped in winter lights, a Santa’s Workshop, and new features like the Whimsical Wildlife Tree at the end of the Reflection Pool. Times and ticket prices vary.
Christmas Village at Bayou Bend | Friday, December 6 through Monday, December 30 – Families can cross the glittering bridge and be transported to a holiday fairy tale at Christmas Village, a 14-acre winter wonderland featuring thousands of lights and holiday joy. Tickets run $16 and up and are free for ages 4 and younger. Times vary.
Beards & Bubbles at LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch | Tuesday, December 10, Saturday, December 14 & Tuesday, December 17 | FREE – On select dates leading up to Christmas, families are invited to gather at Heritage Square for photos with Santa, bop to kid-friendly tunes from a DJ, play with giant bubbles, and enjoy balloon art. Each day, the first 100 children to arrive will receive a free Santa beard to wear in their photo with the big guy. 10am to noon.
TUTS: Frozen at the Hobby Center | Tuesday, December 10 through Sunday, December 29 – This holiday season, treat your family to the magic of Arendelle, where Queen Elsa’s powers accidentally plunge the kingdom into eternal winter. Kids can join Anna, Kristoff, Olaf, and Sven on a snowy adventure to save the day. Prices and showtimes vary.
Polar Express Storytime & Crafts at Children’s Museum of Houston | Saturday, December 14 – Head over to the museum’s Art Academy to climb aboard the Polar Express and enjoy crafting and storytime fun at the top of every hour from 10am to 1pm. Included with general admission, which is $19.98.
Breakfast with Santa at Downtown Aquarium | Select Days from Saturday, December 14 through Tuesday, December 24 – Secure your spot at one of the coolest Breakfast with Santa adventures as Santa Claus and his helpful elves pop into scuba gear and say hello to the kiddos while underwater in the aquarium tank. Brunch buffet runs $20.05 for kids ages 3 to 10 and $27.13 for adults.
Tiny Ground Crew: Aviation Play for Toddlers at Lone Star Flight Museum | Saturday, December 28 – Bring your future aviators out for an hour of developmental playtime in the toddler terminal, where they can spark their curiosity with hands-on activities and play with luggage stacking games and remote controlled airplanes. Mommy/Daddy & Me tickets are $12 for non-members or $10 for members. $10 for each additional parent/guardian and other guests over age 4. All include museum admission after playtime. 9am to 10am.
29th Annual Menorah Lighting at Houston City Hall | Saturday, December 28 – On the fourth night of Chanukah, families can gather to watch the Menorah light up at City Hall alongside festivities including music, dreidels, sufganiot, gelt and gifts for children. 8pm.
Noon Year’s Eve at LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch | New Year’s Eve, Tuesday, December 31 | FREE – Kids can enjoy their own New Year’s celebration with a Noon Year’s Eve bash at Central Green near Dish Society. The fun includes enjoy face painting, a tshirt screen-printing station, party favors, mascot characters, kid-friendly DJ beats, and a special 2025 balloon drop at noon. 11am to 12:30pm.
Green Mountain Energy Ice at Discovery Green | Daily – Now open for the season, the Ice welcomes all to lace up ice skate rentals and head out onto the ice at the beloved winter tradition. Take advantage of discount nights this week, including 50% off on Cheap Skate Monday. $18 includes skate rentals for 75 minutes. Tickets must be ordered in advance online. Times vary.
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