The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to get into the festive spirit than by attending some of the best Christmas events in Houston? From ice skating and festive markets to parades and light displays, there's something for everyone in this vibrant city. In this article, we'll take a look at the top 10 Houston Christmas events you won't want to miss.
Whether you're a native Houstonian or just visiting for the holidays, these events are sure to put you in the mood for merriment and cheer. So grab a cup of hot cocoa, bundle up, and get ready to experience the best of Houston's holiday season.
1. Houston Ballet's The Nutcracker
The Houston Ballet's production of The Nutcracker is a holiday tradition that's been delighting audiences for decades. With stunning costumes, sets, and choreography, this beloved ballet is a must-see for anyone looking to get into the holiday spirit. Performances take place at the Wortham Theater Center throughout the month of December.
2. Zoo Lights
The Houston Zoo is transformed into a winter wonderland each year with its Zoo Lights event. Featuring over a million lights, festive music, and hot chocolate, this event is fun for the whole family. And with special events like the Zoo Lights train and the Texas Wetlands exhibit, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
What to Expect:
- Over a million lights and lanterns
- Festive music and hot chocolate
- Special events like the Zoo Lights train and the Texas Wetlands exhibit
- Fun for the whole family
3. The Ice at Discovery Green
Get your skate on at The Ice at Discovery Green, one of the city's largest outdoor ice skating rinks. Located in the heart of downtown Houston, this rink offers public skating sessions, skating lessons, and even ice hockey leagues. And with special events like the Ice on the Green festival, there's always something new to enjoy.
What to Expect:
- One of the city's largest outdoor ice skating rinks
- Public skating sessions, skating lessons, and ice hockey leagues
- Special events like the Ice on the Green festival
- Fun for all ages and skill levels
4. Uptown Holiday Lighting
The Uptown Holiday Lighting event is a beloved Houston tradition that features over 80,000 lights and decorations along Post Oak Boulevard. Enjoy festive music, food, and drinks while taking in the stunning display of lights and decorations. And with special events like the Uptown Park Santa's Arrival, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
What to Expect:
- Over 80,000 lights and decorations along Post Oak Boulevard
- Festive music, food, and drinks
- Special events like the Uptown Park Santa's Arrival
- Fun for the whole family
5. Houston Museum of Natural Science's Houston Holiday Village
The Houston Museum of Natural Science's Houston Holiday Village is a festive event that features a holiday market, ice skating, and even a visit from Santa Claus. With special events like the Houston Holiday Village tree lighting ceremony, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
What to Expect:
- Holiday market featuring local vendors and artisans
- Ice skating and other festive activities
- Visit from Santa Claus and special events like the Houston Holiday Village tree lighting ceremony
- Fun for the whole family
6. The Festival of Lights at Moody Gardens
The Festival of Lights at Moody Gardens is a stunning display of over a million lights and decorations that transform the gardens into a winter wonderland. With special events like the Festival of Lights train and the Texas-sized Christmas tree, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
What to Expect:
- Over a million lights and decorations
- Special events like the Festival of Lights train and the Texas-sized Christmas tree
- Festive music and hot chocolate
- Fun for the whole family
7. Houston Symphony's A Very Merry Pops
The Houston Symphony's A Very Merry Pops is a festive concert event that features holiday classics and modern favorites. With special events like the Merry Pops holiday concert and the Symphony's annual holiday sing-along, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
What to Expect:
- Festive concert featuring holiday classics and modern favorites
- Special events like the Merry Pops holiday concert and the Symphony's annual holiday sing-along
- Fun for the whole family
8. Houston Holiday Parade
The Houston Holiday Parade is a festive event that features floats, marching bands, and of course, Santa Claus. With special events like the Holiday Parade route and the Santa's Workshop, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
What to Expect:
- Festive parade featuring floats, marching bands, and Santa Claus
- Special events like the Holiday Parade route and the Santa's Workshop
- Fun for the whole family
9. The Galleria's Ice Skating Rink
The Galleria's Ice Skating Rink is one of the city's most popular holiday attractions, featuring a 5,000-square-foot ice skating rink in the heart of the Galleria mall. With special events like the Galleria's tree lighting ceremony and the Holiday Ice Show, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
What to Expect:
- 5,000-square-foot ice skating rink in the heart of the Galleria mall
- Special events like the Galleria's tree lighting ceremony and the Holiday Ice Show
- Fun for all ages and skill levels
10. Kemah Boardwalk's Holiday in the Park
Kemah Boardwalk's Holiday in the Park is a festive event that features holiday decorations, live music, and even a visit from Santa Claus. With special events like the Kemah Boardwalk's tree lighting ceremony and the Holiday in the Park festivities, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
What to Expect:
- Festive decorations and live music
- Visit from Santa Claus and special events like the Kemah Boardwalk's tree lighting ceremony
- Fun for the whole family
Whether you're looking for ice skating, festive markets, or just a fun night out with the family, there's something for everyone in Houston this holiday season. So grab a cup of hot cocoa, bundle up, and get ready to experience the best of Houston's holiday events.
What are the best holiday events in Houston?
+The best holiday events in Houston include the Houston Ballet's The Nutcracker, Zoo Lights, The Ice at Discovery Green, Uptown Holiday Lighting, and the Houston Museum of Natural Science's Houston Holiday Village, among others.
What is the Houston Holiday Parade?
+The Houston Holiday Parade is a festive event that features floats, marching bands, and of course, Santa Claus. The parade route runs through downtown Houston and features a variety of holiday-themed floats and performances.
What is the Galleria's Ice Skating Rink?
+The Galleria's Ice Skating Rink is a 5,000-square-foot ice skating rink located in the heart of the Galleria mall. The rink is open during the holiday season and features special events like the Galleria's tree lighting ceremony and the Holiday Ice Show.