Experience the magic of the holiday season in Houston, TX, with a plethora of festive events for all ages. Marvel at the exquisite choreography of Houston Ballet’s The Nutcracker, a timeless tradition that transforms the stage into a breathtaking winter wonderland. Wander through the enchanting Zoo Lights at the Houston Zoo, where twinkling displays and glowing animal replicas create a night to remember.
Enjoy a captivating performance at Alley Theatre's A Christmas Carol, where innovative staging brings Dickens' classic tale to life. Whether you're a local or a visitor, Houston's holiday events promise a season filled with wonder, delight, and festive cheer.
Please contact us if you have suggestions or corrections!
Got questions? Like to help? Check out our Houston Holiday discussion here!
The Top Christmas Events in Houston
- Houston Ballet's The Nutcracker
- Zoo Lights
- Alley Theatre's A Christmas Carol
- Houston Symphony’s Very Merry Pops
Houston Holiday Light Displays
Zoo Lights
What to Expect:
Animal-themed light displays at the Houston Zoo
Description:
The Houston Zoo transforms into a luminous spectacle during Zoo Lights. Twinkling animal-shaped light displays illuminate the pathways, creating a unique nocturnal experience. Stroll through the grounds and encounter glowing replicas of your favorite zoo inhabitants. You can sip on warm cocoa while admiring the creativity of each installation. The event showcases the zoo's commitment to conservation, using energy-efficient LED lights throughout the displays. Zoo Lights began in 2012 and has since become a beloved Houston holiday tradition, delighting visitors of all ages with its innovative approach to seasonal celebrations.
Website:
Houston Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Houston Ballet's The Nutcracker
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance of a holiday classic
Description:
The Houston Ballet's rendition of The Nutcracker dazzles audiences with its exquisite choreography and stunning costumes. This beloved holiday tradition transports you to a world of sugar plum fairies and toy soldiers come to life. Watch as graceful dancers pirouette across the stage, bringing Tchaikovsky's iconic score to life. The production features elaborate sets that transform the stage into a winter wonderland. Did you know that the Houston Ballet's version of The Nutcracker has been performed annually since 1987, making it a cherished part of the city's cultural heritage?
Website:
Houston Ballet's The Nutcracker
Alley Theatre's A Christmas Carol
What to Expect:
Innovative staging of Dickens' classic tale
Description:
Alley Theatre breathes new life into Charles Dickens' timeless story with its innovative production of A Christmas Carol. The adaptation features creative staging and contemporary elements that make the familiar tale feel fresh and relevant. Witness Scrooge's transformation as he journeys through time, accompanied by ghostly special effects that will captivate your imagination. The Alley Theatre, founded in 1947, is known for its commitment to artistic excellence and has been presenting A Christmas Carol annually since 1989, making it a cornerstone of Houston's holiday cultural offerings.
Website:
Alley Theatre's A Christmas Carol
Houston Symphony’s Very Merry Pops
What to Expect:
Symphony orchestra performance of holiday classics with modern twist
Description:
The Houston Symphony's Very Merry Pops invigorates classic holiday tunes with orchestral grandeur. This unique concert blends traditional carols with contemporary arrangements, creating a fresh take on familiar favorites. Listen as the full symphony brings new life to beloved melodies, accompanied by guest vocalists and the Houston Symphony Chorus. You can join in a festive sing-along, adding your voice to the magnificent sound filling Jones Hall. The Houston Symphony, founded in 1913, has been presenting holiday concerts for decades, evolving the tradition to reflect changing musical tastes while maintaining classical excellence.
Website:
Houston Symphony’s Very Merry Pops
Nearby Events
Santa's Wonderland (College Station)
What to Expect:
Texas-sized Christmas celebration with Western flair
Description:
Santa's Wonderland brings a Texas-sized Christmas celebration to the Houston area. This expansive holiday attraction blends traditional Christmas elements with Western flair, creating a unique experience. Hop aboard a hayride through dazzling light displays or try your hand at mechanical bull riding with a holiday twist. The aroma of freshly roasted marshmallows fills the air as visitors gather around campfires. Santa's Wonderland began as a small family attraction in 1998 and has grown into one of the largest Christmas celebrations in Texas, showcasing the state's distinctive holiday spirit.
Website:
Festival of Lights at Moody Gardens (Galveston)
What to Expect:
Tropical-themed holiday light display
Description:
Moody Gardens' Festival of Lights infuses tropical charm into the holiday season. This unique event features over one million lights illuminating the lush gardens and iconic glass pyramids. Visitors can glide across the outdoor ice rink, surrounded by palm trees adorned with twinkling lights. The festival showcases Galveston's coastal heritage, incorporating nautical themes into many of its displays. Moody Gardens, originally conceived as a hippotherapy treatment center in the 1980s, has evolved into a major educational and entertainment complex, with the Festival of Lights becoming a highlight of its annual offerings.
Website:
Festival of Lights at Moody Gardens
Magical Winter Lights (La Marque)
What to Expect:
Multicultural lantern festival with holiday twist
Description:
Magical Winter Lights fuses Chinese lantern artistry with Western holiday traditions. This distinctive event showcases intricate lantern displays that depict scenes from various cultures and fairytales. Wander through themed sections, each offering a unique perspective on global winter celebrations. You can try your hand at traditional Chinese crafts or watch acrobatic performances that blend Eastern and Western influences. The festival, which began in 2015, reflects Houston's diverse cultural landscape and has quickly become a standout holiday attraction in the region.
Website:
ICE! at Gaylord Texan (Grapevine)
What to Expect:
Massive ice sculpture exhibition with holiday themes
Description:
ICE! at Gaylord Texan presents a chilly spectacle of holiday-themed ice sculptures. Master carvers from Harbin, China, renowned for their ice festival expertise, create a frozen wonderland using two million pounds of ice. Bundle up and explore walk-through ice monuments, towering up to 40 feet high. Visitors can zoom down ice slides, marveling at the colorful frozen creations. The event pays homage to the ice carving tradition of Harbin, bringing a slice of this Chinese cultural phenomenon to Texas. Since its inception, ICE! has become a signature holiday attraction, drawing visitors from across the state.
Website:
Tomball German Christmas Market (Tomball)
What to Expect:
Authentic German Christmas market experience
Description:
The Tomball German Christmas Market transports visitors to a traditional European holiday bazaar. This unique event celebrates the area's German heritage with authentic food, music, and crafts. Stroll through rows of wooden huts, each offering handcrafted gifts and traditional German delicacies. The air is filled with the aroma of freshly baked strudel and mulled wine. You can join in folk dances or listen to German Christmas carols performed by local choirs. Tomball's German roots date back to the mid-19th century when German immigrants settled in the area, and this market keeps those traditions alive.
Website:
Tomball German Christmas Market
Sugar Land Holiday Lights (Sugar Land)
What to Expect:
Baseball stadium transformed into holiday wonderland
Description:
Sugar Land Holiday Lights transforms Constellation Field into a dazzling holiday spectacle. This unique event repurposes the baseball stadium, covering it with over 3 million lights and hundreds of custom displays. Visitors can explore themed areas, each offering a different holiday experience. Take a photo with Santa in the dugout or ice skate on the outfield. The event showcases Sugar Land's community spirit, with many displays created by local organizations. Since its inception in 2014, Sugar Land Holiday Lights has become a beloved tradition, blending America's pastime with holiday cheer.
Website:
Dickens on The Strand (Galveston)
What to Expect:
Victorian-era Christmas festival in historic Galveston
Description:
Dickens on The Strand transports visitors to 19th-century London in the heart of Galveston. This unique festival celebrates the city's Victorian heritage with costumed characters, street performers, and period-appropriate entertainment. Stroll down the Strand, lined with vendors selling traditional crafts and foods. You can participate in Victorian-era games or watch a parade of characters straight out of a Dickens novel. The event, which began in 1974, pays homage to Galveston's architectural heritage, as many buildings in the Strand Historic District date back to the Victorian era.
Website:
Christmas in the Park at George Ranch (Richmond)
What to Expect:
Historical Christmas celebration spanning four eras
Description:
Christmas in the Park at George Ranch offers a journey through time, showcasing holiday traditions from four different eras of Texas history. This unique event allows visitors to experience Christmas celebrations from the 1830s through the 1930s. Explore historically accurate homesteads, each decorated for the holidays according to its time period. You can participate in era-specific activities, from candle dipping to vintage ornament making. The George Ranch Historical Park, spanning 23,000 acres, has been in the same family since 1824, providing an authentic backdrop for this historical holiday experience.
Website:
Christmas in the Park at George Ranch