Christmas in Houston with kids.
Christmas in Houston is warm-weather Christmas, with big light walks and plenty of free neighborhood events. Zoo Lights, Galaxy Lights at Space Center Houston, and Radiant Nature at the Botanic Garden are the big three.
Galveston is an easy day trip for Moody Gardens, Dickens on The Strand, and the Polar Express train. Houston is spread out, so plan by area and drive between them.
Before you go
- Plan by area. Houston is big, and driving across town takes time.
- Book Zoo Lights and the light walks ahead for weekend nights.
- Strollers and baby carriers aren't allowed on the Galveston Polar Express, so plan to carry little ones.
- Some theatre shows have age limits. The Alley Theatre's A Christmas Carol doesn't allow kids under 6.
- Many suburban events, like the Tomball German Christmas Market and Lights in the Heights, are free.
Family Christmas events in Houston
29 events
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- Zoo lights Good for toddlers
Zoo Lights at the Houston Zoo
- Dates
- Nov 19 - Jan 3 · Nightly 5:30-10:30pm, last entry 9:30pm. Closed Dec 9 and Dec 24. Open on Christmas Day.
- Where
- Houston Zoo, 6200 Hermann Park Dr., Hermann Park / Museum District
- Price
- From about $25, online only. Kids 2 and under free.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Buy online ahead for a set date. Tickets are not refundable. It runs rain or shine.
The zoo reopens after dark with glowing animal lanterns and lit-up old oak trees. Kids 3 and up need their own ticket.
Parent tip: The zoo has no parking lot of its own. Free Hermann Park lots fill fast, so come early. Monday Nov 30 is a calmer sensory night with quieter music.
- Christmas lights Good for toddlers
Galaxy Lights at Space Center Houston
- Dates
- Nov 14 - Jan 3 · Select nights, 6-10pm. Last entry 9pm.
- Where
- Space Center Houston, 1601 E. NASA Pkwy., Clear Lake (NASA area)
- Price
- $19.95-27.95 depending on the night. Kids 3 and under free.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Buy ahead. Nights sell out.
A space-themed holiday light walk at NASA's visitor center. Plan on about an hour and a half.
Parent tip: Most of it is outside, so pack layers. The center posts each night's status at 4pm if the weather looks bad.
- Christmas lights Good for toddlers
Radiant Nature at Houston Botanic Garden
- Dates
- Nov 20 - Feb 21 · Select evenings, mostly Fri-Sun plus extra nights around Thanksgiving and winter break. Timed entry 6-9pm. Closed Nov 26, Dec 25 and Dec 31.
- Where
- Houston Botanic Garden, 1 Botanic Lane, Southeast Houston
- Price
- Adults $26.50, ages 3-15 $24.50, 2 and under free. Parking $12.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Timed tickets, book ahead. Day-of tickets aren't promised.
A lantern trail of giant glowing plants and animals through the garden. The loop is under a mile on paved and gravel paths.
Parent tip: Push strollers are fine, but wagons aren't allowed. Some spots are dim, so a small flashlight helps.
- Shows and Nutcracker
Houston Ballet's The Nutcracker
- Dates
- Nov 27 - Dec 28 · Nov 27-Dec 28. Check the schedule for show times.
- Where
- Brown Theater, Wortham Theater Center, 501 Texas Ave., Downtown Theater District
- Price
- Ticketed. Prices vary by seat and date. Value Day shows cost less.
- Ages and booking
- Kids who can sit through a 2-hour ballet · Buy ahead online
Houston's big holiday ballet, with more than 300 ballet-school students on stage with the company. The show runs about 2 hours with one 25-minute break.
Parent tip: Pick a matinee for younger kids. Use the break for a snack and a bathroom stop.
- Parades and tree lightingsFree Good for toddlers
H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade
- Dates
- Nov 26 · Thanksgiving morning, Thu Nov 26, from 9am
- Where
- Downtown Houston streets (check the city's route map)
- Price
- Free to watch from the curb. Reserved grandstand seats cost extra.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · No tickets for curbside. Grandstand seats are sold ahead.
Houston's big Thanksgiving morning parade rolls through downtown. This is its 77th year.
Parent tip: Get there early for a curb spot. Grandstand seats are worth it if you have a toddler who won't stand for long.
- Shows and Nutcracker
A Christmas Carol at the Alley Theatre
- Dates
- Nov 15 - Dec 27 · Nov 15-Dec 27. Check the schedule for show times.
- Where
- Hubbard Theatre, Alley Theatre, 615 Texas Ave., Downtown Theater District
- Price
- Ticketed. See the official site for prices.
- Ages and booking
- Ages 6+ · Buy ahead online or call the box office at 713-220-5700
Houston's long-running stage version of Scrooge's Christmas Eve story, with ghosts, songs and old-time costumes. It runs about 2 hours 15 minutes with a break.
Parent tip: Kids under 6 aren't allowed in. The show uses strobe and flashing lights, so warn kids who don't like them.
- Christmas markets
Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market
- Dates
- Nov 12-15 · Thu Nov 12-Sun Nov 15
- Where
- Reliant Center (NRG Park), NRG Park / South Loop
- Price
- Ticketed. See the official site for prices.
- Ages and booking
- All ages, best for older kids · Buy tickets ahead online
A huge indoor holiday shopping market with more than 280 sellers, many of them local. Money raised supports Houston Ballet's community programs.
Parent tip: It draws big crowds. With little ones, go early on a weekday or leave them home for this one.
- Christmas lightsIce skatingHoliday festivals Good for toddlers
Holiday in the Gardens at Moody Gardens
- Dates
- Nov 21 - Jan 2 · Nightly 6-10pm, including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
- Where
- Moody Gardens, 1 Hope Blvd., Galveston, Galveston (about an hour south of Houston)
- Price
- Lights trail from $24 (includes rink entry, skate rental extra). Holiday Pass from $55. Free parking.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Buy online. ICE LAND uses timed entry, so book that slot first.
A mile-long light trail, an indoor ice-sculpture hall called ICE LAND, an ice rink and a kiddie train. It makes a full evening on the island.
Parent tip: ICE LAND is kept at 9 degrees, so bring real jackets. Sunday-Thursday value nights (Nov 30-Dec 17) cost less.
- Holiday trainsSanta visits Good for toddlers
The Polar Express Train Ride (Galveston Railroad Museum)
- Dates
- Nov 13 - Dec 23 · Select dates Nov 13-Dec 23. Check the schedule for departure times.
- Where
- Galveston Railroad Museum, Galveston (about an hour south of Houston)
- Price
- Ticketed. Prices vary by seat class. Event parking costs extra.
- Ages and booking
- All ages. Every child needs a ticket, lap or seat. · Book ahead. Dates sell out and sales are final.
A one-hour round-trip train ride based on the picture book, with hot cocoa, a cookie and Santa visiting each car. Kids get a silver bell.
Parent tip: Strollers and baby carriers aren't allowed on board, so plan to hold little ones. Pajamas are welcome. Dec 15 has sensory-friendly rides.
- Christmas lightsSanta visits Good for toddlers
Sugar Land Holiday Lights
- Dates
- Nov 20 - Jan 3 · Nightly. Santa photos nightly through Dec 23. Carnival rides Nov 27-Jan 1.
- Where
- Constellation Field, 1 Stadium Dr., Sugar Land
- Price
- Ticketed. Early-bird prices until Nov 20. See the official site.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Buy online ahead
Millions of lights fill the ballpark, plus a fake-ice skating rink, mini golf, s'mores and Santa photos.
Parent tip: Check which extras your ticket covers before you go. The carnival and rink may cost more.
- Holiday festivalsParades and tree lightings Good for toddlers
Dickens on The Strand
- Dates
- Dec 4-6 · Fri Dec 4-Sun Dec 6, with parades each day
- Where
- The Strand Historic District, Galveston (about an hour south of Houston)
- Price
- Ticketed. See the official site for prices.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Buy tickets ahead online
Downtown Galveston dresses up as old-time London for a weekend street festival with costumed characters, music and daily parades. A new play area for kids opens this year.
Parent tip: Scooters, skates and other wheeled toys aren't allowed. Pets and coolers aren't either.
- Christmas lightsSanta visits Good for toddlers
Astros Light Up the Park
- Dates
- Dec 4 - Jan 3 · Evenings Dec 4-Jan 3. Santa on select nights.
- Where
- Daikin Park, 501 Crawford St., Downtown
- Price
- Ticketed. Kids 2 and under free. Santa photos are an add-on.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Buy ahead. Reserve Santa photos ahead.
A light walk through the Astros' ballpark, including the concourse and the field. Holiday music and themed displays line the path.
Parent tip: The sledding hill is for kids 3 and up (or 34 inches tall). Book Santa photos when you buy your tickets.
- Shows and Nutcracker
Very Merry Pops with the Houston Symphony
- Dates
- Dec 10-13 · Thu Dec 10 7:30pm, Sat Dec 12 7:30pm, Sun Dec 13 2pm and 7:30pm
- Where
- Jones Hall, Downtown Theater District
- Price
- From about $60
- Ages and booking
- Kids who can sit through a concert · Buy ahead online
The symphony and chorus play holiday favorites, with sing-alongs and a visit from Santa.
Parent tip: The Sunday 2pm show is the easiest fit for younger kids.
- Christmas lights Good for toddlers
The Light Park Katy (drive-thru)
- Dates
- Nov 6 - Jan 3 · Sun-Thu 5:30-10pm, Fri-Sat 5:30-11pm. Open until 11pm Dec 18-26.
- Where
- Typhoon Texas Waterpark parking lot, 555 Katy Fort Bend Rd.
- Price
- One ticket per car. See the official site for prices.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Buy a car ticket online ahead
A mile-long drive-thru light show you see from your car at walking speed. Good for babies who fall asleep in the car seat.
Parent tip: Time in line depends on traffic, so bring snacks and use the bathroom first.
- Christmas lights Good for toddlers
The Light Park Spring (drive-thru)
- Dates
- Nov 6 - Jan 3 · Sun-Thu 5:30-10pm, Fri-Sat 5:30-11pm. Open until 11pm Dec 18-26.
- Where
- Hurricane Harbor parking lot, 21300 I-45 N, Spring (north Houston)
- Price
- One ticket per car. See the official site for prices.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Buy a car ticket online ahead
The north-side version of the drive-thru light show, about a mile long at a slow crawl. No need to unbuckle anyone.
Parent tip: Pair it with an early dinner nearby so kids are fed before the line.
- Ice skating Good for toddlers
The Woodlands Ice Rink
- Dates
- Nov 20 - Jan 18 · Daily two-hour sessions. Longer hours on school breaks. Short hours on Christmas Day.
- Where
- The Ice Rink, 2005 Lake Robbins Dr., The Woodlands
- Price
- $16 ages 6+, $8 ages 5 and under. Skate rental included.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Buy a session ticket ahead
An outdoor rink by the Waterway with a smaller beginner rink and toddler-size skates. Spectators watch for free.
Parent tip: Skating walkers and helmets rent for $10 each, so little ones can try without falling every few steps.
- Christmas lightsFree Good for toddlers
Holiday on The Waterway
- Dates
- Nov 21 - Jan 3 · Every evening through the season
- Where
- The Woodlands Waterway
- Price
- Free
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
Light tunnels, giant lit-up presents and snowflakes line the Waterway. A free trolley rides right through the tunnels.
Parent tip: The trolley shares the north side path, so keep small kids on the sidewalk there.
- Parades and tree lightingsSanta visitsHoliday festivalsFree Good for toddlers
Lighting of the Doves Festival
- Dates
- Nov 21 · Sat Nov 21, 3-8pm. Lighting and fireworks around 7pm.
- Where
- Town Green Park, 2099 Lake Robbins Dr., The Woodlands
- Price
- Free. Snow play and slides need a $5 wristband.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
The Woodlands' kickoff night, with music, crafts, snow play, Santa arriving by sleigh on the Waterway and fireworks.
Parent tip: Park free in the colored lots on Timberloch Place and Grogan's Mill Road. Bring cash or card for the snow wristband.
- Parades and tree lightingsFree Good for toddlers
Sugar Land Christmas Tree Lighting
- Dates
- Nov 20 · Fri Nov 20, 5-8pm
- Where
- Sugar Land Town Square, 2711 Plaza Dr.
- Price
- Free
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
A small-town style tree lighting with music, hot chocolate, face painting and a spot to write letters to Santa.
Parent tip: Park free at Mercer Stadium and take the shuttle. It runs from 4:30 to 9:30pm.
- Santa visitsChristmas lightsFree Good for toddlers
Neighborhood Nights: Holiday Edition at Memorial Park
- Dates
- Dec 4 · Fri Dec 4, from 5pm. Free movie at 6pm.
- Where
- Clay Family Eastern Glades, Memorial Park
- Price
- Free. RSVP is encouraged but not required.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
The park's free opening night for its December lights, with Santa photos, a train ride, hot cocoa and an outdoor Frozen screening.
Parent tip: Bring a blanket and your own snacks. Outside food is OK, but no glass.
- Parades and tree lightingsSanta visitsFree Good for toddlers
Deck the Depot Tree Lighting
- Dates
- Dec 5 · Sat Dec 5, 4-8pm
- Where
- Tomball Depot Plaza, 201 S. Elm St.
- Price
- Free. Free parking.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
Tomball's tree lighting, with Santa photos, free hot chocolate and treats, music, and fake snow near the end of the night.
Parent tip: Visit Santa early, before the lighting crowd builds.
- Christmas marketsHoliday festivalsFree Good for toddlers
Tomball German Christmas Market
- Dates
- Dec 11-13 · Fri Dec 11 6-10pm, Sat Dec 12 10am-10pm, Sun Dec 13 10am-6pm. Parade Sat at 10:30am.
- Where
- Old Town Tomball
- Price
- Free. Free parking.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
A German-style Christmas market with vendor booths, food, music and a Saturday morning parade.
Parent tip: On Saturday and Sunday, use the free shuttle from the east lot of HCA Houston Healthcare Tomball.
- Parades and tree lightingsFree Good for toddlers
Christmas Boat Lane Parade
- Dates
- Dec 12 · Sat Dec 12. Starts 6pm with fireworks in Nassau Bay. Boats reach Kemah around 7:30pm.
- Where
- Clear Lake to the Kemah Channel, Clear Lake / Kemah
- Price
- Free to watch
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
Lit-up boats parade across Clear Lake and through the Kemah Channel. You watch from the shore at public spots along the route.
Parent tip: Pick a spot near the start, like Nassau Bay Lagoon, if you want an earlier night. The boats reach Kemah later in the evening.
- Christmas lightsFree Good for toddlers
Lights in the Heights
- Dates
- Dec 12 · Sat Dec 12, 6-9pm
- Where
- Woodland Heights neighborhood streets (Highland and Omar), The Heights
- Price
- Free to walk
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
One night when a whole neighborhood decks out its houses and musicians play on front porches. Families stroll the closed streets.
Parent tip: The lit-up dinosaurs on the Norhill Esplanade are the kid favorite. Expect street closures and park a few blocks out.
- Shows and NutcrackerFree Good for toddlers
Carols on the Green (Houston Grand Opera)
- Dates
- Dec 12 · Sat Dec 12, 7pm
- Where
- Discovery Green, Downtown
- Price
- Free
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
A free outdoor holiday concert from the city's opera company, with carols and sing-alongs under the downtown skyline.
Parent tip: Bring a blanket for the lawn. You can leave early without missing much if kids get tired.
- Christmas marketsFree Good for toddlers
The Woodlands Winter Makers Market
- Dates
- Dec 12 · Sat Dec 12, 10am-4pm
- Where
- The Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park, 6464 Creekside Forest Dr., The Woodlands (Creekside Park)
- Price
- Free entry. KidZone wristbands cost extra.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
A local makers' holiday market with food trucks and a kids' zone with a trackless train, crafts, putt-putt and bounce houses.
Parent tip: Buy the KidZone wristband if your kids will want the train and bounce houses.
- Christmas marketsFree Good for toddlers
The Snowflake Market at POST Houston
- Dates
- Dec 13 · Sun Dec 13, 10:30am-5:30pm
- Where
- POST Houston, Downtown
- Price
- Free
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
An indoor holiday market with local sellers and food on the ground floor. Upstairs, the rooftop has its winter decorations.
Parent tip: Go early, before lunch, when aisles are easier with a stroller.
- Shows and Nutcracker
The Nutcracker (Bay Area Houston Ballet & Theatre)
- Dates
- Dec 4-20 · Dec 4-6, 11-13 and 17-20. Check the schedule for show times.
- Where
- Bayou Theater, University of Houston-Clear Lake
- Price
- Ticketed. See the official site for prices.
- Ages and booking
- Kids who can sit through a ballet · Buy ahead online
A local company's Nutcracker on the south side of town. It's a closer, smaller option for families near NASA and Clear Lake.
Parent tip: Pair it with an afternoon at Space Center Houston, which is close by.
- Holiday festivals Good for toddlers
Polar Palooza at Children's Museum Houston
- Dates
- Dec 19 - Jan 4 · Daily 9am-5pm over winter break. Closed Christmas Day. New Year's Day 11am-8pm.
- Where
- Children's Museum Houston, 1500 Binz St., Museum District
- Price
- Museum admission. See the official site for prices.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Buy museum tickets online ahead
The children's museum turns into a snowy winter land for the school break, with holiday activities from many cultures.
Parent tip: A good rainy or cold day plan. Some exhibits may be closed, so check the site the morning you go.
Dates and prices were checked on each event's official site. They can change, so check the official site before you go.
On a budget? See every free Christmas event in Houston, including parades and tree lightings.
Shopping for gifts? Compare the Christmas markets in Houston, with hours, costs and tips for going with kids.
Planning a Santa visit? See where to find Santa in Houston, plus free Santa photos, breakfasts with Santa and tips for skipping the line.
Going to the ballet? Compare every Nutcracker in Houston, with run times, age tips and sensory-friendly shows.
Questions parents ask
What is there to do in Houston for Christmas with kids?
Walk Zoo Lights at the Houston Zoo, see Galaxy Lights at Space Center Houston, and visit Radiant Nature at the Houston Botanic Garden. Watch the H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Make a day trip to Galveston for Moody Gardens, Dickens on The Strand, or the Polar Express.
When is Zoo Lights at the Houston Zoo in 2026?
Zoo Lights runs from November 19, 2026, to January 3, 2027, from 5:30 to 10:30pm, with last entry at 9:30pm. It's closed on a few nights, so check the calendar before you go.
What are the free Christmas events in Houston?
The H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade, Lights in the Heights, the Tomball German Christmas Market, the Christmas Boat Lane Parade, and several tree lightings are free.
Tap "Free" above to see them together.
Christmas in other cities
- Christmas in New York
- Christmas in Chicago
- Christmas in Boston
- Christmas in Washington, DC
- Christmas in Nashville
- Christmas in Seattle
- Christmas in Denver
- Christmas in San Diego
- Christmas in San Francisco
- Christmas in Los Angeles
- Christmas in Atlanta
- Christmas in San Antonio
- Christmas in Gatlinburg
- Christmas in Philadelphia
- Christmas in Pittsburgh
- Christmas in Las Vegas
- Christmas in Orlando
- Christmas in Miami
- Christmas in New Orleans
- Christmas in Charlotte
- Christmas in Kansas City
- Christmas in Dallas
- Christmas in Austin
- Christmas in Phoenix
- Christmas in St. Louis
- Christmas in Tampa
- Christmas in Cincinnati