Holiday Happenings in Houston: 2025 Events Guide

The holiday season in Houston is nothing short of magical, and 2025 is pulling out all the stops! If you decide to call Creekhaven home, you’ll be perfectly positioned to enjoy all the holiday cheer year after year. Our premiere location along Highway 228 means whether you are looking to glide across an ice rink, stroll through twinkling light displays, or enjoy holiday-themed performances, you will never miss one of these happy holiday events.

City Lights Downtown Holiday Magic

Various downtown locations
Days and times vary
Some events are free, others require tickets

Get ready for a dazzling holiday adventure as Downtown Houston turns into a festive hotspot featuring 11 incredible stops to explore. To get around, you can park and walk, take the Holiday Express, or make the most of your Saturdays with free rides from EV Community Connectors through December 31.

Winter Wonderlawn

POST Houston
Nightly through Jan. 11
$10 Monday-Thursday & $15 Friday-Sunday free for 5 and under

Step into a winter dream at POST Houston’s Winter Wonderlawn! The Skylawn rooftop transforms into a festive wonderland with lights, seasonal décor, a 25-foot Christmas tree, and holiday activities.

Tinsel Town

Market Square Park
Times vary, Monday-Sunday through Jan. 5
Free admission

Market Square Park offers free events for all, including photos with Santa, live music, holiday workshops, and more. Enjoy dueling pianos, outdoor movies, festive games, and a Downtown scavenger hunt with prizes.

Deck The Trees

Alley Theater
Monday-Sunday through Dec. 31
Free to look

Featuring 19 holiday trees, each uniquely themed and artistically designed, this festive display is a visual celebration of Houston’s vibrant arts scene. Even better, it’s the perfect bonus for those catching a performance of the holiday favorite A Christmas Carol.

City Hall-iday Lights

City Hall
5-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6
Free

Join Mayor John Whitmire and Reliant for the annual Reliant Presents Deck the Hall celebration, featuring live music, fireworks, and photos with Santa. The evening ends with the grand lighting of the holiday tree, making it an unforgettable kick-off to the season.

Jingle Town

Lynn Wyatt Square
Nightly, Monday-Sunday through Dec. 31
Free.

Warm up with hot cocoa and take your pick of fun activities, including movies, lawn games, and family crafts. Stick around for live musical performances and carolers that’ll have you humming along in no time.

Astros Light up the Park

Daikin Park
5-10 p.m. Monday-Sunday through Jan. 4
Ticket prices vary

Astros Light up the Park features 12 stunning light exhibits celebrating Houston and the Astros, with interactive displays, photo ops, and even snowfall. A portion of proceeds supports the Astros Foundation.

Texas Winter Lights

Marriott Marquis Houston
Nightly, Monday-Sunday through Dec. 31
$24.47- $47.10

Houston’s favorite holiday experience returns with snowfall, cozy igloos, live country music, and themed holiday suites. Take a 360° photo in the Texas-shaped lazy river or enjoy a holiday movie under the stars.

8 Ice @ Discovery Green

Discovery Green
Times vary Sunday-Monday, through Jan. 4
$15-$18

Lace up your skates for the open-air rink under holiday lights. Enjoy themed skate nights and a stunning light display by Discovery Green and H-Town Frankie

Peppermint Plaza

George R. Brown Convention Center
6-10 p.m. Saturdays, through Dec. 25
Free

Get into the holiday spirit with 16 decorated Christmas trees in the Grand Holiday Window and live Saturday evening music celebrating Houston’s cultural diversity.

Land Of Sweets

Hilton Americas–Houston
Daily through Dec. 28
Free to look

Step into a world of lights and treats where the lobby shines with 80,000 lights and 14-foot champagne trees. The highlight is a life-size chocolate creation honoring Disneyland® Resort’s 70th anniversary, made by the pastry team with beloved characters and photo-worthy scenes.

Twinkle Town

Trebly Park
Daily, through Jan. 5
Free

Trebly Park spreads holiday cheer with Twinkle Town! Capture moments in the Candy Cane Tunnel, share a kiss under Texas’ largest mistletoe ball, or bring pets for free Santa photos. Enjoy weekly workshops like wreath-making and gingerbread decorating, plus raffle prizes and treats from Tout Suite.

Zoo Lights at Houston Zoo

Houston Zoo
5:30-10:30 p.m. Monday-Sunday, through Jan. 4
$26.95-$38.95

Explore the beauty of lights and imagination. Whether you’re enjoying sparkling pathways or checking out imaginative light displays, Zoo Lights is sure to bring joy and festive vibes for everyone this season.

Breakfast with Santa at the Aquarium

Downtown Aquarium
Times vary, Saturdays, Dec. 13, 14, 20, 21, 22, 23, and 24
$30.02 adults, $22.15 children 3-10, free for 2 and under.

Start your morning with Breakfast with Santa. Enjoy a buffet alongside Santa and Sharkey, the Aquarium’s mascot, plus holiday fun for the kids. Reserve your spot early!

ARTECHOUSE Holiday Special

ARTECHOUSE Houston
Days and time vary through Jan. 4
$26-$40

Experience an extraordinary blend of art like Spectacular Factory and Tingle Bells, featuring vivid visuals, interactive displays, and dynamic soundscapes. Perfect for art lovers and families alike, this immersive event promises a unique holiday experience.

Celebrating Kwanzaa at Children’s Museum Houston

Children’s Museum Houston
Noon-6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 26
$19.95

Children’s Museum Houston Educators are planning a celebration complete with Kwanzaa Art Workshops where kids will learn about Kwanzaa, the holiday’s rich traditions, and create a special craft to take home.

Holidays in Hermann Park

Commons
10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6
Free to Park visitors

Enjoy a festive day at Hermann Park with holiday train and carousel rides, live music, carolers, arts and crafts for kids, lawn games, and a chance to meet Santa. End the evening with a free outdoor movie night featuring Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Elf, plus delicious snacks from food trucks and Koko Cafe.

A Christmas Carol 

Alley Theatre
Days and time vary through Dec. 28
$57+
Step into Victorian England with a heartwarming tale of Scrooge’s transformation filled with stunning visuals and holiday spirit.

The Nutcracker

Wortham Theater Center
Times vary, Monday-Sunday through Dec. 28
$44+

Follow Clara as she journeys from a festive Christmas party to the sparkling Land of Snow and then to the Kingdom of Sweets, where the Sugar Plum Fairy awaits. Stanton Welch’s choreography, along with stunning sets and costumes, creates a memorable holiday experience.

Very Merry Pops!

Jones Hall
7:30 p.m. Thursday-Sunday, Dec. 11-14 & 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14
$67+

This festive concert is a treat for the ears and the eyes, with classic carols, sparkling decorations, and a very special appearance by Santa himself.

Gift Yourself a New Home

Give the gift that keeps on giving —a new home in Creekhaven. It is your personal haven with beautiful homes, outstanding planned amenities, and a community vibe that needs to be experienced to be believed. Visit today.