Houston doesn’t get much snow, but downtown will have a mountain lodge this season. From November 21 through January 3, 2027, the Altitude Rooftop & Pool deck at Marriott Marquis Houston becomes the Marquis Winter Lodge, with alpine décor, twinkling lights and views of the skyline. Tickets are on sale now.
The lodge is part of “Holidays at The Marquis,” which replaces the Texas Winter Lights programming the hotel has run for six years. Some fan favorites carry over. The Texas-shaped heated lazy river stays open for the season.
What you’ll find on the rooftop
The lodge is open daily from 5 to 10 p.m. Activities include virtual skiing, arcade and board games, photo spots, and movies and sports on the hotel’s new rooftop LED screen. Live reindeer, Santa, carolers and live music will drop in throughout the season. On Thursdays in December, the Concert Under the Stars series features a Sinatra Christmas show.
Food comes from five chalets: North Pole Oven (pretzel bites with cheese dip), Texas Smokehouse (mini brisket and cheddar turnover), Fondue Lodge, Winter Comfort Lodge (tomato soup shooter with mini grilled cheese) and Sweet Chalet (warm apple hand pie). A beverage outpost serves gingerbread and white chocolate martinis, a wine and sparkling bar, and a bourbon flight with Eagle Rare 10, Angel’s Envy and Weller.
Anyone who completes the Tasting Passport or orders the Chef’s Après Lodge Meal gets a commemorative ornament. They’re also entered in a drawing for a two-night stay at the hotel in 2027.
Private lodges seat 2 to 10 guests in an igloo, cabana, gazebo or casita. Reservation windows run from 5 to 7 p.m. and 8 to 10 p.m.
Brunch, anniversary cocktails and overnight stays
The Merry & Mischievous Brunch at Walker Street Kitchen runs every Saturday and Sunday from November 28 through December 20, with seatings at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. It includes a holiday buffet, a visit from the Grinch-style green character, and one mimosa or Bloody Mary per adult 21 and older.
From November 13 through January 3, Cueva marks the hotel’s 10th anniversary with an Angel’s Envy Smoked Old Fashioned and a Coco-Rubbed Steak Pintxo.
More than 10 decorated guestrooms overlook the lodge. Bookings are open for stays between November 21 and January 3. The Winter Lodge Getaway includes valet parking, a Tasting Passport for two and a cookie platter. The Après Holiday Escape swaps the passport for a chef’s entrée and dessert for two.
The hotel is also an official stop on Visit Houston’s City Lights Tour, which starts November 20.
Prices and booking
Taxes and fees are extra.
Access Pass: $15 for adults, $5 for children 12 and under.
Tasting Passport: $20 for adults, $10 for children.
Chef’s Après Lodge Meal: $50 for adults, $15 for children. An Alpine Board for four costs $109.
Fondue for two: $18 for cheese, $16 for chocolate. A s’mores board for two costs $25.
Private lodges: from $50 for two hours.
Brunch: $38 for adults, $15 for children.
Cueva specials: $10 for the Old Fashioned, $10 for the pintxo, $19 for the pairing.
Hotel guests get the Access Pass through the nightly Destination Fee. Self-parking at Avenida North Garage costs $22 for up to six hours. Tickets for the lodge, private lodges and brunch are on the hotel’s official website, under the “Holidays” page. Partners for the season include Grey Goose, Veuve Clicquot and Cohera.
