While we not might get the picturesque weather that some other snowy states might receive during November and December, we more than compensate with a plethora of enchanting light spectacles for the whole city to enjoy. This season, be sure to check out 10 of our favorites to make the most of the most wonderful time of the year!
1. Radiant Nature at Houston Botanic Garden Nov. 17
Named “Radiant Nature,” the winter festival, hosted by Reliant, will showcase more than “50 large-scale Chinese lantern installations coming to life,” as detailed in an Instagram post by the organization. This includes a majestic 200-foot-long dragon and an impressive 12-foot-tall peacock! Gather your entire family and participate in celebrating the beauty of nature and the cultural wealth of Asia.
Moreover, the holiday light experience will include illuminated interactive swings, seesaws, and an immersive, walk-in kaleidoscope, in addition to various other photo opportunities.
2. Magical Winter Lights Nov. 17
Magical Winter Lights, former champions of The Great Christmas Light Fight on ABC Network, returns for another year this time to Katy Mills Mall with enchanting performances, winter installations, food truck vendors, and millions of lights.
3. Winter Wonderlawn at POST
At the core of Houston’s cultural hub, a vibrant food market, an enticing rooftop setting, and enthusiastic revelers are preparing to launch the holiday celebrations with flair. They’re reintroducing the much-praised “Winter Wonderlawn” for the festive season, now open through Sunday, January 14.
4. Galaxy of Lights at Space Center Houston
When it comes to Christmas lights in Houston, nothing says “Space City” more than the Galaxy Lights spectacle that orbits Space Center Houston. Now open, the display is billed as “the most technologically advanced light display in Texas” – and that’s no hyperbole.
Visitors are allowed to float through the grounds, charting the center’s many features, including The Food Lab. Here, stargazers and spacewalkers are invited to watch an indoor meteor shower before checking out the larger-than-life holiday decor and 20-foot twinkling tree on the patio – hot cocoa in hand.
5. Zoo Lights at the Houston Zoo
Every year the Houston Zoo hosts a dazzling light spectacle for the City of Houston. This year, the zoo will continue its tradition for its 13th year from November 17 – January 7, 2024.
The zoo is set to feature a myriad of enchanting attractions for the whole family. Highlights are set to include: a 33-foot-tall multicolored holiday tree; glowing canopy of butterflies and flowers in the hanging pollinator garden; the one and only Santa Clause; as well as Holiday Grove filled with hundreds of incandescent great oaks, flowers, and animal-themed lanterns.
6. Texas Winter Lights at the Marquis Hotel
For its Texas Winter Lights event, the hotel is hosting a poolside winter wonderland complete with fireside s’mores, lit-up lawn games, gastrodome dining, Saturday DJ sessions, and Xmas movie nights (on Thursdays). Winter Lights’ cynosure, undoubtedly, is a laid-back ride on its Texas-shaped lazy river.
You might argue that ’tis not the season for water rides, but the pools over at the Marquis Hotel are turned up to warm-hearted 80 degrees and run through a spectacle of twinkly festive lights.
7-8. Light Park in Katy and Spring
Hello, holidays: Houston’s first drive-thru animated Christmas light experience has rolled into Spring and Katy for the joyous season:
“Don’t miss the Brightest Show South of the North Pole,” the group writes on its Facebook page. “Electric holiday attraction features millions of lights synchronized to a festive mix of music and includes entertainment while you wait.”
9. Santa’s Wonderland in College Station
Say “howdy” to the holidays this season in College Station for the annual Santa’s Wonderland, a massive, festive, and bright holiday tradition that features a Texas-sized spectacle of lights, gingerbread village, snow playground, live music, and boundless merriment for the whole family.
At Santa’s Wonderland, visitors can enjoy a stocking’s worth of opportunities to experience the LED-lit magic of Christmas. Such includes their Santa’s Hayride Tour, which whisks visitors through their breathtaking displays of over 4 million holiday lights while seated on freshly bundled hay.
10. Dasher’s Light Show Nov. 18
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Drive out to Sam Houston Race park this year to cross off the last light show on your list. Dasher’s Light Show is a one-mile-length immersive light show. Synced up with your favorite holiday music, the light show lasts about a half hour. Prices vary so consult their website with all details.