The holidays are here, Houston. This year, the city is getting into the spirit more than ever with brand new holiday festivities in Downtown, Houston, now a magical holiday destination for City Lights Downtown Holiday Magic.
Houston First and Central Houston, Inc. have teamed up to bring the holiday spirit (in all of its glory) to Houston big-time with City Lights Downtown Holiday Magic from now to January 3.
The (mostly free) yuletide event features eight unique, themed villages, holiday markets, a hot chocolate bar, festive sweets, caroling parties, and more!
“This will be an exciting holiday season as downtown Houston transforms itself into a signature wonderland unlike anything we have seen in years past,” said Michael Heckman, CEO of Houston First Corp in a press release.
“From the elaborate holiday villages to skating on the largest outdoor ice-skating rink in the southwest, families and visitors will now have multiple opportunities to make new holiday memories.”
Participating areas in the yuletide event include: Plaza at Avenida, Marriot Marquis, Discovery Green, Hilton Americas, Wortham Theater, Market Square Park, Main Street Square, and Bagby Street.
Plaza at Avenida
In addition to hosting a variety of live concerts over the course of the season, Plaza at Avenida displays 30 gorgeously decorated trees in the Grand Holiday Window at the George R. Brown Convention Center.
Marriot Marquis
Marriot Marquis has brought back its massively popular, wonderfully delightful Texas Winter Lights holiday experience. Here, Houstonians can float under an archway of festive lights, or otherwise experience nightly snowfall, holiday movies, 30 festive drinks, and more. Tickets start at $25.
Discovery Green
Once again, Houstonians can ice skate at the foot of the city skyline atop Discovery Green’s ice rink. Themed nights, skating with Santa, and more are back at the rink. DG will also screen holiday movies every Thursday night.
Hilton Americas
Sweeter than ever, Hilton Americas is bringing back their chocolatey holiday display with a hand-sculpted Minion-based installation with over 2,000 pounds of chocolate.
Wortham Theater
This year, the Fish Plaza at the Wortham Theatre has turned into Sugar Plum Plaza, and feature a variety of life-size holiday ornaments.
Market Square Park
The mistletoe you won’t want to miss. Market Square Park has reprised its biggest mistletoe installation for the holidays, suspended from a gigantic, 15-foot candy cane.
Main Street Square
Santa’s main hangout this year is going to be at Main Street Square. Every Friday and Saturday, the big man will be making appearances at Main Street Square’s Santa’s Village and holiday market series.
Bagby Street
Find dazzling holiday light installations – including an 80-foot light tunnel – on Bagby Street from Lamar to Preston.
City Lights Downtown Holiday Magic is now alive in Downtown, Houston.
See also: Cistern Illuminated Twinkly Light Installation Debuting This Holiday Season