You’ll be having a wonderful Christmastime in Houston this year. From holiday concerts, to Christmas lights, festive bars, and more: here are 16 fantastic things to do at Christmas in Houston this merry season!
1. Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest
Drawing inspiration from the renowned Forbidden Forest and showcasing cherished elements from the Harry Potter™ and Fantastic Beasts™ series, this remarkable adventure presents an illuminated woodland pathway and enchanting creatures, immersing you in the enchanting realm of the Wizarding World.
Every mesmerizing aspect, from the intricacies of a Hippogriff’s feathered wing to the mist meandering through the dense forest, contributes to the overall enchantment of the encounter.
2. Float on this Wintry Holiday Rooftop
The holiday season in Houston is off to an energetic start, quite literally, at the Marriot Marquis. The Marriot Marquis Houston is transforming its iconic downtown rooftop into a complete Winter Wonderland, complete with Christmas movie screenings, dazzling holiday lights, and a heated lazy river as the centerpiece of their special seasonal event known as Texas Winter Nights.
3. Witness a Gorgeous Candlelight Concert
Step inside one of Houston’s most splendid venues, where candlelight will cast a flickering spell, crafting a truly enchanting atmosphere. Get ready to be transported to a celestial realm as you immerse yourself in cherished winter classics by Tchaikovsky, Vivaldi, and other esteemed composers!
4. Dine in Darkness
Ever wondered what it would be like to dine in utter darkness? Research indicates 80% of individuals rely on sight while eating. By removing the visual component, the idea is that your other senses, such as taste and smell, become heightened, thus elevating your dining experience.
Secure your tickets for Dining in the Dark, a unique blindfolded tasting event featuring a surprise menu. Immerse yourself in a mysterious and interactive culinary adventure!
5. See a Rooftop Concert
Travel back in time with Concerts Under The Stars as we transport you to enchanting, starlit venues with our distinctive vintage musical offerings. Enjoy the timeless tunes of artists like Sinatra and Amy Winehouse, delivered by Houston’s most exceptional entertainers.
6. Winter Wonderlawn
The heart of Houston’s cultural scene, a bustling food market, an inviting rooftop location, and those who love to celebrate are gearing up to kick off the holiday festivities in style. They’re bringing back their highly acclaimed “Winter Wonderlawn” for the holiday season, starting on Saturday, November 4, and it will remain open until Sunday, January 14.
7. Cruise through Houston’s Most Christmassy Neighborhoods
The holiday season isn’t truly official until the various neighborhoods in the city are completely bathed in holiday lights and decorations. This year, make sure to take a drive through Houston’s most brilliantly adorned and festive streets and neighborhoods.
8. Get in on all the Festivities at Moody Gardens
Season’s greetings, Houston! While some cities may enjoy the advantage of snowy and traditional cozy weather, here in the south, we make the most of what we’ve got. If you haven’t already taken to the ice this holiday season, you can certainly do so at Moody Garden’s Ice Land beginning November 18. This holiday attraction features stunning ice sculptures, beloved characters, festive decorations, and more, including a sparkling ice bar.
9. Go Winter Wild at Zoo Lights
The zoo is ready to showcase a wide range of captivating delights for visitors of all ages, such as a stunning 33-foot-tall tree that changes colors, an overhead display of glistening flowers and butterflies, and the beloved Coca Cola bear.
10. Sip Spirits at these Festive Bars
Get ready to celebrate, Houston, because it’s Christmas time! To embrace the joy of the season, some of our cherished locals have adorned their spaces with festive lights, decorations, and an abundance of holiday drinks.
11. Warm up with Hot Chocolate
It’s fair to say that most of us aren’t big fans of the bitter cold, but it does offer a unique chance to indulge in extra coziness. After all, true winter conditions don’t visit us too often, so we might as well relish in the wintery delights that aren’t quite suitable for Houston’s usual humidity.
To celebrate the season with hot chocolate, a quintessential symbol of winter warmth, we’ve put together a list of the top 10 places to cozy up in Houston.
12. Go Ice Skating al Fresco
Amidst all the holiday bars, markets, and indulgent seasonal dining, it’s essential to squeeze in some physical activity. Whether you prefer an indoor setting, the great outdoors, or something in between, we’ve compiled a list of the finest holiday-themed ice rinks in Houston for you to enjoy some skating this season.
13. Ogle at Houston’s Holiday Light Displays
Starting from November 11 and continuing until January 7, you have the opportunity to witness the yearly light exhibition, touted as “the most technologically advanced light display in Texas” – and this claim is no exaggeration. Take, for instance, their dynamic light presentation:
“Partake in two cutting-edge kinetic light shows where numerous hanging lights execute meticulously choreographed movements synchronized to music above the Main Plaza,” as described on the Space Center’s event webpage. “Observe as the spheres move harmoniously to craft vibrant shapes and patterns.”
14. See Magical Winter Lights
As the holiday season approaches, the organizers of Magical Winter Lights are excited to announce their return to Houston on November 17. They will be bringing back a 20-acre wonderland filled with enchanting lights, lantern displays, and joyful winter entertainment. This magical experience will be available from tomorrow until January 7!
15. Santa’s Wonderland
Give a warm “howdy” to the holiday season in College Station with the annual Santa’s Wonderland. This grand and festive holiday tradition offers a Texas-sized display of lights, a gingerbread village, a snowy playground, live music, and endless joy for the entire family.
16. Watch Holiday Movies on a Rooftop
In between the decorating, shopping, and occasional binge eating, it’s good to celebrate the spirit of the season by watching some of your favorite holiday classics. In Houston, you can do just the thing at Rooftop Cinema Club, which will be screening all of your holiday favorites this December!