The holiday season is just upon us! Between the holiday shopping, decorating, eating, and more eating, there awaits a splendid assortment of magical things to do this Christmas season in Houston. Read on to discover these enchanting things to do in Houston this December!
1. Surround yourself with holiday magic at ARTECHOUSE Houston
This holiday season, ARTECHOUSE Houston transforms into a sparkling wonderland. Wander through glowing installations and step inside scenes full of festive magic. Perfect for families, friends, or a creative date night, this limited-time experience is sure to delight. Grab your tickets to their ‘Holiday Special’ experience now!
2. Experience Magical Candlelight Concerts
Whether you’re looking for a beautifully unique classical music performance or a romantic candlelit experience, this performance is for you. You don’t need to know all things Tchaikovsky to enjoy the evening, simply sit back and savor the stunning atmosphere and pieces you’ll hear.
Walk into one of Houston’s most exquisite buildings where the walls will be flickering by candlelight to create a magical atmosphere. Prepare to be taken into the clouds with some of the most treasured wintertime classics from Tchaikovsky, Vivaldi and other master composers!
3. Dine Out at Houston’s Michelin Restaurants
Michelin has officially landed in Houston. This November, the esteemed culinary guide awarded six restaurants in Houston with Michelin Stars in French, Spanish, Mediterranean, Indian, and American cuisine. See the full list here!
4. Giant Gingerbread Village at City Place
This holiday season, City Place will once again reprise its beloved Giant Gingerbread Village. Here, festival-goers can walk around a darling village strewn in all sorts of whimsical decor including giant candy canes, lollipops, and gumdrops. Throughout the season, City Place plans to a host a series of special events.
5. Glide Under the Stars
Discovery Green in Downtown, Houston will reprise its glittering ice rink from November 15 to February 2 this holiday season. Here, Discovery Green will host public skates at the foot of Houston’s skyline. As per tradition, Discovery Green will be hosting a series of themed nights for skaters to enjoy on their renewable energy-run rink.
6. Secure Your Seat For This Epic ‘Lord of the Rings’ Candlelight Concert
Step into a world of fantasy this season as Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences and Candlelight bring the magic of Middle-earth to life. Candlelight: The Lord of the Rings — a classical music concert invites you to settle in for a 60-minute journey through the most iconic scores of the legendary trilogy. Bathed in the glow of thousands of candles, a string quartet will perform sweeping themes from The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, and The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. It’s the ultimate way to celebrate the franchise’s 25th anniversary.
Candlelight: The Lord of the Rings - 5 · 27 reviews
7. Visit The Christmas Village
The state’s newest Christmas theme park has made its official debut. Located in Huntsville, just north of Houston, The Christmas Village offers a nostalgic experience in an atmosphere straight out of a Hallmark movie. Attractions range from horse-drawn carriages, to light trails, vintage storefronts, cozy shops, and more.
8. Check Out Houston Zoo Lights
Every year the Houston Zoo hosts a dazzling light spectacle for the City of Houston. This year, the zoo will continue its tradition from November 21 until January 4 with wild and wonderful entertainment and iridescent immersion for the whole family.
9. Astros Light Up the Park
The ‘Stros have something extra special on deck for the holiday season this year. Launching November 22, Astros Light up the Park, presented by Houston Methodist, will takeover Daikin Park with an immersive experience for sports fans of all ages. The special event will feature a Santa’s Dugout, holiday-themed concessions, special themed nights, as well as over 3.5 million lights illuminating the ballpark.
10. Louvre Couture
Fresh off of its debut at the Louvre – ever heard of it? – the world-renowned Paris museum’s very first fashion exhibition is premiering at the Houston Museum of Fine Arts. Here, visitors can remark at incredible ensembles from world’s most iconic and historic fashion houses. MFAH is now showcasing fashion pieces from Chanel to Louis Vuitton alongside museum’s masterpieces.
11. Revel in the Holidays at Houston’s most Festive Bars
Need a little boost of Christmas spirit? Enjoy seasonal cocktails, decor galore, festive activities, and more at the most cheerful bars in town: from ski lodge-like hideaways to bars made of ice!
12. Venture Into A Galaxy Of Lights At Space Center Houston
When it comes to the most Houston-centric lighting display, nothing says “Space City” more than the Galaxy Lights spectacle that orbits Space Center Houston. Recently, Space Center Houston announced the opening of their annual Galaxy Lights holiday display, from November 16 – January 5, billing it as “the most technologically advanced light display in Texas” – and that’s no hyperbole.
13. Explore Old Town Spring
The North Houston community is a true hidden gem. Located along the historic railway, Old Town Spring is a bustling shopping village filled with all sorts of apothecaries, mom-and-pops, and darling storefronts. Furthermore, the area also features an array of excellent eateries, including the Michelin-starred Corkscrew BBQ!
14. Nutcracker Infinity
If your holiday spirit knows no bounds, immerse yourself in Nutcracker Infinity. Hosted at POST’s Art Club, Nutcracker Infinity is a mesmerizing reimagining of Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, The Nutcracker. Here, visitors can experience a captivating display of light and sound, imbued with the magic of The Nutcracker.
15. Take Santa’s Sleigh Out to His Texas-Sized Wonderland
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.
For a little more holiday excitement, visitors are invited to mosey down to Frostbite Mountain in the West Pole, where they can glide down a snow-covered luge in snow tubes – just take it easy on the non-chloric, silicon-based kitchen lubricant, eh, Clark Griswold?
16. Ice Village at Rice Village
New this holiday season in Houston is the charming Ice Village at Rice Village. Located in one of Houston’s hit shopping neighborhoods, Ice Village is a holiday experience that features a charming little ice rink illuminated in twinkling Christmas lights. On weekends, Santa Claus will be visiting to make the experience all the more magical for the kiddos.
17. Do a Bit of Holiday Shopping at The Galleria
With only a few weeks left before Santa comes, you could do him a solid by getting a jump start on things. While online shopping has its perks, if you want the experience to be extra festive, cruise down to Galleria Houston where the lights are twinkling, the ice rink is glimmering, and the holiday tree is standing tall!
18. Radiant Nature
The Houston Botanic Garden has once again converted into a natural-themed light wonderland for the return of Radiant Nature. Back for its second year, Radiant Nature features large-scale lantern installations including a full-size replica of a Chinese palace, half-football-field-length light tunnel, marketplace, and more!
19. Frolic Festively at POST HTX’s “Winter Wonderlawn”
Downtown, Houston has already established itself as the holiday epicenter of the city, but come the holiday season, the area will become an absolute beacon of holiday entertainment with the opening of “Winter Wonderlawn” at POST Houston on November 4 ongoing until January 14..
20. Grab a Drink at the Ice Bar
While other cities might have the advantage of snow and cozy traditional weather, here in south we make do with what we have. If you haven’t already hit the ice this season, can really do so at Moody Garden’s Ice Land – a holiday experience complete with ice sculptures, characters, decor and more, not excluding a crystal ice bar.
21. Elevate Your Lifestyle at these Houston Rooftop Bars
Nothing quite says “living the highlife” like clinking glasses on a city rooftop. Touch the sky this season with a brunch, evening, or nightcap on the most jaw-dropping rooftops in Houston.
22. Celebrate the joy of the season at A Very Sinatra Christmas Special
Experience the magic of the holiday season with A Very Sinatra Christmas Special at The Marriott Marquis. Hosted by Concerts Under the Stars, the limited-time concert series will feature a setlist of seasonal classics that Sinatra loved to sing, such as “White Christmas,” “Let It Snow,” and “I’ll Be Home For Christmas.” Snag tickets here while they last!
23. Drive through Houston’s Brightest Neighborhoods
It’s not officially the holiday season until the city’s many neighborhoods are completely suffused in holiday lights and decorations. This season, be sure to drive through Houston’s brightest and most festive neighborhoods and streets.
24. Enter the World of Charles Dickens in Galveston
Whether you identify with Tiny Tim, Oliver Twist, or see yourself as a modern-day Scrooge, you have the opportunity to dress up as your favorite Charles Dickens character at the upcoming Dickens on the Strand event in Galveston. This event is set to recreate the streets of 19th-century London in Galveston from December 5 to 7.
25. Enter Houston’s Craziest Christmas Store
‘Tis the season in Houston! It’s time to illuminate your home, set up the Christmas tree, and adorn the mantle with stockings. If you’re looking to enhance your inner Clark Griswold, be sure to visit Craftex, the holiday supply store that’s the closest thing to Santa’s Workshop in Houston!
26. Take a Ride on the Polar Express
While the North Pole may seem distant from the southern regions, Houston-area residents can experience a touch of it this holiday season at the Galveston Railroad Museum.
At the museum, visitors can explore the legendary Polar Express, not only witnessing the enchanting Christmas steam engine but also enjoying a ride to the North Pole.
27. Christmas Village at Bayou Bend
The 14-acre estate at Bayou Bend is once again aglow in holiday cheer! Revel in the many holiday festivities at the Christmas Village at Bayou Bend, including but not limited to a GingerBread Lane, sleigh rides, holiday movies, live carolers, and much more. Additionally, hot chocolate, wine, charcuterie boards, and other festive eats will be on-site.