Houston Christmas Lights 2024-2025 in Texas

Beautiful holiday displays in different areas of Houston are a favorite holiday tradition for locals. Houston usually sees warmer weather in November and December, so the city is ideal for long evening walks with the family through magically lit-up streets.

Houston Zoo Lights (November 22, 2024–January 5, 2025)

Zoo Lights at the Houston Zoo are perfect for walks with children, with many animal-themed displays transforming the zoo into a winter wonderland. You can sip hot chocolate while strolling by the light and sound installations across the Zoo. Snap a selfie on an ice throne and take a socially distanced photo with Santa. The Winter Wonderland, 4-D Enchanted Forest with dragons, and "snow" experience—what could be a better holiday experience for families? Ticket price depends on selected dates and starts at $24.

River Oaks Christmas Lights (November 25, 2024–January 5, 2025)

The cozy downtown neighborhood of River Oaks hosts a free annual event with magical lights displays and the "Santa House" at Del Monte Drive. Santa greets visitors on weekends starting from the first day after Thanksgiving through late December. River Oaks neighborhood permits driving tours; some of the best spots to enter River Oaks are either Shepherd Drive or Westheimer Road.

Magical Winter Lights (December 24, 2024–January 1, 2025)

The Magical Winter Lights Lantern Festival at Fort Bend County Fairgrounds, TX, is the largest holiday display in the area. It is also the largest festival of its kind in the United States, according to the Magical Winter Lights website. Visitors can tour more than 100 individual lantern sets in eight themed sections of the park, which include a Christmas village, Houston skyline, the mystery of the East, and a Dino fun zone. A vast 20-ac (8-ha) space also features carnival games and a holiday market.

Dickinson Festival of Lights (November 30–December 30, 2024)

Dickinson Festival of Lights takes over Paul Hopkins Park in the Southeast Houston–area. Countless lights, concession stands, pictures with Santa, and a decorate-your-own-cookie factory. This mesmerizing walk-thru event offers free admission, shuttle service, and parking. The festival operates from 6 to 8:30 pm, and will be closed on December 24 & 25.

Holiday in the Moody Gardens in Galveston (November 23, 2024–January 1, 2025)

The Holidays at the Moody Gardens features dozens of holiday activities, including ice skating and holiday 3D films. As one of the largest holiday festivals in the region, the Festival of Lights features more than one million lights combined in 100 animated light displays synchronized with music and other sound effects. Moody Gardens also offers an outdoor ice skating rink, ice sculptures of animals, the Arctic Slide, train rides, great food, and Santa's residence.

Woodlands Christmas Lights (November 16–December 31, 2024)

The Woodlands town center offers a colorful light display in the urban setting. The vibrant scenes and installations are concentrated near the Town Center ice rink. The trees along the Woodlands Waterway are worth the admiration while they are glowing with hundreds of lights.

Galaxy Lights at Space Center (November 16, 2024–January 4, 2025)

A space-themed holiday light show welcomes visitors with a light tunnel, an indoor meteor shower, and the interactive Celebrate Light show. Space Center Houston's show operates daily from 6 to 8 pm, though Galaxy Lights will be closed on November 18–21, 28, and December 5, 24–25. Ticket prices range from $19.95 to $27.95, with free admission for kids ages 3 and under.

Radiant Nature at Houston Botanic Garden (November 8, 2024–February 23, 2025)

Radiant Nature is the Chinese lantern festival featuring light installations and interactive elements. This unforgettable event celebrates the Lunar New Year and the beauty of nature. The whole family can enjoy towering ginkgo and pine trees, a majestic Chinese temple, a geometric dome, pandas with bamboo, and much more.

The event runs Thursday through Sunday from November until the weekend after New Year’s Day and on Friday through Sunday in January and February. The display begins at sunset, typically between 5 and 6:30 pm. The Radiant Nature trail is less than 1 mile (1,6 km) long. The general admission to Radiant Nature is $28.50 per person (ages 4 and up). Kids age 3 and under have free entrance.

Sugar Land Holiday Lights (November 15, 2024–January 5, 2025)

The Sugar Land Holiday Lights, located 20 miles (32.2 km) from Houston, features a dazzling 3.5 million lights display. In addition to the spectacular lights, attendees will meet Santa Claus and admire a dazzling 40 ft. (12.2 m) light-up tree, enjoy light shows, and numerous themed displays at Constellation Field. Additionally, a variety number of holiday vendors offer delicious food and other items for a great shopping experience.

Uptown Holiday Lighting (late November, unconfirmed in 2024)

The annual Uptown Houston Holiday Lighting ceremony traditionally takes place on Thanksgiving evening. It features 80 lit-up trees along the recently renovated Post Oak Boulevard. This free family event offers festive performances, uniquely designed art cars, and holiday concessions. The evening culminates with a traditional countdown as Santa conducts the holiday trees' festive lighting, followed by a fireworks extravaganza and dazzling light show. Additionally, throughout the holiday season, holiday trees will line the Eastern Glades.

In 2023, the event was canceled due to a 'financial decision.' The 2024 Uptown Holiday Lighting remains unconfirmed.

Dasher’s Lightshow (unconfirmed in 2024)

Dasher’s Lightshow drive-through at Sam Houston Racepark is an approximately 20-minute entertainment experience, surrounded by light tunnels and synchronized to music over the radio. Tickets will be available online.

Other Events

For even more everlasting Christmas memories, visit Magical Winter Lights, The Light Park at Hurricane Harbor Splashtown, the Annual Nite of Lites, or the Moody Gardens Festival of Lights.