Houston Christmas Activities 2025

A Charlie Brown Christmas 5K/10K

Location: Houston

Dates: Saturday, December 6th

Cost: $$

The A Charlie Brown Christmas 5K/10K at Addicks Park and Ride features a limited edition Peanuts-themed tech t-shirt and a collectible snow globe finisher medal for participants. Runners of all ages can choose between a 5K run/walk, a 10K run/walk, or the untimed Snoopy Dash for children under 12. Additionally, participants are encouraged to donate a new toy to support families in need, with Santa Claus making a special appearance post-race.

Palm Coast Tree Lighting Ceremony

Location: Palm Coast

Dates: November 29, 2025, 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Cost: FREE

The Palm Coast Tree Lighting Ceremony at Central Park in Town Center marks the official start of the holiday season, featuring the arrival of Santa Claus and a festive atmosphere. This kickoff event for the 20th Annual Fantasy Light Festival includes food trucks, children's crafts, and opportunities to write letters to Santa. Attendees can also enjoy memorable photo opportunities with Santa at this family-friendly gathering.

Missouri City SnowFest

Location: Missouri City

Dates: December 6, 2025

Cost: FREE

Missouri City SnowFest at the City Hall Complex is a winter festival featuring a giant snow hill, carnival rides, and a festive parade. Participants can engage in the SnowFest Shuffle, a fun run requiring a toy donation for registration, and enjoy a vibrant parade with floats and performers. The event concludes with a spectacular fireworks display, making it a highlight of the holiday season.

Santa Sightings

Location: La Porte

Dates: December 11 & 18, 2025

Cost: Free

Experience the joy of the season at Santa Sightings in Houston, where children can personally deliver their Christmas wish lists to Santa Claus. This festive gathering offers families a chance to create lasting holiday memories with professional photos alongside Santa in a warm, welcoming setting. Enjoy a unique opportunity to connect with the spirit of Christmas in a lively community atmosphere.

Holiday in the Park

Location: Bellaire

Dates: December 4, 2025

Cost: FREE

Holiday in the Park at Bellaire Town Square features a festive evening filled with live music, family fun, and an expected snowfall. The event officially welcomes the holiday season to Bellaire, creating a community celebration with activities for all ages. Attendees can enjoy the transformation of the town square into a winter wonderland.

Pictures with Santa at First Colony Mall

Location: Sugar Land

Dates: Specific dates and times for Santa visits are not provided in the source data, but it is implied to be a seasonal event during the holiday period.

Cost: $

Create cherished holiday memories at First Colony Mall's Santa experience, where families gather to meet the jolly man himself and capture timeless photographs. Located conveniently in Sugar Land, this traditional holiday attraction offers a warm, welcoming environment perfect for starting or continuing your family's Christmas traditions. With flexible scheduling including pet-friendly sessions, this festive photo opportunity brings the magic of the season to life for visitors of all ages.

Green Mountain Energy Ice at Discovery Green

Location: Houston

Dates: November 15 - February 2

Cost: $$

Green Mountain Energy Ice at Discovery Green features Houston's only outdoor ice skating rink, transforming Kinder Lake into a winter wonderland. Skaters can enjoy unique attractions like 'Bumper Cars on Ice,' and meet Santa Claus on select Sundays. The rink offers special themed nights and budget-friendly skating options throughout the season.

Rosenberg Hometown Holiday Festival

Location: Rosenberg

Dates: Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 | 12-8 p.m.

Cost: FREE

The Rosenberg Hometown Holiday Festival in Historic Downtown Rosenberg is a cherished community event celebrating the holiday season. Families can enjoy a day filled with holiday cheer while exploring the charming streets adorned with festive decorations. This event highlights the spirit of the season and the community's commitment to seasonal celebrations.

League City 64th Annual Christmas Boat Lane Parade

Location: League City

Dates: Annual Event

Cost: $

The League City 64th Annual Christmas Boat Lane Parade takes place on Clear Lake and features approximately 80 decorated boats, with hundreds more expected to join the festive waters. Participants can decorate their boats and enjoy a special brunch at South Shore Harbor Resort as part of the entry fee. This annual event fosters community spirit and holiday cheer.

Reliant Lights Mayor's Holiday Spectacular

Location: Downtown Houston

Dates: December 6, 2025

Cost: Free

Join Houston's most anticipated holiday celebration as the city kicks off the festive season with an evening of music, lights, and community spirit. This free event features the illumination of a stunning 42-foot Christmas tree adorned with nearly 30,000 twinkling lights, live performances from renowned artists, and interactive entertainment for all ages. Experience the magic of Hermann Square transformed into a winter wonderland complete with holiday shopping, seasonal treats, and photo opportunities that capture the joy of the season.

Houston Ballet's The Nutcracker

Location: Downtown Houston

Dates: December 5-28, 2025 (typical season dates, exact 2025 dates not available)

Cost: Ticket prices vary, generally $30-$150

Experience one of Houston's most enchanting holiday traditions with Houston Ballet's reimagined production of The Nutcracker, choreographed by artistic director Stanton Welch. This nine-year-running masterpiece transports audiences through a magical journey from an elaborate Christmas party to the shimmering Kingdom of Sweets, featuring hundreds of performers, intricate scenic designs, and Tchaikovsky's timeless score. With rotating cast members bringing fresh interpretations to beloved roles and cutting-edge projection design enhancing every scene, each performance offers new visual discoveries. The production spans two acts with a 25-minute intermission, creating an unforgettable evening of classical ballet artistry.

Christmas Village - Bayou Bend

Location: River Oaks

Dates: Not available for 2025

Cost: Admission to Bayou Bend required, typically $10-$15

Transform your holiday season at this enchanting 14-acre estate illuminated with thousands of twinkling lights and festive decorations. Wander through a beautifully lit bridge entrance into a winter wonderland featuring Ima Hogg's historic mansion dressed in holiday splendor, complete with theatrical performances and live characters bringing Christmas magic to life. Experience interactive activities, artisan crafts, and seasonal refreshments while exploring one of Houston's most elegant properties reimagined as a holiday destination.

Texas Winter Lights - Marriott Marquis Houston rooftop

Location: Downtown Houston

Dates: Not available for 2025

Texas Winter Lights at Marriott Marquis Houston offers a rooftop holiday celebration featuring over 100,000 sparkling lights arranged in a festive Western theme. Guests can enjoy a heated Texas-shaped lazy river illuminated with glowing arches, live country music, and interactive holiday experiences that capture the spirit of the Lone Star State. This unique event blends immersive visuals with Southern charm, creating a memorable seasonal escape in downtown Houston.

Ice at Discovery Green

Location: Houston

Dates: November 21, 2025 - January 2026

Cost: $$

Experience Houston's premier outdoor ice skating destination set against the glittering downtown skyline, where eco-conscious winter recreation meets holiday celebration. This seasonal rink transforms Discovery Green's lakefront into a magical skating venue powered entirely by renewable energy, featuring recycled water ice and sustainable materials. Beyond traditional skating, visitors enjoy festive programming including character meet-and-greets, inclusive skating nights for guests with disabilities, and dynamic light displays synchronized to local music. The venue captures the essence of a modern winter wonderland while maintaining environmental responsibility.

Ice at the Galleria

Location: Houston

Dates: Year-round with holiday decorations November-December

Cost: $$

Experience the magic of the holiday season at Ice at the Galleria, Houston’s premier indoor ice rink nestled beneath the iconic glass dome of The Galleria mall. Skate year-round on a pristine rink surrounded by festive décor and a towering 55-foot Christmas tree adorned with thousands of sparkling lights and ornaments. This unique urban winter wonderland offers a vibrant blend of holiday cheer and upscale shopping ambiance, perfect for creating unforgettable seasonal memories.

The Ice Rink at The Woodlands Town Center

Location: The Woodlands

Dates: November 21, 2025 - January 19, 2026

Cost: $$

Experience the magic of winter at The Ice Rink at The Woodlands Town Center, a spacious 21,000-square-foot indoor skating venue open from late November through mid-January. This festive destination offers a vibrant atmosphere with modern lighting, a premium sound system, and cozy seating areas, making it perfect for skaters of all ages and skill levels. Enjoy seasonal events, skate rentals, and delicious concessions in a welcoming setting near The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion.

Discovery Green Tree Lighting

Location: Houston

Dates: November 21, 2025

Cost: FREE

Celebrate the start of the holiday season at Discovery Green’s Tree Lighting event in downtown Houston, where a towering Christmas tree dazzles with thousands of lights. This festive evening features live performances, interactive family activities, and the grand opening of the popular outdoor ice skating rink, creating a vibrant winter wonderland in the heart of the city.

The Polar Express Train Ride at Galveston Railroad Museum

Location: Galveston

Dates: November 14 - December 23, 2025 (select dates)

Cost: $$

Step aboard The Polar Express Train Ride at Galveston Railroad Museum for a spellbinding holiday adventure inspired by the cherished storybook. Guests journey through a winter wonderland, enjoying live performances, festive treats, and a visit from Santa himself, all while reliving the magic of the season from the comfort of a beautifully decorated train. Unique features include dedicated sensory cars for special needs guests, immersive onboard entertainment, and a vibrant Santa Land experience upon return.

Moody Gardens Festival of Lights

Location: Galveston

Dates: November 22, 2025 - January 3, 2026

Cost: $$

Transform your holiday season at this expansive winter celebration featuring a mesmerizing mile-long illuminated pathway adorned with over two million synchronized lights that dance to festive music while overlooking Galveston Bay. Beyond the dazzling light displays, visitors can experience award-winning ice sculptures carved from two million pounds of ice, glide down an Arctic slide, and enjoy outdoor skating—all set against the backdrop of the sparkling Texas coast.

Moody Gardens ICE LAND

Location: Galveston

Dates: November 22, 2025 - January 3, 2026

Cost: $$

Step into a dazzling winter realm at Moody Gardens ICE LAND, where more than two million pounds of intricately carved ice bring global holiday traditions to life. This immersive exhibit features towering sculptures inspired by iconic landmarks, a thrilling Giant Ice Slide, and the frosty Shiver’s Ice Bar, all set within a climate-controlled winter wonderland. Experience the artistry of master carvers from Harbin, China, and enjoy a unique blend of international holiday spirit and hands-on fun that sets this attraction apart from any other seasonal event in Texas.

Moody Gardens Holiday Fantasy Dinner Show

Location: Galveston

Dates: December 19, 2025 - January 3, 2026

Cost: $$$

Experience the magic of the season at Moody Gardens' Holiday Fantasy: North Pole’s Got Talent, a thrilling live dinner show blending breathtaking aerial acrobatics, fiery dance performances, and festive comedy. Guests enjoy a sumptuous holiday buffet while being immersed in a vibrant search for the North Pole’s brightest star, all included with access to the dazzling Festival of Lights.

Moody Gardens Christmas Eve Buffet

Location: Galveston

Dates: December 24, 2025

Cost: $$$

Celebrate Christmas Eve 2025 at Moody Gardens' Café in the Park with an exquisite buffet featuring a curated selection of festive dishes and seasonal specialties. Set against the lush greenery and scenic bay views of Galveston, this event offers a warm, inviting atmosphere perfect for creating cherished holiday memories with family and friends. Enjoy a culinary journey that blends traditional flavors with a touch of coastal charm.

Moody Gardens Christmas Day Buffet

Location: Galveston

Dates: December 25, 2025

Cost: $$$

Celebrate Christmas Day at Moody Gardens' Café in the Park with an exquisite buffet featuring a curated selection of gourmet holiday dishes crafted by expert chefs. Set against the lush greenery of Moody Gardens Hotel, this festive dining experience combines seasonal flavors with a warm, inviting ambiance perfect for creating cherished holiday memories. Guests can indulge in traditional favorites alongside innovative culinary creations in a relaxed yet elegant setting.

Sugar Land Ice Rink

Location: Sugar Land

Dates: November 21, 2025 - January 4, 2026

Cost: $$

Celebrate the holiday season at Sugar Land Ice Rink, a vibrant synthetic ice skating experience nestled within the dazzling Sugar Land Holiday Lights at Constellation Field. Glide beneath millions of twinkling lights and festive decorations, surrounded by a lively carnival atmosphere and seasonal attractions that create a unique winter wonderland in Houston’s warm climate.

Santa's Wonderland

Location: College Station

Dates: November 14 - December 30, 2025

Cost: $$

Santa's Wonderland in College Station, Texas, transforms the holiday season into a sprawling festive playground filled with millions of sparkling lights, authentic Texas snow experiences, and a wide array of interactive attractions. Visitors can explore expansive themed areas featuring ice skating, snow tubing, and charming farm adventures, all set against a backdrop of vibrant holiday displays. This immersive celebration blends traditional Christmas magic with unique Texas flair, creating unforgettable memories for all ages.

Aerodrome Ice Skating Complex

Location: Houston

Dates: Throughout December 2025

Cost: $

Celebrate the holiday season at Houston's Aerodrome Ice Skating Complex, a spacious indoor rink known for its pristine ice and welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy festive public skating sessions with vibrant lighting and music that transform the rink into a winter wonderland. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned skater, the Aerodrome offers a unique blend of recreational fun and skill-building programs in a family-friendly setting.

Bellerive Ice Center

Location: Houston

Dates: Throughout December 2025

Cost: $

Celebrate the holiday season at Bellerive Ice Center in Houston, where the joy of ice skating meets festive cheer. This premier indoor rink offers a unique winter escape with public skating sessions, curling experiences, and specialized hockey programs, all set against a backdrop of holiday spirit. Whether you're gliding on ice or enjoying seasonal events, Bellerive creates memorable moments for all ages.

Houston City Holiday Parade

Location: Houston

Dates: November 1, 2025 at 7:00 PM

Cost: FREE

The Houston City Holiday Parade is a vibrant downtown tradition that ushers in the Christmas season with dazzling floats, energetic marching bands, and larger-than-life helium balloons. This year’s event features a spectacular 40-foot H-E Buddy balloon, a majestic 50-foot Golden Dragon, and immersive holiday zones at City Hall, including Santa’s Workshop and festive light displays. Visitors can enjoy live performances, interactive activities, and a grand fireworks finale, making it a must-see celebration for all ages.

Sugar Land NYE Ball with Fireworks

Location: Sugar Land

Dates: December 31, 2025

Cost: $$

Celebrate New Year's Eve at Sugar Land's Constellation Field with an enchanting evening of dazzling holiday light displays, live entertainment, and a festive atmosphere culminating in a breathtaking midnight fireworks show. This family-friendly event combines immersive themed light zones, seasonal treats, and interactive attractions, making it a standout suburban Houston celebration to welcome 2026 in style.

Home for the Holidays in Old Town Spring

Location: Spring

Dates: Weekends from November 22, 2025 through Christmas

Cost: FREE

Step into a nostalgic holiday escape at Old Town Spring’s Home for the Holidays, where the historic district glows with thousands of twinkling lights and classic seasonal charm. Families can enjoy live music, festive shopping, and interactive activities like Letters to Santa and pet-friendly photo nights, all set against the backdrop of a beautifully restored 19th-century village. Unique touches like the relocated tree lighting ceremony, Preservation Park displays, and Santa’s sleigh stop make this a standout tradition for Houston-area holiday seekers.

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Gift Shop

Location: Houston

Dates: Throughout December 2025

Cost: FREE

Explore an expansive Western-themed marketplace celebrating Texas heritage and holiday traditions at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's gift shop. Browse hundreds of exclusive merchandise options including commemorative pins, ornaments, apparel, and accessories featuring the iconic Rodeo branding. Discover limited-edition items, collaborate collections with renowned designers, and unique souvenirs that capture the spirit of this legendary 20-day event. Perfect for finding distinctive holiday gifts that showcase authentic rodeo culture and Texas pride.

Houston Astros Team Store Holiday Shopping

Location: Houston

Dates: Throughout December 2025

Cost: FREE

Celebrate the holiday season with a festive shopping experience at the Houston Astros Team Store inside Minute Maid Park, where fans can find exclusive Christmas merchandise, limited-edition gear, and personalized gifts for every Astros enthusiast. This special event features unique activities, interactive photo opportunities, and a joyful atmosphere perfect for families and baseball lovers alike. Discover one-of-a-kind collectibles, enjoy free gift wrapping, and take home a piece of Astros history just in time for the holidays.