Houston, December 5, 2025
Houston is brimming with festive offerings this December, featuring a range of holiday events reflecting community spirit and local creativity. From dazzling light displays to heartwarming performances across the city, residents and visitors can immerse themselves in a joyful holiday experience. This guide highlights several top events, ensuring there’s something for everyone to celebrate the season. Get ready to engage with charming attractions that embody the spirit of Houston and its commitment to bringing joy during the festive season.
December Delights: Must-See Christmas Events in Houston
Celebrate the Season with Houston’s Festive Offerings
As the holiday season approaches, Houston is alive with a vibrant array of festive events that captivate residents and visitors alike. This December, the city showcases a variety of celebrations, spotlighting the spirit of community and individual initiative. From dazzling light displays to heartwarming performances, these events not only reflect Houston’s charm but also highlight the dedication of local event organizers working tirelessly to bring joy to all. By fostering partnerships and minimizing bureaucracy, these celebrations enhance the sense of civic pride and engagement among Houstonians.
This guide features a selection of top holiday events that cater to diverse interests and age groups, showcasing how this thriving city embraces the season through creativity and collaboration. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or new to Houston, these festive gatherings offer something for everyone.
Light Up the Park at Daikin Park
Experience an immersive holiday celebration at Daikin Park, where the Astros’ stadium is transformed with festive lights and installations. The event runs through December 28, 2025.
Zoo Lights at the Houston Zoo
Visit the Houston Zoo to see life-size animal lanterns, an enchanted forest, and the new Wild Wonder Lights, featuring projections and a neon playground. This annual favorite is open through December 30, 2025.
Winter Wonderlawn at POST Houston
Enjoy rooftop city views and festive decorations, including two 25-foot Christmas trees, at POST Houston’s Winter Wonderlawn. The event is open through January 11, 2026.
Radiant Nature at the Houston Botanical Garden
Explore illuminated swings, glowing bluebonnets, and mythical creatures at the Houston Botanical Garden’s Radiant Nature display, running through December 30, 2025.
Galaxy Lights at Space Center Houston
Experience a space-themed light show at Space Center Houston’s Galaxy Lights, open through January 4, 2026.
Sugar Land Holiday Lights at Constellation Field
Enjoy over 3.5 million lights, a 40-foot Christmas tree, mini-golf, carnival rides, and Santa visits at Sugar Land Holiday Lights, running through December 23, 2025.
Magical Winter Lights in Rosenberg
Experience themed sections like Space Maze and Dino Land at Magical Winter Lights in Rosenberg, open through December 30, 2025.
The Light Park
Drive through synchronized light displays set to festive music at The Light Park, with locations in Katy and Spring, open through January 4, 2026.
Very Merry Pops at Jones Hall
Enjoy holiday classics performed by the Houston Symphony and Tony Award-winner Ali Stroker on December 11, 13, and 14, 2025, at Jones Hall.
Christmas Village at Bayou Bend
Explore a winter wonderland with thousands of lights, festive installations, and themed zones at Christmas Village on the 14-acre estate of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, from December 5 to 30, 2025.
Peppermint Plaza at Avenida Houston
Experience a 42-foot Christmas tree with 27,000 twinkling lights and 16 beautifully decorated Christmas trees in the Grand Holiday Window at the George R. Brown Convention Center, open through December 25, 2025.
Deck the Park Holiday Lights at Memorial Park
Enjoy holiday lights illuminating Memorial Park’s eastern glades, with displays staying up through January. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children; kids 2 and under are free.
Ice Village at Rice Village
Skate under the stars at Rice Village’s first-ever ice-skating rink, open through January 4, 2026. The rink is located across from Starbucks and Birkenstock.
Holidaze at GreenStreet
Experience an immersive holiday event across three festive floors at GreenStreet, open through January 4, 2026. Explore interactive photo moments and enjoy holiday-themed pop-up bars.
The Polar Express Train Ride
Hop on a magical train ride to the North Pole, where hot cocoa, cookies, and the timeless story of The Polar Express await. The ride runs through December 23, 2025, at the Galveston Railroad Museum.
TMC Helix Park Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
Attend the annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at TMC Helix Park on December 3, 2025, featuring a stunning light display throughout the park, complimentary hot cocoa, and holiday treats.
34th Annual Christmas Parade of Lights in Humble
Witness the 34th Annual Christmas Parade of Lights on December 2, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. in Humble, featuring the theme “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” Santa Claus will visit Uptown Park to take the “wish lists” of children of all ages after the parade.
Event Highlights
| Event | Date | Location | Admission |
|---|---|---|---|
| Very Merry Pops at Jones Hall | December 11, 13, and 14, 2025 | Jones Hall | Varies by seating |
| Ice Village at Rice Village | Through January 4, 2026 | Rice Village | Starts at $22 |
| Sugar Land Holiday Lights | Through December 23, 2025 | Constellation Field, Sugar Land | Varies |
| Deck the Park Holiday Lights at Memorial Park | Through January | Memorial Park | Adults $10, Children $5 |
| Holidaze at GreenStreet | Through January 4, 2026 | GreenStreet | Free |
For more information on these events, including ticket details and specific dates, it is recommended to refer to the respective event websites or contact the event organizers directly. Your participation in these local festivities not only enhances the sense of community but also supports the thriving arts and culture scene in Houston. This December, embrace the spirit of the season and engage with your neighbors through these enriching gatherings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the dates for the Very Merry Pops at Jones Hall?
The Very Merry Pops at Jones Hall are scheduled for December 11, 13, and 14, 2025.
Where is the Ice Village at Rice Village located?
The Ice Village at Rice Village is located across from Starbucks and Birkenstock in the Rice Village district.
When does the Sugar Land Holiday Lights event end?
The Sugar Land Holiday Lights event runs through December 23, 2025.
Is there an admission fee for the Deck the Park Holiday Lights at Memorial Park?
Yes, tickets for the Deck the Park Holiday Lights at Memorial Park are $10 for adults and $5 for children; kids 2 and under are free.
When does the Holidaze at GreenStreet event end?
The Holidaze at GreenStreet event runs through January 4, 2026.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Houston Events: Celebrate Community and Culture This Weekend
Discover Santa’s Joyous Visits in Houston This Season
Discover Festive Cheer: Top Holiday Events in Bay Area Houston
Experience Houston’s Culinary Delights This Week
Community Spirit Shines at Langham Creek YMCA Holiday Market
Experience Holiday Magic at Texas Winter Lights in Houston
Tyler Businesses Gear Up for Small Business Saturday
Houston Small Businesses Face Holiday Season with Increased Challenges
Experience Holiday Cheer at Texas Winter Lights in Houston
76th Annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade Celebrates Houston Spirit
Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
