Houston’s Most Impressive Holiday Lights

We are grateful to partner with Reliant, bringing you the best of holiday events in Houston.

Who doesn’t love holiday lights? Reliant is lighting up the holidays with enchanting experiences for the whole family to enjoy. Check out Space Center Houston’s Galaxy Lights or the Houston Botanic Garden’s Radiant Nature exhibit for an evening the family will never forget.


Light Show Experiences

Galaxy Lights, Presented by Reliant

{November 16th – January 5th}

Get into the holiday spirit with Space Center Houston at Galaxy Lights, presented by Reliant. Galaxy Lights is a holiday space-themed experience that features a stunning new astronaut “selfie” lantern display, a walk-through space launch system rocket, large shooting star and 200-foot LED light tunnel, Apollo-themed lantern displays, LED swings, crystal fireworks shows, screenings of the original film “Holidays in Space”, and more! Be sure to also enjoy festive holiday treats, such as hot cocoa and s’mores! Galaxy Lights is the coolest place to be for families, friends, and kids of all ages this holiday season.

Timed-entry tickets start at $19.95 and member tickets start at $15.95. Children ages three and younger receive free admission.

Radiant Nature, presented by Reliant at the Houston Botanic Garden

{November 8th – February 23rd}

Back for a second year with all-new installations at the Houston Botanic Garden is Radiant Nature, presented by Reliant – a majestic light display perfect for celebrating all the festivities this holiday season. Radiant Nature is unlike any other holiday light display in town and is designed to be enjoyed night or day. Visitors will experience the beauty of nature with unforgettable installations, including more than 50 enormous Chinese lanterns, a massive iridescent dome with a color-changing moving lotus flower, an immersive sunflower infinity room, and a life-sized Chinese palace. Talk about Instagram-worthy! And don’t forget to stop by the interactive zone featuring illuminated swings and angel wings. You have plenty of time to visit as the exhibit will stay open through the Lunar New Year in February.

Timed-entry tickets are on sale for $28.50. Children ages three and younger receive free admission and garden members receive a discount. Visitors much purchase in advance to secure limited on-site parking at the garden.

TXU Energy presents Zoo Lights

{November 22nd – December 31st | 5:30pm – 10:30pm, Final entry at 9:30pm}

Enjoy the magic of the holiday season at Houston’s favorite holiday lights experience, TXU Energy presents Zoo Lights at Houston Zoo! The spectacular Zoo grounds are the perfect setting to enjoy the sights and sounds of the season with family and friends. Stroll through the Enchanted Forest, enjoy fabulous photo opps, and don’t forget to stop by Santa’s Workshop to say hello, until December 31st. Note: tickets are ONLY available online. Buy your Zoo Lights tickets now.

Lighting of the Doves

{November 23rd | 3pm – 8pm}

The Lighting of the Doves Festival is a long-standing tradition in The Woodlands that signifies the start of the holiday season in the community. Symbolizing peace during the holidays, the ceremonial illumination of the giant doves has attracted thousands of visitors each year.

Dasher’s Lightshow

{Opens November 18th | 5:30pm – 10:30pm}

You don’t want to miss this magical display of lights at Sam Houston Racepark! The route through this wonderland is approximately a mile long, and you will be immersed in fun, holiday music and a lightshow spectacular! Tickets available now.

Marriot Marquis Houston’s Texas Winter Lights

{November 18th – December 31st | 5:00pm – 10:00pm}

Looking for something more local? A staycation, if you will? Then, book your stay at the Marriott Marquis Houston for their Texas Winter Lights. From November 18, 2024 – December 31, 2024, the Altitude Rooftop & Pool transforms into an interactive light experience this holiday season with thousands of twinkling lights and winter-themed activations. Guests can immersive light displays from 5 PM – 10 PM nightly.

Big Rivers Christmas in New Caney

{November 22nd – December 31st}

Enjoy both this drive thru/walk thru up in New Caney! Features Christmas Lights displays, Santa, hayrides, and more.

Light Up Lake Jackson

{November 20th – January 3rd | Check website for details}

Tree Lighting Celebrations in Houston

From Katy to Kingwood, and from The Woodlands to the Heights, the Houston area is filled with local events!

Reliant Lights Mayor’s Holiday Spectacular

Join Mayor John Whitmire and Reliant for the ultimate holiday event! Reliant Lights Mayor’s Holiday Spectacular is a beloved tradition for the Houston community and will take place on Saturday, December 7 from 6-8 p.m. The FREE event in Hermann Square at City Hall will include live entertainment featuring co-headliners country star RaeLynn and R&B singer and founding member of Destiny’s Child, LeToya Luckett. The city’s famous tree, which stands at 48 ft. tall with nearly 100,000 energy-efficient LED lights, will be lit before a stunning fireworks display. Guests will also enjoy pictures with Santa, holiday treats, Reliant’s fan-favorite blinking Santa hats and much more.

More details on this year’s event can be found at: https://www.houstontx.gov/mayorsholiday/

Kingwood’s Christmas in the Park & Annual Tree Lighting 

{December 7th | 10am – 6pm}

Head north for “Christmas in the Park!” This annual festival attracts dozens of local vendors sure to get you in the shopping mood, and pictures with Santa are a must! Wrapping up the event, the Town Center Christmas Tree will be lit at 6pm.

Sugar Land’s Annual Tree Lighting 

{December 6th | 5–8pm}

This stunning 40 foot tree is not to be missed! Entertainment and activities are completely free to the public, and this year’s fun will include holiday crafts, face painting, performances by local artists and choirs, and photos with Santa.  Food and beverages will be available for purchase too.

LaCenterra’s Annual Tree Lighting

{November 22nd | 6 – 9pm}

If you are on the west side of town, head over to LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch for their spectacular 51′ foot tree lighting ceremony. With twinkling lights all throughout the outdoor mall and live entertainment, this Katy tradition is a must!

The Woodlands Annual Tree Lighting at Market Street

{November 21st | 6pm-8pm}

Come see the gorgeous 70ft Christmas tree illuminate Market Street! Kicking off a holiday season of events, the celebration continues with live musical performances, entertainers and holiday carriage rides. Free and open to the public with more than 25,000 lights in their Central Park.

Neighborhood Traditions

Every year, families prep some hot chocolate, pile into the car and take a long drive through the most festive, Christmas light filled neighborhoods. Here are a few favorites that catch the eyes of Houstonians every year!

Pecan Grove in Richmond

Practically the entire neighborhood takes part in creating magical light displays! The weekends are definitely a bit busier so try to go during the week or pick up said favorite hot chocolate and enjoy! Also, several of the area high schools offer hay rides as part of their Project Grad but book quickly because these fill up fast.

River Oaks

The stately mansions and gorgeous trees make for a beautifully lit wonderland! Park your car and take a walk under the gorgeous canopy of lights. Head towards the River Oaks Country Club and you are sure to find it!

Spring Branch

Head towards Quincannon Lane in the Spring Branch area for a Candyland display of lights! There is only one entrance into the street so be prepared for some traffic, but it is well worth it and a happy delight!


Connect with Reliant

Logo: Reliant. An N R G company. The joy of community and the spirit of generosity make this season the most wonderful time of the year. At Reliant, our commitment to the communities where we live and work – especially here in our hometown of Houston – is as strong as our Texas roots. On behalf of Reliant, we hope you have a joyous holiday season! #ReliantLightsYourHolidays

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Looking for more holiday fun?

Head over to The ULTIMATE Guide to Holiday Events in Houston!

 

Please Note : While we make every effort to crosscheck current links and holiday events on our guides, we always encourage you to do the same before making final plans. If details are missing or incorrect, please let us know so that we can make every attempt to correct them.  And if you know of any other holiday happenings around town, include them in the comments to keep the list going as well!


 

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Meagan Clanahan
Meagan is a Dallas native who has lived in the Katy area for over a decade. She kicked a soccer ball all the way to Louisiana to attend college at her family’s alma mater of LSU, where she promptly fell in love with a Texas Aggie in Baton Rouge for an internship. After swimming back to Texas following Hurricane Katrina, Matt and Meagan fell in love with the Houston area and now couldn’t imagine living anywhere else. Following several years of infertility, their miracle twins Ryan and Quinn were born in June of 2010. She believes there is nothing better than a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio, a large Sonic Diet Coke, sushi take-out, Girls Nights Out, and a mindless book to curl up with. Besides playing chauffeur and catering to the whims of her children, Meagan also is the Co-Owner of Houston Moms Blog. You can keep up with Meagan at The Clanahan Fam and on Instagram @meaganclanahan!

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