Light Show Experiences
Reliant Presents Deck the Hall
{December 6th | 4pm}
The mayor’s annual holiday show is a beloved tradition for the Houston community, back this year with a new name! Reliant Presents Deck the Hall will take place on Saturday, December 6 at Hermann Square at City Hall, featuring the Mayor’s annual countdown to the tree lighting, a breathtaking fireworks display, Reliant’s fan-favorite blinking Santa hats, and more. New this year is the Winter Wonderland kids’ zone, with games, crafts and activities for children of all ages. More details at Deck the Hall.
{November 22nd – January 4th}
Through the concourse and onto the field, to Daikin Park we go! Have an Orbit-obsessed family member? Reliant has teamed up with the Houston Astros to create a picture-perfect moment with everyone’s favorite alien mascot at Houston’s newest holiday celebration. Use your photo for your holiday card or give it to the biggest Astros fan in your life! Orbit brings his signature silliness and Astros pride to Monday nights only, so don’t miss your chance for a festive photo-op. Date-specific tickets to the immersive Astros- and Houston-themed light display can be purchased at https://www.mlb.com/astros/tickets/light-up-the-park.
Galaxy Lights at Space Center Houston
{November 15th – January 4th}
Get into the holiday spirit with Space Center Houston! 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.
Radiant Nature at the Houston Botanic Garden
{November 14th – February 22nd}
This dazzling Chinese lantern festival with larger-than-life installations showcases the beauty of nature and celebrates the promise of the Lunar New Year at the Houston Botanic Garden. Check out all-new displays and interactive elements. This is an unforgettable adventure for the entire family. In its third season, highlights include a towering peach tree, a pair of mythical horses, bluebonnets, poinsettias, and much more. The interactive zone again features illuminated swings and an angel wings photo spot, plus a collection of new immersive, Instagram-worthy features sure to put a smile on the faces of visitors of all ages. Secure your timed-entry tickets here.
Houston Zoo Lights
{November 21st – January 4th| Times vary-Tickets here}
Enjoy the magic of the holiday season at Houston’s favorite holiday lights experience, 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! Note: tickets are ONLY available online. Buy your Zoo Lights tickets now.
Festival of Trees at Chateau Nouvelle
{November 26-29 | Reserve tickets here}
Take part in the inaugural Festival of Trees at Chateau Nouvelle! From breathtaking tree displays to live entertainment, festive activities, and opportunities to contribute to a meaningful cause, this celebration is perfect for all ages. Whether you’re attending the gala or bringing the family to enjoy the exhibition, there’s something for everyone to experience and enjoy.
Lighting of the Doves
{November 22 | 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.
{Multiple locations & times, see website for more details}
An unforgettable display of light & sound! Charge up your holiday spirit as you cruise through millions of dazzling lights, synced perfectly to the rhythm of our festive tunes, courtesy of our very own DJ Polar Ice, all from the comfort of your car!
Marriott Marquis Houston’s Texas Winter Lights
{November 17th – 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. Their Altitude Rooftop & Pool transforms into an interactive light experience this holiday season with thousands of twinkling lights and winter-themed activations. Guests will enjoy immersive light displays nightly.
Holiday Lights at Memorial Park
{December 6th – January 5th}
Celebrate the season with Holiday Lights at Memorial Park, proudly presented by CenterPoint Energy Foundation. Holiday Lights will be on display at Clay Family Eastern Glades for the public to enjoy through early January. Featuring beautiful new lighting features, including a beautiful Holiday tree on Bowden Terrace lit against Hines Lake, the outdoor holiday wonderland is a festive spectacle, with lights along the Clay Family Eastern Glades’ entire half-mile Promenade. Guests are invited to walk the natural surface pedestrian path encircling nine acres of open space, native plantings and habitat.
Christmas Village at Bayou Bend
{December 5th – December 30th}
Discover an immersive Christmas experience at Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens. A dazzling bridge brings you into a winter wonderland featuring thousands of lights throughout the 14-acre estate. Secure tickets here.
Sugar Land Holiday Lights
{November 21st – January 4th}
Head to Constellation Field to enjoy millions of dazzling light displays, Santa Claus (through Dec. 23), a NEW 9-hole Mini Golf Course (included with your ticket), a carnival (Nov 28 – Jan 1), a synthetic ice rink presented by Regions Bank, vendors, food and SO much more! Use this link to get your tickets and don’t miss out on holiday fun for the entire family!
Cistern Illuminated
{November 28th – January 18th | Entry times vary}
Experience an otherworldly combination of light and sound during this annual light installation in the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern this holiday season. Reserve your tickets here.
Winter Wonderlawn at POST
{November 7th – January 11th}
Celebrate the magic of the holiday season at POST’s Skylawn, a five-acre rooftop park that is decked out in beautifully illuminated lights and décor. Experience thousands of lights, two 25-foot Christmas Trees, and multiple holiday themed activations on Skylawn with the best view of Houston’s skyline as the backdrop. Wander through forests of candy canes, visit Santa’s village, marvel at all new Christmas animal sculptures and savor special holiday offerings on a dreamy rooftop landscape. After Thanksgiving, join the fun for Santa Sundays, when you can meet and get your picture with Santa from 5-8pm! Reserve your tickets here!
Heritage Society’s Annual Candlelight Tour-Downtown Houston
{December 12th & 13th | 5:30-8:30pm}
This 62nd Annual Tour has grown to become a tradition shared by thousands of Houstonians who come to visit Sam Houston Park to savor the spirit of 19th-century holiday celebrations each holiday season. Tours featured peering into a window to see a family baking in the kitchen, Christmas carolers, choirs at the Bandstand and strolling re-enactors telling stories about their town lives. Many visitors as well dressed up in period clothing from the 1800s and early 1900s.
Lake Jackson Festival & Parade of Lights
{November 22nd | Check website for dates & details}
The Parade of Lights heralds the official arrival of Santa Claus, who will appear throughout Lake Jackson many times between the parade and Christmas. Boasting more than 60 entries each year, the Parade of Lights has become a traditional family and community event.
Tree Lighting Celebrations in Houston
From Katy to Kingwood, and from The Woodlands to the Heights, the Houston area is filled with local events!
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 21st | 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.
Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration at River Oaks District
{November 22nd | 4-7pm}
Visit River Oaks District for an enchanting evening to welcome the holiday season. Enjoy a live performance by “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” as they await the grand arrival of Saint Nicholas. Festive experiences include complimentary hot cocoa from Amorino, artisan ornament-making, face painting and holiday photo opportunities with delightful seasonal characters.
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
Almost 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 bring your 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!
Prestonwood Forest
Prestonwood Forest off of 249 and north of Willowbrook Mall has been recognized for more than 40 years for welcoming thousands of visitors to share the community’s holiday spirit of well-decorated homes. Many streets have themed decorations so there are literally surprises around every corner!
Connect with Reliant
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
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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!
