Get in the spirit of the holiday season with these festive events across the Houston area! From tree lightings to holiday concerts, Reliant has you covered with memorable events to celebrate all season long.
KHOU 11 Secret Santa Toy Drive
(11/25-12/14)
Help spread holiday cheer to children across the Houston area by donating to the KHOU 11 Secret Santa Toy Drive! KHOU 11 is teaming up for another year with The Salvation Army, Reliant and others to give the gift of holiday memories and bring joy to those who need it most this time of year. Be the difference for a child this Christmas. You can donate simply by visiting KHOU.com/Toys or drop off new, unwrapped toys at a variety of locations (including Houston Botanic Garden & Space Center Houston) throughout Houston.
Reliant Lights Mayor’s Holiday Spectacular (12/7)
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 is back and betterthan ever. The free event in Hermann Square at City Hall will include live entertainment, the lighting of the city’s famous tree, which stands at 55.5 ft. tall with nearly 100,000 energy-efficient LED lights, a fireworks display, pictures with Santa, holiday treats for the kids to enjoy, and much more. Of course, guests will also receive Reliant’s fan-favorite blinking Santa hats. More details on this year’s event can be found here.
A BERRY Merry Christmas at Dewberry Farm
This year you don’t have to drive far and spend your entire Christmas budget to experience a little Holiday Magic! Dewberry Farm is going ALL-OUT for the holidays with our ALL-NEW Yuletide event, ‘A Berry Merry Christmas!’ Experience 2 Spectacular new Light Shows, Meet Santa, enjoy our seasonal food & and beverage specials, 40 Farm Attractions, and more! General Admission and VIP ticket options are available.
Christmas Trees at Dewberry Farm
Catch a wagon ride to the “forest” on the back 40 acres of the farm. After you find the perfect tree, Dewberry will provide you with a saw or will cut it down for you! Dewberry is open for tree sales, food and fun on Black Friday, plus Saturdays and Sundays through December 10. There is no admission to enter the farm to shop for a tree, but you will need tickets to attend A BERRY Merry Christmas (20% discount if you purchase a tree).
Santa’s Wonderland
(November 15-December 30) | Hours vary (see website for dates/times)
Howdy! Welcome to Santa’s Wonderland, the LARGEST Texas Christmas Experience, located in College Station, Texas. Immerse yourself in millions of dazzling lights, REAL Texas snow & ice, and a multitude of cheerful attractions spread across acres of festive wonderland. Discover delightful shoppes and indulge in downright delicious grub. They’ve got something for folks of all ages at the grandest outdoor Christmas celebration in the South!
Polar Express Train Ride
(November 15 – December 28 | Departure times vary)
ALL ABOARD! The Polar Express in Palestine is ready for you and your family to throw on your favorite Christmas PJ’s and experience a magical journey to the North Pole. After being served cocoa and yummy treats, just 30 minutes later, your children will be greeted by Santa and all his elves, with a special gift from the jolly man himself. Tickets are going fast for this festive event, so get yours soon! CHOO CHOO!
Green Mountain Energy Ice at Discovery Green
(November 15 – February 2, 2025| Various times)
Green Mountain Energy Ice at Discovery Green is officially the Southwest’s largest outdoor skating rink. Special events happen all season long at the ice in addition to the regular skate times, so make sure to check the website for all the details.
Dickens on The Strand
(December 6– 8| Various Times & Events)
The magic of Galveston’s Victorian festival returns yet again! Be transported back in time with elegant costumes, street peddlers, parades, carolers, and plenty of holiday eats and drinks!
Kemah Boardwalk’s Jingle on the Boardwalk
(Weekends from December 1-22)
From snow patches and Santa’s Workshop to holiday movies and live music, there’s something for everyone at this holiday celebration. Don’t miss the annual Christmas Boat Lane Parade on December 14 where hundreds of decorated boats cruise down the bay. They also have a huge New Year’s Eve celebration with family fun and fireworks too!
Kids & Christmas Annual Pops Concert
(December 14 @ 5pm)
Come hear the talented voices of the Houston Children’s Chorus at the Annual Pops Concert at the Stude Concert Hall! Tickets on sale beginning November 1.
Alvin’s Christmas Train
(November 29-30, December 5-7, 12-14, 16-23| Departure times vary)
The holidays come alive on this 3/4 mile track accented by over 300,000 lights and Christmas displays, gingerbread houses, and more. The train conductor does recommend purchasing tickets online in advance beginning November 1 but walk up tickets are also available on a first come, first serve basis.
Brenham’s Christmas Stroll and Lighted Parade
(December 7 | Events All Day Long!)
Each year, Brenham hosts their fabulous Christmas stroll where you can shop among the beautifully decorated downtown shops, enjoy wonderful eats, and take in a breathtaking lit parade. A completely FREE event that is sure to put a smile on your face as you enjoy the small-town charm of this nearby town.
Tamale Festival
(December 7)
Location: Navigation Esplande | 2500-2800 Navigation Blvd, Houston, TX 77003
If you aren’t a native Houstonian, you might be surprised to discover that tamales are a BIG deal around the holidays here. This fun and festive event celebrates the diversity of Houston, and of course, all things TAMALES. Come hungry and ready to dance the afternoon away, while enjoying the various vendor booths and local offerings.
59th Annual Tomball Holiday Parade
(November 23 | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm)
Be sure to check out this holiday tradition in Tomball! This festive parade is fun for all ages, and the many sponsors and parade entries are sure to put on a great show!
Holiday in the Gardens at Moody Gardens
(November 23- January 1 | Various Hours
As the largest holiday destination in the Southwest, Moody Gardens offers more holiday attractions, activities, festive fun, dining and hotel packages than you can imagine.
Live Nativity at Our Savior Lutheran Church
DATES AND TIMES COMING SOON
Walk through and experience our free Live Nativity! Come and see the events of the first Christmas in an evening of lights, live illustration, and music. As in Bethlehem of old, our Bethlehem Village will consist of families working at their trade together: the carpenter will be teaching his son, the weaver her daughter, and so on. We will also have related crafts for you to do, which our volunteers will assist.
Looking for more holiday fun?
Head over to The Ultimate Guide to Holidays 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!
Connect with Reliant
The sense of community and gratitude that the holiday season brings is what makes this time of year so special. At Reliant, we’re committed to making a positive impact in the communities where we live and work. We hope you have a festive, fulfilling holiday!
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