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
(November 17 – December 7)
Help bring holiday magic 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 The Salvation Army website or drop off new, unwrapped toys at a variety of locations throughout Houston.
Reliant Presents Deck the Hall
(December 6)
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.
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 14 – 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 5– 7| 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
(November 28 – December 21)
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 13 where hundreds of decorated boats cruise down the bay.
Kids & Christmas Annual Pops Concert
(December 20-21)
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 15.
Alvin’s Christmas Train
(November 28 – December 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 but walk up tickets are also available on a first come, first serve basis.
Brenham’s Christmas Stroll and Lighted Parade
(December 6 | 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 6 at The Hall at Ironworks Houston)
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.
60th Annual Tomball Holiday Parade
(November 22 | 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 22- January 3 | 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.
The Light Park
(Multiple locations | Various Hours)
Texas’s #1 Drive-Thru Holiday Light Show with millions of dazzling lights perfectly synced to holiday music, all from your car.
Radiant Nature
(November 14 – February 22 | Various Hours)
This Chinese lantern festival is an unforgettable adventure for the entire family. An interactive zone features illuminated swings and an angel wings photo spot, plus a collection of immersive, Instagram-worthy features sure to put a smile on the faces of visitors of all ages.
Zoo Lights
(November 21 – January 4 | Various Hours)
Light displays include the Enchanted Forest, Iridescent Immersion, and the all-new Wild Wonder Lights — a projection-map experience turns the Zoo’s front plaza into a glowing world of animated visuals. Kids can play in the new Neon Playground, while adults can relax at the Yuletide Lodge pop-up bar surrounded by twinkling lights and seasonal drinks.
Alley Theatre’s “A Christmas Carol”
(December 16 – December 28 | Various Showtimes)
Rediscover the timeless tale of Ebenezer Scrooge’s transformation as he encounters the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. Be transported into Victorian England with dazzling costumes and stunning sets. Join us for a Dickensian celebration of love, redemption, and the true spirit of Christmas!
Holiday Performances at the Houston Symphony
(December 5-21 | Various Times)
The Houston Symphony offers a variety of Holiday performances to celebrate the season!
TUTS presents Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas”
(December 9-24 | Various Times)
Based on the beloved, timeless film, this heartwarming musical adaptation features 17 Irving Berlin songs and a book by David Ives and Paul Blake.
A.D. Players presents “Narnia the Musical”
(November 19 – December 23 | Various Times)
This magical production is filled with thrilling action, dazzling music and unforgettable characters, making it a must-see for audiences of all ages. Don’t miss your chance to step through the wardrobe and experience the magic live on stage!
Houston Ballet’s The Nutcracker
(November 28 – December 28 | Various Times)
Experience the ultimate holiday enchantment with Stanton Welch’s The Nutcracker, a cherished Houston tradition. After the annual Stahlbaum Christmas party, embark on a journey through the dazzling Land of Snow to the radiant and jubilant Kingdom of Sweets alongside Clara, Drosselmeyer, and the Prince. Witness their reunion with the Sugar Plum Fairy amidst the clouds, where true magic unfolds. Renowned as one of the most magnificent productions ever staged, Welch’s The Nutcracker boasts hundreds of characters, intricate sets, and breathtaking details that will mesmerize audiences, offering new discoveries with every performance.
Candlelight Christmas Concerts
(Multiple locations & times)
Candlelight is the perfect way to make this holiday season unforgettable. The candles, the atmosphere, the carols… what more could you ask for?
64th Annual Christmas Boat Parade
(December 13 in Clear Lake)
Ring in the holidays with the 64th Annual Christmas Boat Lane Parade produced by the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce. More than 100,000 people traditionally enjoy this event from land and from hundreds of boats anchored throughout. The parade features more than 60 brightly decorated power and sailboats that will traverse the channel from the South Shore Harbour Marina and the Nassau Bay Lagoon to Galveston Bay.
“The Pigeon Gets a Big Time Holiday Extravaganza”
(November 23 – December 21 at Main Street Theater)
When author Mo Willems’ characters get together for the holidays, it’s bound to be the biggest extravaganza ever! You all will enjoy this brand-new musical party that sleighs!
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!
