Light Shows

Houston Zoo Lights

Started 12 years ago, the Houston Zoo Lights have quickly become a beloved Houston holiday tradition. While the much-adored zoo animals will be taking their winter naps, guests can enjoy over a mile of various presentations and activities. The display encompasses dazzling light recreations of animals, a 30-foot tree, the Holiday Train Village, Santa’s Workshop and the Enchanted Forest. The zoo lights begin at 5:30 pm, shortly after the live animal exhibit closes. If you get hungry wading through the Tunnel of Light, the zoo allows outside food and offers sweet treats like s’mores and churros.

City Lights Downtown Holiday Magic

Spanning dozens of blocks in downtown Houston, City Lights hosts 11 uniquely themed villages, including Deck the Trees, Land of Sweets, Ice @ Discovery Green, Texas Winter Lights and Winter Wanderland. Guests can enjoy most of the attractions for free including an ice skating rink, radiant Christmas trees, holiday musical performances, Super Mario Bros-themed chocolate sculptures, a mini market and face painting. The villages are located at popular downtown destinations like George R. Brown Convention Center, Discovery Green, Marriott Marquis, Trebly Park, Market Square Park, POST, Wortham Theater and City Hall. The experience also offers paid “Hop-on/ Hop-off” bus rides and free Pedi-cabs to move between the enchanting villages.

Santa’s Wonderland

The biggest Christmas attraction in the state of Texas, Santa’s Wonderland, is located a worthwhile 90-minute drive away in College Station. It uses over 3 million lights to create Santa’s Town and the Trail of Lights, giant Christmas light displays, some of which remain standing year long because reassembling them would delay the opening date. Guests can enjoy a scenic view on Santa’s Hayride Tour, sip hot chocolate on Santa’s Horse and Carriage Tour, go snow-tubing and enjoy Texas-sized portions of delicious food. Typically open from 6-11 pm, one day is not enough to enjoy all the festivities Santa’s Wonderland has to offer.

Performances

Houston Symphony winter performances

The Houston Symphony is associated with the nation’s best orchestral groups, and this holiday season they are offering festive concerts that are sure to entertain you. This year, guest artists include vocalist Mandy Gonzalez and conductors Jeannette Sorrell and Lucas Waldin. From their Holly Jolly Holiday concert to Handel’s Messiah, the talented musicians tell a story with their instruments and voices that you do not want to miss.

Christmas candlelight concerts

Attending a candlelight concert is an enchanting way to get into the Christmas spirit. Set in truly magical venues like The Bell Tower on 34th and The Lone Star Flight Museum, the candlelight concerts emphasize the experience rather than the music. Houston is hosting three candlelight concerts this year: Holiday Special featuring “The Nutcracker”, Holiday Jazz featuring “Christmas Time Is Here” and A Very Sinatra Christmas Special at Marquis Houston. Each presents a unique set list sure to get you holiday ready.