Happy Holidays from Houston

Outdoor plaza at dusk with illuminated holiday decorations, including lighted trees and spheres, reflected in a water feature, surrounded by buildings and trees wrapped in string lights.

The holiday season is upon us again. It’s crept up, like it does, both slowly and quickly. Christmas lights start to adorn people’s homes, and holiday-themed merchandise lines the local store shelves. Kids begin making holiday wish lists and wondering if they are too late to turn their behavior around and make Santa’s Nice List. Parties are planned, festive attire purchased, trees trimmed in lights and ornaments. Tis the season indeed.

If you are looking to get into the spirit, Houston is the place to be this holiday season. From ice skating rinks to light displays, Houston is overflowing with fun and exciting ways to get you in the spirit of the holiday season. Although Houston (probably!) won’t get snow this season, it will leave you ready for a visit from Santa himself and wanting to spread joy far and wide. If you’re looking to be inspired to deck the halls this holiday season, check out these exciting Houston-area events.

Houston-area holiday events 2025

  • Classic Christmas at Katy Mills– Stepping into this world of holiday magic will leave you feeling as if you just stepped onto the set of a Hallmark movie. Weave your way through thousands of twinkling holiday lights, snap a photo with Santa, shop, eat, ice skate and so much more at Classic Christmas this holiday season. 
  • Zoo Lights at the Houston Zoo– Enjoy the zoo at night as it sparkles with thousands of Christmas lights meant to dazzle and amaze. While there, be sure to enjoy all the exciting offerings, including taking photos with Santa, playing at the new Neon Playground, enjoying “snow” in the winter wonderland and so much more. 
  • Holiday in the Garden at Moody Gardens– From an ice skating rink to a holiday slide, Moody Gardens has everything you need to enjoy a festive holiday season in Galveston. Enjoy a myriad of festive attractions, including towering ice sculptures, a holiday lights trail, holiday films and all the holiday spirit you can dream up!
  • Ice at Discovery Green– Lace up your ice skates and get ready to hit the rink in Houston through February 2026. Plus check out all the unique events hosted at the rink that will get you holiday ready, including Skating with Santa. Good to know: kids skate free on Thursday- total bonus for families! 
  • The Light Park– With three locations in the Houston area, The Light Park is your key to budget-friendly merriment this holiday season. Pack your car full of friends and family and maybe grab some hot cocoa, then set your radio to the provided station and get ready to watch thousands of light dance and pulse to your favorite holiday tunes. Bonus- this event is fun no matter the weather! 
  • Breakfast with Santa at Houston Aquarium– Kids and kids at heart will enjoy a Saturday morning feast with the big man in red himself. Watch Santa and his elves dive, enjoy delicious food, snap photos to commemorate the season and more when you spend time at the Houston Aquarium this holiday season. 

Houston area lodging

Traveling to Houston this holiday season? You need to book a stay at Summer Breeze USA- Katy. Located just off I-10, Summer Breeze is your premiere place for a comfortable stay of any length in the Houston area. Amenities at this enjoyable space include a fitness center, hot tub, bark park, pickleball court and waterpark for the warmer months. Safe travels this holiday season!