Houston Christmas Event Guide 2025

Houston transforms into a holiday wonderland every winter, bursting with dazzling lights, jolly tunes, and joyful celebrations for all ages! As we head into the Christmas season, make sure to mark your calendars for all of these fun and festive events that can be found throughout the Energy Capital of the World!

1. Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market

Kick off the holiday season at one of Houston’s biggest shopping and fundraising traditions, benefiting the Houston Ballet Foundation. Browse more than 280 vendors offering everything from festive décor and gourmet treats to clothing, jewelry, and unique gifts. It’s the ultimate holiday shopping experience, all for a great cause!

• Dates: November 13, 2025 – November 16, 2025
• Address: NRG Park, 1 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77054
• Kid-friendly: Yes
• Pet-friendly: No
• Free: No
• Website: houstonballet.org/support-us/special-events/nutcracker-market/

2. Texas Winter Lights at the Marriott Marquis 

Now in its sixth season, this rooftop holiday experience sparkles with over 100,000 twinkling lights, new immersive displays, cozy igloos, and a Western-themed twist that celebrates the Lone Star spirit. And, of course, when the weather allows, you can take in the 360 degree views of the city from their Texas-shaped lazy river! From mid-November through the end of the year, enjoy country tunes, Christmas vibes, and plenty of Texas-sized holiday cheer. 

• Dates: November 17, 2025 – December 31, 2025
• Address: Marriott Marquis Houston, 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010
• Kid-friendly: Yes
• Pet-friendly: No
• Free: No
• Website: marriott.com/en-us/hotels/houmq-marriott-marquis-houston/experiences/texas-winter-lights

3. Coca-Cola’s Classic Christmas Houston

Beginning in November, Katy Mills transforms into a vibrant holiday playground featuring 90,000 square feet of dazzling light sculptures, an outdoor ice-skating rink, and a snow-slide summit built from real ice, with both beginner lanes and “Black Diamond” thrills. Visitors can snap festive photos in front of larger-than-life displays, meet Santa & Mrs. Claus in their mountain lodge-style retreat, sip hot cocoa or a chilled Coke at the hidden Truck Bar, and enjoy live music, karaoke, and carolers at this festive holiday event. 

• Dates: November 21, 2025 – December 28, 2025
• Address: 5000 Katy Mills Cir, Katy, TX 77494
• Kid-friendly: Yes
• Pet-friendly: No
• Free: No
• Website: classicchristmas.com/houston/
• Sugar Land Holiday Lights

4. Sugar Land Holiday Lights

Sugar Land Holiday Lights brightens southwest Texas with 3.5 million Christmas lights, a 40-foot Christmas tree, Santa Claus visits, a new mini golf course, a synthetic ice rink, carnival fun, and holiday vendors! Just a quick drive from Houston, this spectacular event is perfect for families, friends, and festive adventures. Experience the fun through the beginning of the new year!

• Dates: November 21, 2025 – January 4, 2026
• Address: 1 Stadium Dr, Sugar Land, TX 77498
• Kid-friendly: Yes
• Pet-friendly: Yes—On Lights & Leashes Dates ONLY
• Free: No
• Website: sugarlandholidaylights.com

5. Radiant Nature at Houston Botanic Garden

Step into a world of color and wonder at this breathtaking Chinese lantern festival, featuring more than 50 larger-than-life illuminated installations inspired by nature and the Lunar New Year. Wander through glowing gardens filled with mythical creatures, blooming florals, and interactive photo ops. Presented by H-E-B, Radiant Nature is a fantastic, family-friendly event that transforms the Botanic Garden into a luminous holiday dreamscape.

• Dates: November 14, 2025 – February 22, 2026
• Address: Houston Botanic Garden, One Botanic Lane, Houston, TX 77017
• Kid-friendly: Yes
• Pet-friendly: No
• Free: No
• Website: hbg.org/series/radiant-nature/

6. Green Mountain Energy Presents Ice at Discovery Green

Lace up and let the holiday spirit glide you this holiday season! At Discovery Green you have the chance to skate beneath the glittering downtown skyline and make memories that sparkle all winter long. From festive themed nights like Skate with Santa to bumper cars on ice and ‘sip and skate’ Wednesdays, there’s fun for everyone on the ice. Guests in non-motorized wheelchairs are always welcome as well. 

• Dates: November 21, 2025 – February 16, 2026
• Address: 1500 McKinney Street, Houston, TX 77010
• Kid-friendly: Yes
• Pet-friendly: No
• Free: No
• Website: discoverygreen.com/signature-experiences/green-mountain-energy-ice-at-discovery-green/

7. Holiday Experiences at The Post Oak Hotel

Escape the holiday hustle at The Post Oak Hotel! Kids will love brunch with Santa, afternoon tea with Jellycat, and Santa’s Build-A-Bear Workshop, while adults can unwind with festive spa days, Christmas dinners, and romantic stays. For the ultimate experience, book Miracle on the 33rd Floor—three days of luxury featuring a private Santa’s Workshop, live carolers, gourmet hot cocoa, and a spectacular helicopter tour over Houston’s holiday lights. 

• Dates: Select dates from November 29, 2025 — December 31, 2025
• Address: The Post Oak Hotel, 1600 W Loop S, Houston, TX 77027
• Kid-friendly: Yes
• Pet-friendly: No
• Free: No
• Website: thepostoakhotel.com/holiday-experiences/

8. Hometown Holiday Market in Downtown Houston

Another sensational event of the season can be found at Houston’s newest performing arts park—the Hometown Holiday Market has 30+ local makers offering artisan gifts, decor, and tasty treats. The lively “Jingle Town” decor includes giant photo frames, interactive music trees, and Santa’s sleigh. The market sits in the heart of Houston’s Theater District, steps from holiday performances, making it a perfect all-day experience.

• Dates: November 29, 2025 (Market Day); November 20, 2025 – January 2, 2026 (Jingle Town)
• Address: Lynn Wyatt Square, 601 Capitol Street, Houston, TX, 77002
• Kid-friendly: Yes
• Pet-friendly: No
• Free: Yes (Market and installations are open to the public)
• Website: feelgoodgrp.com/hometown-holiday-market

9. Winter Wonderlawn at POST Houston

Experience a sky-high holiday treat at POST Houston’s five-acre rooftop park. The Wonderlawn sparkles with thousands of mesmerizing lights, two towering 25-foot Christmas trees, festive activations, candy cane forests, whimsical animal sculptures, and pop-up treats from local vendors, all set against panoramic skyline views. On select Sundays, you can also meet Santa for memorable rooftop photos!

• Dates: November 7, 2025 – January 11, 2026
• Address: POST Houston, 401 Franklin Street, Houston, TX 77201
• Kid-friendly: Yes
• Pet-friendly: No
• Free: No 
• Website: eventrill.com/winterwonderlawn

10. Houston Zoo Lights

It’s one of the city’s most beloved winter traditions! When night falls, the Houston Zoo transforms into a glowing paradise featuring millions of twinkling lights, illuminated animal sculptures, enchanting light tunnels, and a 33-foot color-changing tree that all bring the park to life. Stroll through themed sections, sip hot cocoa, take festive photos, and enjoy the perfect blend of nature and holiday excitement—it’s an enchanting after-hours experience that’s fun for the whole family.

• Dates: November 21, 2025 – January 4, 2026
• Address: Houston Zoo, 6200 Hermann Park Drive, Houston, TX 77030
• Kid-friendly: Yes
• Pet-friendly: No
• Free: No
• Website: houstonzoo.org/events/txu-energy-presents-zoo-lights/

Make Merry Memories This Christmas

From holiday events to Christmas inspiration, we have everything you need to make this season merry and bright! Be sure to follow us on Instagram @thechristmascom for more holiday events, gift ideas, and giveaways! 

Have an event to add or see an update we should make? Email us at info@thechristmas.com.