‘Tis the season when every corner of Houston comes alive with holiday cheer. Lights, bows, holly swags and more turn everyday attractions into something magical. So put on your warmest sweater, grab loved ones and dive into the holiday magic that makes Houston a must-see this time of year.
Zoo Lights at Houston Zoo
5:30-10:30 p.m. daily, through Jan. 5
Ticket prices vary
One of Houston’s holiday highlights is the annual Zoo Lights event at the Houston Zoo. Stroll past life-sized, glowing animal sculptures and giant holiday trees. Venture into magical areas like the Snowy Slopes and Enchanted Forest. Whether you’re taking selfies under the dazzling displays, decorating cookies or strolling the Twinkle Trail, there’s something to enchant every member of the family.
Radiant Nature at the Houston Botanic Garden
5 p.m. Thurs.-Sun., through Feb. 23
Ticket prices vary, reservations required
The Botanic Garden comes alive with the radiant brilliance of more than 50 large-scale Chinese lantern installations during this immersive Chinese lantern festival. There are three themed zones, including an interactive area with lighted swings and other immersive opportunities for family-friendly play and memory-making.
Discovery Green Ice Rink
Times vary, through Feb. 2
$18 per person, reservations required
Houston’s only outdoor skating rink is open for business! Skate to holiday music and enjoy numerous events such as the opportunity to slip, slide, spin and crash with Bumper Cars on Ice ($20), as well as Skate Party Saturdays, Sundays with Santa and Cheap Skate Mondays. Skaters with disabilities can enjoy ice time during inclusive skating nights on Tuesdays.
Texas Winter Lights
5-10 p.m. nightly, through Dec. 31
$30 adults, $20 children ages 2-12
The Marriott Marquis Houston’s Altitude Rooftop and Pool comes alive with 100,000 dazzling lights. Float through an 80-degree Texas-shaped lazy river illuminated by vibrant lights, then enjoy seasonal cocktails and festive treats like apple strudel and kolaches. There will be a virtual sleigh ride with Santa, poolside movie nights, yard games and more. You can even rent a private igloo.
Winter Wonderlawn
5 p.m. nightly, through Jan. 11
$10 weekdays, $15 weekends for ages 5+
Skylawn at POST, a 5-acre rooftop park will be dressed up for the holidays with thousands of lights, a 25-foot Christmas tree and multiple holiday-themed activations.
Snow Glow on the Bayou
Nightly through Dec. 29
$25 per person
Allen’s Landing will transform into a winter wonderland for the holidays and the best way to admire it is via a 30-minute boat tour. Snow Glow on the Bayou features video and light projections on surrounding infrastructure and a large water screen along the bayou’s banks. Be sure to bundle up.
The Best Place to Enjoy It All
Where should you live to ensure easy access to all these exciting transformations? Marvida. Our Cypress location means you will be just 20 minutes from all the festive action. You can see it all and if you don’t feel like going out, your neighbors will be decorating their homes to the nines. Visit us today to get a jump on next season’s holiday fun.
