(Updated November 2024.)
Twinkling lights, magnificent trees wrapped in colorful ribbons, and the tantalizing aromas of hot cocoa and freshly baked sugar cookies. As the classic song goes, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Here in Houston, there is a full stocking’s worth of family-friendly things to see and do that will make your 2024 holiday season one to remember. Located in the Upper Kirby area at West University, just west of Downtown Houston, The Belmont is an easy sleigh ride from many of Space City’s finest festivities. Get the most out of your holiday season by checking out these Christmas events near you.
Experience Zoo Lights at Houston Zoo
From the new immersive Twinkle Trail and multiple pathways illuminated by colorful lights to awe-inspiring displays of life-sized animal-themed lanterns, there’s nothing like Zoo Lights. During this special season, the Houston Zoo transforms into a wonderland of yuletide cheer just as ideal for family evenings out as it is for a romantic date night.
Beyond strolling through the spectacular Enchanted Forest, you'll find yourself immersed in the Holiday Grove's animal-themed lanterns and dancing trees. Eventually, you'll come across Santa Claus at his workshop, where you can stop and take a photo with him and try cookie decorating at Twiga Café. With the entire zoo decked out with holiday decor, you’ll want to take your time to admire it all.
Zoo Lights is open from 5:30-10:30 p.m. (last entry at 9:30 p.m.) November 22, 2024 – January 5, 2025 (closed on Dec. 11, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day). Member Preview Nights are Nov. 19 and 20, same time, and there's a special Sip & Sparkle event on Nov. 21 for adults 21+ only. For those with sensory sensitivities, there will be a Sensory Inclusive Zoo Lights on Monday, December 2.
You must purchase tickets for Zoo Lights online; they will not be sold at the gate. Visit the site to learn more about each event and buy tickets.
Discover Galaxy Lights
As one of Houston’s top attractions, Space Center Houston is always worth visiting. That’s especially true during Galaxy Lights, one of the most interactive and technologically advanced light displays in the Lone Star State that you can catch from November 16, 2024 – January 5, 2025 (closed Nov. 18 – 21, Nov. 28, Dec. 5, and Dec. 24 & 2).
Start at the Main Plaza, where dozens of suspended lights “dance” to music in a show of dazzling shapes and patterns. Watch “Holidays in Space,” a short film starring current and former astronauts recounting their experiences of celebrating the season in space. Walk under the stars in the Deep Space Backyard and then grab a seat to experience a spectacular crystal fireworks display. Explore interactive exhibits and enjoy a cup of hot cocoa as you make your own smores. The cosmic journey will take at least 90 minutes, and most light displays are outdoors, so dress for the weather. Gather your family and head out to Space Center Houston to spend an evening amongst the stars this holiday season!
Climb Aboard The Christmas Train
It’s not every day you get to ride an old-fashioned train. At Victory Camp in nearby Alvin, it’s all part of the fun. This family-friendly adventure takes you on a journey past hundreds of thousands of lights and eye-catching displays. While The Christmas Train is the main attraction, it’s by no means all there is to do here. Snap a photo with Santa, watch The Great Elf Show, browse all the goodies in the gift shop, and put pedal to the metal at Santa’s Speedway Go-Kart Track. Whether you’re fulfilling your need for speed or savoring holiday joy with your family, you’ll find something to enjoy at Victory Camp. Open dates include Nov. 29 –30, Dec. 5-7, 12-14, and 16-23, 2024.
Glide on the Discovery Green Ice Rink
Set among the high-rise buildings of Downtown Houston, Discovery Green’s ice rink is one of the coolest places to skate in town. Admissions tickets give you 75 minutes on the ice, so you can savor the experience at your own pace. Once you’re done, walk around Discovery Green to take in all the Christmas decorations and public works of art. Can’t wait to hit the ice? You’ll need to purchase tickets in advance, which you can buy here.
City Lights Downtown Holiday Magic
Discovery Green’s Holiday Ice Village skating rink is one of 11 themed villages across Downtown Houston, which transformed into a winter wonderland to provide a mostly free holiday experience for all Nov. 17- Dec. 31. Explore the unique villages of City Lights Downtown Holiday Magic with free holiday pedicab rides and pick up a holiday passport for a chance to win prizes.
Journey Through Magical Winter Lights
With its towering columns and impressive gate, the immaculately lit castle at Magical Winter Lights is just one of the many astonishing things you’ll see here. Consisting of thousands of lanterns within 60 displays, this is not your average light show.
Start in The Kingdom, where the castle looms over a fountain of light and whimsical figures of birds and plants. Your tour continues through places like The Village, a section inspired by European town squares framed around a fully lit Christmas tree. In the Houston section, you’ll come across fixtures dedicated to the fourth-largest city in the country. Along with admiring all the exhibits, head on over to the carnival to savor all the tasty fare food and to ride the 87-foot-tall gondola Ferris wheel and the other attractions for all ages.
Ready to experience all this winter wonder? Magical Winter Lights, located this year at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds in Rosenberg, is open Nov. 15– Jan. 5, including holidays. Visit the website to learn more and purchase tickets.
Enjoy Holiday in the Gardens
Explore pathways bathed in blue, yellow, red, and white lights, soar down an Arctic Slide, catch a classic Christmas flick in 3D and 4D, and see an exhilarating live show. Located just an hour away from The Belmont, Moody Gardens is a holiday destination all its own.
Known as Holiday in the Gardens, this event stars a multitude of attractions all in one venue. During the day, explore the pyramids that take you through the world’s rainforests and oceans, ride on an old-fashioned paddlewheel boat, and watch films on Texas’ largest screen. Once the sun sets, tour the gardens for Festival of Lights, a showcase of more than two million lights and displays synchronized to some of your favorite holiday tunes.
Held through Nov. 23- Jan. 1, Holiday in the Gardens is well worth the day trip.
Watch a Holiday Show
Nothing beats going to the theater, especially if you’re going to see a Christmas classic performed on stage. Drive a few minutes from The Belmont and you’ll have your pick from some of the best holiday shows in Texas, starting with the Houston Ballet’s The Nutcracker, which you can see at the Wortham Theater Center Nov. 29 – Dec. 29. Meanwhile, the Alley Theatre’s production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol (Nov. 15 – Dec. 29) reinterprets this holiday story so that it shines on the Hubbard Theatre’s intimate stage. Finally, savor a breathtaking performance of tunes like The Christmas Song, O Holy Night, and We Wish You a Merry Christmas at the Houston Symphony’s Very Merry POPS concert on Dec. 12, 14, and 15, 2024.
Of course, you don’t have to go anywhere to celebrate the holiday season. Live at The Belmont and you can start your day relaxing with a warm cup of coffee or hot cocoa in your spacious and beautifully appointed one- or two-bedroom apartment. Later, soak up some of the late fall sunshine by our resort-style pool and spa or entertain friends and family by our outdoor kitchen and grill. When you are ready to head out, you’ll be just minutes away from many of Houston’s best holiday things to see and do.
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