We know, life is crazy busy and much more accelerated around the holidays. Here’s our list of ongoing holiday outings that will make it easy to pop in and check out; with many dates to choose from, you can’t miss! Some FREE (we’ll list those first), some not; but if you pick one thing to do a week, it could make for a memorable holiday countdown and quality family time with tons of photo ops and memory making without breaking the holiday budget!
FREE 🎄
Holiday Lights at Memorial Park - Clay Family Eastern Glades
Now - early January
Celebrate the season with Holiday Lights at Memorial Park. Highlights include a stunning tree on Bowden Terrace, beautifully illuminated against the backdrop of Hines Lake, with lights adorning the entire half-mile promenade of Eastern Glades. Guests are welcome to explore the natural surface pedestrian path that winds around nine acres of open space, showcasing native plantings and wildlife habitats.
Holiday Light Tunnels - M-K-T Heights
Now - January 5
M-K-T's beloved Holiday Light Tunnels return this season to transform the trailside view into a twinkling wonderland, with two radiant bridges connecting to the Heights Hike and Bike Trail in festive, twinkling style.
Lights will shine nightly at 4, setting the perfect backdrop for evening walks, cozy moments, and holiday photos worth sharing.
Hometown Christmas Lights - Independence Park Pearland
Now - Dec 26
The celebration doesn’t end there! Throughout the month of December, Independence Park will glow brightly with the Hometown Christmas Lights display. Visitors are welcome to take an evening stroll, snap a festive photo, and make memories that will last all season long.
 Hermann Park Holiday Train - Photo Credit: Melissa Martinez |
UNDER $20 🎁
Holiday Train & Holiday Carousel - Hermann Park
Now - January 4th
Experience festive lights, joyful music, and plenty of holiday spirit as you ride the Holiday Train on the Hermann Park Railroad or take a sparkling spin on the decorated Lott Family Carousel. We did this last year and got to see Santa pop in too!
Holiday Train ride $6 -$7 per person
Carousel $3 - $6 per person
Winter Wonderlawn - POST HTX
Now - January 11th
Experience the best view of Houston’s skyline as the backdrop amidst thousands of lights, two 25-foot Christmas Trees, and multiple holiday themed activations on Skylawn. FREE for children 6 and under.
After Thanksgiving: Weekday $12 / Weekend $19
Christmas Train - Victory Camp in Alvin
Now - Dec 23rd
All aboard! The Christmas Train is a unique holiday experience, unlike anything else in Houston! Your whole family can experience the joy of the season on your ride through our winter wonderland. Enjoy your trip on our open air railroad coaches. Take a stroll down the decorated walking trail for lots of photo opportunities or visit one of our concessions areas. FREE for children 2 and under.
Weekends 6 – 10 pm | Weekdays 6:00 – 9:00 pm
Peak time: $14, Regular $12
 Radiant Nature 2025 - Photo Credit: Melissa Martinez |
UNDER $30 🎅🏽
Radiant Nature - Houston Botanic Garden
Now - Feb 22nd
Worth every penny if you ask me and our must do annual holiday kick-off. Immersive for the family, interactive for the kids. The bonus: it’s open to enjoy well after the holidays, so if you cannot make it before the new year, you can resolve to attend in January when things slow down; or even make it your family Chinese New year outing!
If you’ve never been, be sure to check out our reel that provides a preview on all the things your kids will love at this year’s Radiant Nature! FREE for children 3 and under.
Evenings 6-10pm $28.50
 Christmas Village at Bayou Bend - Photo Credit: Melissa Martinez |
Christmas Village at Bayou Bend - Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens
Now - Dec 30th
A full-on Christmas village beginning with a dazzling bridge brings you into a winter wonderland featuring thousands of lights throughout the 14-acre estate with a welcoming trio of carolers. .
Our favorite highlights last year was the faux snow sledding and amazing train display around the biggest indoor tree we saw last season! FREE for children 4 and under.
- $18 (ages 13+), $12 (ages 5–12)
- $16 MFAH members (ages 13+), $10 MFAH members (ages 5–12)
A house-tour upgrade adds $5 to each admission (including to the free tickets for young children).
If you visit by Dec 23rd, you can grab a pic with Santa for $10.
HONORABLE MENTION:
Breakfast w/ Santa - Downtown Aquarium
Dec 13th, 14th, 20th - 24th
At just a little over $30 you have 7 opportunities to choose from to enjoy a fun family Aquarium Breakfast with the big man himself. I’ve attended Easter events and I can only imagine that Christmas will be just as fun. FREE for children 2 and under.
- $30.02 Adults
- $22.15 Children (3-10yrs)
Want to see more of what’s happening this holiday season?
Follow the 🎄on the Downtown Houston and Pearland event calendars!
