Experience Ice Land at Moody Gardens
If you want to experience freezing cold temperatures here in the Houston area, we have the place for you. FOX 26's Ruben Dominguez shows us around Ice Land at Moody Gardens
The Brief
HOUSTON - The Christmas lights are shining bright all around Houston! Several weeks-long holiday events are underway leading up to the holiday.
Here's a look at those events all around the Houston area, as well as some popular neighborhoods to visit during the holidays.
Popular Houston neighborhoods for Christmas lights
There are several free chances to see lights in neighborhoods all around the Houston area. Several neighborhoods are known for their annual Christmas light displays that you can enjoy from the comfort of your car.
Please be advised that most neighborhoods will turn lights off by 10 p.m. during the week but may have extended hours on the weekend. Remember to be respectful of residents' homes and property.
In the city, head over to the shopping districts like Uptown, Highland Village, and the Galleria area to see the lights set businesses aglow.
One of the most popular neighborhoods for the holidays is the River Oaks area, where million-dollar homes have over-the-top, beautiful holiday decor.
The Quail Valley neighborhood in Missouri City has transformed into Candy Cane Lane in December for decades.
Over near Willowbrook, homes in the Prestonwood Forest subdivision in northwest Houston will light up for "Nite of Lites". The event begins Dec. 14 and runs through Dec. 31.
The Pecan Grove neighborhood in Richmond attracts many people with their annual magical Christmas displays that include extravagant holiday decor.
Houston Zoo Lights
See the Houston Zoo in a whole new light as you stroll through the holiday scenes and glowing animal-themed lanterns. New this year is the Whimsical Wildlife Tree, the Twinkle Trail and Geo Prism Safari.
When: Now through Jan. 5, 2024; 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Where: Houston Zoo, 6200 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030
Cost: Varies by date
Click here for more information.
City Lights Downtown Holiday Magic
Texas Winter Lights in Downtown Houston
FOX 26's Coco Dominguez has more about the Texas Winter Lights going in Downtown Houston.
Visit 12 different themed locations across Downtown Houston to see stunning light displays and participate in family-friendly seasonal activities. For example, you can ice skate at Discovery Green, see a magical Christmas tree display in the "Grand Holiday Window" at the George R. Brown Convention Center, or visit the sweet holiday display in the Hilton Americas-Houston lobby that is made with more than 1,800 pounds of chocolate.
Where: Map of locations
Cost: Most sites are free
Click here for more information.
Winter Wonderlawn
Winter Wonderlawn returns to POST Houston
FOX 26's Coco Dominguez has more about the exciting return of Winter Wonderlawn.
Stroll through hundreds of thousands of Christmas lights on the roof of POST Houston while taking in a beautiful view of the city. The five-acre rooftop park will also have a 25-foot Christmas tree and holiday-themed activations.
Where: POST Houston, 401 Franklin St, Houston, TX 77201
When: Now through Jan. 11
Cost: Weekday admission $10; Weekend admission $15; children 5 and under free
Click here for more information.
The Light Park
You can enjoy this light experience without having to step out into the cold. See millions of dazzling lights in the drive-thru displays located in Katy and Spring. Christmas tunes will play, and food and drinks are also available. Visitors are charged per car.
When: Now through Jan. 1
Where: Locations in Spring, Katy
Cost: Tickets vary by day $39+ per vehicle
Click here for more information.
Sugar Land Holiday Lights
Sugar Land Holiday Lights return | Bayou City Buzz
FOX 26's Coco Dominguez shows us what's new this year at Constellation Field.
Be dazzled by more than 3 million lights at this holiday event. There is a light show, a 40-foot Christmas tree, a carnival, food, holiday shopping, themed areas, and more. Some nights have special events like screenings of holiday movies or giveaways. New this year is a synthetic ice rink on the field, for an extra cost.
When: Now through Jan. 5
Where: Constellation Field, 1 Stadium Dr, Sugar Land, TX 77498
Cost: Varies by event date
Click here for more information.
Dickinson Festival of Lights
Walk through this free light display at Paul Hopkins Park. There are also shopping opportunities, snacks, a 22-foot tall tree, a cookie decorating "Cookie Factory" and more. Take pictures with Santa every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and every night from Dec. 20 to Dec. 23.
When: Now through Dec. 30; closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Where: Paul Hopkins Park, 1000 FM517, Dickinson, TX 77539
Cost: Free admission, parking and shuttle bus
Click here for more information.
Lone Star Lights
Take a drive up to Huntsville for this 17-acre park offering over a million lights and activities for the whole family. Guests can visit Santa’s workshop, play in the snow, zip line, visit the petting farm and more.
When: Weekends now through Dec. 22
Where: Carolina Creek, 5 Anticipation Drive, Huntsville, TX 77320
Cost: $26 for kids ages 3-16; $39 for adults; add-ons available
Click here for more information.
Holiday in the Gardens at Moody Gardens
'Holiday in the Gardens' at Moody Gardens
Moody Gardens in Galveston is preparing for the winter season with its annual "Holiday in the Gardens." FOX 26 Photojournalist Darlene Janik-Faires has a preview of the family friendly event.
Moody Gardens is transforming into a holiday wonderland featuring seasonal attractions for some family-friendly fun. Explore Ice Land with a "Pole-to-Pole" theme taking you from the North to South Poles, stroll through the mile-long Festival of Lights trail, take a ride down the Arctic Slide, and more.
When: Now through Jan. 1
Where: Moody Gardens,1 Hope Blvd, Galveston, TX 77554
Cost: Price varies by activity; passes for multiple attractions also available
Click here for more information.
Galaxy Lights at Space Center Houston
Have some out-of-this-world holiday fun at Space Center Houston! It has turned into a dazzling wonderland of lights and immersive experiences for the family to enjoy. Displays include the Moon Landing Lanterns, the Crystal Fireworks Display, Light Pods and more.
When: Now through Jan. 5
Where: Space Center Houston, 1601 E NASA Pkwy, Houston, TX 77058
Cost: $19.95-$27.95; children 3 and younger free
Click here for more information.
Christmas at Big Rivers
Be dazzled by thousands of Christmas lights, take a hayride and meet Santa. There are other fun activities like fairground amusement rides, a petting zoo, a bounce house and more.
When: Now through Dec. 31
Where: Big Rivers Water Park: 23101 State Highway 242, New Caney, TX 77357
Cost: $25
Click here for more information.
Magical Winter Lights
Illuminate your night with millions of lights and huge lantern sets arranged in seven themed sections, including "The Kingdom", "The Village" and "The Space". For an extra cost, there is also a carnival with rides for thrill seekers of all ages.
When: Now through Jan. 5
Where: Fort Bend County Fairground, 4310 State Highway 36, Rosenberg, Texas 77471
Cost: Online tickets $27 for ages 13 and up; $19 for children 3-12 and seniors 65 and up; tickets cost more at the box office
Click here for more information.
Santa’s Wonderland
If you want a quick holiday getaway, why not head out to College Station to get transported to this winter wonderland? Take a hayride tour of the lights, or upgrade your visit and book a private carriage ride. Then you can visit a second light trail that can only be explored on foot. There's also a snow playground featuring real snow. On select nights, you can make a reservation to meet Santa.
When: Now through Dec. 30
Where: 18898 Hwy 6, College Station, TX 77845
Cost: $59.95 for ages 13 and up; $54.95 for children ages 3-12; discounts may be available online
Click here for more information.
Dewberry Farm
See 3 million dazzling lights. Take a wagon ride through the BERRY Merry Trail of Lights and walk through the Merry & Light light show. You can also build a snowman with real snow and visit Santa Claus, among other activities.
When: Now through Dec. 23
Where: Dewberry Farm, 7705 FM 362, Brookshire, TX 77423
Cost: $29.95 general admission
Click here for more information.
HolidaysHouston