Boasting a new Western-themed event, the Marriott is hosting its Texas Winter Lights display, complete with over 100,000 twinkling lights. Its illuminated installations feature Texas-themed items like cowboy hats, set to country music tunes. Aside from lights, be sure to check out the hotel's VR sleigh ride and holiday lawn games, like curling and checkers, and visit with Santa on the weekends. Seeking a staycation? Stay at the hotel and receive complimentary admission. For anyone looking to take a dip in that iconic Texas-shaped lazy river, fear not—the pool is heated to a comfy 80 degrees.

1777 Walker St

Love sports and the holidays? Head over to Daikin Park for an amazing Astros-themed light display complimented by photos with Santa and Astros mascot, Orbit, plus holiday concessions like hot chocolate and holiday cookies. Visit on a themed night for extra fun, like Family Movie Night on Dec. 20 or Pajama Night on Dec. 23.

501 Crawford St

Swing by the Woodland Heights neighborhood for a selection of homey holiday lights. With a walking route that travels between Beauchamp and Highland streets, visitors are free to stroll along the neighborhood and take in the sights. Also available are holiday tunes and a lighting competition. No electric vehicles are allowed, but feel free to bring strollers and bikes.

Bayland and Woodland Streets, from Studewood to Beauchamp st.

Perhaps one of the best outdoor options in the city, Memorial Park is once again hosting its annual monthlong free holiday lights display. Expect a decked out Christmas tree on Bowden Terrace and a half-mile walk of glittering lights and lanterns along the promenade. Want more Christmas joy? The holiday season kicks off with a Deck the Park tree lighting ceremony and movie screening on December 5, with tickets starting at $10 for adults and $5 for children. 

6502 memorial dr

This Moody Gardens tradition features returning attractions like the Ice Land and Festival of Lights, a mile-long trail illuminated by two million lights. Activities for the entire family will be available: train rides, an ice-skating rink, nightly fireside s’mores, and more.

1 Hope Blvd

This interactive light show takes visitors on an outdoor walking path around the Space Center. Along the way, make sure to hit up hot spots like the Kinetic Lights display and the Geometric Tunnels, constellation-themed lights, and even a s'mores station and vendor pouring up hot chocolate. Don't forget to snap a selfie with the giant astronaut-themed lanterns along the way, and watch the short film, Holidays in Space. Looking for something more relaxed? The Space Center also offers low-sensory nights on November 20 and January 4.

1601 E NASA Pkwy

City Place’s annual Giant Gingerbread Village is a delight for the day and night. When the sun is up, traipse along a gingerbread trail next to giant lollipops and cookie trees. Then, when the sun goes down, journey through the illuminated village, which offers a whimsical candyland display of holiday cheer.

1250 Lake Plaza Dr

Magical Winter Lights may just put everyone else’s displays to shame. Expect seven themed lantern attractions, each with hundreds of lit-up displays. Transport to a different time with a stroll through Dino Land—a prehistoric playground featuring life-size dinosaurs—or explore the wonders of the galaxy in the Space Maze. There’s even a carnival with rides and games. Don’t forget to grab a bite to eat from various vendors and food trucks while enjoying live music.

4310 State HWY 36

A show where nature and art are intertwined, Radiant Nature at the Houston Botanic Garden will bathe the grounds in a new light after dark. Instead of stopping to smell the flowers, take in the garden illuminated with creative light displays. This year brings 50 large traditional Chinese lanterns, from Thanksgiving through the Lunar New Year and dozens of photo ops with displays like pandas with bamboo, a temple, and a geometric dome.

1 Botanic Ln

Here’s another Houston tradition the year would not be complete without. Mayor John Whitmire will ring in the holiday season with this annual spectacular at City Hall. The event will feature the lighting of a Christmas tree, performances by Brian McKnight, and family-friendly entertainment.

901 Bagby St

This family-friendly event returns to Constellation Field for its enchanting holiday lights display and themed nights. For the past decade, Sugar Land Holiday Lights has taken over the park with over three million lights, visits from Santa, hayrides, and a carnival. There’s also a giant 40-foot lit-up tree alongside numerous themed displays, and this year, Sugar Land adds a new nine-hole mini golf course to the festivities.

1 Stadium Dr

While you’d typically expect to see real animals at the zoo, this annual extravaganza will display life-size LED creatures, along with a new immersive Neon Playground, a dazzling Holiday Grove, and many other awe-inspiring decorations. Don’t forget to take a picture with Santa, too. Just remember that tickets for Zoo Lights are only available online, so purchase them ahead of time.

6200 Hermann Park Dr