8 Houston Holiday Events for the Family 2023
Happy holidays, Little Branch family!
I know this is a busy time of year, but I hope you find some time to savor the magic of it all. In addition to my Christmas Mini Sessions, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the holiday season with friends and family this year. I’ve pulled together some of my favorite family-friendly holiday events and activities around Houston. (For more ideas, check out my Top Kid Friendly Things to do in the Houston Heights 2023.)
Love,
Jenny
PS – These events make memorable experience gifts, too!
8 Fun Things to Do with Kids in Houston for the Holidays
Space Center Houston Galaxy Lights
Looking for something a little different this year? Consider the holidays from a new perspective for an out-of-this-world experience. In addition to traditional holiday lights, Galaxy Lights features planets, astronauts, spaceships, and more galactic fun. The kids will love burning some energy on the light pads as they hop around the grid. Don’t forget to stop by the hot cocoa and coffee stand and pick up a s’mores kit to roast marshmallows around the fire together.
Your ticket also gives you access to the Space Center, so you can visit those exhibits and look out over the light display from the airplane that shuttled space crafts to and fro! The timed entry and well-spaced exhibits make this a more enjoyable experience for the whole family.
Dates
November 11 – January 7, Closed Dec. 7, 24, & 25
Tickets
$19.95-$27.95 depending on the date (FREE for children 3 & younger!)
https://secrethouston.com/christmas-village-bayou-bend-houston/
Christmas Village at Bayou Bend
Located in Houston’s historic River Oaks neighborhood, Bayou Bend is part of The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. This museum features the former home and 14-acre estate of Houston civic leader Ima Hogg. The estate is beautiful year-round, but it transforms into a magical winter wonderland during the holidays. Christmas Village is an immersive experience that will get you into the holiday spirit as you stroll around the beautiful grounds. Sled down the slide, have a snowball fight, listen to the carolers, shop the boutique for gifts, and, of course, take photos with Santa! You can upgrade with a scheduled theatrical tour of the house decked in Christmas spirit, complete with live actors!
Dates
December 8 - December 30 (closed on Mondays)
Tickets
General Admission: $18 (ages 13+), $12 Child (ages 5–12)
MFAH Members: $16 (ages 13+), $10 Child (ages 5–12)
FREE for children 4 & younger
*A house-tour upgrade adds $5 to each admission (including free tickets for young children)
Lights at the Houston Botanic Garden
For a unique cultural experience, the Houston Botanic Garden launched its first-ever Radiant Nature event, featuring a collection of larger-than-life Chinese lantern creations celebrating the Lunar New Year. Imagine an illuminated dragon that covers two-thirds of a football field! Bright beta fish, a 12-foot peacock, and friendly Chinese-inspired characters will make you stand in awe. Walk through the pink tunnel and into the immersive kaleidoscope. Even the swings, see-saws, and pathways glow. My kids favorite part is stopping along the path for some hot cocoa and s’mores! Bring the strollers for the little ones, because you will do a bit of walking.
Dates
November 17 – February 25
Tickets
$28.50 for ages 4+. FREE for ages 3 and under. Tickets support the garden’s research and conservation efforts.
The Nutcracker Productions
Whether it’s a yearly tradition or you want to experience the magic of The Nutcracker for the first time, you have a few options for this holiday classic, including:
· The Houston Ballet Nutcracker - This is the full experience of the Houston Ballet’s full performance in the Wortham Center.
· Houston’s Urban Nutcracker, a fun cultural and inclusive take on the classic (appropriate for families)
· Allegro Ballet Nutcracker - Performed in the auditorium of Katy High School, this performance is the full length show, but in a smaller and less intimidating setting. It may be a good first show for the littles if they get overwhelmed easily (like mine).
· Houston Repertoire Ballet Nutcracker in Tomball - Another smaller scale production that also offers a mini version complete with interactive segments and treats which is also good first experience for the littles. They only do one weekend in November for the Land of Sweets Soiree so this may be something to look for next year.
*Check individual websites for specific dates and ticket prices.
Lights in The Heights
Looking for the best lights in Houston? You won’t want to miss the spectacular Lights in The Heights event. You can park along the one-way routes on Bayland (going east) and Merrill (going west). Many neighbors hire bands and put on light shows and other festive attractions. People deck their kids wagons and strollers with lights (and blankets if it’s cold) so go all out!
Lights in The Heights is open to the public on Saturday, December 9, from 6-9 pm. Or, if you live in the area, you can attend the Friday Night Lights in The Heights event, open to Woodland Heights neighbors only on December 8 from 6-9 pm.
This event is FREE; you can find more info and maps here.
Photo credit: https://www.houstonzoo.org/blog/beginning-look-lot-like-zoo-lights/
Zoo Lights at the Houston Zoo
Space themes, Chinese lanterns, and historic museums—what else could there be? Visit the Houston Zoo for a holiday-themed safari experience with towering tropical plants, dazzling trees, Coca-Cola Polar Bears, Snowy Slopes, and illuminated animal installations. As a photographer, I have to mention that there are quite a few festive photo opportunities here! You’ll want to buy tickets online in advance for the best pricing, and don’t forget to plan for parking. It wouldn’t be a Christmas event without s’mores and hot chocolate, and you can bet they’ll be stocked (you can also bring your own food and drink as long as you do not have alcohol or glass).
Dates
November 17 – January 7 from 5:30-10:30 pm (closed Dec. 6, 24, and 25)
Tickets
Pricing varies by date. Zoo members receive 20% off. Tickets are sold online only—you can NOT buy tickets at the gate. Purchase tickets.
ICE at Discovery Green
Green Mountain Energy Ice is the only outdoor skating rink in Houston. If you dream of nostalgic NYC scenes of skaters gliding by surrounded by twinkling lights and glittering trees amidst the city’s hustle and bustle, this is your chance! (Although we are in Texas, so our skating skills may not be on par…) Most nights have a live band. Go on a themed evening, such as BOGO Wednesdays, College Student Night, Music Through the Decades, Skate with Santa, Skate Party, Skating Stars, and Cheap Skate Nights.
Notes: Traditional wheelchairs are permitted on the ice! They also have Special Skaters Sunday Nights for those with physical or developmental challenges and discounts for customers, Bank of America Members, First Responders, Military, and Discovery Green members.
Dates
View their website for dates & hours of operation.
Tickets
Tickets are $17, including skate rentals, and $8 on select Cheap Skate Mondays.
Galveston Polar Express
The beach may not come to mind when you think of holiday festivities, but each year, the Galveston Railroad Museum hosts The Polar Express Train Ride, where you venture to the North Pole and back in a vintage train car. They recommend allotting two hours for the event and arriving one hour before departure. Don your PJs, and get ready for a magical, song-filled ride to the North Pole, where you’ll get to not just meet but dance with Santa! This interactive performance is fun for the whole family.
Dates
November 10 – December 23
Tickets
View pricing for Value, Standard, and Premium departures on their website. Infants under 2 are free.
Santa at the Clubhouse Heights
If you’re in the Heights like me, this is a must do! Santa pictures are a fun tradition for many families, but Santa at the Clubhouse offers a more personalized experience for your family and littles. In addition to photos, kiddos can share their Christmas list and ask a question or two in a more relaxed and intimate setting (which means you may get bigger smiles and fewer tears).
Date
Saturday, December 16, 2023 from 10 am – 12 pm
Location
The Clubhouse at 1846 Harvard Street, Houston, TX 77808
Price
FREE and open to the public
Gift a Photography Session with Little Branch Photography
Looking for gift ideas? You can’t go wrong with a photography session for anyone you know who may be expecting. I offer maternity sessions, newborn photography, and milestone sessions. Get in touch for more info.
Connect with Jenny
