Holiday lights, displays, s'mores, hot chocolate, and Santa visits make Christmas in Houston wonderful!

Houston has various Christmas activities, from admiring holiday lights to drinking warming drinks. Since temps linger between the 40s and 60s, this Texas city doesn't get a white Christmas.

Houston should also go on every American bucket list!

Houston, the Space City, is a good 'ole Texan town, so you may enjoy fantastic holiday festivals and other big events.

1. Skate at Discovery Green Ice Rink

Glide underneath Downtown Houston's shimmering lights and make family and friend memories!

Houston's ice rink is great for Christmas cheer, even if winter is mild compared to other US winter vacation places.

Discovery Green's renewable-energy rink is open daily, including Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's. Safety requires online ticket purchases. Mondays are $8, while other days are $15, skate rentals included.

2. Rudolph's Lightshow

Drive through Rudolph's Lightshow to spend Christmas in Houston with the kids.

Light tunnels, giant Christmas trees, snowmen, and other displays with over 1 million lights make it unforgettable!

The radio music syncs the lights, elevating the experience. The event begins in early November and ends in early January—dates to be determined!

This is a must-do Houston Christmas activity.

3. Marvel Holiday Lights

Houston's Christmas favorite is Magical Winter Lights.

This 20-acre, 52-day, larger-than-life lantern festival offers themed lantern sections, nightly acrobatic performances, carnival rides and games, an interactive dino area, and family-friendly holiday fun.

The biggest lantern festival in the US has over 100 lantern sets in eight themed areas.

4. Houston Ballet's Nutcracker

Culture buffs! A Houston Ballet crowd-pleaser returns for Christmas.

Keep the tradition continue and spend the holidays with Houston Ballet in a winter wonderland set to your favorite carols and a shortened version of Stanton Welch's The Nutcracker!

This family-friendly activity will make your Houston Christmas even more fabulous!

Houston Ballet was established in 1973 and supports local issues via Dance for Parkinson's, Adapted Dance for children with Down Syndrome, Autism-friendly performances, and off-site adapted dance lessons (hospitals, schools, etc.).

Starting at $27, the Nutcracker ballet runs from November 26–December 24.

5. Christmas Train Ride

Houston Christmases are incomplete without a Christmas Train journey.

One of Houston's favorite Christmas events is Victory Camp in Alvin's 279-lit trees, 500 pounds of popcorn, and delicious deep-dish pizza. Over 300,000 Christmas lights and decorations await your family on an old-fashioned train excursion in open-air carriages.

Houston has no other Christmas experience like it!

6. Take Christmas Tree Photos at City Hall

On December 4, Houstonians light this renowned Christmas tree to welcome the holiday season!

Take Christmas photographs with friends under Houston City Hall's tall Holiday Tree.

Houston's Christmas tree sparkles with energy-efficient LED lights, decorations, and a star topper. It illuminates Downtown Houston's streets annually.

The 2021 Reliant Lights Mayor's Holiday Spectacular 102nd-year event will take place in Hermann Square on December 4 from 4 PM-8 PM. The tree will be lit until December 31.

7. Gingerbread House Competition

Houston's loveliest holiday is a gingerbread competition!

Architecture Center Houston is a must-see for families visiting Houston.

Houston's Christmas gingerbread competition is a must-see for architectural companies and students.

In addition to the competition, kids may play in the construction zone and meet Santa! Free admission.

8. Zoo Lights!

Can you imagine spending Christmas in Houston, viewing exotic animals, seeing Santa, and shooting impressive Christmas displays?

Houston Zoo allows that!

After-dark zoo tours are a unique Christmas experience for families and all audiences.

Take your camera and enjoy the crazy Christmas decorations.

Houston families will love this spectacular Christmas event!

9. Ride the Starry Night Express to Another Galaxy

Houston has some enjoyable Christmas activities. All-ages stargazing at the Houston Museum of Natural Science.

You can view planets, the moon, constellations, meteor showers, and the Milky Way band from Space City. You'll see Earth's darkest sky at George Observatory. Then Patrick Stewart will host a celebrity party.

The show tours the solar system and universe from this rustic location. This stunning performance depicts the night sky.

From September until December 31, 2021, the $8-$9 live performance will run daily.

10. Holiday Lights Main Street hunting

Enjoy Downtown Houston's winter lights on Main Street!

Christmas in Houston is a traditional Texas celebration with massive decorations, sparkling trees, and banners directing your search.

The family-friendly Christmas decorations will glow from mid-November through December 31.

11. Open-Air Christmas Market

Houstonians and visitors may enjoy the distinctive atmosphere of the Tomball German Festival and Christmas Market.

This music/street event celebrates German and ethnic history with three stages of live music, a Christmas market with food and beverages, and antique stores, ensuring a true Houston Christmas for everyone.

December 10 and 11 are Tomball German Fest days. Free transportation, parking, and admission.

>>Related post: Ideal Christmas Lights for Festive Decorations

12. Space Center Adventures Houston

Space Center Houston must be visited during Christmas in Space City.

Galaxy Lights, an immersive Christmas lights tradition in Houston, offers Texas's most interactive and technologically sophisticated light show.

This Christmas celebration illuminates unique space objects with LED lights and interactive exhibits.

Explore the solar system via gigantic planet models, take a picture at the Earth photo station, and admire a 20-foot glittering tree.

The events run nightly from November 13 through January 2, 2022, with general tickets costing $19.95, members $15.95, and children under three free.

Houston hosts Christmas festivals, performances, and museum activities. Therefore, our list of Christmas activities in Houston will help you and your family enjoy a fantastic holiday in Texas. Happy holidays!