Houston Zoo Zoo Lights

While most real animals will fall asleep soundly during this tenth annual extravaganza, life-size LED creatures will abound, along with a new 33-foot color-changing Christmas tree, a 125-inch Infinity Tunnel of Light display. feet long, and many other awesome decorations. Lauren Wappler of the zoo says it’s “the perfect setting to enjoy the sights and sounds of the season” and that “this year’s event promises to be more spectacular than ever.” We’ve heard that Santa Claus might stop as well.

When: Until January 9 (Closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day)
What: Lots of LED lights and screens, presented by TXU Energy.
Best for: Walk on the ham and ‘nog.
Kids will love: See Santa Claus (most of the animals will be asleep).
To bring: Face masks are encouraged.
Prepare for: Social distancing and timed ticketing to control crowds.
Cost: $ 14 to $ 26.
Or it’s : The Houston Zoo at Hermann Park.

Quincannon Lane Candy Wonderland

Visitors are urged not to stop or get out of their cars as they pass through this sprawling, sparkling, candy-themed wonder, complete with Christmas trees, music, and a countdown to the big day, installed on three lots in an ass of Spring Branch. -of bag. Of course, that just means you have an excuse to walk through it over and over again, which is exactly what area resident Lindsay Ellis and her three children do every year. “It really is one of our favorite Christmas traditions,” says Ellis. “It’s a children’s paradise.” Part of the fun is finding out which decorations are new: “One year was the little gingerbread house,” she says, “and one year was these little macaroon carvings.

When: Until the first week of January.
What: Candy Land, Christmas edition.
Best for: Oohing and aahing: these people spend thousands of dollars to achieve this.
Children will love: Sweetness.
To bring: A bag of candy to snack on.
Prepare for: Visitors should stay in their cars.
Cost: To free.
Or it’s : Quincannon Lane, off I-10 and Gessner Road. in the spring branch.

The River Oaks neighborhood lights up

Take your child to ROD, and she can put her Christmas list straight into a special mailbox, to send to the North Pole. Next, stop at the Amorino ice cream shop for a hot chocolate before taking photos with two impressive Christmas trees. And that’s not all: “We’re going to step up our bright display,” says ROD’s Rachel Boyd, “with fresh new designs,” including – because River Oaks never does anything halfway – a number of immersive experiences on Instagram.

When: From Thanksgiving to January 6, max.
What: Royal houses draped and drained.
Best for: Oohing and aahing: these people spend thousands of dollars to achieve this.
Children will love: The sheer grandeur of it all.
To bring: The selfie stick; matching outfits.
Prepare for: Go out (and wait) to take that festive photo.
Cost: To free.
Or it’s : River Oaks Blvd.

Prestonwood Forest Nite of Lites

For four decades now, this northwest Houston neighborhood has pulled out all the Christmas stops, with neighbors on every block coordinating elaborate themed decorations and competing for prizes: best multi-purpose home, best cul-de-sac. bag, best block, best mailbox and Suite. “I love the camaraderie,” says Chris Collins, longtime resident of Prestonwood Forest. Over the past five years, she and her neighbors have created Brinkworth Zoo, with a large wooden elephant in its yard and, of course, lots of lights. “They are neighbors who help neighbors create a magical environment for people who come from far and wide to enjoy our Christmas wonderland.”

When: From December 11 to January 2.
What: Over 700 houses dressed for Nite of Lites.
Best for: A festive drive outside the Loop.
Kids will love: Fall asleep on the way home.
To bring: Money for Hot Chocolate (Starbucks, 19607 Tomball Pkwy).
Prepare for: “Mom, I have to pee.”
Cost: To free.
Or it’s : Prestonwood Forest Dr (off Tomball Pkwy).

The lights of Shepherd Park Plaza

Every year, Houstonians flock to this neighborhood’s outsized exhibits, according to Courtney Selinidis, civic club president and resident. “Our neighbors go to incredible lengths to decorate every year,” she says. Residents really get into the spirit, hosting Christmas light arch-building parties and competing for prizes such as best lighting, best door, best window, most original, best ensemble, more religious and the best cul-de-sac.

When: Until the first week of January.

Best for: A happy walk with the fam.

Children will love: Inflatable minions, of course.

To bring: GPS: what makes these streets so confusing?

Prepare for: Short wait for the light shows programmed on the radio.

Cost: To free.

Or it’s : Start at Thornton Road. at boulevard Ella.

Moody Gardens Festival of Lights

This Galveston tradition – a mile-long trail lit by 2 million (!) Lights – celebrates new attractions, like the Four-Story Christmas: the Dancing Tree of Light, making its debut alongside old ones. favorites like animals, nutcracker figurines, a train, and a toy factory. Public relations coordinator Alexis Shelly says she especially enjoys her job this time of year. “You can’t help but go out and see the joy on people’s faces as they walk around and really get into the holiday spirit,” she says. “We’re really looking forward to being this for people again. “

When: Until January 2.
What: A mile-long trail of two million lights and holiday cheer.
Best for: A weekend getaway (Moody Gardens Hotel, from $ 194).
Kids will love: Train rides and toboggan rides are open.
To bring: Comfortable shoes; dollars to save.
Prepare for: Social distancing + security measures.
Cost: Starting at $ 20.
Or it’s : Galveston Island.

Illuminated Landscape at Houston Botanical Garden

For nature lovers, this one is for you. A show where nature and art come together, Houston Botanic Garden creates Lightscape Trail, a transformation of botanical gardens bathed in new light after dark. Instead of stopping to smell the flowers, gaze at the garden lit up with light and fire. You’ll discover a Fire Garden that features over 220 candles and the Winter Wonder Tree by Houston artist Moon Papas, whose artwork is seen in local pubs across town.

When: Until January 2.
What: A new and unique experience.
Best for: An evening with friends and family and a few selfies of course.
Kids will love: The sheer grandeur of it all.
To bring: Comfortable shoes, money for snacks and hot chocolate.
Prepare for: Lots of walking.
Cost: $ 14- $ 25.
Or it’s : Houston Botanical Garden.

Galaxy Lights at Space Center Houston

This winter, explore the interactive and technologically advanced light show at Space Center Houston presented by Reliant. Embark on a festive adventure and carry on the tradition of Space City this holiday season. Galaxy Lights will feature two high-tech kinetic light shows, where dozens of hanging lights move in precise choreographed sequences to holiday music above the main plaza, a 20-foot ‘twinkle tree’, tunnel light, laser-etched acrylic sculptures of different constellations, and more!

When: Until January 2.
What: Light tunnels, light shows and a winter wonderland.
Best for: An evening with the whole family
Kids will love: Astronaut’s illuminated display.
To bring: Money for the gift shop and hot chocolate.
Prepare for: Lights, lights and more lights.
Cost: $ 19 – $ 30.
Or it’s : Houston Space Center.

Deck the trees

Benefiting from the educational, community and artistic initiatives of the Alley Theater, Deck the Trees has been a favorite holiday tradition for 15 years. If you’re looking for more than just a holiday light show, the annual event coincides with a production of A Christmas Carol, performed at the Alley Theater.

When: Until January 3.
What: A variety of festive decorated trees and an instagrammable display gracing the Houston skyline.
Best for: Good family selfies.
Kids will love: The trees adorned with lights of course!
To bring: Matching holiday outfits.
Prepare for: Crowd on weekends.
Cost: To free.
Or it’s : Outside George R. Brown Convention Center, along Avenida Houston.