We know the holiday season can be stressful, but still magical af. The spicy smells of cinnamon and pine, trimming and decorating the tree, and stuffing the stockings or should we say our faces…oops! SO, instead of looking for those last minute additions for your stockings step into town and experience all of Houston’s holiday cheer!
Where to Experience Timeless Christmas Tales
A Christmas Carol-A Ghost Story of Christmas
NOVEMBER 24-DECEMBER 30
An oldie, but goodies! And definitely one of ours and Houston’s seasonal favorite, A Christmas Carol-A Ghost Story of Christmas, follows Ebenezer Scrooge’s journey with three ghostly spirits as he finds the true meaning of Christmas! Bah! Humbug!
Houston Ballet’s The Nutcracker
DECEMBER 10-23 and DECEMBER 30- JANUARY 6
Sword fights. Dancing dolls. And Sugar plum fairies. Be transported into the Land of Sweets through this classic tale of The Nutcracker!
Houston is never short of theatrical and musical performances especially during the jolliest time of the year! Get into the holiday spirit with Soulful Sound of Christmas, The House Without a Christmas Tree, and Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve.
Where to Check Out Christmas Lights
Zoo Lights
NOVEMBER 18-JANUARY 14
For the sixth year in a row, the Houston Zoo is transformed into a glistening winter wonderland! Enjoy a cup of hot chocolate as you stroll through Houston’ Zoo grounds taking in the dazzling earth-friendly 2 million LED lighting.
Magical Winter Lights
NOVEMBER 10-JANUARY 2
The 2017 Magical Winter Lights graces Houston once again featuring seven enchanting themed sections, not 5, not 6, but 7! SO, get on those walkin shoes and browse the Holiday Market Square, explore the dinosaur exhibit, be blown away with the nightly acrobatic performances, and even snap pics with Saint Nick and the Ice Sisters themselves.
Ice Land and Festival of Lights: Moody Gardens
NOVEMBER 11-JANUARY 7
Holiday cheers have taken to a whole new level of cool here at Moody Gardens! Between Festival of Lights, a display of more than 1 million dazzling lights and the ice land rainforest charted by master ice carvers–Brrr there is definitely something for everyone to enjoy!
Not in the mood to venture out in the cold? We got you fam! Stay nice and cozy in your car while cruising through these light up neighborhoods: The Heights (Lights in the Heights), River Oaks, and Shepherd Park and Candlelight Park. They definitely know how to go all out for the holiday season!
Where to Go Ice Skating
Ice at Discovery Green
NOVEMBER 18-JANUARY 21
Embrace the Ice Queen herself and let it go at Discovery Green. Skate across the largest outdoor skating rink in the Southwest measuring at 7,716 square-foot. Maybe even catch Santa taking a few laps around the rink!
Ice at Galleria
OPEN YEAR ROUND; CLOSED DECEMBER 25
Skate until you drop at the Galleria. There’s no time limit…..well until they call close time of course, but you’ll have plenty of time to perfect that figure 8! Even pick up some last minutes gifts at the variety of shops which surround the rink.
Where to Drink in the Holiday Spirit
Riva’s Italian Restaurant
Add some hops to your holiday and enjoy the intimate, all decked out, twinkly patio and bar here at Riva’s Italian Restaurant. Riva’s knows how to get into the holiday spirit! What better way to start the holidays than to stuff your face with delicious Italian pasta?
Let us know if you end up checking out one or more of these magical holiday spots by tagging us on Instagram, @smartcityhtx.
