Just because your favorite shops have been playing holiday music since Halloween, it doesn’t mean you should greet the season in full Grinch mode. The Houston area offers plenty of jolly activities sure to make your heart grow two sizes. Sure, you might not get a snowy wonderland, but who needs snow when you’ve got holiday markets, parades and light displays that could guide Santa’s sleigh without Rudolph? And it’s all just 20 minutes from Cypress Green! Let’s unwrap the best holiday happenings this year.
Light Up the Holidays
Zoo Lights
Houston Zoo
5:30-10:30 p.m. daily, Nov. 22-Jan. 5
$25.45-$34.95, reservations required
Stroll through the Houston Zoo where the animals might just get jealous of the attention those dazzling displays are getting. Presented by TXU Energy, the evening also includes photo opportunities, cookie decorating and Santa visits.
Radiant Nature
Houston Botanic Garden
5 p.m. Thursday-Sunday, through Feb. 23
$28.50 per person, ages 4 and up. Free for children ages 3 and under.
A dazzling celebration of a Chinese lantern festival with larger-than-life installations, including towering ginkgo and pine trees, a majestic Chinese temple, a geometric dome, pandas with bamboo and much more.
Sugar Land Holiday Lights
Constellation Field
6 p.m. daily, through Jan. 5
$12-$15
An annual tradition, the event features more than 3.5 million lights, a dazzling 40-foot tree, light shows, themed displays, Santa Claus (through 12/23), holiday vendors, food and more!
Festive Performances
A Christmas Carol
Alley Theater
Days and times vary through Dec. 29
$49-$100
Nothing says holiday cheer like a ghostly visit to remind you to be nice (or else). This annual production of the classic Dicken’s novel is a favorite with theater goers of all ages.
The Nutcracker
Wortham Center
Days and times vary, Nov. 29-Dec. 29
$35=$160
Watch sugar plum fairies pirouette in a winter wonderland during Houston Ballet’s pointe shoe extravaganza that is pure Christmas magic.
Houston Symphony Swingin’ Christmas
Jones Hall
7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3
$54-$130
The Houston Jazz Orchestra and Sass vocal trio perform a swinging selection of holiday favorites including “Jingle Bells,” “Joy to The World,” “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” and more.
Yuletide Parades
H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade
Downtown Houston
9 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 28
Free
Houston kicks off the holiday season with a bang louder than Santa’s sleigh bells. Watch marching bands, giant inflatable characters and more confetti than you can shake a candy cane at glide through the streets of downtown Houston and get into the holiday spirit.
Santa Encounters
The Galleria
10 a.m.-7 p.m. daily, through Dec. 23
Whispering wishes free, photo package prices vary
Don’t miss Santa pictures at The Galleria! Walk-ups welcome every day until closing time. Reservations required for photos.
Holly Jolly Santas Workshop
Houston Museum of Natural Science
1-3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7
$25 ages 12 and up, $16 ages 3-11, free for 2 and under
Help Santa put together the perfect popsicle stick gingerbread house or plastic plate snow globe. While you are at it, take a photo with him before he heads back to the North Pole.
Breakfast With Santa
Downtown Aquarium
Times vary Dec. 14-15 and Dec. 21-24
$27.13 adults, $20.05 children ages 3-10
Reservations required
Join Santa for a buffet breakfast under the sea featuring waffle and omelet stations, baked French toast, pancakes, pastries, sausages and more. A take-home craft available with purchase.