Free Christmas Events in Houston

Free Christmas Events in Houston

Free Christmas Events Houston

Christmas Lights

Tree Lighting

Parades and Festivals

Markets and Entertainment

Pictures with Santa

The holiday season in Houston is a magical time, filled with twinkling lights, festive music, and heartwarming events. And the best part? Many of these events are completely free! Some of the best free Christmas events Houston has include the Dickinson Festival of Lights, the Sugar Land Christmas tree-lighting, and a family-friendly event in League City with music, food, and Santa Claus.

You can also choose to celebrate the holiday season with a coastal twist at A Coastal Christmas or capture precious holiday memories with Santa Claus at Sugar Land Town Square.

Editor’s Note: Our staff works hard to bring you the latest information. However, all information mentioned in this article is subject to change. As always, please confirm before heading out.

In case you are wondering about the choice of listings in this article, here is how we come up with our recommendations.

Also, check out our posts on Christmas Tree Farms Houston, Lights in the Heights 2024, and Radiant Nature Houston Botanic Garden

Free Christmas Lights in Houston

Below are just a few of the FREE Christmas Lights Events across Houston. Check out our complete coverage of Best Christmas Lights in Houston. Here, you will find the best neighborhoods for Christmas lights, dazzling ticketed displays and light shows and more!  

Market Street in Lights

A towering 70-foot Christmas tree, adorned with thousands of twinkling lights, will captivate your senses with a light show synchronized to beloved holiday tunes. This dazzling display will be out every day, every half hour starting at 5:30 pm.

Dickinson Festival of Lights

Looking for Immerse yourself in a dazzling winter wonderland at the Dickinson Festival of Lights! Enjoy festive music, delicious food, and thrilling carnival rides.

Check out our complete Guide to Dickinson Festival of Lights 2024!

Annual Christmas Boat Lane Parade

free christmas events houston 2024

Image credit: The Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce

Get ready to be amazed by the 63rd Annual Christmas Boat Lane Parade! Starting at 7:30 PM, the parade will kick off in Nassau Bay Lagoon with a stunning fireworks display. Then, over 60 boats, adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations, will make their way through the Clear Lake channel.

Free Christmas Tree Lighting Events in Houston

The Christmas Tree Lighting is a beloved tradition in various cities around Houston. We researched events at cities in the Greater Houston area. Below are listed a few events across Houston, but you can check out our complete Guide to Christmas Tree Lighting Events Houston 2024. It has 20 FREE events! 

Seabrook Tree Lighting

The City of Seabrook invites you to celebrate the holiday season at the annual tree-lighting event. The highlight of the evening is a special visit from Santa Claus himself! It’s the perfect way to kick off the holiday season with the community.

Sugar Land Christmas Tree Lighting

Enjoy delicious food, shopping, and the enchanting holiday atmosphere at the Sugar Land tree-lighting this year. It’s a free event for all ages, making it the perfect way to kick off the holiday season.

Pasadena Christmas Tree Lighting

Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit as the locals illuminate the city with twinkling lights. This annual event is perfect for families and friends looking to come together to celebrate the Christmas season!

Parades and Festivals

Hometown Christmas Festival in Pearland

free christmas events houston

Image credit: Pearland Parks and Recreation

The festival will feature diverse activities, including live performances by local talent, a light display, and thrilling inflatable attractions. But the highlight of the evening will be the special appearance of Santa Claus and Mayor Cole, who will join city council members and community leaders to spread holiday cheer.

Hometown Christmas Parade in Pearland

Ready for another Christmas tree lighting event in the Houston area? This parade will feature a dazzling array of floats, marching bands, classic cars, and unique walking groups, all adorned with twinkling lights and holiday decorations. 

Mayor’s Holiday Spectacular in Houston

Another one of the best free Christmas events Houston has this year is the Mayor’s Holiday Spectacular. This is a festive event featuring a dazzling light show, live performances, and holiday activities for all ages. 

Baytown Christmas Parade

This year marks the 76th anniversary of the parade, which will wind its way through Historic Downtown Baytown, starting at Bicentennial Park. This parade will feature a dazzling array of floats, marching bands, and festive characters, culminating in a special appearance by Santa Claus.

League City Holiday in the Park

This annual event, organized by the League City Proud Organization, offers a wide range of festive activities, from holiday shopping and delectable food to captivating entertainment and thrilling parades.

  • When: Friday, December 6, 2024 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm | Saturday, December 7, 2024 9:00 am – 6:00 pm | Sunday, December 8, 2024 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
  • Where: 512 2nd St, League City, TX 77573

Bellaire Holiday in the Park

Get ready for a winter wonderland in the heart of Bellaire! As snow falls on the town square, you can enjoy festive music from local choirs, indulge in delicious food, and participate in family-friendly activities.

La Porte Christmas on the Main

Get ready for a magical holiday experience at La Porte’s Christmas on Main! This festive event offers a wide range of activities for the whole family. Enjoy a thrilling Kid’s Zone with ice slides, trackless train rides, and face painting.

37th Annual Parade of Lights in South Houston

Get ready to be dazzled by the 37th Annual Parade of Lights in South Houston! This vibrant holiday tradition features a procession of floats, marching bands, and festive characters, all with twinkling lights.

Markets and Entertainment

Christmas Open House

free holiday events houston

Image credit: Baytown Tourism

You and your family can enjoy heartwarming performances by local children’s choirs, check out the beautifully decorated Christmas trees, or even have a chance to meet Santa Claus. This festive event offers a unique blend of history and holiday cheer

A Coastal Christmas

Dive into a unique holiday experience at the Coastal Christmas: Holiday Delights 2024! This ocean-themed event offers a variety of festive activities for the whole family. Don’t miss the chance to meet Santa, visit the petting zoo, and embark on an elf hunt.

Music in the Historic District

This is one of the free Christmas events Houston has that will feature a diverse lineup of talented musicians, including the spotlight artist, Mark Winters. You’re encouraged to bring your own chairs, food, and drinks. 

Holidays At The Ballpark Artisan Market

Head over to The Ballpark a festive indoor event featuring over 75 talented artisans showcasing their unique, handmade creations. From stunning jewelry to cozy home decor, you’ll find the perfect gifts for everyone on your list.

Tomball German Christmas Market

free holiday events houston 2024

Get ready to jingle all the way to Tomball! This three-day event promises a festive blend of German traditions and holiday cheer.

  • When: Friday, December 13, 2024 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm | Saturday, December 14, 2024 10:00 am – 10:00 pm | Sunday, December 15, 2024 10:00 pm – 6:00 pm
  • Where: 201 S Elm St, Tomball, TX 77375

Breakfast with Santa

Come to the Community House for a heartwarming morning of holiday cheer at our annual Breakfast with Santa! Let the kids enjoy a delicious pancake and sausage breakfast provided by the Seabrook Rotary and make sure they greet Santa Claus. 

Pictures with Santa

Santa Sightings

Want a picture-perfect Christmas memory? Bring your camera and capture precious moments with Santa. Don’t forget to hand-deliver your Christmas wish list directly to the jolly old man.

Sugar Land Photos with Santa

Capture precious moments with Santa Claus by arriving early to secure your spot in line. Santa has a busy schedule, so let’s make the most of your time with him!

  • When: Saturday, November 30, 2024 | Saturday, December 7, 2024 | Saturday, December 14, 2024 | Saturday, December 21, 2024 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
  • Where: 16160 City Walk, Sugar Land, TX 77479

Selfies with Santa

Get into the holiday spirit and capture unforgettable moments at the Selfies with Santa, one of the free Christmas events Houston has this year! Join locals for a fun-filled afternoon of cookie decorating and picture-perfect opportunities with Santa Claus himself. 

Stay on top of the latest Entertainment options in Houston with our Things to Do in Houston this Weekend and Kid Friendly Events in Houston this Weekend guides.

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Natalie Dulaney
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