How to Spend Christmas Day 2024 in Houston

How to Spend Christmas Day 2024 in Houston

How to spend Christmas Day 2024 in Houston

Free Activities

Events on Christmas Day

Volunteering Opportunities

Houston lights up on Christmas Day with festive cheer, offering a delightful array of activities for everyone. Whether you’re seeking family-friendly fun, unique cultural experiences, or moments of quiet reflection, this guide presents a variety of ways to celebrate Christmas Day 2024 in the city. Unwrap a day of holiday joy with these Houston happenings!

Editor’s Note: Our staff works hard to bring you the most up-to-date information. However, all information is subject to change! As always, please verify with the organizer 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 Houston Stores Open on Christmas Day, Houston Restaurants Open Christmas Day, and Christmas Lights in Houston!

Free Activities

Prestonwood Nite of Lites

houston christmas lights

Image credit: Prestonwood Forest Online

This year, the magic unfolds from Saturday, December 14th to Tuesday, December 31st, 2024. Get ready to be mesmerized by more than just houses decked out in lights. A panel of judges selects winners in various categories, including Best Special Effects, Most Traditional, Most Creative, and Judge’s Choice!

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!

Downtown City Lights Holiday Magic

Twelve uniquely themed locations, including Discovery Green, Alley Theatre, and POST Houston, offer a variety of holiday experiences. Visitors can skate on an ice rink, admire dazzling Christmas trees, capture memorable moments at selfie stations, and enjoy live performances. To explore the city’s holiday highlights with ease, hop on the Hop-in Hop-off Holiday Bus. 

  • When: Friday, November 22, 2024 – Tuesday, December 31, 2024
  • Where: Varies
  • How Much: Free

Pecan Grove Christmas Lights

Known for its extravagant Christmas light displays, Pecan Grove attracts visitors from far and wide. Starting in late November, the neighborhood’s streets are illuminated with countless twinkling lights, creating a festive atmosphere. Residents compete to create the most impressive displays, ranging from traditional Christmas themes to whimsical and creative designs. To enhance the experience, consider taking a paid hayride through the neighborhood, providing a unique perspective of the stunning light displays.

Candy Cane Lane Missouri City

houston christmas lights 2024

Image credit: HoustonOnTheCheap

Candy Cane Lane is a popular holiday destination in Missouri City, Texas. Located on Robinsons Road, this neighborhood transforms into a winter wonderland yearly. From Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day, homes are decorated with lights and festive displays. Visitors can enjoy the festive atmosphere and iconic displays, including the Gegen and Korger homes, the Snowman House, the Singing Santa House, and Santa’s Workshop.

To experience the best of Candy Cane Lane, visit during the weekends or evenings from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm, especially closer to Christmas.

Editor’s Note: Check our full article for a complete list of Christmas Lights Houston!

How to Spend Christmas Day 2024 in Houston – Events

Editor’s Note: Check our full article for a complete list of things to do in Houston this Christmas Week.

Christmas Village at Bayou Bend

Don’t miss photos with Santa at Christmas Village at Bayou Bend! Discover an immersive holiday experience with thousands of sparkling lights throughout the 14-acre estate.

The Nutcracker by the Houston Ballet

Join Clara, Drosselmeyer, and the Sugar Plum Fairy on an enchanting journey through the Land of Snow and the Kingdom of Sweets. Stanton Welch’s breathtaking production brings this beloved holiday classic to life with stunning sets, dazzling costumes, and a talented cast of dancers.

Katy Magical Winter Lights

Explore a world of wonder at Magical Winter Lights. Wander through themed lantern displays, from the majestic Kingdom to the prehistoric Dinosaur Kingdom. Encounter mythical creatures and underwater wonders in the enchanting Ice and Sea sections. Thrill-seekers can enjoy exciting carnival rides like the Ferris wheel and Fireball. Meet Disney characters, including Elsa, Anna, and Olaf, for a magical experience too.

  • When: Friday, November 15, 2024 – Sunday, January 5, 2025
  • Where: 4310 TX-36 S, Rosenberg, TX 77471
  • How Much: $27 – $32 per adult | $19 – $22 per child (3 to 12 years old) | $19 – $22 per senior (65+ years old) | $96 – $108 for Family 4-Pack | $30 – 432 per Carnival Wristband

Radiant Nature Botanic Garden

Immerse yourself in a breathtaking world of light and wonder at the Radiant Nature light show at the Houston Botanic Garden. This enchanting event transforms the garden into a magical wonderland, featuring over 50 larger-than-life illuminated displays. The interactive zone offers a fun and engaging experience for visitors of all ages, with illuminated swings, photo opportunities, and other interactive elements.

  • When: Friday, November 8, 2024 – Sunday, February 23, 2025
  • Where: 1 Botanic Ln, Houston, TX 77017
  • How Much: FREE for children (3 years old and under) | $28.50 per person (4+ years old)
Check out our recent post for more events and activities in Houston this Christmas week!

Volunteering Opportunities

Editor’s Note: Check our full article for a complete list of volunteering opportunities in Houston this holiday season.

Wesley House Houston

volunteer on christmas day houston

Image credit: Wesley Community Center

Wesley House Houston offers a variety of ways to volunteer, from assisting at their Food Pantry and Community Garden to supporting seniors and children in their programs. You can contribute by organizing virtual drives for essential items such as food, toiletries, and holiday gifts.  If you’re planning on organizing a virtual drive, I recommend getting started a day or so early. This way you have plenty of time to drop off the items and still spend time with friends and family. 

Northwest Alliance Ministries 

Northwest Assistance Ministries (NAM) is a local nonprofit that helps people in need with food, shelter, and other essential services. In 2023, NAM served over 117,000 individuals, providing 74,000 services to survivors of family violence and delivering over 242,000 meals.

Houston Food Bank Holiday Gift Cards

This holiday season, spread hope with Houston Food Bank’s holiday cards. Each $10 card donation provides 30 meals to our neighbors in need. Your thoughtful gift transforms into nourishing hope.

Second Mile Mission Center

volunteering on christmas houston

Image credit: Second Mile Mission Center

Second Mile empowers Fort Bend County families facing poverty. They provide food, clothing, and support services, believing no one should go hungry. Join our community of volunteers and make a difference. Help in their food pantry, or warehouse, buying for a cause, or organizing drives!

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.

To get these updates directly delivered to your feed, give us a follow on Facebook by clicking on the …next to the search lens icon

HOTC Staff
Latest posts by HOTC Staff (see all)