Best Christmas Lights Houston 2023
Every holiday season, Houston lights up with millions of lights from one corner of the city to the other. The city boasts numerous spots where you can revel in the holiday spirit with your loved ones. Whether you prefer a neighborhood display or a spectacular drive-through, here are some of the best Christmas Lights in Houston 2023.
Christmas Lights Houston 2023 – Neighborhood Light Displays That Are Free!
Neighborhood Christmas light displays in Houston are a great way to get into the holiday spirit. They are a free and fun activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. The lights are usually turned on from the middle of December until early January.
Editor’s Note: Our writers have walked the streets and brought you their own experiences filled with helpful tips on enjoying Christmas Lights in Houston’s residential areas. You can check out our full article on the Best Neighborhood Christmas Lights in Houston!
Candy Cane Lane Lights in Missouri City
Robinson Road Candy Cane Lane in Missouri City | Image Copyright: HoustonOnTheCheap
Recently our writer Raina Medhi visited one of her favorite places for Christmas Lights. She came back awestruck as ever and provided a detailed update of her experience that you can check out here.
Below is a quick summary
Candy Cane Lane as it is fondly referred to is an absolute gem that you don’t want to miss out on if you love residential holiday light decorations. It is located on Robinson Road in Missouri City, Texas and the best time to visit according to Raina is between 6:30 pm and 8:30 pm which allows you to get the perfect balance of dark skies and light traffic.
Must-see attractions in this neighborhood include the Gegen and Korger homes that are traditional favorites, but also the Snowman house with its inflatable snowmen, or the Singing Santa house, where Santa and Mrs. Claus entertain from the balcony.
The neighborhood can be experienced as a drive-thru, if you choose to walk it takes about 25-30 minutes.
When: Usually all of December month
Where: Robinson Road, Missouri City, Texas 77459
How Much: Free
Christmas Lights in the Tanglewood area near the Galleria Mall
Tanglewood Christmas Lights Houston
Located near the always happening Galleria Mall, the Tanglewood neighborhood is one of the top places to visit for Christmas Lights in Houston. Getting to Tanglewood for the light displays is best done around 7 pm which may allow you to avoid traffic on the nearby streets like San Felipe Street and Chimney Rock Road.
Forget strolling for this dazzling display – grab your wheels! Winding sidewalks and far-flung houses make driving the ideal way to soak in Tanglewood’s festive glow. Don’t fret about parking, just seek those calmer side streets and remember to mind the local rules. With a little planning and your trusty car, you’re all set to cruise through this magical wonderland!
For the real eye-poppers, steer your car toward the dazzling intersections of Chimney Rock Rd and South Post Oak Ln, or Woodway Dr and San Felipe St. Tanglewood Boulevard, slicing through the heart of the neighborhood, offers a stunning, diagonal route to soak in the whole spectacle. Trust me, you won’t miss a twinkle with this plan!
When: Usually all of December month
Where: Tanglewood, Houston, TX 77056
How Much: Free
River Oaks Christmas Lights
The residents of River Oaks spare no expense every year when it comes to bringing the holiday cheer to their neighborhood. And when it comes to Christmas Lights Houston, their neighborhood boasts one of the best displays.
For this year’s self-guided tour, start at the River Oaks Country Club then work your way around the neighborhood. Take time to appreciate each lighting display and fanciful mansion that is perfectly reminiscent of your favorite Hallmark movies.
Check out our detailed article on River Oaks Christmas Lights!
When: November 25 – December 26, 2023
Where: River Oaks Country Club, 1600 River Oaks Blvd, Houston, TX 77019
How Much: Free
The Heights Christmas Lights
Another charming neighborhood you should add to your Christmas Lights Houston bucket list is the Heights. You can drive or walk around the place and admire the beautifully decorated craftsman-style architecture.
Start your Heights adventure at the Highland and Omar streets between Studewood and Florence then explore the area from there.
Check out our complete article on Lights in the Heights!
When: Saturday, December 9, 2023 | 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Where: Houston Heights, Houston, TX 77008
How Much: Free
Nite of Lights at Prestonwood Forest
Every year, hundreds of residents at Prestonwood Forest decorate their homes in grand fashion for the holiday season. They compete in several categories such as the best all-around, best block, best house, best special effects, and even best mailbox.
Start your trip here on Prestonwood Forest Drive and go from there.
When: December 11, 2023 – January 2, 2024
Where: Prestonwood Forest Drive, Houston, TX 77070
How Much: Free
Christmas Lights in Pecan Grove
The Holidays are upon us and as always, the Pecan Grove POA encourages all residents to decorate. The Christmas Lighting Competition is always a time to look forward to as residents display their Holiday spirit.
We ask that everyone attempt to have their lights up and ready for this year’s competition by Saturday, November 25th. Judging will begin Monday, December 11th thru December 16th and winners will have Bulbs placed in yards on December 16th.
Pecan Grove is divided into eight (8) sections for the judging and Bulbs are awarded 1st place, 2nd place, 3rd place, and Eyes of a Child. Hall of Fame Bulbs are awarded to those who continue to go “All Out” decorating each year and are able to retain “HOF” status for up to 5 years in a row. New Hall of Fame Bulbs are awarded to homes that place in any category for 5 consecutive years.
When: December 11 – 16, 2023
Where: 1305 FM359 Suite B, Richmond, TX 77406
How Much: Free
Christmas Lights Houston 2023 – Free Holiday Light Displays in Downtown, Uptown, and More!
City Lights at Downtown Holiday Magic
Shell Energy is pulling out all the stops this year to transform Downtown Houston into the perfect winter wonderland with 11 unique themed winter villages.
Get to enjoy Land of Sweets, Ice @ Discovery Green, Texas Winter Lights, Deck The Trees, Mistletoe Square, Winter Wonderlawn, Sugar Plum Plaza, Twinkle Town, Jingle Town, Winter Wonderland, and City Halliday Lights. Make sure to prepare your cameras!
When: November 17 – December 31, 2023, 5:30 pm
Where: Locations vary
How Much: Free
2023 Uptown Holiday Season
This year, Uptown Houston will be glowing with 300 dazzling holiday trees along Post Oak Boulevard and 1000 twinkling stars adorning the area. To make the experience more magical, you can download the Uptown Radio app for wonderful holiday music synched to the majestic sweeps of these holiday tree lights.
When: November – December 2023
Where: Post Oak Blvd., Houston, TX
How Much: Free
Christmas in the Park at Kingwood Town Center
The community Christmas in the Park Festival and Tree Lighting will be held at Town Center Park in Kingwood. The event will feature local shops, entertainment, vendors, fanciful eateries, artists, and more. The highlight of the event will be the lighting of the Christmas trees at 6:00 PM.
When: Saturday, December 2, 2023 | 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Where: 8 N Main St, Kingwood, TX 773394
How Much: FREE
Christmas Lights Houston 2023 – Most Popular Ticketed Light Shows Around Houston
Zoo Lights
Zoo Lights is a favorite Christmas Lights in Houston tradition and this year, the Houston Zoo will wow families once again with its impressive displays and attractions.
Expect animal-themed lanterns, glowing flowers, a 33-foot tall color-changing holiday tree, the 125-foot long infinity Tunnel of Light, and an illuminated Ocean experience where you will walk under illuminated jellyfish and other sea creatures.
Make sure you buy your tickets online before you go. Tickets will not be sold at the gate for Zoo Lights.
When: November 17, 2023 – January 7, 2024, 5:30 pm – 10:30 pm
Where: Houston Zoo, 6200 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030
How Much: Starts from $27.95
Radiant Nature at Houston Botanic Garden
The Houston Botanic Garden is joining the best Christmas lights Houston 2023 list with it’s new Radiant Nature display!
The place will be filled with more than 50 larger-than-life Chinese lantern installations that showcase the beauty of nature and celebrate the promise of the Lunar New Year.
There will be a 200-foot-long dragon, a soaring 12-foot-tall peacock with a fan, and many more.
There will also be an interactive zone filled with whimsical seesaws, illuminated swings, a digital kaleidoscope, and more Instagram-worthy attractions.
When: November 17, 2023 – February 15, 2024, 6 pm – 10 pm
Where: Houston Botanic Garden, 1 Botanic Lane, Houston, TX 77017
How Much: Free – $28.50
Galaxy Lights at Space Center Houston
Enjoy Christmas Lights Houston 2023 and take your crew on an adventure that transcends Earth’s boundaries and transports you to the edge of the universe at Space Center Houston!
Enjoy interactive, advanced displays like kinetic light shows, a light tunnel, and an indoor meteor shower. There will also be a new interactive show called “Celebrate Light” which explores the science behind light. It will take place every hour starting at 6:30 pm with the last show at 9:30 pm.
When: November 11, 2023 – January 7, 2024, 6 pm – 10 pm
Where: Space Center Houston, 1601 E NASA Pkwy, Houston, TX 77058
How Much: $19.95 – $27.95
The Light Park – Katy, TX
The Most EXCITING, and ELECTRIFYING Katy Christmas Lights is here! This has the best, most exciting drive-through light show in Houston of the season. Eat, drink, and watch as you travel through the night with millions of Christmas lights in Houston and festive music transporting you to a whole new Christmas wonderland.
When: November 3, 2023 – January 1, 2024
Where: Typhoon Texas (Parking Lot), 555 Katy Fort Bend Rd, Katy, TX 77494
How Much: Starts at $39 | Starts at $49 for Thanksgiving weekend
Santa’s Wonderland in College Station
It’s a bit of a drive, but it’s totally worth it to visit Santa’s Wonderland in College Station! Immerse yourself in millions of dazzling lights, Texas snow and ice, and tons of cheerful attractions spread throughout the vast winter wonderland. There’s surely something for all ages. Please take note that opening and closing times vary for certain dates so please check their official website before booking going.
When: November 10, 2023 – December 30, 2023
Where: 18898 Hwy 6, College Station, TX 77845
How much: General admission: $44.95 Adult
Moody Gardens Festival of Lights & More
Now through January 6, you can get a load of eight special holiday attractions at Moody Gardens, including the Festival of Lights, Ice Skating, Train Rides, photos with Santa, and much more. It’s a great place to enjoy the best of the holiday season with the whole family.
When: November 18, 2023 – January 6, 2024
Where: Moody Gardens, One Hope Boulevard, Galveston, Texas 77554
How much: Prices vary for different events and attractions
The Energy Corridor District’s 3rd Annual Tree Lighting Celebration
A joyous celebration will commence at the Hyatt Regency Houston West to herald the arrival of the holiday season with the Annual Tree Lighting Celebration. This enchanting event will feature the illumination of a magnificent 50-foot Christmas tree, casting a warm glow upon the festivities.
Visitors can delight in a vibrant holiday market, mesmerizing drone show, and lively performances on the BP Stage. Furthermore, opportunities to capture cherished moments with Santa Claus will undoubtedly leave hearts brimming with festive cheer. This magical gathering promises to be an unforgettable experience, fostering cherished memories that will linger long after the holiday season has passed.
When: Thursday, November 30, 2023 | 5:00 pm
Where: Hyatt Regency Houston West, 13210 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX 77079
How Much: Not Stated
Sugar Land Holiday Lights
Just 20 minutes south of Houston, you’ll find more spectacular Houston Christmas Lights 2023 at Sugar Land’s sparkling wonderland. The place features more than 3 million Holiday lights Houston, eight themed areas, holiday shopping, food, and, of course, Santa Claus.
Make sure to check the site’s official calendar of events to know more about their themed nights, holiday movie showings, and more.
When: November 17, 2023 – January 1, 2024, 6 pm – 9 pm on Sunday – Thursday, 6 pm – 10 pm Friday – Saturday and Holidays
Where: Constellation Field, 1 Stadium Dr, Sugar Land, TX 77498
How Much: Starts at $15
Dasher’s Lightshow
Christmas Lights Houston 2023 | Image credit: Dasher’s Lightshow Houston
Enjoy a night to remember at Sam Houston’s Race Park’s Dasher’s Lightshow! Drive through lighted tunnels and other attractions while listening to holiday tunes. Please purchase your tickets before going to the event as tickets will not be sold at the gate.
When: November 17, 2023 – December 31, 2023, 6 pm – 10 pm
Where: Sam Houston Race Park, 7575 North Sam Houston Pkwy W Gate 3, Houston, TX 77064
How Much: Starts at $9.95
Magical Winter Lights
Explore a wonderful winter wonderland filled with illuminated castles, world landmarks, and imaginary lands of delight at Magical Winter Lights in Katy. Take your time checking out seven dazzling themed displays with more than six million lights. Don’t forget to take the cutest Christmas photos!
When: November 17, 2023 – January 7, 2024
Where: Katy Mills, 5000 Katy Mills Cir, Katy, TX 77494
How Much: Starts at $18
2023 Christmas Village At Bayou Bend Banner
Image Credit: The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston FB Page
Discover an immersive holiday experience during Christmas Village at Bayou Bend, presented by Texas Children’s. A dazzling bridge brings you into a winter wonderland featuring thousands of lights throughout the 14-acre estate of Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens.
When:
- December 8–30, 2023 (closed December 11, 18, 24 & 25)
- Open 5:30–9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays (except Tuesday, December 26)
- Open 5:30–10 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays & Tuesday, December 26
- Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens, 6003 Memorial Drive
Where: 6003 Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77007
How Much:
- General Admission: $18 Adult and Youth (ages 13+), $12 Child (ages 5–12)
- MFAH Members: $16 Adult and Youth (ages 13+), $10 Child (ages 5–12)
- Free for Young Children (ages 4 & younger)
Tour De Lites 2023
The 30th annual Tour De Lites will be held in Pearland on Saturday, December 9, at Independence Park.
More than 100 individual bikers and many more riders on a trailer hayride are expected to tour the lights at Pearland’s Green Tee Terrace community.
A special thank-you goes out to the partners and sponsors who helped make last year’s event such a success. Registration for the 2023 event will be open soon.
When: Saturday, December 9, 2023 | 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Where: Independence Park, 3449 Pearland Parkway Pearland, TX 77581
How Much: $5 – $1,000
POST Houston’s Winter Wonderlawn
Image Credit: posthtx.com
Walkin’ in a Winter Wonderlawn!! POST has joined the Downtown Holiday Lights Celebration. Skylawn, their 5-acre rooftop park, will be decked out in beautifully illuminated lights and décor. Experience 100,000 lights, a 25ft Christmas Tree, and multiple holiday-themed activations on Skylawn with the best view of Houston’s skyline as the backdrop.
Winter Wonderlawn will be active until Jan 14th.
When: November 4, 2023 – January 14, 2024
Where: POST Houston, 401 Franklin Street Houston, TX 77002
How Much:
- Monday – Thursday: $10
- Friday – Sunday: $15
- Children 5 and under: Free
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in The Woodlands area
https://www.hellowoodlands.com/christmas-lights-in-the-woodlands-area/
be sure to see the WHOLE street at 1 Tangle Brush Drive too!
“Candy Cane Lane” on Robinson Rd. in Quail Valley, Missouri City!
Peatland was devastated by Harvey- might need to check Green Tee before heading over there
Thanks MJ. The community did host its 24th annual Tour de Lites December 9 to view Christmas lights.
Vicki
50K Lights all synchronized to music on a low band FM91.3 radio station. All weather event and even FREE Candy Canes on Fri/Sat in December from 7P-9P.
2984 County Road 855C – Alvin, TX
6P-10P Sun-Thur
6P-11P Fri/Sat
Hebert Synchronized light display! Perfect Choreography! Mega tree, mega wall, tons of strobes just like being at a TSO concert! Starts Dec 1, 2019 nightly from 6pm to 10pm. Tune your radios to 88.5FM.
NORTHWEST HOUSTON AREA
10334 Sweetwood Dr.
Houston, Texas 77070
Thanks for sharing!