Houston’s Most Impressive Holiday Lights for 2017

Make some hot cocoa, load the kiddos up in the car, and venture out to one {or ALL} of the amazing light displays in and around Houston.  This year, we are thrilled to have the Sugar Land Skeeters in conjunction with Constellation Field as sponsors of our guide to Houston’s Most Impressive Holiday Lights for 2017. 

The 4th Annual Sugar Land Holiday Lights returns to Constellation Field this season, and the showcase of lights will feature over 100 walkthrough displays and 2.5 million lights all throughout the ballpark. This year will also feature a number of exciting additions – including a carnival outside the ballpark, new theme nights, and more. Plus, Santa Claus himself will be available each night through December 23rd, along with a variety of food trucks and children’s activities to make for a fun-filled night for all. See details below for this affordable and festive event, and head to SugarLandHolidayLights.com to reserve tickets for your family now! {Adult tickets are $14; Kids, seniors, military, & groups of 10 or more are just $10; and Littles 3 & under are FREE!}

If you haven’t already, be sure to follow us on all of our social media outlets {FacebookInstagramTwitter, and Pinterest} and subscribe to our weekly newsletter to stay up to date on the latest Houston happenings as well!

Santa’s Wonderland {November 10th – January 7th | Check website for times} 
Holidays with a Texas flare, y’all! Just a short drive outside of Houston in College Station, you can take in the amazing views via Hayride or VIP Horse & Carriage Tour. Texas Country talent will be performing each night which is sure to put you and yours in the holiday spirit too. {And mamas, they’ve got a Wonderland Winery too!}

Magical Winter Lights {November 10th  January 2nd | Check website for times} 
Back again this year, this stunning light festival bases it’s light designs from Chinese lantern structures and magically transforms them into larger-than-life landmarks from around the world. Besides the lights, your family can also enjoy cultural performances, carnival rides and games, and character entertainment.

Moody Gardens – Festival of Lights {November 11th – January 7th | Opens at 6pm} 
Enjoy a mile-long trail with over a million lights and lighted scenes all throughout the Moody Gardens property. While you’re there, be sure to also check out the outdoor skating rink, concession areas with hot chocolate and snacks, holiday buffets, live entertainment, and more!

Zoo Lights {November 18th – January 14th | Check website for times} 
Houston Zoo Lights returns with over 15 miles of earth-friendly LED lighting this year. Plan to stay for the yummy treats including s’mores, funnel cakes, and sticky buns. If you are a bargain hunter, take advantage of the value nights, typically Monday through Thursday evenings.

Sugar Land Holiday Lights at Constellation Field {November 24th – January 1st | Check website for times} 
Back by popular demand at the home of the Skeeters for the 4th year running, this impressive holiday light display is bigger and better than ever with over 2.5 million sparkling lights in 8 different themed areas. This year’s showcase of lights will feature over 100 displays, including Texas’ largest inflatable snow globe and a giant Texas flag. Santa Claus will also be available for photo opps nightly through December 23rd. Make note of the special events below, and then get your tickets here!

  • Every Monday {excluding November 27th & December 4th} :: Kids Discount Night, with $10 kids tickets
  • Saturday, December 2nd :: Girl Scout Sleepover Night
  • Friday, December 8th :: Lights on Leashes, bring your pups!
  • Saturday, December 9th :: Boy Scout Sleepover Night
  • Friday, December 29th :: Ginger Bread House Contest

Photo Credit :: Sugar Land Holiday Lights at Constellation Field

Project Noel {November 25th – January 6th | Check website for days & times} 
For over 40 years, the Richmond State Supported Living Center has been hosting Project Noel – a collection of holiday light displays featuring all your family favorites! Santa and his elves will be visiting the first two weekends in December, and you can snap a FREE picture with your camera or purchase them for $5 each.

The Rice Village Sing-Off & Christmas Tree Lighting {November 29th | 6 8pm}
Rice Village District is bringing back their historic Christmas tree lighting … but with a modern twist on the holiday event by pairing it with a star-studded a cappella competition inspired by the popular movie franchise Pitch Perfect.  Emcee of the competition will be famed Dancing with the Stars professional and Emmy-nominated choreographer Tony Dovolani. Judging the competition is Houston’s own Freddy Cruz of 104.1 KRBE, Chloe Dao of Project Runway, and Houston Chronicle Music Critic Joey Guerra.  This is a FREE event for the family, so be sure to stick around for the tree lighting to follow!

Mayor’s Holiday Celebration and Tree Lighting {December 1st | 6 – 8pm}
Ring in the season with the 98th Annual Mayor’s Holiday Celebration and Tree Lighting in the heart of Downtown Houston. Enjoy the thousands of glowing LED lights on the holiday tree and musical entertainment. Pssst… Don’t forget to exchange a new, unwrapped toy for a light up Santa hat at the Reliant Booth. Proceeds benefit the Salvation Army Greater Houston Area Command.

Kingwood’s Annual Tree Lighting {December 2nd | 10am – 6pm} 
Head north for “Christmas in the Park!” This annual festival attracts dozens of local vendors sure to get you in the shopping mood, and pictures with Santa are a must! Wrapping up the event, the Town Center Christmas Tree will be lit at 6pm.

Sugar Land’s Annual Tree Lighting {December 7th | 5 – 8pm} 
This stunning 40 foot tree is not to be missed! Entertainment and activities are completely free to the public, and this year’s fun will include holiday crafts, face painting, performances by local artists and choirs, and photos with Santa.  Food and beverages will be available for purchase too.

Lights in The Heights  {December 9th | 7 – 10pm}
Come out to The Heights for the best neighborhood Christmas festival in Houston! See performers on porches and walking down the street. You might spot Santa and Ms. Claus too! {This event typically gets very crowded so make sure you plan ahead for parking!}

Houston Historical Holiday Lights Tours {Check website for dates & times} 
This fantastic opportunity includes 9 different holiday light tours ranging in length from 3 to 7 hours long. Wind through some of Houston’s most historical neighborhoods or choose a walking tour to burn off your Christmas treats. Check their website to find out exact meeting locations and contact information.


Looking for more holiday fun? Don’t miss The ULTIMATE Guide to Holiday Events in Houston below!


Please Note :: While we make every effort to crosscheck current links and event details on our guides, we always encourage you to do the same before making final plans. If details are missing or incorrect, please let us know so that we can make every attempt to correct them.  And if you know of any other holiday happenings around town, include them in the comments to keep the list going as well!

Previous articleSpecial Holiday Events In & Around Houston for 2017
Next article2017 Houston Area Santa Sightings
Meagan Clanahan
Meagan is a Dallas native who has lived in the Katy area for over a decade. She kicked a soccer ball all the way to Louisiana to attend college at her family’s alma mater of LSU, where she promptly fell in love with a Texas Aggie in Baton Rouge for an internship. After swimming back to Texas following Hurricane Katrina, Matt and Meagan fell in love with the Houston area and now couldn’t imagine living anywhere else. Following several years of infertility, their miracle twins Ryan and Quinn were born in June of 2010. She believes there is nothing better than a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio, a large Sonic Diet Coke, sushi take-out, Girls Nights Out, and a mindless book to curl up with. Besides playing chauffeur and catering to the whims of her children, Meagan also is the Co-Owner of Houston Moms Blog. You can keep up with Meagan at The Clanahan Fam and on Instagram @meaganclanahan!

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here