Light It Up
5 best Houston-area neighborhoods for spectacular holiday light displays
'Tis the season to be delighted, and you're in the right place: Houston has been named one of the top 25 cities to see holiday lights. Real estate website Redfin released the list, which features the five best neighborhoods in and around the Bayou City for sensational light displays, as determined by local real estate agents.
While some of these neighborhoods have professional displays, Redfin gives props to the dedicated families and communities that put in their own time to create spectacular holiday attractions.
Residents of Prestonwood Forest have been lighting up their northwest Houston neighborhood for 40 years. More than 750 homes participate in the annual Nite of Lites (through December 27), all competing for top prize in the 2015 People’s Choice Award.
Each year River Oaks is decked out to the nines with dazzling holiday décor. From mansions with giant Santas to oak trees dripping with cascading lights, the posh neighborhood never fails to impress. Redfin says to make sure not to miss Inwood Drive and Bellmeade Street.
Sugar Land residents go head-to-head on social media competing for first place in the area’s annual holiday lights contest. Check out the competition on the city’s Facebook page, or on Instagram (hashtag #SweetLights) as it heats up now through December 21. Redfin says to be sure to check out last year’s winning house – The Candy House in Covington Woods. The Stavinoha family has been decorating their home with a holiday treats theme for nearly 20 years.
Shepherd Park and Candlelight Park join together for a blowout Christmas lights display. Surrounding homes and parks get a holiday makeover with festive arches over the streets and large inflatable decorations. Redfin says it’s best to start north of West 43rd Street on either side of Ella Boulevard — and don't miss the aptly named Bethlehem Street.
If a car isn't your thing, pedal your way through a lights tour in Green Tee with mapped out stops at Independence Park, Liberty Drive and the Green Tree subdivision via bicycle. Keep Pearland Beautiful sponsors the 22nd Annual Tour de Lites Family Bicycle Ride on December 12, with proceeds supporting the city's hike-and-bike trails. (Note: due to the threat of rains and high winds, the bicycle ride has been canceled.)
Check out the Redfin roundup for more information on each neighborhood's collection of stunning light displays.
