Get a jump on next year's holiday cards by taking a stroll through City Lights in downtown Houston, where magic waits around nearly every corner.
There are several spots for snapping the best Instagram pic, all while listening to roaming carolers and other live musicians sing holiday favorites and snacking on roasted chestnuts (and more) from various vendors.
Photo courtesy of Houston First Corporation
Downtown Houston is a photo opp dream this time of year.
Here's where to stop and pose:
The tunnel
Step into the 80-foot-long tunnel of more than 100,000 LED lights across from the Hobby Center — it is the perfect backdrop for a group or single photo.
The angel wings
For the perfect shot of these Illuminated wings at Central Library, sit on the block at the wings to create the perfect perspective.
Discovery Green
The 100-year-old live oaks are positively covered in winter white lights. Stroll under the canopy of twinkling branches to ICE @ Discovery Green for open-air ice skating.
Harmonies by LeMonde Studio
Step into a world where music and magic meet in a captivating series of interactive music boxes presented by the Houston Theater District in partnership with Lynn Wyatt Square, Market Square Park, and Trebly Park.
With a simple turn of the crank, 10 music boxes of various shapes harness the power of human energy to weave mesmerizing soundscapes and illuminate their surroundings with enchanting lights. Visitors will be fascinated by the larger-than-life creations, which include a giant Nutcracker, guitar slide, massive boombox, a banjo, violin, music note, theater mask, mic, and an elegant harp, each with its own unique soundtrack.
Santa’s Village
Take a stroll down Main Street from Dallas to Commerce, where you will stumble upon Santa’s Village. Pictures with Santa happen every Friday and Saturday from 6-9 pm, and if Santa isn't there, then take a picture in front of the Illuminated "NOEL" sign.
Mistletoe Square
Head to Market Square Park to share a smooch under Texas' largest mistletoe. It's a 150-inch ball of greenery hanging from a giant, 15-foot candy cane that needs to be seen to be believed!
Sugar Plum Plaza
Fish Plaza at Wortham Theater is home to oversized hourglasses created by Creos. These oversized time catchers allow a magical way to take control of time as you sing, clap, or do whatever inspires you.
Land of Sweets
This year's famed chocolate masterpiece in the Hilton Americas Hotel lobby is Super Mario Bros. themed. Take a seat on the red couch in front of the display for the perfect Instagram shot, but try not to drool from the scent of all that chocolate. There's also a beautifully decorated tree in the lobby.
The big tree
City Hall-iday Headquarters, or City Hall, is where you can get the best view of H-Town’s towering Christmas tree in Hermann Square.
Texas Winter Lights
This impressive display runs through December at Marriott Marquis Houston and gathers 20-plus Instagram-worthy spots in one place. Tickets start at $15 and include such magical sights as a light-up swing, disco ball, archway of lanterns, and a grove of lit trees that come complete with a nightly snowfall.
Don't forget to pause at the giant snow globe in the hotel's lobby or check in for a chance to float the famous, Texas-shaped lazy river that's heated to 80 degrees all winter.
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Get more info on City Lights here.
