Houston, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, especially thanks to City Lights Downtown Holiday Magic. Downtown Houston has transformed into a winter wonderland with 12 magical villages that deliver loads of dazzling experiences — by day and by night.
From enchanting Christmas trees to the joy of ice skating, the delight of life-size displays, and some pretty sweet encounters, there is so much to see and do for the whole family. Even sweeter? Many of the experiences are free or mostly free.
Presented by Shell Energy, City Lights is on now through December 31, 2024 (with some activations continuing into the New Year).
Here's your play-by-play for City Lights, whether you venture out during the day or night.
City Lights by day
Get a free pet pic with Santa Paws at Twinkle Town: The new Trebly Park (located near the Toyota Center) is wasting no time getting in the Christmas spirit. It’s home to Texas’ largest mistletoe ball and is serving up free hot chocolate, face painting, gift wrapping stations, and live holiday music.
There are plenty of opportunities for family photos too, including pet pics with Santa Paws every Saturday from 12-3 pm from December 7-21.
Pucker up in Twinkle Town.Photo courtesy of Houston First Corporation
Strike a pose at Jingle Town: Let the festive selfies commence! You don’t have to wait until after dark to snap a pic at Lynn Wyatt Square. The greenspace in the heart of the Theater District is the destination for holiday fun (and photo opps) with life-size frames, interactive musical Christmas trees, and a Santa’s reindeer installation, all produced by LeMonde Studios.
Go ice skating at ICE: As downtown's iconic skating rink, ICE brings plenty of holiday cheer at Discovery Green. During the week, the rink doesn’t open until 5 pm, but on the weekends you can start skating as early as 11 am.
Don’t miss Sundays with an ice-skating Santa on December 1, 15, and 22 from 4-5 pm. The fun continues into the New Year, too, with Bumper Cars on Ice from January 6-19, 2025.
Discovery Green has the city's only open-air skating rink.
J Vince Photography
Get the ultimate sugar rush at Land of Sweets: The legendary life-size, hand-sculpted chocolate display has transformed the lobby of the Hilton Americas into this year's “Night Before Christmas” scene that you just have to see to believe.
With 1,800 pounds of chocolate, it’s pretty sweet — especially when combined with 80,000 sparkling lights and 14-foot Champagne trees surrounded by more than 10,000 mini lights. Don't miss Breakfast with Santa at the hotel's 1600 Bar + Grill, which is on Saturdays and Sundays in December from 9 am-1 pm.
See the Christmas trees at Peppermint Plaza:
Sixteen gorgeously festooned Christmas trees, part of the Alley Theatre's annual Deck the Trees exhibit, are displayed in the Grand Holiday Window at the George R. Brown Convention Center on Avenida Plaza. Take in the magical trees at any time and day of the week!
City Lights by night
Jumpstart the holiday magic at City Hall-iday Lights: Get the holiday party started at the Reliant Lights Mayor’s Holiday Spectacular – 105 years at City Hall. On December 7 from 6-8 pm, Mayor John Whitmire and Reliant will officially illuminate the city landmark to the tune of live music, fireworks, photos with Santa, and the annual lighting of the holiday tree.
Dance under the lights (and stars) at Tinsel Town: Every Friday and Saturday from 6-9 pm, Market Square Park is putting on the ritz with loads of festive fun, including live music. You can bring the pup, too, for hot chocolate and puppychinos plus pics with Santa.
However, you’ll really want to turn up the volume on Saturday nights for the Silent Night Disco through December 20. Slip on a pair of glowing headphones and rock around the Christmas tree while you groove to DJ-curated playlists featuring holiday classics, upbeat hits, and wintry vibes.
Go with the Snow Glow on the Bayou: Take an immersive, holiday-themed boat tour along Buffalo Bayou and see the city skyline and the wonder of nature. Then, starting December 20, also experience the transformation of Allen's Landing into a spectacular fusion of tech and nature during Snow Glow. The scene-stealing projections of art and light illuminate a 100-foot screen, and it and the holiday boat tour both run through December 29.
Walk through a Winter Wonderlawn: With hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights, POST Houston has created the ultimate winter wonderland at Skylawn, the property’s five-acre rooftop garden.
At the center of it all is a 25-foot Christmas tree surrounded by multiple holiday-themed activations. A nominal fee will be charged for access to the POST’s rooftop during the holiday season, but it’s the perfect date night — or parents’ night out.
Take your pick from 19 fully decorated trees.Photo courtesy of Houston First Corporation
See A Christmas Carol and Deck the Trees: It's a holiday tradition that never gets old, with Alley Theatre's performances of the Dickens classic running through December 29. While you're there, don't miss the 19 unique and dazzlingly decorated Christmas trees on display.
Enjoy a festive float at Texas Winter Lights: The Texas-shaped lazy river at Marriott Marquis’ rooftop deck is ready for its winter close-up. Float the river while gazing at the magical 100,000 lights and experiencing a nightly snowfall.
Come for the float — and a festive cocktail or two — but stay for the nightly snowfall and virtual rides on Santa’s sleigh. There are also theme nights in the mix like Monday Night Football, Silent Disco, Game Night, and more. Family movie nights are on Tuesdays and date-night movies are Thursdays. Admission is complimentary for hotel guests, and a nominal admission fee for others.
Head to the rooftop at Marriott Marquis Houston.Photo courtesy of Houston First Corporation
Join the Ugly Sweater Holiday Jam at Twinkle Town: By night, Twinkle Town is just as fun with live entertainment and more. But save the date for December 12 and grab your most insane holiday garb for the Ugly Sweater Holiday Jam from 7-9 pm.
There’s plenty more to see and do during City Lights. Make your own magic and chart your holiday course here.
