h-town All aglow

Houston's most spectacular winter light shows and events dazzle for the holidays

The plunging thermostats, decorations decking the halls of stores and homes, and wintry music all mean one thing: the holiday season in Houston is finally here.

For many, that means a merry tradition of donning warm winter wear and strolling through the dozens of holiday light displays around the city.

From cosmic Christmas at Space Center Houston to a wild affair at the Houston Zoo to wondrous spectacles at Houston Botanic Garden and downtown Houston, these festive events are sure to light up Yuletime. Here's our roundup of where to see dazzling lights with family, friends, and visitors — from new events to ongoing spectacles.

Four Seasons Houston annual tree lighting
Head to what's been called "Houston's Living Room" downtown for a beloved and grand affair in the Four Seasons' elegant lobby. The fun includes a hot chocolate station, TUTS Choir performance, eggnog and Champagne, and the lighting of the hotel’s stunning Christmas trees. The free event takes place iin the lobby, with a portion of the proceeds from Bayou & Bottle and Toro Toro benefitting Camp H-Town. Free. November 22. 5-7 pm.

Wortham Center Tree Lighting
The annual holiday kickoff offers pictures with Santa, kid-friendly activities, and a special performance by members of the cast of Houston Grand Opera's El Milagro del Recuerdo. Free. November 23. 11 am to 1 pm.

Uptown Holiday Lighting
The cherished Houston family tradition, now in its 34th year, takes place on Thanksgiving evening. Thousands are expected to gather for the illumination of Uptown’s 300 custom, 20-foot holiday trees along Post Oak Boulevard from the West Loop to Richmond Avenue. The free family event features a market with holiday shopping and treats, street entertainment, and a special appearance from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Following the ceremonial lighting of the trees, the evening will close with a brilliant light show and fireworks. November 24. 4-7 pm.

Post Oak Hotel
Registered guests can celebrate the hotel's annual tree lighting with festive beverages and live music. There's also a gift cart to find a special gift for everyone on the list. November 26. 5 pm.

Reliant Lights Mayor's Holiday Spectacular
Gloria Gaynor brigs some soul and sass to this annual event held at Houston City Hall. There will be a tree lighting, music and performances, and photos with Santa. Free. All are encouraged to bring something to donate to the Houston Food Bank or Toys for Tots. December 3. 6 pm to 8 pm.

Deck the Park at Memorial Park
Deck the Park brings thousands of lights along the park's half-mile promenade at the the Eastern Glade. A ticketed preview event on December 2 at 4 pm is a family-friendly affair, featuring crafts, treats, and more. The $85 family pack includes five tickets, five mugs of hot chocolate, and a picnic blanket. December 3 through January 1, 2023. Sundown.

Ongoing

Lightscape at Houston Botanic Garden
Lightscape (read our full story here) lets guest wander the garden's winding paths, exploring illuminated installations, a tunnel of lights, and other enchantments, all set to holiday tunes. $26 to $28, adults; $16 to $18 children ages three to 15. Through January 1, 2023. Timed entry begins at 5:30 pm.

Zoo Lights
The Houston Zoo transforms into a winter wonderland with this beloved annual event. "Snowy Slopes" features ski lifts near the Reflection Pool. Life-sized animal lanterns light the zoo's winding paths. Look for a 33-foot, color-changing holiday tree, perfect for photo opps. From $21. Through January 8, 2023. 5:30 pm-10:30 pm.

Dasher's Lightshow
Head to Humble for this multi-sensory experience featuring mesmerizing lights flashing in sync with music, light-adorned tunnels, and twinkling Christmas decorations along a mile-long route. Guests have the option of driving along the route or parking and watching curated segments of the show. $29.95 per car to drive; $9.95 per person to park and watch. Through December 31.

Galaxy Lights
Space Center Houston's annual spectacular is an immersive experience with space-themed light installations. The new Deep Space Backyard is a journey through the solar system. A crystal fireworks display showcases the colors of the galaxies, one of only two such displays in the world. Tickets start at $19.95. Through January 1, 2023.

Holiday Lights at Constellation Field
This Sugar Land event features more than three million lights, 10 themed areas, holiday shopping, and much more. It's family friendly, offering plenty to do for all ages. $15 adults, $12 children ages four to 12. Through January 1, 2023. 6 pm.

City Lights Downtown Holiday Magic
Explore all of downtown Houston through a variety of lighted displays and holiday attractions. (Read our full story here.) Check out the 30 illuminated Christmas trees in the George R. Brown Convention Center. Visit the Land of Sweets in the Hilton Americas Houston. Head over to Main Street for Santa's Village. See Market Square Park transformed into Mistletoe Square. And walk through 100,000 twinkling lights in the Theatre District. Download a pass with all the attractions listed and check off those visited for a chance to win prizes such as tickets to the Alley Theatre's A Christmas Carol. Through January 2, 2023. 5 p.m.

Texas Winter Lights
Head to the Marriott Marquis Houston in downtown for this interactive experience on the deck of the iconic Texas-shaped pool. Expect Insta-worth backdrops, light displays, and killer downtown views. Tickets start at $25. Through January 6, 2023. 5 pm to 10 pm. Weekends only for non-hotel guests.

Magical Winter Lights
Head to Houston Raceway Park in Baytown for this illuminated spectacular that features lantern displays, a caste-themed entrance, and fun for the whole family. For an extra fee, families can attend a performance by Circus Espana, which transports guests to a 1920s winter tale in a faraway place, a story told through jugglers, acrobats and a little magic. $25 adults, $17 children ages 2-12. Through January 7, 2023. 5 pm to 10 pm Sunday through Thursday; 5 pm to 11 pm Friday and Saturday.

Festival of Lights
Moody Gardens glitters up the holiday season, with this mile-long stroll lit by more than 2 million lights and accented by holiday music. Stops along the route feature a dancing Christmas tress, holiday-themed concessions, and more. Through January 7, 2023.

Christmas Village
Walk across an illuminated bridge and into a winter wonderland at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston's Bayou Bend and Gardens. This immersive experiences includes tours of the historic Hogg mansion, holiday carols, sledding down a faux-snow slide, photos with Santa for an extra fee, and more. $15 adults $10 children ages five to 12. December 9- December 30. 5:30 pm to 9 pm.

Photo courtesy of Lightscape

Houston Botanic Garden presents Lightscape.

Movie Review

Twin sisters set out for revenge in Tarantino-esque film 'Is God Is'

Photo by Patti Perret

Kara Young and Mallori Johnson in Is God Is.

The revenge story is one of the most enduring in all of cinema as it can be adapted to multiple different genres. It most naturally fits in the action/thriller genre, but comedies, dramas, Westerns, and more have made good use of characters seeking revenge. The new film Is God Is demonstrates that malleability by detailing an intensely personal story that turns into something bigger.

Twins Racine (Kara Young) and Anaia (Mallori Johnson) have lived a difficult life, going in and out of foster care and forced to endure stares and taunts because each bears burn scars from a childhood attack. Racine, whose scars are “only” on her left arm, has developed into the protector of Anaia, who suffered burns over much of her face.

An unexpected call from their mother, Ruby (Vivica A. Fox), who was burned almost beyond recognition in the attack, gives them a purpose: Seeking revenge on the man who ruined their lives. Setting out in a barely working car and with only a small amount of direction, the sisters attempt to fulfill the mission without losing their souls.

Written and directed by first-time feature filmmaker Aleasha Harris, the film may remind some viewers of Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill, and not just because Fox has small roles in both films. Harris has a knack for dialogue, especially between the twins, that ably gets across the story exposition and entertains at the same time. There are many instances where she has the sisters hold silent conversations told on screen via subtitles to convey twin-speak, a method that deepens their connection and draws the viewer in.

Harris also has her characters engage in the type of shocking violence that Tarantino has used to great effect. The difference here, though, is that even though the story is heightened to a certain degree, the egregious nature of the crime perpetrated upon the girls and their mother makes the whole thing feel bracingly real. This revenge plot is not meant to merely entertain; it’s designed to put the audience in Racine and Anaia’s shoes and fully embrace the call for justice.

There are a few times when the lack of experience by Harris shows up, especially in the climactic sequence where the stunt work could have used some more precision. But overall, it’s a self-assured filmmaking debut for the playwright-turned-director, who’s adapted her own play with a richness and depth that is not often found from someone stepping behind the camera for the first time.

Young and Johnson don’t especially look alike, but they embody the essence of twin sisters, and it’s their chemistry together that makes the story as impactful as it is. They’re joined by other strong female performances by Fox, Erika Alexander, and Janelle Monáe, each of whom brings a different vibe. And anyone who loves This is Us or Paradise should prepare themselves for a completely different kind of role for Sterling K. Brown.

Is God Is uses a variety of inspirations for its storytelling, but in the end it becomes its own thing. The filmmaking world can always stand to have another strong Black voice, and Harris has made an auspicious debut, one that should have cinephiles wondering what she’ll do next.

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Is God Is opens in theaters on May 15.

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