Home For the Holidays

Hot Houston hotel deals guarantee a merry and bright staycation this holiday season

Soak in the Houston skyline from POST.

Photo courtesy of Houston First Corp.

It's the time of year when downtown Houston transforms into a shiny, sparkly, magical holiday wonderland, and you won't want to miss it.

Ready to experience the magic of the holiday season in Houston? Here's what to see and where to stay.

City Lights Downtown Holiday Magic
Take a stroll through 11 themed holiday villages, which encompass everything from life-sized chocolate sculptures to the state's biggest mistletoe to ice skating under the stars.

Grab a free ride from village to village in one of the festively decorated pedicabs provided by Downtown Houston+. Locate the holiday pedicab pickup stations at Discovery Green, Lynn Wyatt Square, POST Houston, Trebly Park, and Market Square Park.

For a nominal fee, guests can ride in a holiday-decorated double-decker trolley to five downtown stops: Trebly Park, Heritage Society, Avenida Houston/Discovery Green, Market Square Park, and POST Houston.

You'll also want to pick up a holiday passport from Market Square Park, Trebly Park, or Heritage Society for the chance to win awesome prizes, including a downtown holiday staycation package with a one-night stay at Hotel Icon, four tickets to a Theater District performance, and four tickets to a Houston Rockets game.

Happy hotel deals
Whether you're in town on vacation or keeping it close for a staycation, you'll want to bookmark these incredibly festive hotel offers.

Marriott Marquis Houston
Experience Texas Winter Lights at Marriott Marquis Houston at the Altitude Rooftop & Pool, famous for its Texas-shaped lazy river. Through December 31, 2023, it is transformed into an interactive light experience with thousands of twinkling lights and winter-themed activations. Guests can enjoy immersive light displays from 5-10 pm nightly.

The basic experience is complimentary for all hotel guests, but if you want a real VIP experience, upgrade your experience at Texas Winter Lights with promo code HOL, which includes VIP access to Texas Winter Lights for up to four people (including the brand-new interactive experience, the Virtual Reality Ride), $25 food and beverage credit, and upgrade to the pool-view guest room.

Hilton Americas-Houston
Get into the holiday spirit with the ´Tis The Season package, which includes a daily breakfast buffet, one complimentary Green Mountain Energy Ice ticket for ice skating at Discovery Green next-door, and a child’s treat upon arrival. Valid through January 28, 2024.

Hallmark enthusiasts will be enchanted by Hilton’s most festive collab of the year: an incredible partnership with Hallmark Channel to bring guests the most joyous, fun, and fabulously decorated two-bedroom Hallmark Holiday Suites. Inspired by the original Hallmark holiday movie premiere of Haul Out The Holly: Lit Up, these festive suites feature jaw-dropping holiday designs and light treatments throughout, including a holiday village, a gingerbread and cocoa bar, takeaway holiday gifts, and more (through December 31, 2023).

Other holiday offers at Hilton Americas-Houston you might want to checkout include Breakfast, Parking & WiFi: Enjoy your getaway with a full breakfast buffet for two, self-parking for one car, and WiFi; Park & Stay: Get daily parking each night of your stay; Experience the Stay: With an on-property credit and additional perks, like premium WiFi and early check-in.

Four Seasons Hotel Houston
Houston Getaway offer, valid for selected dates and with a minimum two-night stay, includes 20 percent off the room rate along with valet parking.

With Residents Retreat Package, you receive 10 percent off the room rate, daily full American breakfast for two served at Toro Toro or through in-room dining, and valet parking for one vehicle. Proof of Texas or Louisiana residency is required at check-in.

Advance Purchase allows you to save up to 25 percent on the room rate when you book your stay at least seven days in advance.

Don’t forget to visit The Spa and get a Peppermint Peace Massage, available only through the holiday season, to revitalize, hydrate and brighten the skin. You will also receive a travel-size peppermint scrub as a gift to continue the holiday spa experience at home.

C. Baldwin
With a Short & Suite package at the urban-chic C. Baldwin hotel, enjoy 15 percent off the best available rate for any of the suites and relish in the comfort of a sophisticated stay. And if you are traveling with your furry friend, check out the Pet Package — it includes waiving the pet fee, delicious treats, and complimentary overnight parking.

Hotel ZaZa Houston Museum District
For an exotic and unforgettable party on December 31 (10 pm-2 am), reserve the NYE at ZaZa package. It includes overnight accommodations, two NYE party wristbands at check-in, and New Year’s Day elevated brunch for two guests per room, including mimosas and more.

Dress to impress in your best cocktail attire and dance to today’s hottest hits. Enjoy wine, beer, and cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, decadent activations, heightened experiences and spectacular entertainment, and a lavish midnight countdown and bubbly toast. NYE party and brunch are exclusive to overnight guests of Hotel ZaZa.

Westin Collection - Houston Galleria
You don't even need to leave the building to shop in one of the largest malls in America, if you stay at The Westin Oaks Houston at The Galleria or The Westin Galleria Houston, two hotels directly attached to The Galleria mall, Houston's most celebrated retail and dining destination with over 400 stores, 70 of which are unique to the Houston area.

Through December 31, both hotels offer the Holiday Shop-cation Getaway, which includes deluxe accommodations, complimentary Wi-Fi, free valet parking, and a $50 gift card to use at the mall. Use promo code ZJL when booking.

JW Marriott by The Galleria
Make precious family memories with the Indoor Ice Skating package at the completely renovated JW Marriott Houston by The Galleria. In addition to luxury overnight accommodations and complimentary self-parking, you'll receive two tickets for admission to the indoor skating rink at The Galleria Mall along with vouchers for skate rental. Use promo code 11P (valid until December 11, 2023).

The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa
Perks & Presents package (available through December 30, 2023) lets you step into a magical wonderland this season, with twinkling trees, splendid décor, Houston's largest mistletoe kissing ball, and a Merry Mansions gingerbread house display above the Great Room Lobby's 30-foot fireplace.

Enjoy holiday entertainment by the fire, a menu of delectable holiday cocktails, and a collectible Kitty Keller ornament to hang on your tree. This holiday package includes specially priced guest room accommodations, two complimentary holiday themed cocktails at The Bar at The Houstonian per stay, a hand-painted glass Merry Mansions holiday ornament ($36 value), complimentary transportation to The Galleria and River Oaks District for holiday shopping and dining, complimentary holiday coloring books and crayons for children in-room, complimentary self-parking, late check-out on Sunday if applies to stay, and access to the exclusive Houstonian Club with three temperature-controlled pools. No resort fees and convenient 48-hour cancellation policy.

Hotel Zaza Memorial City
Hotel Zaza Memorial City, a haven of oversized, well-appointed accommodations — including Concept Suites and The Magnificent Seven Suites — and thought-provoking art, has created the perfect Winter Wonderland Spa Package to treat yourself after an incredibly busy year.

Indulge in a 120-minute session featuring a hot stone massage to help you relax and ease tense muscles, and a holistic facial to give your skin a pleasant refresh (available through December 22, 2023).

The Moran CityCentre
Located at the heart of one of Houston’s favorite shopping, dining, and lifestyle destinations, The Moran CityCentre is offering its Citycentre Steakation Package. This special offer includes a $100 restaurant gift card for every night of your stay. Use your gift cards at The Capital Grille, Seasons 52, Eddie V’s Prime Seafood, or Yard House, all steps away from the hotel, and experience the vibe of CityCentre.

Blossom Hotel Houston
This new hotel, inaugurated in February 2022, is located near Texas Medical Center and NRG Stadium. Stay two-plus nights and receive 15 percent off with the Stay Longer & Save Package.

Texas residents enjoy 10 percent off the best available rate plus two welcome drinks in the lobby lounge with Texas Resident Rate offer. A Valid Texas ID is required at check-in. Suite Promotion allows you to receive a one-time $100 food and beverage credit when you book a three-night stay in one of the luxurious suites.

Explore this Houston Hotel Guide and more hotel deals in Houston.

holidays hotels families vacation promoted

weekend event planner

Here are the top 14 things to do in Houston this weekend

Photo by Greg Noire

Doja Cat will perform at the Toyota Center on Saturday.

This weekend will have not one, but two events tailor-made for all the Chicano soul fans in Houston.

On Saturday afternoon at Cactus Music, DJ/historian Alex La Rotta will have a discussion with DJ/author Ruben Molina, who’ll be in town to talk about his latest book, The Dreamy Side: Rhythm and Blues and Chicano Culture in 1950s Los Angeles. (They’ll also perform Chicano-soul DJ sets at Johnny’s Gold Brick later that evening.) At the same time that’s happening, Chicano Boulevard will salute the Pan-America Ballroom, once a local mecca for Chicano and Tejano music, at Leonel Castillo Community Center.

Of course, plenty of other things are happening in Houston this weekend, from a block party to an oyster fest to a chance to go underground with the late, great David Bowie.

Thursday, November 5

Mid Main Houston First Thursday Block Party
Mid Main Houston First Thursday Block Party closes out its season of soirees with a party benefitting Houston SPCA, which will have a puppy adoption activation in the backyard of the Continental Club. Blue Heron Yacht Club will play the patio at Winnie’s, while DJ Good Grief will spin tunes at the Saint Arnold pop-up party in the breezeway. And don’t forget about the Winbern St. market, which will have a metal art show and sculptures from Mark “Scrapdaddy” Bradford. 6 pm.

Bari Ristorante presents An Evening with White Truffles
Held at Bari's newly-opened location in The Woodlands, the $245-per-person dinner features white truffles from Italy throughout a five-course menu. Selected by chefs Renato de Pirro and Marcelo Mintz, the wine pairings include Medici Ermete Unique Rosé and selections from Michele Chiarlo, including Barbaresco Reyna and Barolo Cerequio. 7 pm.

Bayou Music Center presents Labyrinth: In Concert
All the folks who grew up watching the 1986 musical fantasy flick Labyrinth – and ended up having crushes on David Bowie and/or Jennifer Connelly – will have the chance to see it on the big screen while a live band plays the score. Bayou Music Center will do a live-concert screening of the Jim Henson/George Lucas collab, where Connelly’s teen reaches the center of an enormous, otherworldly maze to rescue her infant half-brother from Bowie’s Goblin King. 8 pm.

Friday, November 6

Sugar Land Arts & Music Festival
The Sugar Land Arts & Music Festival will celebrate art, music, and community. Visitors can discover works from more than 100 juried artists and craftspeople from across the region; browse fine art, jewelry, pottery, photography and more throughout the open-air marketplace; enjoy live performances by local musicians and emerging artists; and relax in a curated wine garden and explore dining options from local restaurants and festival vendors. 5 pm (noon Saturday & Sunday).

Buffalo Soldiers National Museum presents A Soldier Soiree: Honor in Color
The Buffalo Soldiers National Museum will mark its 25th anniversary with A Soldier Soirée: Honor in Color. The evening will bring together supporters, community leaders, veterans, and friends of the museum to celebrate a quarter-century of preserving Black military history and to launch the museum’s grand reopening following its renovation. From the moment guests arrive, they are inside the story, surrounded by décor, cocktails, and spirits inspired by military favorites, and desserts crafted with the same intention as the program itself. 6:30 pm.

Theatre Under The Stars presents Lights Up Gala
Theatre Under The Stars will host its annual Lights Up Gala, headlined by stage/screen star Megan Hilty. The annual event brings together Houston’s arts supporters for an evening of entertainment and philanthropy benefiting TUTS’ artistic, education, and community programs. The gala will honor Demetra & Franklin D.R. Jones, Jr. for their leadership and longtime support of TUTS and the Houston arts community. Enjoy a night of fine dining, live and silent auctions, and entertainment in celebration of the impact of musical theatre in Houston. 6:30 pm.

Memorial Hermann Broadway at the Hobby Center presents Beetlejuice
Based on Tim Burton’s dearly beloved 1988 film, Beetlejuice is a hilarious musical that tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes. With an irreverent book, an astonishing set, and a score that’s out of this Netherworld, it’s a remarkably touching show about family, love, and making the most of every Day-O. 7:30 pm (2 & 7:30 pm Saturday; 1:30 & 7 pm Sunday).

Saturday, November 7

4th Annual San Leon Oyster Fest
The last time the San Leon Oyster Fest went down, it was way back in 2019. And now, seven years later, the Oyster Fest returns to Pier 6 Seafood, which has donated 1,500 tons of cured oyster shells. The fest will feature live performances from Kelly Williams & Andre Bateman, Big Gordon Band, David Joel, and headliner Colten Black. There will also be an oyster cook-off where attendees receive 12 grilled oyster tickets to sample two oysters from each of the six amateur, volunteer grill teams. 11 am.

AIA Houston Home Tour
The AIA Houston Home Tour features seven homes representing the finest in new residential architecture built in the last five years by AIA Houston architects. The self-guided, two-day event operates with the permission of homeowners, community cooperation, 200 volunteers, and participating architects eager to share their designs. It offers a unique opportunity to go inside a range of high-quality homes designed by local, licensed architects. Noon.

The Michael J. Fox Foundation presents Houston Run/Walk
The Michael J. Fox Foundation launched the Run/Walk Series in 2017 to connect those affected by Parkinson’s, their families and community supporters. Since then, the Series has expanded nationwide, raising over $10.1 million and uniting more than 33,800 participants. The family-friendly event offers a day of activity, community and valuable information about Parkinson's disease and local support resources. The Houston Run/Walk provides an opportunity to engage, raise awareness and make a difference. 8 am.

Doja Cat in concert
It seemed like it was just yesterday when Doja Cat hopped on the scene, with fries planted firmly in her nose, singing about wanting to be a cow. Somehow, that novelty song launched her career as a global pop superstar. The singer/rapper, who just turned 31 last month (she showed up at her birthday party rocking cow-print platforms) will be in Houston this weekend, in support of her latest album Vie. 7:30 pm.

Sunday, November 8

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presents Millennium Mambo
Millennium Mambo, from auteur Hou Hsiao-hsien, is an episodic, romance-tinged story about an aimless bar hostess (Shu Qi) drifting away from her possessive boyfriend and toward a suave, sensitive gangster. Structured as a flashback, the 2001 film is drenched in club lights, ecstatic endorphin-rush exhilaration, and a nagging undercurrent of urban ennui. This screening is part of the film series “Taiwanese Sensibility in Texas,” organized by Liam Lin, deputy director, Taiwan Academy of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Houston. 5:30 pm.

DACAMERA presents DACAMERA at the Eldorado: Skylar Tang
DACAMERA launches its popular DACAMERA at the Eldorado: Rising Jazz Stars series with 20-year-old trumpet phenom Skylar Tang. Born and raised in the Bay Area, Tang began playing the trumpet at age 9 and composing at age 14. Her quartet tours nationally and internationally and recently performed at the 2026 Montreal Jazz Festival. Tang has shared the stage with Joshua Redman, SFJAZZ Collective, the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Dee Dee Bridgewater, and Houston native Walter Smith III. 7 pm.

Steve Lacy in concert
It was just a few years ago when Steve Lacy was a teenage music wunderkind, coming up with beats on his phone and writing & producing for such artists as Kendrick Lamar, Vampire Weekend, Solange, and The Internet, where he also does guitar-playing duties. These days, Lacy is a solo star, scoring a Best Progressive R&B Album Grammy for his 2022 sophomore album Gemini Rights. Currently on tour in support of his new album, Oh yeah?, Lacy will be making a stop in Sugar Land this weekend. 8 pm.

Photo by Greg Noire

Doja Cat will perform at the Toyota Center on Saturday.

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