Bucket List-Worthy Things To Do In Houston At Christmas

Houston’s festive best – Polar train rides, tree farms, and meeting Santa!

Houston lights up with festive cheer every Christmas season.

From train rides and ice skating to live performances and holiday workshops, there’s something for everyone. 

Check out our picks for the best things to do during Christmas in Houston, for your December & New Year plans.

Experience The Polar Express Train Ride

Climb aboard the THE POLAR EXPRESS™ for a truly magical train ride this Christmas season.

The hour-long journey departs from the historic depot in Palestine, Texas, delivering hot chocolate, cookies, storytelling and a visit from Santa at “the North Pole.” 

Don pyjamas, sip cocoa, and let the ride whisk you and your loved ones into a holiday adventure you won’t forget.

Taking the Polar Express Train Ride – FAQs

Is the Galveston Polar Express a real train ride? Yes, but it’s a separate event hosted at the Galveston Railroad Museum. 

Houston CityPASS – Your Superpower for Holiday Fun

Grab the Houston CityPASS to catch the best of Houston this holiday season without juggling tickets or burning a hole in your wallet. 

For a one-time price, get entry to 5 top-tier attractions while cutting ticket costs by almost half.

Attractions include the Space Center Houston and 4 more picks from museums, zoos, aquariums or boardwalk fun.

It’s valid for 9 days, giving you flexibility to plan between festive events and family outings.

Speaking of the Space Center…

Explore the Houston Space Center

Step into Space Center Houston for a holiday outing filled with real NASA history and a truly magical atmosphere. 

Walk beneath the towering Saturn V, tour Historic Mission Control on the Tram Tour, and explore the shuttle replica perched on a 747 at Independence Plaza. 

With hands-on exhibits and festive lights during Christmas, it’s a standout experience for kids and adults alike.

Visiting the Houston Space Center – FAQs

How much does it cost to go to NASA Space Center Houston? Tickets can range from $25 for kids aged 4 & above to above $40 for senior citizens, but as we saw, you can save big with the CityPASS.

How long does it take to go through the Houston Space Center? You should budget a minimum of 4 to 5 hours, although many spend an entire day there.

Play Live‑Action Adventures at Exit Lab Houston

Bring family & friends to our Houston escape room for an unforgettable Christmas adventure! 

• Holiday Highlight: Find Santa’s list and save Christmas in The Nice List – a top holiday-themed experience in Houston.
• More Experiences: Try our other games, including saving a mythical island in The Return, surviving the Zombie Escape Room, and more.

Whether you’re bringing the kids for screen-free holiday fun, or your coworkers for a Christmas/New Year team event, our friendly staff and hands-on thrills will make it unforgettable!

PS: The Return is available as a 2-part series (just like a movie series!) or one combined 90-minute adventure.

Enjoy Festive Drinks at Holiday Pop‑up Bars

Get into the Christmas spirit with drinks, lights and holiday vibes at some of Houston’s top pop‑up bars.

🎄Tinsel Town: The Chifley hotel’s immersive Christmas pop‑up celebrates with themed cocktails, festive music, and photo‑worthy decor. Mid to upscale option with a trendy vibe.

🍸Frosty’s Christmas Bar: Two floors, multiple bars, life‑size Nutcrackers, holiday cocktails, and a lively party vibe make this one of the city’s most festive merry‑making spots. High‑energy with a party vibe; Perfect for groups.

🔔Holly Jolly Holiday Bar: A cozy downtown pop‑up drenched in tinsel and ornaments, serving seasonal cocktails and mocktails. Budget-friendly; Accepts reservations.

🌟Jingle Bell Bar: A cozy, playful holiday pop‑up with festive cocktails and themed rooms like Candy Cane Lane. Relaxed vibe; Offers takeout.

Whether you’re sipping a peppermint martini or snapping holiday photos under sparkling lights, these festive bars bring holiday cheer.

Decorate Gingerbread Houses – Fun for All

Deck the holidays by decorating a gingerbread house with family or friends.

Join the 16th Annual Gingerbread Build-Off (free public viewing & kids’ activities at Levy Park).

Or sign up for a hands-on workshop like Central Market Cooking School Houston’s “Make & Take” class, where candy, icing and creative fun await.

Christmas Tree Farm Visits For Families

Looking to bring home a real tree this Christmas? 

Try Old Time Christmas Tree Farm, a 40-acre family-owned farm where you can choose and cut your own pine or cypress, enjoy hayrides, or visit Santa. 

Or head to Dewberry Farm for a fun wagon-ride through a Christmas-tree forest. Cut your own tree or pick a pre-cut one, plus play areas and seasonal treats while you wait. 

For a quieter outing a bit outside the city, Holiday Acres Christmas Tree Farm offers a classic cut-your-own experience with fresh trees and a simple, family-friendly vibe.

Christmas Tree Farm Visits For Families – FAQ

How much would a Christmas tree farm visit cost a Houston family? On average, a family Christmas tree farm visit in the Houston area will run about $90–$160 for a typical 6–8 ft tree, and $200–$350 for bigger trees ((9–12 ft).

Catch Holiday Performances at Alley Theatre

Catch the festive spirit this December at Alley Theatre, Houston’s leading resident theatre. 

Their top holiday treats this year:

• A Christmas Carol. The timeless Dickens classic, remounted with Victorian sets, carols, and Christmas-spirit charm.
• The Night Shift Before Christmas, a modern, adult holiday comedy mixing humor and heart through a quirky Christmas Eve plot. 

Whether you’re after nostalgia or laughs, Alley’s holiday performances offer a warm, theatrical way to celebrate Christmas with friends or family.

Holiday Performances at Alley Theatre – FAQs

Is there a dress code for Alley Theater Houston? Dress as you please, but don’t be too informal. It may be cool inside, so you could carry a jacket. And if you don a hat, you should remove it so it doesn’t block the view of people behind you.

Where is a Christmas carol playing in Houston? The most popular rendition is at the Alley Theater!

How long is the Christmas Carol play? The length of the Christmas Carol play varies from production to production. At the Alley Theater, it’s roughly 2 hours and 15 minutes, including an intermission.

Have a Romantic Evening with a Candlelight Concert

Experience a Candlelight Concert for a romantic candlelit evening unlike anything else in Houston. 

These intimate performances pair live musicians with hundreds of glowing candles, creating a warm, cinematic atmosphere perfect for date night.

From classical favorites (think The Nutcracker) to holiday melodies (carols like O Holy Night), each show feels personal and immersive. 

These concerts offer a peaceful break from the bustle of daily life – the perfect romantic experience this Christmas.

Book tickets here.

Romantic Candlelight Concert – FAQs

What is the proper attire for a candlelight concert? There is no “proper” attire for a candlelight concert. Dress casually, but not too casually.

Are candlelight concerts just music? Nope, a Candlelight Concert is more than just music. It is an atmospheric experience combining music, an engaged audience, and warm & romantic lighting from candles.

Is a candlelight concert religious? Some programs may include religiously affiliated music, but they’re not explicitly religious as a whole.

Ice-skate at Discovery Green

Glide under downtown Houston’s skyline at the seasonal ice rink at Discovery Green.

Every winter, the park transforms its Kinder Lake basin into a sparkling ice rink, built with recycled materials and powered by renewable energy. 

Skating season usually runs November through mid‑February, with public hours most evenings. 

Whether you’re skating solo, with friends, or on a date, the festive lights and cheerful downtown vibe make this a memorable holiday outing.

Ice-skating at Discovery Green – FAQs

How much is Discovery Green ice skating? Skating at Discovery Green currently costs US $18 plus tax (skate rental included) for 75 minutes on the ice.

Have a Nostalgic Christmas Experience at Santa’s Wonderland

Step into Santa’s Wonderland — the South’s largest Christmas park — and rediscover holiday joy under millions of glittering lights, real Texas snow and ice, and festive sights that feel straight out of a storybook. 

Stroll through Santa’s Town, ride the hayride or horse‑drawn carriage along the dazzling Trail of Lights, meet Santa (or even Texas‑style Santa), and enjoy snow tubing, ice skating, live music and seasonal treats that delight all ages. 

Santa’s Wonderland is the perfect nostalgic experience for anyone wanting a classic Christmas outing with a Texas twist.

Pro tip: Get their Fast Pass to avoid standing too long in lines.

Visiting Santa’s Wonderland – FAQs

What are the ticket prices at Santa’s Wonderland? Regular tickets start around US $42 for kids and $52 for adults. 

A fast pass – called the Ultimate Express Pass – costs US $30 (on top of regular admission) to speed up access to select rides.

Houston’s top Christmas activities – FAQs

What are the must-visit holiday attractions in Houston during Christmas?

Must-visit holiday attractions in Houston include The Polar Express™ Train Ride, Santa’s Wonderland, Discovery Green’s ice rink, and hands-on experiences at Space Center Houston.

Where can I catch the best holiday light displays in Houston?

The best holiday light displays in Houston can be found at Santa’s Wonderland, Discovery Green, and various pop-up bars like Tinsel Town. 

Each venue offers millions of sparkling lights, festive decor, and photo-worthy spots perfect for soaking in the Christmas spirit.

What family-friendly Christmas events are available in Houston?

Houston offers a wide range of family-friendly Christmas events, including The Polar Express™ Train Ride, gingerbread house decorating workshops, tree farm visits at Old Time Christmas Tree Farm & Dewberry Farm, and seasonal activities at Santa’s Wonderland.

Where can I find unique holiday-themed experiences in Houston?

For unique holiday experiences, try live-action adventures at Exit Lab Houston, holiday pop-up bars like Frosty’s Christmas Bar, or hands-on workshops at Central Market Cooking School. 

Are there any special holiday performances or concerts in Houston?

Yes!

Catch festive performances at Alley Theatre, including A Christmas Carol and The Night Shift Before Christmas, or enjoy intimate Candlelight Concerts featuring classical favorites and holiday melodies.

Create Unforgettable Holiday Memories In Houston

Experience unforgettable holiday memories with Houston’s Christmas spirit and seasonal activities for all ages. 

Plan your Houston holiday trip today and make this season truly magical!