It is the most wonderful time of year. Part of that magic is everywhere you look lights are twinkling and making things festive from white, to multi-colored to rain drops lights to flashing lights the world seems to sparkle just a little more this time of year.
More than half the Panthers interviewed mention that lights are their favorite part of Christmas. Some people are very minimal with Christmas lights, and they still look nice while others go beyond and do some of the craziest light shows and displays. Besides doing your own lights there are many places to check out lights in the Greater Houston Area from neighborhoods to big lighting attractions. Make sure to enjoy lights this holiday season.
Daryan Villarreal said that his favorite is when he goes to the neighborhoods like River Oaks which has been doing these light shows for almost thirteen years. These homes are beautiful, huge and have hundreds of thousands of lights so much so that installment for most of these homes ranges from five thousand up to one hundred thousand. Owners pay huge crews of up to 20 plus men to install lights. Thousands of families show up to see the stunning lights and take photos, you can also visit Santa at 3403 Del Monte from 7 to 11 pm Fridays and Saturdays. The display lights are open from viewing from 5-10 pm nightly.
Other local Neighborhoods to check out include:
The Pin Oak Subdivision by Katy Mills Mall
Families go all out with lights and decorations there is even a famous house that show Charlie Browns True Meaning of Christmas Scene on a big projector screen. Another must see house in the subdivision is located at 24603 Stoughton Court off I-10 and Pin Oak in West Houston, celebrating years of synchronized lighting. It has featured more than 50,000 LED lights, a 32-foot tree, 10-foot Nutcrackers, and a Christmas show with 17 songs broadcast on 89.9 FM.
Woodland Heights and Heights
Known for its Christmas lights and its famous Lights in the Heights, this is an easily accessible neighborhood with many award-winning lights displays. Drive within the area bordered by I-10, Heights Boulevard, and 19th Street to I-45, and you will be sure to find many eye-catching and magical holiday scenes. The featured streets this year will be Omar and Highland from Studewood to Beauchamp. The woodland heights luminaires Situated in the heart of Houston, the Woodland Heights neighborhood proudly upholds a cherished and intimate holiday tradition known everywhere as “Lights in the Heights.” Every year, the community comes together to transform the streets into a mesmerizing display of warmth and festivity. Residents line their pathways with luminaries, crafting a radiant and welcoming glow that guides visitors through the charming labyrinth of historic bungalows and Victorian-style homes. The soft flicker of candlelight against the architectural tapestry creates a truly magical atmosphere, where every corner exudes a sense of camaraderie and seasonal merriment. The historic charm of the neighborhood, with its well-preserved bungalows and elegant Victorian residences, serves as an idyllic backdrop to this enchanting celebration. As you stroll through the softly illuminated streets, it becomes evident that “Lights in the Heights” is more than just a display of lights; it is a communal embrace of the holiday spirit. The shared effort of residents in adorning their homes with festive brilliance reflects the unity and pride that define this close-knit neighborhood. It is a time when neighbors become friends, and the spirit of the season is woven into the very fabric of Woodland Heights.
Prestonwood
Start at Prestonwood Forest Drive, just off Highway 249. This neighborhood in Northwest Houston is known to be the top area to experience extravagant Christmas lights with themed streets and even a chance to see Santa. Since the 1980s, neighbors have competed in several categories, including best house, best block, and even best lamp post. Visit Prestonwood Forest’s annual Nites of Lites event from Dec. 9 – 31, 2023, and see a wide variety of traditional and modern looks. Plan for this trip to take an hour and a half to two hours in order to have time to see all the complex displays
Johnson’s Christmas Corner
This house is close in Cypress located at 14811 Cypress Meadow Dr. Cypress 77429. This family has been going all out since 2005 with 70,000 lights synchronized to 50 songs. The house also has snow and bubble machines and guest can visit with Santa.
There are also many other locations to check out grand light displays with family and friends this season.
City Lights Downtown Holiday Magic
Visit 11 different holiday-themed “villages” across Downtown Houston to see stunning light displays and participate in family-friendly seasonal activities. For example, you can ice skate at Discovery Green, see a magical Christmas tree display in the “Grand Holiday Window” at the George R. Brown Convention Center, or visit the sweet holiday display in the Hilton Americas-Houston lobby that is made with more than a ton of chocolate.
Houston Raceway Magical Winter Lights now at Katy Mills Mall
Jeremy Martinez a Cy Springs Senior said that his favorite lights were the Houston Raceway Magical Winter Lights which is different it is a walk-through light display and many people like this one because of the variety and volume there is so much to do and see here and so much variety with over 6 million lights in Baytown. There is also a carnival with more than 20 different rides to go and explore.
“These lights are one of my favorite things to do while it’s nice and cold,” Martinez said.
This year these lights just got easier to see as they have moved to Katy Mills Mall and are open until January 7th. The displays feature landmarks from all over the world as well as 100 decorative lanterns throughout the Magical Lights. There are also nightly Chinese Acrobats performances.
Sugarland Holiday Lights
Constellation Field, home of the Astros Triple Baseball Team the Space Cowboys, has been transformed into a Winter Wonderland with 3 million lights and themed displays throughout the stadium. You can also complete your holiday shopping and take advantage of special theme and discounted nights. The lights are open until January 1.
Guests can enjoy the snow slide and snow play area for extra cost. Many nights there are also live musical performances. The lights are open Sunday-Thursday nights from 6-9pm and on Fridays, Saturdays, and Holidays from 6-10 pm. On New Year’s Eve the lights will feature a firework show and be open until midnight.
Zoo Lights
At the Houston Zoo for families seeking a wild twist on Christmas lights, the Houston Zoo hosts its enchanting annual “Zoo Lights” extravaganza. As the sun sets, thousands of twinkling lights bring the zoo to life, casting a festive glow on animal-shaped light sculptures and turning the grounds into a magical wonderland. Majestic oak trees adorned with vibrant hues add to the whimsical atmosphere, creating an immersive experience that captivates visitors of all ages. “Zoo Lights” offers families a unique and joyful holiday tradition, where the combination of sparkling lights and the natural beauty of the zoo creates lasting memories and a wild twist on the classic Christmas lights celebration. Zoo Lights are nightly from 5:30-10:30 until January 7th. Tickets range from $33.45 to $35.45 depending on which date you go.
Houston Center Botanic Gardens
This lighting wonder runs until February to celebrate the Chinese New Year. You will see 50 Chinese lanterns including a 200-foot Dragon and a 12-foot-tall Peacock. There is also an illuminated playground for children and those childlike at heart to enjoy. The gardens are open Friday-Sunday and the cost is $28.50 for guests over 3 years old.
Galaxy Lights
If you love Space and lights a trip to Space Center Houston during the holiday season can be extra magical. You will walk through snow flurries while witnessing synchronized led lights, planetary models, tunnels, an indoor mentor shower and so much more. You and your family and friends are sure to have an out of this world experience. Lights run through January 7th and tickets cost between $19.95-$27.95.
Moody Gardens
If you do not mind a longer drive and you never been Christmas at Moody Gardens is a unique experience. You will see 2 million lights and themed displays over the one-mile trail of the Festival of Lights. You will see magnificent views of Galveston Bay and enjoy Star the Dancing Tree of Light. The wonder does not stop there as guests can partake in ice skating and snow flurry activities while sipping hot coco and eating fireside smores. Guest can visit Iceland as the Rainforest is turned into icy fun including an Artic Slide. Moody also offers holiday 3D films as well as Rudolph in 4D. Train rides are also available for children. Tickets for the Festival of Lights range from $21-$29 dollars with additional costs for other activities. Looking for something to do Christmas Eve or Christmas Day Moody Gardens is open on Eve 10 am-10 pm and Christmas Day from 12 p.m. to 10 pm. Festival of Lights runs daily until January 6th.
If those options are not enough there are also two big drive-through light parks you could visit.
Dasher’s Light Show
Head to Sam Houston’s Race Park for their 4th season of lights choreographed to your favorite holiday tunes. You will drive through light tunnels and creative displays while making memories of a lifetime. Price starts at $9.95. Price is per person, per vehicle. Purchase tickets online for selected dates and arrive anytime between 6-9 pm to enjoy the show. You can also purchase a hayride through the lights this year. Lights run through December 31st.
The Light Park
Check out these electrifying lights and holiday music at the drive- thru show in Katy at Typhoon Texas. This event is priced per vehicle starting at $49 dollars online and $50 at the gate. There is an opportunity to buy a VIP pass to skip the line or to go through a second time if there is no one waiting.