Houston Zoo Lights
'Tis the season for one of Houston's most beloved holiday traditions; TXU Energy presents Zoo Lights at Houston Zoo is back! Tickets are available online now. Through January 5, guests can take in the sights and sounds of the season as they stroll through the transformed winter wonderland. They will enjoy the beautiful Zoo grounds illuminated with earth-friendly LED bulbs, take photos in front of this year's new Whimsical Wildlife tree, and sip hot chocolate at one of the s'mores-making stations. houstonzoo.org/zoolights
Houston Ballet Nutcracker
Experience the ultimate holiday enchantment with Stanton Welch's The Nutcracker, a cherished Houston tradition. After the annual Stahlbaum Christmas party, embark on a journey through the dazzling Land of Snow to the radiant and jubilant Kingdom of Sweets alongside Clara, Drosselmeyer, and the Prince. Witness their reunion with the Sugar Plum Fairy amidst the clouds, where true magic unfolds. houstonballet.org
Houston Botanic Garden Radiant Nature
The holiday season begins with Radiant Nature, an installation at Houston Botanic Garden featuring 50 large-scale Chinese lantern displays, including a 200-foot dragon and a 12-foot peacock. Open weekends and select weeknights through February 23, it celebrates nature's beauty and holidays. The event includes an interactive zone, food, and drinks and is wheelchair accessible. hbg.org
Magical Winter Lights
Magical Winter Lights celebrates its 10th anniversary at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds through January 5, 2025. The new location offers expanded space, more parking, and new lantern displays, creating an enhanced experience. Highlights include larger-than-life displays, a returning acrobatic show, iconic attractions like the grand entrance castle, a dinosaur exhibit, Houston-themed displays, and a family-friendly carnival. magicalwinterlights.com
Discovery Green
Discovery Green is the place to be this season. Atlas by Jen Lewin and Green Mountain Energy Ice return to Discovery Green this winter. Atlas, featuring 24 handcrafted glowing moths, will be on display from November 15 to February 16. New activities include Bumper Cars on Ice, available from January 6-19. Special Skaters nights on December 3 and January 28 offer exclusive skating for individuals with disabilities and their families. discoverygreen.com
Moody Gardens
Moody Gardens transforms into a festive wonderland with Holiday in the Gardens from November 23 to January 1. New attractions include Ice Land: Pole-to-Pole, featuring two million pounds of ice sculptures and a giant ice slide. Also debuting is *Holiday Fantasy: A Live Show Spectacular*, blending Broadway-style performances with acrobatics and illusions. Returning favorites include the Festival of Lights and Shiver's Ice Bar. moodygardens.com