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Looking for things to do on Christmas Day in Houston? Here’s what’s open on Christmas Day in Houston.
In Houston, there are actually quite a few things to do on Christmas Day, and that’s good news for those of us who find ourselves wishing for something other than eating more food or playing another round of Scrabble Junior.
Here are 10 fun things to do on Christmas Day in Houston and the surrounding area that you can make a part of your holiday traditions. And here is our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events in Houston for more Christmas and Hanukkah fun around the Bayou City.
Photo courtesy of the Franck Christmas Light Show
1. Look at Christmas Lights
Drive around Prestonwood Forest in Northwest Houston to see the beautiful (and insanely elaborate) holiday light displays on all of the homes. Each street has its own theme. And of course, the homes in the Heights and River Oaks and the Duke Family Christmas Light Show are always a sight to see. Check out our recommendations for the top residential light displays in Houston.
2. Tour the Gingerbread Village at City Place
Follow the trail of giant candy canes, lollipops, gumdrops, gingerbread men, and cookie trees to a 16-foot high house and 12-foot tall windmill.
3. Head to Galveston
Take a day trip to Galveston and celebrate Christmas by the bay. There are some fun things to do on Christmas Day, like the Holidays at Moody Gardens, which includes the ever-popular Festival of Lights and a Christmas Day buffet, and festive Christmas Day brunch at the The San Luis.
4. Visit Santa’s Wonderland
What better way to celebrate Christmas Day than at Santa’s Wonderland? Go snow sledding, take hayrides and train rides, roast s’mores, and visit with Santa himself.
Taking a drive through elaborate holiday light displays is fun to do on Christmas Day. Photo courtesy of Dasher’s Light Show, Facebook
5. Put on Your Holiday PJs and Drive Through Christmas Light Displays
Dasher’s Lightshow and The Light Park at Typhoon Texas and Hurricane Harbor Splashtown are all open on Christmas Day. Crank up the Christmas tunes and enjoy some spectacular light displays!
Take a short drive to one of the best holiday light displays near Houston. Photo courtesy of Magical Winter Lights, Facebook
6. Head to Magical Winter Lights
Prepare to be dazzled by some of the best holiday light displays around town. Although it is a bit of a drive (it takes place at the Gulf Greyhound Park in Baytown) this holiday light display is definitely worth it. There is also character entertainment, a circus, and carnival rides and games.
7. Take in the magic at Sugar Land Holiday Lights
Constellation Field in Sugar Land is covered in thousands of lights that make up elaborate and stunning displays you can walk around and underneath. It’s the perfect way to end Christmas as a family.
Ice skating is open on Christmas Day. Photo courtesy of Discovery Green
8. Go ice skating at Discovery Green or The Woodlands Ice Rink
Either head downtown to Discovery Green or up north in The Woodlands near Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion for some outdoor ice skating. You can even make a day of it in The Woodlands by also enjoying Christmas brunch at The Woodlands Resort.
9. Walk- or float-through lights at Texas Winter Lights
Take part in an interactive walk- or float-through lights experience at the Marriott Marquis Houston. Swim through the lights in the Texas-shaped lazy river, snap photos, enjoy nightly snowfalls, dine on a winter-themed dining menu, and more.
Photo courtesy of Friendswood’s Parks and Recreation
10. Walk through Friendswood’s Lighted Holiday Trail
Walk through over 100,000 twinkling holiday lights, mail letters to Santa, and snap some family Christmas photos at the Home for the Holidays Lighted Christmas Trail.
