Celebrate this Christmas with fun activities, cultural festivities & best things to do on Christmas day in Houston Texas. Believe it or not, December is the magical time of year to get around Houston Texas.
14 Things to Do on Christmas Day in Houston Texas
From holiday shopping, decorating, and eating to getting excited about Christmas festive celebrations, Houston Texas has something for everyone this Christmas.
Read on to discover the list of amazing things to do in Houston on Christmas.
1. Drive around Prestonwood Forest
Eagerly waiting to see the 2024 Christmas lights in Houston? Drive around the Prestonwood Forest in northwest Houston to see the beautiful lights lined on all homes.
One special thing that makes this spot worth exploring is that each street has its own theme. Do not skip out to see the Duke Family Christmas Light Show.
Where: Just north of Cypress Creek Parkway off Highway 249.
2. Have Some Fun in Galveston
Celebrate your Christmas by the bay by taking a day trip to Galveston. There are unlimited things to do on Christmas Day here like Holidays at Moody Gardens which includes the Christmas Day & festival of lights. Also, you could start your Christmas day in Galveston by enjoying day brunch at the San Luis.
Where: It is located 50 miles southeast of Houston, Texas.
3. Enjoy Ice Skating at Discovery Green
Discover the Christmas holiday magic at Discovery Green was one of the best things to do in Houston for Christmas 2023 and this year too. Stroll around the winter white lights and do not forget to capture the picturesque views of downtown Houston. It’s also one of the best free things to do on Christmas day in Houston Texas as the entry is free.
Where: 1500 McKinney St, Houston, TX 77010
4. Go to Santa’s Wonderland
What’s better than celebrating the upcoming Halloween at Santa’s Wonderland? This is the world’s largest Christmas with millions of dazzling lights, snow & ice, and amazing attractions. In this wonderland, you can enjoy snow sledging, take train rides and hayrides, and visit with St. Nick himself. It’s temporarily closed but open every Christmas Eve.
Where: 18898 Hwy 6, College Station, TX 77845
5. Meals on Wheels
If you want to spend 2024 Christmas with a giving spirit, it is one of the best things to Do near Houston in December. Every Christmas, interfaith ministries distribute voluntary meals to shut-in seniors within the Houston region. It may be a fun and unique experience to deliver Christmas dinners to thousands of seniors & disabled people.
Where: 3303 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002
6. Mala Sichuan Bistro
Are you craving something to eat in the form of spicy Sichuan food on Christmas day? Look no further than Mala Sichuan Bistro. It is the recommended place to eat on Christmas as they infuse Sichuan flavors into their traditional dishes. Must try the delicious Dan Dan noodles as it is famous as their signature dish.
Where: 1201 Westheimer Rd, Ste B, Houston, TX 77006
7. Mark Memories with Santa at Memorial City Mall
Memorial City Mall in Houston will allow you to make memories with Santa this Christmas. Enjoy with a man who’s red in a suit with a Christmas theme to entice Christmas lovers. Do not forget to take your photo with Santa Claus and surprise him/ her with greetings, fun, or gifts. Other than Christmas festivity, you can explore other things too.
Where: 303 Memorial City Way, Houston, TX 77024
8. Stroll on Kemah Boardwalk
Kemah Boardwalk is open on Christmas day to welcome visitors with a holiday theme, fun and excitement. It’s not only one of the best things to do in Houston Dec 2023 but also in Dec 2024. Along the boardwalk, there are multiple things to do like stroll the oceanfront, enjoy rides & games and grab favorite meals from nearby restaurants.
Where: 215 Kipp Ave, Kemah, TX 77565
9. View Lighting at Moody Gardens Festival of Lights
Moody Gardens allows visitors to enjoy the amazing views of lighted scenes & two million lights themed to holiday music. It is recommended to explore this spot slowly as there’s a lot for visitors to explore in this park. Must see the Dancing Tree of Light and concession areas. Taste the hot chocolates and festive foods while capturing the holiday vibes.
Where: 1 Hope Blvd, Galveston, TX 77554
10. Have a Breakfast with Santa at the Aquarium
At the aquarium, you can enjoy breakfast with Santa on different dates in December like 9,10, 16, 17, 21, and 24. Enjoy a delicious meal while taking a picture with Santa in a safe environment.
During your visit, keep an eye on the aquarium tank where you may see Santa swimming with fish. Book your reservations earlier.
Where: 410 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002
11. Explore Friendswood’s Lighted Holiday Trail
You can walk through more than 100,000 holiday lights on this famous holiday trail. Also, find the Christmas fairies along the trail, and do not forget to capture photos with your friends and family here. Other than Christmas celebrations, you could do other things here that will make your experience even more wonderful.
Where: Stevenson Park, 1100 S. Friendswood Drive, Friendswood, TX, 77546
12. Dickens on the Strand
Dickens on the Strand is the annual event held every year during Christmas. Must attend this holiday tradition in Houston, Texas, and try to make your reservations in advance. It features non-stop entertainment, parades, and unique roaming characters throughout the event/ festival. It’s entirely fun for the complete family.
Where: 2002 Strand Galveston, TX 77550
13. Attend the Christmas Concert at the Houston Symphony
When celebrating Christmas in Houston, Texas, do not forget the Houston Symphony in your celebrations list. Houston Symphony conducts concerts on major holiday vacations like Halloween, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas. Other than Christmas, you can attend their different events or concerts. Before going, check their calendar schedule.
Where: 615 Louisiana St. Suite 102 Houston, TX 77002
14. Woodlands Town Center Ice Rink
Woodlands Town Center remains open on Christmas Day. Enjoying the ice rink here is one of the best things to do in Houston in December 2024. A multi-purpose space that stretches over 20,000 square feet that allows families to ice skate in 2 hours with music & lighting effects. Ticket prices vary from age to age i.e., $15 for ages 6 and above; $7 for ages 5 and under.
Where: It is located in Montgomery County.
Final Thoughts!
Make your upcoming Christmas 2024 remarkable & memorable by trying these 14 best things to do on Christmas day in Houston Texas. Houston, Texas is worth-visiting spot to discover any time but during Christmas & Halloween, it gives visitors really unique fun & opportunities and unusual places to explore.
Whether you want to attend Christmas events/ concerts or just visit the famous festive attractions, this place has something for everyone. So, don’t miss out on trying these things in Houston this Christmas & get ready for big bash fun.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is open on Christmas Day in Houston, TX?
The restaurants that are open on Christmas Day in Houston, TX:
Bloom & Bee
Buca de Peppo
Capone’s Oven and Bar
Grotto
Texas Kitchen
2. What is there to do in Houston in Christmas time?
During Christmas time, the following are the best things to do in Houston:
Green Mountain Energy Ice
Zoo Lights
Houston Ballet
Lone Star Flight Museum
Burke Baker Planetarium
3. Does Houston have a Christmas parade?
Last year, the Christmas parade was conducted on December 2, 2023. This year, there will also Christmas parade to be conducted.
4. Does downtown Houston have Christmas lights?
Yes, downtown Houston has Christmas lights with Winter Wonderlawn at the Skylawn rooftop park. Also, it is illuminated with lights and 7 decorations every year.
5. Can I buy alcohol on Christmas Day Texas?
According to Blue Laws, the sale of alcohol or liquor is totally banned during special events like Halloween, Thanksgiving Day & Christmas.
