There are so many family friendly Christmas sightseeing places to visit in Houston during Christmas. I wanted to share this list with you.
My family and I have visited most of these places but some are on our Christmas bucket list.
Santa’s Wonderland
This one isn’t exactly in Houston but its just an hour and a half away. Which if your from Houston you know thats not too far at all. Based in College Station, on a
They have hayrides and lights galore! We went for the first time last year and we had the best time! It was so much fun and there is so much to do!
Be sure to pick up some hot chocolate and kettle corn popcorn. For adults, they have their own wine! There are so many places to choose from for food as well.
There is so much to do and see while you are there, among a few of them is shopping, eating, petting zoo, outdoor movie, and train rides. You can even head to the booth where you can find out if your kids have been naughty or nice. You fill out a 3 question survey and decide, then Santa’s helpers will give your child a certificate saying whether they have been naughty or nice.
Dickinson Festival of lights
This one is so cool and it is free. You park in a shopping center and they shuttle you to the park. Once at Paul Hopkins park you walk around and see all the light installments.
There are even pictures with Santa. We have been many times. You can park at the corner of the gulf freeway (45) and 517 and take the shuttle to the park. This helps minimize parking havoc.
The Rooftop at Post Houston
The Post offers Holiday lights on top of their rooftop. Catch the city views as well as fun light installations while enjoying the outdoor weather. This is a ticketed event. Post Houston, offers a variety of things to do, places to eat, and hang out. Pull out your camera and snap some pics with the family in front of the large light installations.
Marriott Marquis Houston
Each winter, the Marriott Marquis in downtown Houston transforms its rooftop pool deck into a magical holiday playground for “Texas Winter Lights.” The hotel’s iconic Texas-shaped lazy river becomes the centerpiece, glowing under 100,000+ twinkling lights and heated to a cozy 80 degrees — perfect for a festive float under the stars. On any given night you might enjoy VR sleigh rides with Santa, a 360° photo spot, and holiday lawn games — and for the adults, seasonal cocktails and hearty Texan bites from the rooftop bar. There’s also live music, movie nights, dancing, and nightly “snowfall”, creating a cozy, celebratory atmosphere high above the city. Whether you’re floating the river, sipping hot chocolate by a fire pit, or snapping family photos under the lights, it’s a warm, magical winter escape right in the heart of Houston.
The Christmas Train
I have mentioned this one before. It is one of my families favorites. We go every year. The tickets are $10 per person online and $12 at the door. Children 2 and under ride for free. The train rides throughout the campsite featuring light installments, tunnels, and the Christmas Story.
They offer pictures with Santa for purchase, Story time with Mrs. Claus every 30 minutes, the best pizza, even chick-fil-a.
They also have a mini christmas village with a game of wheres Waldo. This is our family favorite each year we have a competition to see who can find Waldo first.
Located in Alvin, TX at Victory Camp.
Bass Pro Shops Santas Wonderland
If you haven’t been to Bass Pro Shops you are missing out. The store itself is very cool all year long.
We go each year for our free picture with Santa. Each night they have different arts and craft activities. It can get very busy on the weekends so be sure to check the website. There have been times we have gone for pictures with Santa and gotten to the store around 11am and all the time slots are booked for the day. My tip is take them on a week night there are FAR LESS people during the week, especially if you go around 5pm.
Old Town Spring
Old Town Spring is just outside of Houston in the Spring area. It is a cute and quaint tiny town that reminds me of a hallmark movie. They deck the town in all Christmas decor. Its a fun picturesque town with a lot of small mom & pop shops.
They even have pictures with Santa. You will have a good time antiquing and shopping with your gal pals or your family. Be sure to stop at the candy shop and the toy store with your little ones.
Dickens on the strand
The Strand is a shopping and dinning strip in Galveston, TX. Year round, The Strand has so much to do a see as you stroll its streets filled with shopping, dining, bars, and more.
When Christmas times rolls around, The Strand holds its annual Dickens on the strand event.
Grace Houston
Grace was my home church long time 20 years to be exact. We still love to visit occasionally and made so many great long time friends there. We especially love visiting during the month of December. They always have to cutest Christmas decor and they go all out! It’s almost like a mini wonderland.
They have so many photo ops and even have ring lights at a few of them. Grace Houston usually has fun Christmas events and services all through the month of December. A tree lighting, family sing-a-long night, & a few more.
City Place in Spring, TX
City Place in Spring, TX transforms into a festive wonderland each holiday season, making it one of the most charming spots in North Houston. The walkable plaza, surrounded by lakes and green spaces, becomes home to a stunning 35-foot floating Christmas tree that lights up the entire community. Families love exploring the Giant Gingerbread Village, a whimsical installation filled with oversized gumdrops, candy canes, gingerbread characters, and a towering gingerbread house perfect for photos. Throughout the season, City Place hosts holiday markets, kids’ activities, live entertainment, and cozy touches like hot cocoa stations and even occasional “snow” for little ones to play in. With its blend of festive decor, community events, and scenic surroundings, City Place offers a magical, family-friendly holiday experience that feels straight out of a storybook.
For the lastest updates visit their Instagram.
Willing to drive?
Splashway Waterpark: Sheridan, TX
We are a splashway family! If you are willing to drive, they offer a plethora of Christmas activities for the whole family.
Splashway in Sheridan, TX turns into a magical holiday destination during its annual Splashway Christmas celebration. The highlight is the Lighted Christmas River Float, where families drift along the lazy river surrounded by thousands of sparkling lights. Kids can enjoy festive activities like holiday crafts, meeting Santa, and visiting the petting zoo, while everyone can warm up with complimentary hot chocolate and s’mores by the fire. A synthetic ice-skating rink and cozy photo spots add even more Christmas charm throughout the park. Splashway also hosts a beautiful live Nativity, bringing the true meaning of the season to life. It’s a perfect, family-friendly Christmas getaway just a short drive from Houston.
Take a ride on their giant water floats on the lazy river for their Christmas light show. They also offer ‘Ice’ Skating, s’mores by the campfire, pictures with Santa, and so much more.
Check out this post about Splashway Waterpark for more infomation about the place.
Concluding thoughts:
In summary, Houston has a lot go fun places to visit during Christmas time. Santas wonderland, Dickinson festival of lights, The Christmas train, and Old town spring are a few of our favorites. Many of these are family friendly but can also be enjoyed but couples as well. If you are a local and would add a place to this list let me know below in the comments. Don’t forget to tag me in your pictures if you go to one of the places I have recommended. I would love to see them.
XO,
