Best Christmas Activities for Kids in Houston

athousandwordstexa
Sep 10
9 min read

Updated: Sep 21

So, I'm from Canada and Christmas is my absolute favorite time of year. Since moving to Houston I've been missing the snow and frosty weather around Christmas time but have doubled down on figuring out the absolute best activities for kids (and parents) to enjoy to bring on those toasty Christmas feels.

The holiday season is coming, and there’s no shortage of festive things to do around Houston, Sugar Land, Fort Bend, and beyond. I've done the exploring for you because, well, I wanted to, so I thought I should share the tips and tricks I've picked up over our last two years in Houston. Here’s your go-to guide for snow, skating, lights, markets, shows, and quirky local traditions—take it from your friendly local Canadian transplant!

1. Christmas Village at Bayou Bend – Houston's Winter Wonderland

Watch a handcrafted model train circle a 15-foot Christmas tree.
Kids can sled down a faux-snow slide, toss cotton snowballs, join reindeer games, and enjoy carolers and animated projections. CultureMap Houston Kids Out and About Houston TikTok

2. The Christmas Village (north of Houston) – Huntsville/Historic

OK, we did this one for the first time last year after reading a lot of reviews and recommendations and it was pretty amazing. They really took the saying "Everything is bigger in Texas" to heart when planning this one out.

There are a ton of kid friendly holiday activities, carolling, festive treats and eats, photo ops, skating, sledding and real snow! The snow was definitely my kids favorite part. It was fun to see all the littles running around and playing - for some it looked like it was definitely their first experience with real snow! 100% worth it.
Watch out for wait times. If at all possible try to go during the week and avoid the week before Christmas. It gets crazy busy and you will end up spending half of your time just waiting in different lines for the various activities.
Located just north of Conroe off I-45, this illuminated extravaganza features millions of lights and themed attractions for a memorable family outing. Christmas Village
It’s surprisingly chilly even though its just outside of Houston—dress warm. Also, remember that there is real snow there so little fingers will be extra chilled (and wet!).
Second pro tip: get there early- the traffic is insane! Also make sure that you pre-purchase your parking lot ticket and that you are waiting in the correct lane for where your parking lot is. There is a secondary parking lot across the Highway and you definitely don't want to wait in an hour of traffic to figure it out at the last minute.

3. Hometown Holiday Festival – Downtown Rosenberg

Held Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 12–8 pm in historic downtown Rosenberg. Expect artisan gift stalls, food, entertainment, and seasonal cheer. Rosenberg Fort Bend County

Also check out "Holiday Nights: A Small-Town Christmas Experience" (tree lighting, live music, Santa and his real reindeer) on Thursdays in early December. Rosenberg

Sugar Land Holiday Lights at Constellation Field

If you're looking to immerse your family in a dazzling holiday experience, the Sugar Land Holiday Lights at Constellation Field is a must-visit. With over 3.5 million lights, themed displays, and festive vendors, it's a winter wonderland just waiting to be explored.

The event runs from November 21, 2025, to January 4, 2026, offering plenty of time to plan your visit. Tickets are available on their official website, and it's advisable to purchase in advance to avoid long lines. SLHL

They also have a special bring your pet day (we went last year so we could pet all the cute pups!).

Discovery Green's Winter Wonderland

Downtown Houston's Discovery Green transforms into a magical holiday destination each year. The Green Mountain Energy Ice rink offers outdoor skating amidst the city's skyline—a unique experience in Texas.

We took our kids last year, and while the atmosphere was fantastic, we did get rained out, so we didn't have a chance to skate. Take it from a Canadian: you don't want to skate on wet ice! However, the festive lights and holiday decorations made for a memorable evening.

The rink is open from mid-November through early February, with special events like "Skate with Santa" on select dates. Tickets are reasonably priced, and parking is available nearby, though it can get crowded during peak times. Discovery Green

Magical Winter Lights at Fort Bend County Fairgrounds

Ok, this one was impressive! Head to the Magical Winter Lights festival at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds in Rosenberg. This event features over 100 dazzling light displays, including a stunning ice castle that's perfect for those Instagram-worthy holiday selfies. The festival runs from mid-November to early January, offering ample opportunities to visit.

In addition to the light displays, there are carnival rides, food vendors, and live entertainment (note: the prices for food were a bit high, but that is pretty standard for these events). Tickets can be purchased online, and parking is free. Unlike other things on this list you can often get day of tickets so you don't need to worry about booking as far in advance. 365thingsinhouston.com

S'mores with Santa at The George Ranch

The George Ranch is just 15 minutes away from where we are in Sugar Land (New Territory), and honestly it's pretty fun year round. The grounds have historic houses spanning different generations in the George family history. They also have great guides who tell you a bit about the houses in each period and have lots of fun facts (also chickens!).

They also have a great western horse show with cowboys who put the horses through their paces and demonstrate some moves. It's right by the entrance so a great activity to do at the start of your tour. Then you can jump on the tram they have and move from house to house.

At Christmas you get to enjoy not only the regular activities but the pretty and historic holiday decorations. Bonus: your kids may actually learn a bit of Texas history (mine did! Although we are also from Canada so the general bar for their knowledge of Texas history is low).

They also have a special holiday event December 13, 2025, where you can join Santa and the ranch hands for an afternoon of holiday cheer. Enjoy making holiday ornaments, singing carols, and roasting s'mores by the campfire. It's a delightful way to celebrate the season in a historic setting. General admission tickets are required, and it's recommended to arrive early as the event is quite popular. The George Ranch

8. SnowFest – Missouri City

December 6, 2025, 3–8 pm at City Hall. Enjoy a giant snow hill, carnival rides, holiday market, games, Santa visits, and fireworks—all free! Missouri City

9. Magical Winter Lights – Rosenberg

A festive lantern wonderland: giant trees, animal kingdoms, ferris wheel, roller coaster, food vendors, and live performances. Truly magical. If you have a teen or tween who wants to take all the selfies this is especially a hit. My daughter went with her best friend last year and it was one of the few times in recent history she was begging me to take more photos - ha Magical Winter Lights

10. Ice Skating Fun

Galleria Mall – Classic indoor skating. Technically this is available year round, but I feel like it is extra special during the holiday season. My kids really miss doing outdoor skating in Canada so we try to check out local rinks on the regular (also, we always see lots of other Canadians -we can always tell by the hockey jerseys:)
Sugar Land Ice Center – Regular public skating sessions; seasonal Christmas skating events often happen here. Bonus: you can also check it out in the summer and it is a lovely break from the Houston heat and humidity (or is that jut me?) Sugarland Ice

11. Christmas Lights & Neighborhoods

Downtown Houston – From City Hall to historic districts. Check out the River Oaks district and drive around to admire all the fancy light displays! Some of the houses really go all out. Pro tip: pack thermoses of hot chocolate for some extra festive feels!
Sugar Land & Fort Bend neighborhoods – Drive Tiger Bend in Riverpark, First Colony, or Imperial for dazzling decor.
Rosenberg & Richmond – Small streets come alive with festive blow-ups and lawn décor.

Last year, my sister and I drove to San Antonio to experience the River Walk during the holiday season. The illuminated river, caroling boats—pure magic. I can’t wait to take my kids this year! Not exactly in Houston but definitely worth a shout out! Bonus: the christmas shopping is also great!

12. Holiday Markets—Big & Small

Big Christmas markets – Check Eventbrite for “Home for the Holidays Gift Market of Rosenberg” . I haven't tried this one yet but the reviews look great! Eventbrite
Local craft markets – Rosenberg’s “Holiday Nights” and “Hometown Holiday Festival” also feature local artisan gift vendors. Personally, I love a local Christmas market - the vendors are always so friendly and you can pick up some great holiday gifts that are more unique than resorting to Amazon at the last minute (like I usually do) Rosenberg Fort Bend County

13. Nutcracker & Christmas Performances

Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet at Smart Financial Centre in Sugar Land—December 27, 2025. My daughter and I have gone for the past two years with friends and have been pleasantly surprised by the quality of the performance. This is something we enjoyed every year in Canada so it's nice to continue the tradition. Also, its a fun reason to get a bit dressed up and there are photo ops with some of the ballerinas if you like. Bonus: head down to Sugar Land Town Center after wards for a girls night dinner out if you catch the afternoon performance. Smart Financial Centre Event Tickets Center Houston Theater
Sugar Land Dance Center production at Dunham Theater – December 6, 2025. A beloved local performance tradition. Sugar Land Dance Center
Houston Ballet's Nutcracker at Wortham Theater—another classic if you're touring downtown. We haven't checked out this one yet but the reviews are great and it could be more convenient if you live in the downtown area. Houston Ballet

14. Christmas Parades

Houston H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade – The grand kickoff to holiday season—free, family-friendly, spanning 20+ blocks downtown on November 27, 2025. Also, who doesn't love a big parade?
Fort Bend parade – I've found that a lot of towns host smaller local parades. Check local chamber of commerce calendars for Sugar Land or Rosenberg parades and other holiday shows (Rosenberg’s Town Center often holds nightly light shows early December).

15. Give Back: Adopt a Family or Child for the Holidays

The holidays aren’t just about lights and presents — they’re also a time to give back. One of the most meaningful traditions you can start with your kids is participating in an “Adopt a Family” or “Adopt a Child” program. Local organizations and churches across Houston, Sugar Land, and Fort Bend pair generous families with those in need, giving you the chance to shop for gifts, clothes, and holiday treats.

It’s not just heartwarming — it’s a powerful way to teach your children about generosity, empathy, and the true spirit of Christmas. Honestly, this is activity that feels so rewarding I almost feel guilty. Last year I took my kids to Target and they helped me pick out clothes, toys and stocking stuffers for two local kids. We were given a list of favorite activities/interests, clothing sizes and a wish list which made it way easier (as did having kids of the same age). I feel like it was also a powerful experience for my kids to really think about and empathize with this other family. Sometimes our kids get so wrapped up in their own wants and dreams for Christmas and its so helpful to get them to take that pause to think about others without giving them a lecture.

A few places to check:

Fort Bend Rainbow Room – Supports children and families in crisis.
Houston Children’s Charity – Annual “Adopt a Family” programs.
Local churches and YMCAs – Many run seasonal sponsorship drives.

This simple act of kindness is one of the best gifts you can give — to others, and to your own kids in shaping their holiday traditions.

Extra Holiday Ideas

Heritage Society’s Holiday Candlelight Tour at Sam Houston Park—history, carolers, classic festivity. Sam Houston Park is great year round but we especially love it around Christmas time when it has those festive vibes. Visit Houston
Pancho Claus – Houston’s Tex-Mex Santa tradition—look for local community email/news invites in mid-December and holiday charity drives.

Quick Tips for a Seamless Holiday Adventure

Dress warmly for Bayou Bend’s faux snow—layers + spare sweater saved the day last year.
Buy tickets early for Christmas shows—they sell out fast. I made this mistake last year and missed out on a couple of downtown Houston performances I would have loved to see.
Arrive early for skating and markets to avoid lines. A lot of attractions start in November which can be a great time to go and avoid the rush of December madness.
Check dates: many events run only select weekends in December.

In Summary:

It's not quite the winter wonderland we are used to in Canada, but Houston offers a ton of fun holiday events that can give you all the holiday feels. Whether you’re near Sugar Land, Rosenberg, or downtown Houston, there’s something special to make this season memorable. Let me know if you’d like a printable calendar of these events too!

Want more help planning or pairing a photo session with a holiday stop? Just ask!

Did I miss any? Leave a comment or contact me to let me know! This Canadian is always looking for fun winter activities to do with my kids.

Let's chat!