Lights in the Heights is over, but if you haven’t had enough of amazing Christmas light displays, there are still several great options to enjoy. Here are a few of our favorite Christmas light extravaganzas in the Houston metro area to keep you in the holiday spirit.
Zoo Lights
Zoo Lights is a Houston institution, and it gets bigger and better every year. This year’s highlights include a new enchanted forest attraction complete with a giant moving ice dragon, artificial snow, and of course, Santa. Ticket information is available here. Be forewarned – the animals have already tucked in for the night for the most part, so while there is a lot to see at Zoo Lights, you won’t see much in the way of wildlife after the lights have turned on.
Moody Gardens
It’s a bit of a hike, but Galveston’s Moody Gardens Holiday in the Gardens is 100% worth the trip. A mile-long walking trail brings you through a Christmas light extravaganza that includes over a million lights in a beautiful setting along Galveston Bay. Take a spin around the only outdoor ice skating rink in the Houston area, ride the ice slide, or marvel at the frozen creations in Ice Land, a new attraction that showcases how other cultures around the world celebrate Christmas – all carved out of ice! Details of all the activities are available here.
Santa’s Wonderland
Located between Navasota and College Station on Highway 6, Santa’s Wonderland is another attraction that has been popular for decades and still somehow gets bigger and better every year. If you haven’t been in a few years, be aware that you can no longer drive through the park in your own car. All guests now enjoy the lights on Santa’s Hayride or a horse-drawn carriage, so be prepared for an outdoor experience and dress appropriately. Tickets are a bit pricey but include admission to Santa’s Town, nightly entertainment, rides, and access to fun attractions like a real snow playground. If you’re new to the Houston area, Santa’s Wonderland is one of those things that you have to see in person to believe. Tickets are cheaper if you purchase in advance online.
Galaxy Lights
Located at Space Center Houston, the light displays at Galaxy Lights are -unsurprisingly – space-centric. This is the first year for Galaxy Lights, but it’s sure to become a holiday favorite. Who wouldn’t love a giant astronaut made of Christmas lights? The highlights of the high-tech, interactive light attraction are a tunnel covered in 250,000 LED lights, indoor meteor shower, and a choreographed kinetic light display at the main plaza. Learn more here.