Explore Houston’s Enchanting City Lights Downtown Holiday Magic
As the holiday season approaches, the vibrant city of Houston transforms into a magical wonderland with the City Lights Downtown Holiday Magic event, presented by Shell Energy.
In collaboration with Houston First Corporation and Downtown Houston+, this annual tradition promises a spectacular display of lights and larger-than-life experiences.
Spread throughout the central business district, City Lights Downtown Holiday Magic covers dozens of blocks, offering a dazzling destination to celebrate the holiday season.
The event kicks off on November 17, 2023, and continues until January 28, 2024, giving you ample time to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit.
1. Deck the Trees - George R. Brown Convention Center
November 17 - December 25, 2023
A beloved Houston tradition, Deck the Trees at the George R. Brown Convention Center showcases 30 magical Christmas trees adorned by top Houston designers. The "Grand Holiday Window" will serve as the backdrop for this visual spectacle, inspiring you to elevate your own Christmas tree decorations. Join the opening party on November 17th and enjoy "A Happy Houston Holiday" musical performances every Saturday and Sunday.
2. Land of Sweets - Hilton Americas
November 17 - December 29, 2023
Step into a chocolate Christmas scene at the Hilton Americas-Houston, featuring a Super Mario Bros.-themed masterpiece crafted from over 2,000 pounds of chocolate. The lobby boasts a large Christmas tree surrounded by thousands of lights. Don't miss Breakfast with Santa on select dates and take advantage of the 'Tis the Season' package for a delightful holiday experience.
3. Ice at Discovery Green - Holiday Ice Village
November 10, 2023 - January 28, 2024
Experience the joy of ice skating under the bright lights of downtown Houston at Discovery Green. Enjoy theme nights, visit Santa Claus on the rink, and catch a free holiday movie under the stars if skating isn't your preference.
Saturdays feature the Flea by Night market for unique Christmas gifts.
4. Texas Winter Lights - Marriott Marquis
November 10 - December 31, 2023
Marvel at the Texas-shaped lazy river at the Marriott Marquis Houston, illuminated with floating orbs, colorful arches, and trees adorned with bright white lights. Enjoy holiday activities, theme nights, movies by the pool, and a virtual reality ride on Santa's sleigh.
5. Twinkle Town - Trebly Park
November 17, 2023 - January 02, 2024
Explore the joy of the holiday season at Twinkle Town, a new park near the Toyota Center. Enjoy free Christmas music, Santa Paws for furry friends, and indulge in sweet macaroons at the park's fast-casual café, Tout Suite. Experience the giant music box from "Harmonies" by LeMonde Studio, creating mesmerizing soundscapes.
6. Mistletoe Square - Market Square Park
November 18, 2023 - January 02, 2024
Mistletoe Square, the largest mistletoe installation in Texas, returns to Market Square Park. Share a kiss beneath the 150-inch mistletoe sphere hanging from a giant candy cane, surrounded by twinkling lights. Enjoy a Christmas concert under the stars.
7. Winter Wonderlawn - POST HTX
November 04, 2023 - January 14, 2024
Join the holiday celebration at POST Houston with Winter Wonderlawn, a display of Christmas lights at the Skylawn rooftop park. Experience hundreds of thousands of lights, a 25-foot Christmas tree, theme nights, a poolside DJ, nightly snowfall, and more.
8. Sugar Plum Plaza - Wortham Theater
November 18, 2023 - January 02, 2024
Fish Plaza at the Wortham Theater transforms into Sugar Plum Plaza. Interact with a giant music box from "Harmonies" by LeMonde Studio and play LAPS, a modern version of the traditional hourglass, offering a unique light and sound experience.
9. Jingle Town - Lynn Wyatt Square
November 17, 2023 - January 02, 2024
Visit Lynn Wyatt Square in Houston's Theater District and enjoy three giant music boxes from "Harmonies" by LeMonde Studio: a guitar slide, a banjo, and a violin.
10. Winter Wonderland - Downtown District
November 17, 2023 - January 02, 2024
Stroll along Bagby Street amidst 100,000 twinkling LED lights, featuring arches, trees, and giant illuminated angel wings. Revel in the holiday spirit with the newly rebuilt and beautified Bagby Street.
11. City Hall-iday - City Hall
December 02 - December 25, 2023
Experience the festive atmosphere at Hermann Square in front of City Hall during the Mayor's Holiday Spectacular event on December 2nd. Enjoy live music, the lighting of the towering Christmas tree, activities for all ages, and free photos with Santa in his North Pole-themed booth.
