Jump To: December 4 – 6 | December 11 – 13 | December 18 – 20 | December 25 – 27
I absolutely love that December in Houston is jam-packed with family-friendly events, from exciting markets and outdoor holiday activities to thrilling shows and fun hands-on activities.
Whether you’re looking for an unforgettable new holiday show, a new year shopping experience, or a chance to get into the Christmas, this month has something for everyone. Dive into our ultimate guide to kids’ events in Houston this December to plan your perfect month of fun!
This month’s highlights include some of my favorites, like The Light Park Katy, Galaxy Lights, Disney’s The Little Mermaid, and more!
This list is grouped by date range for easy browsing and quick planning.
Editor’s Note: We work hard to provide the most up-to-date information. However, all information is subject to change! As always, please verify with the organizer before heading out!
Also, please note that this article may contain affiliate links. If you click on an affiliate link and purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost. We only recommend products and services that we genuinely believe will benefit our readers!
In case you are wondering about the choice of listings in this article, here is how we make our recommendations.
Also, check out our articles on Kids Eat Free Houston, 100 Things to do in Houston with Kids, Restaurants with Playgrounds in Houston, and Things to do in Houston with Teens!
Kids Events in Houston in December 2026 (4th – 6th December)
Deck the Depot Tree Lighting Festival – Kick off the holiday season in Tomball with Santa, free hot chocolate and treats (while supplies last), cheerful music, local performances, and the season’s first “snow,” followed by Mayor Lori Klein Quinn lighting the Christmas tree.
Image credit: City of Tomball
Dickens on The Strand – Step into 19th-century Victorian London at Galveston’s world-famous holiday street festival, where daily parades, strolling carolers, bagpipers, jugglers, roving musicians, and nonstop stage entertainment fill the streets.
Galveston Island Dickens On The Strand
Jingle on the Boardwalk 2026 – Head to the Kemah Boardwalk for Jingle on the Boardwalk, a festive holiday celebration featuring Santa, seasonal music, kids’ crafts, and a community toy drive.
Holiday in the Park at League City – Celebrate the season at League City’s beloved three-day holiday tradition, featuring festive shopping, food vendors, live entertainment, and three parades for the whole family to enjoy. Don’t miss the Grand Night Parade, the largest holiday parade in Galveston County.
Home Run Christmas Market – Knock your holiday shopping out of the park at the Home Run Christmas Market where more than 50 local vendors will offer handmade gifts, Christmas décor, boutique clothing, specialty foods, jewelry, and unique finds.
2nd Annual Houston Vette Fest – Bring the whole family to the second annual Houston Vette Fest, presented by Fertitta Chevrolet, for a fun-filled automotive event.
Holiday Delights: A Boot Scootin’ Bash at The Bryan Museum – Celebrate the holidays Texas-style at The Bryan Museum’s annual Holiday Delights festival with photos with Santa, holiday crafts, games, a petting zoo, and real-life cowboys to meet. Kids can send their wishes to Santa while enjoying live music and performances.
Dickens’ A Christmas Carol at The Grand 1894 Opera House – Experience Charles Dickens’ timeless tale of redemption as miserly Ebenezer Scrooge encounters the ghosts of Jacob Marley and the Christmas Spirits of Past, Present, and Future.
A Nice Family Christmas at Island East-End Theatre Company – Enjoy a heartwarming holiday comedy for all ages that celebrates the charm, humor, and spirit of small-town life. With colorful characters, laugh-out-loud moments, and a touch of Texas-sized holiday cheer, this festive production celebrates the community, friendship, and laughter that make the season special.
Glow and Go 5K – Light up the night at the Glow and Go 5K, a chip-timed holiday race along the scenic Woodlands Waterway. Dress in your best glowing holiday gear, race on a USATF-sanctioned certified course, and celebrate with on-site prizes for top finishers.
Grand Central Park Artisan Market – Meet local vendors, discover their crafting secrets, and fill your market passport for a chance to win a prize at the Grand Central Park Artisan Market.
Spirit of the Season by the Shepherd School of Music – Celebrate the holidays with Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music as voice and instrumental students perform beloved seasonal favorites and classic musical theater selections.
Flea by Night presented by Green Mountain Energy – Browse Flea by Night at Discovery Green, where local makers, artists, plant vendors, and small businesses offer vintage finds, handmade treasures, and one-of-a-kind goods.
The Nutcracker – UHCL – Enjoy the timeless magic of The Nutcracker with live music, breathtaking dancing, dazzling costumes, and unforgettable storytelling that brings this beloved holiday tale to life.
Galaxy Lights – Experience the magic of the holidays at Space Center Houston, where immersive light displays, interactive experiences, and festive surprises bring the wonders of space to life after dark. Now in its eighth year, this annual tradition blends space exploration with larger-than-life holiday displays.
Image credit: Space Center Houston
The Light Park Katy – Buckle up, turn up the volume, and cruise through a mile-long holiday light show featuring millions of dazzling LED lights synchronized to high-energy music, giant illuminated tunnels, towering animated trees, and dancing reindeer.
Image credit: The Light Park
The Light Park Spring – Take your family on a mile-long drive through millions of dazzling LED lights synchronized to high-energy holiday music, with giant illuminated tunnels, towering animated trees, and dancing reindeer lighting up the route.
Little Women: The Musical – Follow the four March sisters as they grow up in Concord, Massachusetts, while their father serves in the Civil War. Based on Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel, Little Women: The Musical brings the sisters’ lives and family story to the stage.
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride – Climb aboard THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride at the Galveston Railroad Museum for a magical 60-minute round trip from the historic 1932 Union Depot to the North Pole, complete with hot chocolate, a cookie, and a visit from Santa, who presents each guest with the first gift of Christmas.
Holiday in the Gardens 2026 – Make holiday memories at Moody Gardens! Explore dazzling light displays and themed attractions, then enjoy an ice skating rink, holiday train rides, holiday film screenings, an Arctic slide, Festival of Lights, and ICE LAND: Caribbean Christmas.
The Ensemble Theatre presents A Motown Christmas – Celebrate the holiday season with A Motown Christmas, a festive revue blending traditional Christmas carols with soulful hits from Motown legends including Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, and The Jackson 5.
The Great American Trailer Park Christmas Musical – Head to Armadillo Acres, Florida, where quirky residents face family drama, romantic hijinks, and holiday chaos after an unexpected visitor threatens to upend their festivities.
ARTECHOUSE presents Twilight Zone: Hidden Wonders of the Ocean – Explore the strange and fascinating world beneath the waves at ARTECHOUSE Studio’s immersive exhibition and discover the nightly migration of ocean creatures and their connection to the health of our planet.
First Saturday Arts Market – Explore First Saturday Arts Market in the Historic Houston Heights, where local artists showcase original paintings, sculptures, photography, jewelry, and more in a lively open-air setting.
Kids Events in Houston in December 2026 (11th – 13th December)
Houston Symphony presents “Very Merry Pops” – Step into a musical winter wonderland with the Houston Symphony’s beloved holiday tradition, featuring treasured carols, festive sing-alongs, and a special visit from Santa Claus.
Downtown Conroe Christmas Parade – Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary at the free Downtown Conroe Christmas Parade as festive floats, marching units, local organizations, and community groups fill downtown with Americana Christmas spirit.
The Snowflake Market – Spend seven festive hours browsing The Snowflake Market, where more than 70 vendors will offer holiday snacks, sweet treats, stocking stuffers, handmade goods, and unique gifts from local makers and small businesses.
Holiday With The Cranes – Celebrate the return of Galveston’s wintering sandhill cranes with birding, wildlife experiences, and outdoor adventures across the island.
Christmas Boat Lane Parade – Celebrate the holidays at the 65th Annual Christmas Boat Lane Parade as more than 60 brightly decorated powerboats and sailboats travel from South Shore Harbour Marina and Nassau Bay Lagoon through the channel to Galveston Bay.
Image credit: Visit League City
Coastal Christmas Market at Galveston Island Brewing – Shop for handcrafted treasures, dazzling decorations, and holiday surprises from local vendors at the fourth annual Christmas Market, with Christmas caroling and a visit from Santa.
Breakfast with Santa at Moody Gardens – Treat your family to a festive breakfast with Santa inside the Frances Anne Moody Ballroom at Moody Gardens Hotel, complete with a holiday bakery and fresh fruit displays, North Pole breakfast favorites, Elf’s omelet station, and Santa’s pancake and waffle workshop.
A Nice Family Christmas at Island East-End Theatre Company – Enjoy a heartwarming holiday comedy for all ages that celebrates the charm, humor, and spirit of small-town life. With colorful characters, laugh-out-loud moments, and a touch of Texas-sized holiday cheer, this festive production celebrates the community, friendship, and laughter that make the season special.
The Woodlands Winter Makers Market – Celebrate the season at The Woodlands Township’s second annual Winter Makers Market, where you can shop handcrafted gifts, goods, and artwork from local makers while enjoying food trucks, festive activities, and reindeer games.
Bayou City-Crescent City Christmas – Celebrate the holidays Gulf Coast-style as the Jazz Houston Orchestra, led by Vincent Gardner, joins New Orleans performers Doreen Ketchens and Herlin Riley for a beautiful musical celebration. Enjoy soulful holiday classics, foot-stomping Crescent City favorites, New Orleans’ signature funk and second-line spirit, and Houston’s rich grooves and big-band brilliance.
Carols on the Green – Celebrate the magic of the holidays with Houston Grand Opera through a festive mix of opera classics, seasonal favorites, and joyful sing-alongs.
The Nutcracker – UHCL – Enjoy the timeless magic of The Nutcracker with live music, breathtaking dancing, dazzling costumes, and unforgettable storytelling that brings this beloved holiday tale to life.
Houston Hoopfest: Texas vs. Miami, Florida State vs. Texas A&M, UH vs. LSU – Catch the inaugural Houston Hoopfest where six storied college basketball programs will face off in four high-stakes matchups.
Jingle on the Boardwalk 2026 – Head to the Kemah Boardwalk for Jingle on the Boardwalk, a festive holiday celebration featuring Santa, seasonal music, kids’ crafts, and a community toy drive.
Disney’s The Little Mermaid – Follow curious young mermaid Ariel as she dreams of life above the sea, and sing along to favorites like “Under the Sea,” “Kiss the Girl,” and “Part of Your World,” featuring music by eight-time Academy Award® winner Alan Menken and lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater.
Image credit: Theatre Under the Stars
Flea by Night presented by Green Mountain Energy – Browse Flea by Night at Discovery Green where local makers, artists, plant vendors, and small businesses offer vintage finds, handmade treasures, and one-of-a-kind goods.
Galaxy Lights – Experience the magic of the holidays at Space Center Houston, where immersive light displays, interactive experiences, and festive surprises bring the wonders of space to life after dark. Now in its eighth year, this annual tradition blends space exploration with larger-than-life holiday displays.
The Light Park Katy – Buckle up, turn up the volume, and cruise through a mile-long holiday light show featuring millions of dazzling LED lights synchronized to high-energy music, giant illuminated tunnels, towering animated trees, and dancing reindeer.
The Light Park Spring – Take your family on a mile-long drive through millions of dazzling LED lights synchronized to high-energy holiday music, with giant illuminated tunnels, towering animated trees, and dancing reindeer lighting up the route.
Little Women: The Musical – Follow the four March sisters as they grow up in Concord, Massachusetts, while their father serves in the Civil War. Based on Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel, Little Women: The Musical brings the sisters’ lives and family story to the stage.
A Christmas Carol – Step into Victorian England and follow Ebenezer Scrooge’s unforgettable transformation as he encounters the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future.
Holiday in the Gardens 2026 – Make holiday memories at Moody Gardens! Explore dazzling light displays and themed attractions, then enjoy an ice skating rink, holiday train rides, holiday film screenings, an Arctic slide, Festival of Lights, and ICE LAND: Caribbean Christmas.
The Ensemble Theatre presents A Motown Christmas – Celebrate the holiday season with A Motown Christmas, a festive revue blending traditional Christmas carols with soulful hits from Motown legends including Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, and The Jackson 5.
The Great American Trailer Park Christmas Musical – Head to Armadillo Acres, Florida, where quirky residents face family drama, romantic hijinks, and holiday chaos after an unexpected visitor threatens to upend their festivities.
ARTECHOUSE presents Twilight Zone: Hidden Wonders of the Ocean – Explore the strange and fascinating world beneath the waves at ARTECHOUSE Studio’s immersive exhibition and discover the nightly migration of ocean creatures and their connection to the health of our planet.
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride – Climb aboard THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride at the Galveston Railroad Museum for a magical 60-minute round trip from the historic 1932 Union Depot to the North Pole, complete with hot chocolate, a cookie, and a visit from Santa, who presents each guest with the first gift of Christmas.
Sawyer Yards Second Saturday – Explore the creative energy of Sawyer Yards Second Saturday as artists open their studios across six transformed warehouses. Discover paintings, sculptures, jewelry, photography, textiles, mixed media, and more while meeting local artists and browsing one-of-a-kind works.
Kids Events in Houston in December 2026 (18th – 20th December)
A Merry Rockin’ Christmas – Get into the holiday spirit with Michael Cavanaugh’s lively musical show, featuring festive favorites like “Last Christmas,” “Wonderful Christmastime,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” and “Winter Wonderland.”
Breakfast with Santa at Moody Gardens – Treat your family to a festive breakfast with Santa inside the Frances Anne Moody Ballroom at Moody Gardens Hotel, complete with a holiday bakery and fresh fruit displays, North Pole breakfast favorites, Elf’s omelet station, and Santa’s pancake and waffle workshop.
Image credit: Moody Gardens
Galveston Santa Hustle – Sleigh your way into the holiday spirit at the annual Galveston Santa Hustle, where runners and walkers can hit the Texas coast in Santa hats, beards, ugly Christmas sweaters, and other festive gear.
Image credit: Santa Hustle Race Series
Houston Urban Nutcracker 2026 – Culture Arts Initiative presents Houston’s Urban Nutcracker, following Clare on a magical journey through the Bayou City with the Nutcracker.
The Boho Market – Shop small and support local makers at The Boho Market’s second annual holiday market at Creekside Park Village Green in The Woodlands, with festive photo opportunities, a Coffee & Cars show, live music, and more.
Movies on the Square: The Grinch – Bring your blankets, claim a spot on the Plaza at Sugar Land Town Square, and settle in for a family movie night featuring The Grinch (PG, 2018).
The Unauthorized Hallmark(ish) Parody Musical – Follow Holly, an overworked big-city executive who returns to her quirky hometown to save Christmas, only to face an old flame, a looming corporate merger, a cookie contest conspiracy, and a moose on the loose.
The Nutcracker – UHCL – Enjoy the timeless magic of The Nutcracker with live music, breathtaking dancing, dazzling costumes, and unforgettable storytelling that brings this beloved holiday tale to life.
Jingle on the Boardwalk 2026 – Head to the Kemah Boardwalk for Jingle on the Boardwalk, a festive holiday celebration featuring Santa, seasonal music, kids’ crafts, and a community toy drive.
Disney’s The Little Mermaid – Follow curious young mermaid Ariel as she dreams of life above the sea, and sing along to favorites like “Under the Sea,” “Kiss the Girl,” and “Part of Your World,” featuring music by eight-time Academy Award® winner Alan Menken and lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater.
Flea by Night presented by Green Mountain Energy – Browse Flea by Night at Discovery Green, where local makers, artists, plant vendors, and small businesses offer vintage finds, handmade treasures, and one-of-a-kind goods.
Image credit: Discovery Green
Who’s Holiday! – Catch Who’s Holiday!, a wildly funny, heartfelt adults-only comedy that revisits Cindy Lou Who as a grown woman living in a rundown trailer in the snowy hills of Mount Crumpit. As she recalls the Christmas Eve she first met the Grinch, her story takes a twisted turn, complete with bong rips and unexpected life developments.
Galaxy Lights – Experience the magic of the holidays at Space Center Houston, where immersive light displays, interactive experiences, and festive surprises bring the wonders of space to life after dark. Now in its eighth year, this annual tradition blends space exploration with larger-than-life holiday displays.
The Light Park Katy – Buckle up, turn up the volume, and cruise through a mile-long holiday light show featuring millions of dazzling LED lights synchronized to high-energy music, giant illuminated tunnels, towering animated trees, and dancing reindeer.
The Light Park Spring – Take your family on a mile-long drive through millions of dazzling LED lights synchronized to high-energy holiday music, with giant illuminated tunnels, towering animated trees, and dancing reindeer lighting up the route.
The Great American Trailer Park Christmas Musical – Head to Armadillo Acres, Florida, where quirky residents face family drama, romantic hijinks, and holiday chaos after an unexpected visitor threatens to upend their festivities.
A Christmas Carol – Step into Victorian England and follow Ebenezer Scrooge’s unforgettable transformation as he encounters the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future.
ARTECHOUSE presents Twilight Zone: Hidden Wonders of the Ocean – Explore the strange and fascinating world beneath the waves at ARTECHOUSE Studio’s immersive exhibition and discover the nightly migration of ocean creatures and their connection to the health of our planet.
The Ensemble Theatre presents A Motown Christmas – Celebrate the holiday season with A Motown Christmas, a festive revue blending traditional Christmas carols with soulful hits from Motown legends including Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, and The Jackson 5.
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride – Climb aboard THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride at the Galveston Railroad Museum for a magical 60-minute round trip from the historic 1932 Union Depot to the North Pole, complete with hot chocolate, a cookie, and a visit from Santa, who presents each guest with the first gift of Christmas.
Holiday in the Gardens 2026 – Make holiday memories at Moody Gardens! Explore dazzling light displays and themed attractions, then enjoy an ice skating rink, holiday train rides, holiday film screenings, an Arctic slide, Festival of Lights, and ICE LAND: Caribbean Christmas.
Kids Events in Houston in December 2026 (25th – 27th December)
Shen Yun – Journey through five millennia of China’s divinely inspired culture as Shen Yun brings ancient legends, inspiring modern-day stories, and classical Chinese dance to life in a spectacular performance.
Image credit: Shen Yun
Disney’s The Little Mermaid – Follow curious young mermaid Ariel as she dreams of life above the sea, and sing along to favorites like “Under the Sea,” “Kiss the Girl,” and “Part of Your World,” featuring music by eight-time Academy Award® winner Alan Menken and lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater.
Christmas Day Brunch at Moody Gardens – Make Christmas Day extra special with a grand holiday brunch at the Moody Gardens Convention Center, featuring a holiday bakery display, made-to-order omelets, soups, winter salads, and an antipasti display.
Christmas Day Evening Buffet at Café in the Park – Celebrate Christmas evening with a holiday buffet at Café in the Park inside the Moody Gardens Hotel, featuring soups, salads, and chef-prepared holiday entrées like pan-seared Gulf snapper, beef tenderloin, roasted turkey breast, and stuffed chicken.
Merry Little Mischief Morning Feast at Moody Gardens – Give the kids a delightfully silly start to the day with a playful character breakfast featuring green velvet waffles, a build-your-own pancake bar, and a cocoa station packed with toppings.
Galaxy Lights – Experience the magic of the holidays at Space Center Houston, where immersive light displays, interactive experiences, and festive surprises bring the wonders of space to life after dark. Now in its eighth year, this annual tradition blends space exploration with larger-than-life holiday displays.
The Light Park Katy – Buckle up, turn up the volume, and cruise through a mile-long holiday light show featuring millions of dazzling LED lights synchronized to high-energy music, giant illuminated tunnels, towering animated trees, and dancing reindeer.
The Light Park Spring – Take your family on a mile-long drive through millions of dazzling LED lights synchronized to high-energy holiday music, with giant illuminated tunnels, towering animated trees, and dancing reindeer lighting up the route.
Who’s Holiday! – Catch Who’s Holiday!, a wildly funny, heartfelt adults-only comedy that revisits Cindy Lou Who as a grown woman living in a rundown trailer in the snowy hills of Mount Crumpit. As she recalls the Christmas Eve she first met the Grinch, her story takes a twisted turn, complete with bong rips and unexpected life developments.
A Christmas Carol – Step into Victorian England and follow Ebenezer Scrooge’s unforgettable transformation as he encounters the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future.
Image credit: Alley Theatre
ARTECHOUSE presents Twilight Zone: Hidden Wonders of the Ocean – Explore the strange and fascinating world beneath the waves at ARTECHOUSE Studio’s immersive exhibition and discover the nightly migration of ocean creatures and their connection to the health of our planet.
The Great American Trailer Park Christmas Musical – Head to Armadillo Acres, Florida, where quirky residents face family drama, romantic hijinks, and holiday chaos after an unexpected visitor threatens to upend their festivities.
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride – Climb aboard THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride at the Galveston Railroad Museum for a magical 60-minute round trip from the historic 1932 Union Depot to the North Pole, complete with hot chocolate, a cookie, and a visit from Santa, who presents each guest with the first gift of Christmas.
Holiday in the Gardens 2026 – Make holiday memories at Moody Gardens! Explore dazzling light displays and themed attractions, then enjoy an ice skating rink, holiday train rides, holiday film screenings, an Arctic slide, Festival of Lights, and ICE LAND: Caribbean Christmas.
Want more family adventures beyond this month’s lineup? Check out our full guide to current Houston events and kid-friendly activities happening across the city.
- Houston Highlights: October 26 to October 29 – Food, Music, Arts & More - October 25, 2026
- Make Room for Holiday Magic: Kids Events in Houston in December 2026 - October 25, 2026
- Veterans Day Houston 2026: Parades, Free Meals & Ceremony Guide - October 25, 2026
