MHL’s Top Things To Do During The Holidays

Nothing lights up, figuratively and literally, the City of Houston like the holidays! Joyous shoppers flood the city’s numerous shopping centers, colorful decorations blanket homes and buildings throughout our neighborhoods and the city booms with holiday activities. We love the holiday season at MyHoustonLife and are sharing some of our favorite things to do in Houston during the holidays!

1. Ride the Downtown Holiday Trolley

Downtown Houston really comes alive during the holiday season! The easiest way to experience all of the holiday festivities in Downtown is to hop on the Downtown Holiday Trolley. The trolley runs on the weekends making stops at all of the major holiday destinations in Downtown and completely free of charge! Get more information about the Downtown Holiday Trolley here!

2. Ice Skating at Discovery Green

One of the most popular stops on the Downtown Holiday Trolley route is the The Ice at Discovery Green. Take the family out for a day of ice skating under the Houston skyline at Downtown’s premier park for $10 a skater. Although warmer than usual weather has caused some issues with the outdoor rink recently, the incoming cold front should set the perfect atmosphere for some holiday ice skating. Get more information about the The Ice at Discovery Green here!

3. Watch Holiday Movies Under the Stars

One of the benefits of having mild winters is that we are still able to be out and about for long periods of time during the holiday season. So grab your wool blankets, a thermos of hot chocolate and catch a classic holiday movie out under the stars at either Discovery Green or Market Square in Downtown. Some of the showings include:

• It’s a Wonderful Life – Dec 11th @ Market Square
• National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation – Dec 8th @ Discovery Green
• The Polar Express – Dec 15th @ Discovery Green
• Scrooged – Dec 29th @ Discovery Green

4. Catch a Holiday Show in the Theater District

One of the MyHoustonLife staff’s favorite things to do every holiday season is get ourselves cleaned up, dust off the tuxedos and evening gowns and catch a showing of The Nutcraker at Wortham Theater. In addition, neighboring theater, Alley Theater, is showing their production of the classic,  A Christmas Carol.

5. See Snow in the City

There’s something magical about snow that always puts everyone in the holiday spirit. And although it is unlikely we will see snow in Houston, that won’t stop us from making our own snow and let it fall in the middle of Downtown! So if you’re having trouble getting yourself in the spirit of the holidays, visit the Houston Pavilions to see some snow! More info here.

6. Lights in the Heights

On Saturday Dec 10th, two streets in the Heights neighborhood will be shut down for the annual Lights in the Heights Festival. From 6PM to 9PM, the people of the Heights will open their homes to the public to enjoy the elaborate lighting decorations and live music. Be sure to get out there early as parking is very limited! More info here.

We hope our list has given you and your family some inspiration to get out and experience some of the holiday themed activities Houston has to offer! One of my personal favorites that is not listed above is simply gathering a few friends together and driving around Houston’s neighborhoods. Play some Christmas music in the car as you travel through the elaborately decorated neighborhoods of Uptown Park, Memorial Drive or West University and just feel yourself being infused by the holidays!

What are some of your favorite things to do in Houston during the holidays? Tell us what we missed!