What's Open on Christmas Day in Houston: A List of Awesome Things To Do

In Houston, there are quite a few great options for things to do on Christmas Day, offering possibilities if you want to branch out beyond eating more food or playing another round of Scrabble Junior.

Here are 11 fun things to do on Christmas Day in Houston and the surrounding area that you can make a part of your holiday traditions. For more Christmas and Hanukkah fun around the Bayou City, check out our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events in Houston 

Subscribe to our newsletters to get stories like this delivered directly to your inbox. 

Great Things to Do on Christmas Day in Houston

1. Look at Christmas Lights

Drive around Prestonwood Forest in Northwest Houston to see the beautiful (and insanely elaborate) holiday light displays on all homes. Each street has its own theme. And, of course, the homes in the Heights, River Oaks, and the Duke Family Christmas Light Show are always a sight to see. Check out our recommendations for the top residential light displays in Houston for more.

2. Tour the Gingerbread Village at City Place

Follow the trail of giant candy canes, lollipops, gumdrops, gingerbread men, and cookie trees to a 16-foot high house and 12-foot tall windmill at the Gingerbread Village.

3. Have Fun in Galveston 

Take a day trip to Galveston and celebrate Christmas by the bay. There are some fun things to do on Christmas Day, like the Holidays at Moody Gardens, which includes the ever-popular Festival of Lights and a Christmas Day buffet, and festive Christmas Day brunch at the San Luis.

4. Visit Santa's Wonderland

What better way to celebrate Christmas Day than at Santa's Wonderland? Go snow sledding, take hayrides and train rides, roast s'mores, and visit with St. Nick himself. 

RELATED: 27 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in Houston for Kids

Take a drive through elaborate holiday light displays on Christmas Day. Photo courtesy of Dasher's Light Show/Facebook

5. Put on Your Holiday PJs and Drive Through Christmas Light Displays

Dasher's Lightshow, The Light Park at Typhoon Texas, and Hurricane Harbor Splashtown are all open on Christmas Day. Crank up the Christmas tunes and enjoy some spectacular light displays! 

6. Head to Magical Winter Lights

Prepare to be dazzled by some of the best holiday light displays around town. Located at the Katy Mills Mall, Magical Winter Lights is definitely worth a visit. There is also character entertainment, interactive exhibits, and giant statues.

7. Take in the Magic at Sugar Land Holiday Lights

Constellation Field in Sugar Land is covered in thousands of lights that make up elaborate and stunning displays you can walk around and underneath. On December 25, they're also opening up the snow slide and snow play area so that you can enjoy a white Christmas. It's the perfect way to end the holiday as a family.

RELATED: Best Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights in Houston

 
Lace up your skates on Christmas Day at Discovery Green. Photo courtesy of Discovery Green 

8. Go Ice Skating at Discovery Green or The Woodlands Ice Rink

Either head downtown to Discovery Green or up north in The Woodlands near Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion for some outdoor ice skating. You can even make a day of it in The Woodlands by enjoying Christmas brunch at The Woodlands Resort.

9. Bask in the Rooftop Lights at Texas Winter Lights

Take part in a rooftop lights experience at the Marriott Marquis Houston's Texas Winter Lights. The rooftop pool area is transformed into an interactive light experience where guests can snap photos, partake in winter-themed activities, and more.

10. Walk through Friendswood's Lighted Holiday Trail

At the Lighted Holiday Trail, you can walk through more than 100,000 twinkling holiday lights, find all the Christmas fairies along the trail, and snap some family Christmas photos beneath the twinkling arches.

11. Stroll the Kemah Boardwalk

The boardwalk is open on Christmas day for memory-making merriment. Ride epic rides, dine on fresh seafood, and more after soaking in some holiday cheer.