Top 11 Houston Holiday Events

1. Moody Gardens Festival of Lights

Let Moody Gardens' Festival of Lights event make your season bright with dozens of Galveston festivities. Visit Santa's workshop, a dazzling gingerbread house, the nativity scene, strolling magicians, fairy-tale castles and magical holiday scenes illuminated by thousands of lights. Live entertainment, arts and crafts, and a 65-foot tree add to the grand party.

2. *17 Restaurant Christmas Dinner

Celebrate the holiday season with the Alden Hotel and their "So Noel" package which features a pre-dinner champagne reception with General Manager, Susan Ward-Freeman, bites from *17 (their award winning restaurant), carolers in the lobby performing around the Alden Tree, a five-course chef's tasting dinner for two at *17, deluxe room accommodations and a special holiday gift from Alden.

$339 per couple / $414 with suite upgrade
$135 for additional nights through December 30th
$210 for additional suite upgrades through December 30th

3. Mayor's Official Downtown Holiday Celebration

The City of Houston and KHOU present The Mayor's Holiday Celebration. Join Mayor Bill White for music, fireworks and the lighting of the official holiday tree. Hosted by Ron Trevino and Deborah Duncan on Friday, November 30, 2007 at 6:00 p.m., in Hermann Square at City Hall.

4. The Nutcracker

The Houston Ballet presents The Nutcracker from November 23 - December 29.

From the flying cooks to the dancing dolls. The moment the curtain rises, The Nutcracker dazzles and delights audiences of all ages.

5. Kwanzaa Celebration Houston

To honor the Kwanzaa, the S.H.A.P.E Community Center hosts a ritual unity circle, lighting of the unity candle on the kinorah, a guest speaker and live entertainment. December 26 through December 31, 2007.

6. The Bagel Ball

The Jewish Community Center of Houston will hold its annual Bagel Ball on December 24th with proceeds benefiting different charitable organizations at Pub Fiction in Downtown Houston. Adults only. $15 per person.

7. 23rd Annual Chevron Jingle Bell Run and Walk

The Jingle Bell Walk & Run is a Houston highlight of the holiday season in which individuals and families celebrate the holidays while raising funds and awareness for a YMCA. More than 5,000 runners, volunteers, sponsors, children and families, at all fitness levels (and many sporting holiday costumes), will make their way through the streets of Downtown Houston on December 9th.

8. 45th Annual Candlelight Tour

On December 7th, stroll down memory lane at The Heritage Society's 45th Annual Candlelight Tour. Houstonians are able to tour some of Houston's most historic homes decorated for the holiday season. Enjoy food and live entertainment. Beginning at Sam Houston Park.

9. Lights in the Heights

If you only see one holiday lights display this season, plan on checking out Lights in the Heights on Saturday, December 8th. The event officially begins at 6:00 pm but with the traffic, you may want to come early.

Lights in the Heights (LITH) is an annual celebration in the Woodland Heights. This year it will be held on three streets - Woodland, Bayland and Highland.

The streets will be lined with luminaries, there will be entertainment and cookies throughout the neighborhood, and Santa will arrive via fire truck and hang out on the esplanade. The streets are blocked off (except for the carriage rides and Santa's fire truck) and it is a fun, old-fashioned, holiday celebration.

10. Galleria Polar Ice Skating Rink

Looking to do holiday shopping? Are the kids (and their friends) out of school with nothing to do? Take them to the Galleria and turn them loose at Polar Ice, the mall's ice skating rink while you shop in peace. Skaters of every skill level are welcome. It isn't uncommon to see young figure skaters in full costume twirling in the center of the rink, while less sure-footed skaters hug the outside walls.

11. Dickens on the Strand

This annual, two-day event includes musicians, choirs, strollimagicians, jugglers, hypnotists and exuberant street performers. There are also costumed vendors selling everything from crafts and souvenirs to huge turkey legs and other Victorian-era knick-knacks. The annual Dickens weekend brings costumed revelers in Queen Victoria's Parade and a snow yard for children, not to mention opportunities to purchase holiday handicrafts from local artisans.

Quick Tip: Show up to Dickens in full Victorian costume and get in free.