Houston Holiday Lighting

Communities throughout the Greater Houston area will usher in the holiday season with the lighting of trees, streets and homes. Strolling through residential areas made famous for their elaborate lighting designs is a family tradition for many. Others make a tradition of spending an evening downtown and witness the heart of the city covered in holiday decor. Here are several places for you and your family to experience holiday lighting displays in Houston and they are all free!

1. Uptown Holiday Lighting

Where: On Post Oak Blvd. between San Felipe and Westheimer
When: Festivities begin at 4:00 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. Lighting takes place 7 p.m.
What to Expect: half-million holiday lights, concessions, clowns, Christmas characters and music

2. Dearing Dazzle

Where: 18734 E Cool Breeze Lane Montgomery, TX.
When: Second Saturday in December from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
What to Expect: 150,000 lights synched to 18 holiday songs, radio broadcasting of music and voice-overs and dancing Christmas trees

3. Dickinson Festival of Lights

Where: Paul Hopkins Park in Dickinson, Texas
When: Sunday following Thanksgiving through January 1 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
What to Expect: cookie decorating, concessions, pictures with Santa, train rides and thousands of festive lights

4. Prestonwood Nite of Lites

Where: Prestonwood subdivision, FM 249 near Cypresswood
When: second Saturday in December through January 2 from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m.
What to Expect: nearly 750 homes decorated with thousands of lights, varying themes for each block, treats from residents and awards for Best Block, Best Mailbox, etc.

5. Lights in the Heights Festival

Where: Woodland Heights subdivision, along Byrne and Euclid
When: second Saturday in December from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
What to Expect: live music, warm beverages, carriage rides, carolers and charming bungalows decked in lights

6.Festival of Lights

Where: Moody Gardens in Galveston, Texas
When: second Saturday in November through January 1 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
What to Expect: parachuting Santa, one mile of over one million lights, choral performances, pictures with Santa and an outdoor skating rink

7.Downtown Houston/Market Square

Where: Market Square (300 Congress), Discovery Green Park
When: second Saturday in December at 6 p.m.
What to Expect: holiday decor, giant snowflakes, 25-foot holiday trees and an ice rink