13 Must-Try Experiences for Christmas in Houston, TX
Ho, Ho, Ho, Houston!🎅
It’s time to start planning a merry holiday party with your family, friends, or coworkers; Christmas is almost here and Santa’s little helpers have arrived to help you host the best bash ever!
Houston knows how to celebrate the season with the twinkling lights along Buffalo Bayou, festive displays in the Heights, the magical Zoo Lights at the Houston Zoo, and the Winter Wonderland at Discovery Green. As a party planner, you’re in charge of making sure your holiday party is just as awesome!
Let’s explore some fun activities and amazing venues that will delight your group and make your annual celebration in H-Town one to remember! 🎄
Cultural Holiday Experiences 🎁
Take in Houston’s culture by exploring holiday traditions and celebrations that will make your whole crew merry and bright.
1. Enjoy Christmas Shows in the Theater District
Classic but always a hit, a holiday show will surely get everyone in the festive spirit!
Houston has many talented performers, so you can find a show that fits your group’s preferences, from a beloved classic like “The Nutcracker” by Houston Ballet to a hilarious holiday comedy at the Alley Theatre.
Every year, there’s something fresh and exciting onstage, so it’s an enjoyable tradition worth keeping for years to come with your loved ones.
2. Record Store Hopping
Quick question: Are you into music and vintage goods?
If so, why not take your group or loved ones on a tour of Houston’s iconic record stores to find the perfect soundtrack for your festive gatherings?
Sig’s Lagoon Record Shop in Midtown, Cactus Music in the Montrose area, and Vinal Edge Records in the Heights are just a few of the local spots where you can discover hidden gems.
Enjoy the nostalgia of browsing through the latest pressings from emerging artists as well as rare albums from the past to add to your holiday tunes collection!
3. Tune in to Live Music on Emancipation Avenue
Dallas is known for Country, and San Antonio is famous for Tejano, so what about Houston? It’s a thriving hub of Blues with a rich history!
Numerous legendary Blues musicians have called Houston home, such as, Lightnin’ Hopkins, Albert Collins, and Johnny Copeland, influencing generations of thriving blues scene here.
Take a soulful stroll on Emancipation Avenue, where you can explore the roots of this genre and experience live performances at live music venues like The Big Easy in West U and The Continental Club in Midtown.
You get to hear some holiday tunes reimagined with a bluesy twist!
4. Visit the Tomball German Festival
Wanna stay in the city for the holidays but still want a taste of European Christmas traditions?
Head to the Tomball German Festival in Houston, where you can shop for unique ornaments at the Christmas market while sipping on Glühwein or enjoying a bratwurst.
German Christmas markets are the “OG” of the holiday markets, dating back to the late medieval period. Tomball’s festival reflects the centuries-old traditions and holiday spirit right here in Texas.
Both admission and parking are free, so it’s a budget-friendly way to experience a festive atmosphere with live music playing in the background!
⭐️You may also like:
- 15 Christmas Party Activities for Adults to Light Up the Festive Season
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Fun Holiday Activities for All Ages 🧑🎄
Looking for something the whole family can enjoy? These fun holiday activities are perfect for both kids and adults!
5. Shopping Spree at Houston Premium Outlets
Turn holiday shopping into a fun and stress-free experience by taking your whole group to the Houston Premium Outlets.
With many designer brands offering amazing deals, including Burberry, Coach, and Tory Burch, you can check off your Christmas gift list while enjoying a fun day out with friends and family!
After shopping, treat yourselves to a festive meal at one of the many local restaurants, including La Viva and Mo’s Irish Pub Cypress.
6. Enchanting Evening at Light Displays
Houston transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season with stunning light displays around the city!
Each light exhibit changes up its themes and incorporates new attractions, so you’re sure to have an exciting experience even if you’ve been before.
🎁 Check out these must-see spots:
- Space Center Houston hosts Galaxy Lights with LED-lit rockets and spacecraft every night starting from the end of November.
- Houston Zoo lights up with animal-themed light displays that are perfect for family excursions.
- The Light Park features millions of dazzling lights synchronized to festive tunes mixed by the DJ.
- Moody Gardens brings you a magical experience at the Festival of Lights with over 2 million lights, ice skating, and train rides through the property.
- Christmas Village at Bayou Bend offers a magnificent view of a historic estate decorated with twinkling lights and holiday decorations.
7. Head to Clear Lake
Bring all your favorite people to the Christmas Boat Lane Parade, a beloved Houston holiday tradition! Over 100 brightly decorated boats cruise through Clear Lake and Kemah Waterfront, offering a spectacular display of holiday spirit on the water.
After enjoying the parade, why not extend your holiday cheer with a staycation at a nearby vacation house like Nasa Ranch? It’s a great way to relax while still being close to festive activities in the area!
⭐️You may also like:
- Mingle All the Way: 19 Unique Christmas Party Ideas for Large Groups
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8. Sweet Adventure at Gingerbread Village
Get lost in a life-sized holiday fantasy at the Giant Gingerbread Village in City Place Plaza! Since its opening, this attraction has quickly become a favorite holiday destination for locals of all ages.
With huge holiday treats, enormous candy canes, and a gingerbread house, you’ll be snapping holiday photos left and right.
9. Explore Santa’s Wonderland
Take a short trip to College Station from Houston and head to the world’s largest Christmas attraction, Santa’s Wonderland!
This magical village offers so many holiday activities for the whole family to enjoy; from ice skating, a snow playground, and hayrides for kids to enjoying craft beers by a campfire and live music for adults.
10. DIY Bash at a Bungalow
Want to get more crafty and creative for building your perfect holiday celebration? Rent a bungalow and organize your dream party brick by brick!
You can decorate and personalize however you want to with full control over the space—you can set up a mini Christmas market with hot cocoa, host a potluck dinner, or screen classic holiday movies, all while surrounded by your closest friends and family!
⭐️Check out our guides to elevate your bungalow party:
- 12 Cool Winter-Themed Party Ideas You Should Try in 2024
- 15 Christmas Party Themes for an Adult Party – Tagvenue Blog
- Office Christmas Party Planning: The Ultimate Guide
Holiday Celebrations for the Office 🎄
Planning a corporate Christmas party? These holiday celebration ideas will boost team spirit and spread the holiday cheer.
11. Take a Tour at Bishop’s Palace
Take your whole office to the “Queen City of the Gulf!, Galveston where you’ll find, Bishop’s Palace.
This stunning Victorian mansion has survived the Great Storm of 1900, one of the worst natural disasters in U.S. history, and still stands as a symbol of resilience and architectural beauty in Galveston.
You can join its Christmas tour, where you can marvel at the stunning architecture and learn about the exciting facts of the holiday traditions during the Victorian era, all while you enjoy sipping complimentary champagne!
12. Karaoke & Games
A bit too basic? Not at all! Karaoke parties will never be a miss, and you can upgrade your event with these unique themes:
- H-Town Artists: Host a local-legends-only karaoke night where you can sing along to hits by Beyoncé, Travis Scott, and other Houston-based artists to show off your hometown pride.
- Southern Comfort Songs: Cherish Houston’s Southern roots with country, blues, and Southern rock hits from artists like Kenny Rogers, B.B. King, and ZZ Top.
- Space City Soundtrack: How about a karaoke night filled with songs about space, the stars, and the cosmos? Think of tracks like “Rocket Man” by Elton John, “Space Oddity” by David Bowie, and “Intergalactic” by Beastie Boys.
13. Spa Day
During this hectic holiday season, give your team and yourself the best present—relaxation!
Houston has every type of spa you can imagine: Korean-style bathhouses, luxury resort spas, and wellness centers offering massages, facials, and other treatments.
Do you want to make the experience even more special? Organizing a DIY spa at retreat venues such as Luxe Midtown Houston Skyline Retreat can be the perfect way to de-stress and bond with your team!
You can prepare holiday-scented facial masks, body scrubs, and essential oils for personalized experiences and organize activities like yoga and meditation sessions surrounded by candles.
⭐️You may also like:
- Top 37 Corporate Christmas Gift Ideas – Tagvenue Blog
- 22 Jolly Christmas Spirit Week Ideas for the Workplace
- Making Merry Memories: 14 Small Office Christmas Party Ideas to Remember
To Sprinkle Some Last Holiday Magic 🪄
Houston brings you endless possibilities for celebrating Christmas, offering numerous festive venues and activities!
Start by thinking about your group’s mood to make your event stand out. A quick discussion or survey can help you figure out whether they’re more into a traditional holiday experience, something more laid-back gatherings, or something in between.
Do you need a hand finding the perfect party space? Have a look at our top picks of Christmas party venues in Houston, and reserve your spot within a few clicks.
Here’s to a season filled with laughter and cherished moments! 🎅🥂🤶
⭐️You may also like:
- 15 Christmas Party Themes for an Adult Party – Tagvenue Blog
- The 20 Best Office Christmas Party Games to Play in 2024
- Questions to Ask When Booking a Christmas Party Venue in 2024
FAQ
How can I handle weather-related concerns for an outdoor Christmas party in Houston?
Although Houston is known for its mild winters, it is always better to have a plan B. We recommend renting tents or marquees to shelter from unexpected rain or cooler temperatures.
Also, having outdoor heaters or fire pits to keep guests warm would be a good idea. For a more flexible experience, you can rent a venue with both indoor and outdoor spaces, such as 3 Stories in EaDo and Tachara in the Heights.
What are the best ways to keep children entertained at a Christmas party?
To create a truly inclusive party experience, think about setting up a craft station with holiday-themed activities, hiring a professional entertainer like a magician or face painter, or organizing interactive games like a scavenger hunt or cookie decorating.
You can also arrange a designated area with age-appropriate toys and holiday movies so your young guests will have joyous memories of the event.
Are there venues in Houston that offer all-inclusive Christmas party packages?
Yes, many venues in Houston offer all-inclusive Christmas party packages, which can greatly simplify the planning process! These packages typically include venue rental, catering, decorations, entertainment, and event coordination.
For example, Mins Events 105 has Christmas party offers starting around $1,000 per session including basic furniture, a speaker, and a screen TV. When choosing a package, inquire about additional costs and confirm that you will have everything you need for a successful holiday party!
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