The holidays in Houston just got brighter with the news that City Lights Downtown Holiday Magic presented by Kroger is returning for another season, filled with jawdropping displays, magnificent Christmas trees, live performances, and whimsical surprises around every corner. With 11 uniquely themed villages, everyone across H-Town is invited to partake in a sparkling blend of timeless traditions and festive new surprises.

Houston’s City Lights Returns: Bigger, Brighter, and More Magical Than Ever

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DISCOVER

This year’s City Lights celebration is bringing even more elevated festivities with two special groups, split between the North and South Pole. While experiences at both are mostly free, the North Pole’s holiday shows will take place in the Theater District, while the city’s iconic outdoor ice rink serves as a central hub for the South Pole. Connecting both ends are candy-themed trails along Texas Avenue and McKinney Street, complete with colorful pathways and plenty of discoverable moments.

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What’s New for the 2025 Holiday Villages

North Pole Villages

City Lights Downtown Holiday Magic presented by Kroger comes to life each year thanks to how Houston First champions Houston’s diverse cultural scene. With this season’s festivities presented by Kroger, the organization charged with promoting Houston uplifts local businesses to help create unforgettable memories from the best our city has to offer. Getting around has never been easier, safer, or more packed with Yuletide cheer than this year either. With designated Park Once Zones at both the North and South Poles, visitors can leave their car in a nearby garage, lot, or street space and wander through the holiday villages on foot. And new this year, complimentary Reindeer Rides from EV Community Connectors offer a fun, sustainable way to cruise between villages on Saturday evenings through December 31. Another option is hopping aboard the festive Holiday Express METRORail, with decked-out trains and a decorated Theater District platform connecting families to both Poles. While many of the Holiday Villages are free to explore, some feature ticketed attractions. Hours and offerings vary by location, so for details on schedules, parking, tickets, and everything you need to plan your visit to this year’s City Lights, head to www.visithoustontexas.com/citylights.

Plan Your Festive Visit!

By Josie Brocato on November 24, 2025

South Pole Villages

Astros Light Up the Park

Where: Marriott Marquis 1777 Walker Street, Houston, TX 77010 November 17, 2025 – December 31, 2025

Texas Winter Lights

Saddle up for a season of Texas-sized cheer as Texas Winter Lights returns to the Marriott Marquis with a bold Western twist. The Altitude Rooftop glows with so much to see, including thousands of twinkling lights, nightly snowfalls, cozy igloos, live music, Santa visits, holiday movies, and more!

Where: City Hall 901 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002 December 6 – January 3, 2026

City Hall-iday Lights

Mark your calendars for Reliant Lights Mayor’s Holiday Spectacular on December 6 to celebrate the season with live music, fireworks, and free photos with Santa. Mayor John Whitmire will lead the celebration with the annual lighting of the towering City Hall tree. A Gingerbread Village, arts and crafts, food, and other vendors will also take part.

Where: POST HTX 401 Franklin St, Houston, TX 77201 November 1, 2025 – January 11, 2026

Winter Wonderlawn

If you’ve never been up to POST Houston’s Skylawn, you’re in for an absolute treat. Walkin’ in a Winter Wonderlawn transforms all 5 acres into a radiant rooftop realm, complete with hundreds of thousands of bulbs illuminating the space. Be sure to check out the 25-foot tree amidst a dazzling view of the downtown skyline.

Where: Market Square Park 301 Milam St, Houston, TX 77002 November 21, 2025 – January 5, 2026

Tinsel Town

Rolling out the holiday fun again this year in famed Market Square Park, Tinsel Town returns with a full lineup of Movies Under the Stars, featuring How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Add in a lively Deck the Keys dueling piano show, Blanket Bingo: Ugly Sweater Edition, and an Elf on the Shelf scavenger hunt, and it’s a full lineup for everyone.

Where: Alley Theatre 615 Texas Ave, Houston, TX 77002 November 16, 2025 – December 31, 2025

Deck the Trees

The holidays in Houston are never complete without the Alley Theatre’s one-of-a-kind festive tree exhibition. A total of 19 distinct trees celebrate Houston’s art and culture, offering a creative twist on classic décor. Visitors can enjoy the display as a bonus to their annual performances of A Christmas Carol or simply stop by to view the trees without attending the show.

Where: Lynn Wyatt Square 600 Louisiana St, Houston, TX 77002 November 22, 2025 – December 31, 2025

Jingle Town

Lynn Wyatt Square comes alive with holiday magic: meaning hot cocoa, movies, crafts, lawn games, live music, and perfectly sweet selfie moments. Whether you’re gathering the family or planning a festive date night, it’s the ideal spot to soak up the season.

Where: Discover Green 1500 McKinney St, Houston, TX 77010 November 21, 2025 – February 16, 2026

Ice @ Discovery Green

For years now, just say the words “Discovery Green” and all families are onboard. Who could turn down themed skate nights and the chance to hit the ice with Santa on the open-air rink? Sponsored by Green Mountain Energy this year, a one-of-a-kind light display by H-Town Frankie of Space City Light Shows make this a can’t-miss experience.

Where: Avenida Plaza 1001 Avenida de las Americas, Houston, TX 77010 November 22, 2025 – December 25, 2025

Peppermint Plaza

Stroll the Plaza at Avenida Houston to see 18 beautifully decorated Christmas trees in the Grand Window of the George R. Brown Convention Center, plus a stunning 42-foot tree perfect for family photos. Saturday nights feature holiday musical performances inspired by “A World in a City,” adding extra festive flair.

Where: Hilton Americas 1600 Lamar St, Houston, TX 77010 November 22, 2025 – December 28, 2025

Land of Sweets

Be sure to swing by the Hilton Americas-Houston, where more than 80,000 lights, towering 14-foot Champagne trees, and a life-size chocolate installation celebrating Disneyland® Resort’s 70th anniversary create unforgettable wonder. Whether you’re staying overnight or simply stopping by, the lobby’s stunning displays are open for all to enjoy.

Where: Trebly Park 1515 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77002 November 21, 2025 – January 5, 2026

Twinkle Town

Looking for a pet-friendly holiday outing? Trebly Park has you covered. Snap festive family photos with Santa and your favorite four-legged pals, steal a kiss under the largest mistletoe ball in Texas, and enjoy free hot chocolate and puppychinos. Don’t miss the fun extras like face-painting and paw-print ornaments too!

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What’s New for the 2025 Holiday Villages

North Pole Villages

What’s New for the 2025 Holiday Villages