Departs Palestine, TX
Wear your PJ's, and journey from the Palestine Depot to the North Pole, reliving the magic of The Polar Express tale! Hot chocolate and cookies included, and passengers are greeted with a gift at the North Pole by Santa and his elves!
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Holiday-Themed Events:
18898 Highway 6, College Station
Come visit the largest outdoor Christmas attraction in the South! Located in College Station, TX, spend an unforgettable evening outdoors celebrating the holidays Texas-style with REAL snow, ice skating, snow tubing, visiting Santa's Farm, and more! Enjoy holiday foods, unique shops, live entertainment, and magic sights around every corner.
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The Ice Rink, 2005 Lake Robbins Drive, The Woodlands
Enjoy ice skating this season in the 21,000-square-foot permanent multipurpose facility at Town Center. The facility features ice skating in a main room with lighting, a state-of-the-art sound system, tables for parties and concessions. Open daily. Also offering private lessons and rentals. Visit website.
Market Street, 9595 Six Pines Dr, The Woodlands, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Kick off the holiday season with our 70-foot Christmas tree, synchronized to twinkling lights and holiday music on Thursday, November 21st from 6-8 p.m. Hundreds once again will gather to witness the first “performance” of Market Street’s Christmas tree and the more than 25,000 multi-colored lights in Central Park. This event is free and open to the public! As part of the evening’s festivities, one deserving family or individual, nominated as the 2024 Official Lighting Luminary, will light the tree in front of the cheering crowd. Visit website.
The Woodlands Church, 1 Fellowship Drive, 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Join us for a heartwarming and illuminating Christmas celebration and gather to honor the birth of Christ. Our event, 'Festival of Lights,' invites you to experience the joy and wonder of the season through radiant displays of lights that symbolize the light of Christ shining in our lives. New addition: An exciting new WINTER WONDERLAND snow area. Tickets to the new Festival of Lights Christmas Path range from $10-$20 for ages 5 and above. All proceeds benefit local missions. Admission to the Festival of Lights Plaza area is free (the same area that was free in 2023). Visit website.
The Houston Zoo, 6200 Hermann Park Dr, Houston
Sip hot chocolate as you stroll through the beautiful Houston Zoo grounds and take in the sights and sounds of the season. Interact with Candy the Zoo Lights Zebra, get a selfie on a giant ice throne, and take a socially distanced photo with Santa as he prepares for the holidays in his workshop! Stroll through a 125-foot-long, Infinity Tunnel of Light, see dragons come to life in the 4-D Enchanted Forest, and experience “snow” in Texas! Visit website.
Carolina Creek, 5 Anticipation Drive, Huntsville
Join us as we celebrate this Christmas Season in a whole new way. With over 1 million lights, arctic adventures such as zip lining over the frozen tundra, traversing across the ropes high in the trees, sledding down the snow hills, experiencing the reason for the season, overnight lodging, dinner theatre performances and so much more. We can’t wait for you to join us in kicking off what we believe will become a family Christmas tradition for years to come. Visit website.
The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel, 1601 Lake Robbins Dr, The Woodlands
A shopping extravaganza event that features a variety of items. From flower arrangements to personalized gifts to holiday ornaments, you can begin your holiday shopping early and even have time left over to buy yourself something special. Visit website.
Old Town Tomball, Main Street. 10:00am - 12:00pm
Be a part of this Tomball tradition! Join in for Two Miles of Smiles down Main Street! Free to Attend - Fun For All! Visit website.
Town Green Park, 2099 Lake Robbins Dr, 3:00pm - 8:00pm
The Festival includes traditional and international performances, snow play areas, vendor booths, children’s activities, and strolling entertainment, Lighting of the Doves culminates with a special appearance by Santa Claus arriving by sleigh down The Woodlands Waterway and a dazzling fireworks display. Visit website.
Moody Gardens, Galveston
Abundant holiday attractions, One venue! Ice Land, Festival of Lights, holiday 3D Films, Rudolph 4D, ice skating, Arctic Slide, Star: the Dancing Tree of Light, train rides, fireside smore's, live entertainment, Breakfast with Santa, live shows, great food, NYE festivities! Visit website.
City Place Plaza, 1250 Lake Plaza Dr, 3:00pm - 7:00pm
Enjoy a variety of holiday activations – seasonal vendor’s market, holiday kids craft stations, musical performances, hot chocolate and more surprise family-friendly activities! There will also be a special visit and photos with jolliest man of the season – Santa Claus. Complimentary.Visit website.
The Woodlands Ice Rink, 2005 Lake Robbins Dr, The Woodlands. 8:30am - 10:30am
Join Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, and their merry crew for a cozy morning filled with warm cocoa, delicious cookies, and of course time on the ice! This special event is a wonderful opportunity for kids to meet Santa and enjoy a festive start to the day. With the enchanting backdrop of The Ice Rink, this event is perfect for making holiday memories that will last a lifetime. Be sure to register early, as spots fill up fast! Visit website.
City Place Plaza, 1250 Lake Plaza Dr, Spring
Experience City Place’s Annual Gingerbread Village where a trail of giant candy canes, lollipops, gumdrops, gingerbread men, and cookie trees, lead to a 16-foot high house and 12-foot tall windmill. Gingerbread Village is free to visit, there are no reservations or invitations. All ages are welcome, including dogs! The Gingerbread Village will be open December 1st until the second week in January 2025. Visit website.
Heritage Place, 281 Newton St, Conroe. 6:30pm
Join the City of Conroe to officially kick off the Christmas season with the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. Experience the festive sights and sounds of the holidays and witness the magical moment when the giant Christmas tree lights up for the first time. Afterward, take a short stroll to Main Street and enjoy the very special CHRISTMAS ON MAIN event in Downtown Conroe. Visit website.
Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, The Woodlands 7:00pm
While Christmas comes but once a year, a live performance like Holly Jolly Jingle can make the whole season feel bright. This annual tradition is inspiring on so many levels: Hearing beloved holiday music performed live makes the spirit soar with nostalgic wonder. Adding your own voice to the tune instills a sense of community all too often forgotten. And knowing that all of the music is performed by student musicians from Conroe ISD is sure to give hope for the future. It's the only show as magical as Christmas morning itself – don’t miss it! Especially since it’s completely free to attend. Visit website.
Grace Baptist Church, 11920 Stidham Rd, Conroe, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Jingle the night away at the 3rd annual Deck the Pines Holiday Block Party. Join in for an Annual Tree Lighting, Photos with Santa, Live nativity, animals, Rides, Face paining, Balloon animals, Hits from DJ Chico, and more. Be sure to stop by the Pine Market businesses for some special goodies, too! This event is free and open to the public. Visit website.
West Conroe Baptist Church, 1855 Longmire Rd, Conroe, 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Bring your family, friends, and neighbors to celebrate this beautiful season. Ice rink, sled hill, petting zoo, train rides, arcade, obstacle course, food booths, photo booths, live nativity. Visit website.
Cedar Brake Park, 2135 Eva St. Montgomery, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Experience the enchantment as the park comes to life with dazzling lights and decorations, courtesy of wonderful businesses and residents. From twinkling light poles to whimsical displays, every corner sparkles with holiday cheer! Santa's photo booth, letters to the North Pole, community entertainment. Visit website.
Tomball Methodist Church, 1603 Baker Dr, Tomball, 5:30pm - 8:30pm
Bring your family and friends and enjoy walking through the trail together, seeing Santa, while making family memories that will last a life time! Three weekends in December: December 6th & 7th, December 13th & 14th, December 20th & 21st, 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Visit website.
Downtown Galveston
Brush off your bowlers and prepare your petticoats as Galveston Historical Foundation presents the 48th annual Dickens on The Strand. The annual holiday street festival, based on 19th-century Victorian London, features parades, non-stop entertainment on four stages, new additions like Tiny Tim’s Play Land, Shopkeeper Skills Village, and roaming characters throughout the festival. Costumed vendors peddle their wares from street stalls and rolling carts laden with holiday food and drink, Victorian-inspired crafts, clothing, jewelry, holiday decorations, and gift items.
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Rob Fleming Rec Center, 6464 Creekside Forest Dr, The Woodlands. 2:00pm - 6:00pm.
Featuring over 40 unique craft vendors from handmade crafts to artisanal goods. Shopping, Kids Zone (children can play and enjoy activities for the duration of the event for just $10 per wristband), crafting sessions, food trucks. A full and festive experience for the whole family. Visit website.
Tomball Depot Plaza, 102 Market Street, Tomball, 4:00pm - 8:00pm
Join Santa and his merry crew for a festive celebration filled with holiday cheer. Free hot chocolate and holiday treats (while supplies last), cheerful holiday tunes and local performances, tree lighting by Mayor Lori Klein Quinn. And don’t miss the excitement of our first "snow" of the season! Bundle up, enjoy the twinkling lights, and snap memorable photos. Visit website.
Margaritaville Lake Resort, Lake Conroe, 600 Margaritaville Parkway, Montgomery, TX
Saturdays, December 7 & 14 | 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Enjoy a magical breakfast with Jolly Old St. Nick himself. . Adults: $39.95++ | Children: $24.95++ (ages 6-12). Children 5 and under eat for free. Visit website.
Downtown Tomball, 200 Market St, Tomball
Great line-up of vendors, contests & entertainment. Fun for the entire family! Admission and Parking/Shuttle are FREE! There is plenty of street parking around the festival, however a free shuttle from the East parking lot of HCA Houston Healthcare Tomball will run during festival hours on Saturday and Sunday. Visit website.
Downtown Aquarium, 410 Bagby St, Houston
Santa is stopping by the Aquarium this holiday season! Dine with him and the Aquarium mascot, Sharkey, and enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet, exhibit discounts and more! Reservations required. December 14, 15, 21-24. Visit website.
Creekside Park Village Green, 26400 Kuykendahl Rd, The Woodlands, 3:00pm - 6:00pm
Join in for a magical afternoon at Creekside Park Village Green's Holly Jolly Holiday Party! Photos with Santa (3-5 PM), Special Meet & Greet with Elsa, Anna, and Olaf (3-5 PM), Glow in the Dark Dance Party (5-6 PM), Kid's DJ, Face Painting, Bounce Houses, Holiday Lights & Festive Fun! Free community event. All ages welcome! Visit website.
Oscar Johnson Jr. Community Center, 100 Park Pl, Conroe. 7:00am - 12:00pm
Share some Christmas cheer with Good old Saint Nick. This year includes camping-themed activities. $5 per person. Residents receive a 25% discount. Registration begins Nov. 6 for Residents and Nov. 13 for Non-Residents. Visit website.
1203 Candy Cane Ln, Conroe. 11:00am - 4:00pm
The whole family is invited to join us for this annual holiday tradition, where you can experience the magic of the season. Enjoy photos with Santa, inflatables, snow slides, fun booths, Food Trucks, and shopping at our vendor market. Plus, you’ll have a perfect view of the Conroe Noon Kiwanis Club Christmas Parade, which kicks off at 1 PM.
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The Woodlands Children's Museum, 9:00am - 2:00pm
Gather the family for performances by the Lone Star Strummers, framed professional photos with Santa, puppet show, gingerbread house building, snow play, art projects, special reading with Mrs. Claus, and visiting with Olaf. Children 0-13 $25, Adults $10. Visit website.
Historic Downtown Montgomery, 14420 Liberty St, Montgomery, 10:00am
Start your day with the excitement of our annual holiday parade, featuring a spectacular showcase of civic organizations, school spirit, and community groups winding through the charming streets of Historic Downtown Montgomery. Holiday Market and Annual Cookie Walk (9:00 AM to 5:00 PM). After the parade, explore the historic buildings open for tours and immerse yourself in the rich heritage of our town. Visit website.
Riva Row Boat House, The Woodlands
Participants will depart from Riva Row Boat House in search of wrapped presents on the shores along the lower Waterway, then back to the boat house for holiday treats and a very special visitor! Pre-registration required. Fee: $45 per tandem kayak (Two people – one child’s presents included). Sign up early, popular event. Visit website.
The Woodlands Children's Museum, 4775 W Panther Creek Dr #280, The Woodlands, 10:00am - 2:00pm.
Get ready to roll up your sleeves and unleash your inner architect as you build your very own gingerbread house with the one and only Mrs. Claus. $6 per child participating in the Gingerbread House Workshop plus admission, which is $9 for adults and children 1 year and older. Visit website.
777 Clepper, Montgomery, 12:00pm - 4:00pm
The 3nd Annual Montgomery Snow Party is a FREE event and NOT TO BE MISSED!!! There will be sledding and playing in a snow hill that is being made just for the day! The Montgomery Snow Party is located at 777 Clepper Dr, which is located right across from Fernland Historical Park. Visit website.
Chick-fil-A Alden Bridge, 8020 Research Forest Dr, 8:30am - 10:30am.
Dine-in for Breakfast for the jolliest of times with Santa and Mrs. Claus! Enjoy time with family and have your cameras ready for photos with the Christmas duo and much more! We look forward to serving you. Visit website.
The Woodlands Ice Rink, 2005 Lake Robbins Dr, The Woodlands, 8:30am - 10:30am
Get ready for a morning of holiday cheer with our Icing and Ice Skates event! This delightful experience combines two favorite winter activities: decorating your very own gingerbread house and enjoying a fun session of ice skating. Kids will have a blast creating their gingerbread masterpieces with icing, candies, and toppings before hitting the ice for some festive fun. Surrounded by holiday music and maybe even a little snowfall, this event is perfect for families looking to make sweet holiday memories. Spaces are limited, so be sure to register in advance! Visit website.
Rob Fleming Rec Center, 6464 Creekside Forest Dr, The Woodlands. 1:00pm
Make Santa's day extra special by decorating cookies just for him! Ages 3+. Fee: $15 Resident; $20 Non-Resident. Click here to register.