If you’re looking for family friendly things to do in Houston this December, look no further than this list filled with great holiday activities and events going on all month long. From holiday lighting festivals to festive holiday markets, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Things to do in Houston this December

Festival of Lights at Moody Gardens
When: Now through January 8th, 2017
Where: Moody Gardens Hotel
One Hope Boulevard
Galveston, TX 77554

As the largest holiday lighting events on the Gulf Coast, the Festival of Lights receives over 125,000 visitors, many of whom have made the festival their own holiday tradition. In addition to over 100 sound-enhanced animated light displays and nightly live entertainment, visitors can strap on a pair of skates and glide across the ice at the area’s only Outdoor Ice Skating Rink. Guests can slide into a thrilling experience with the Texas-sized Arctic Slide. Indoors, guests can take pictures with Santa or enjoy a variety of holiday-themed films at the MG3D Theater and 4D Special FX Theater.

Zoo Lights
When: Now through January 18th, 2017
Where: Houston Zoo
6200 Hermann Park Drive
Houston, TX 77030

The Houston Zoo is transformed into a winter wonderland! TXU Energy Presents Zoo Lights celebrates its fifth year as one of Houston’s most well-loved holiday traditions. Stroll through the beautiful Houston Zoo and take in the sights and sounds of the season. Enjoy festive carols, sip hot chocolate, and take in the more than 2 million lights! Fifteen miles of eco-friendly LED lighting illuminate our ancient oak trees and decorate the paths to light your way.

Magical Winter Lights
When: Now through January 8th, 2017
Where: Gulf Greyhound Park
1000 FM 2004 RD
La Marque, TX 77568

This year’s festival will feature six fascinating themed sections including Magical Wonderland, Holiday Market Square, Dinosaur Land, Mystery of the East, Man and Nature, and Landmarks of the World. There will be an expanded interactive dinosaur exhibit complete with dinosaur rides, a 3-D art installation, daily acrobatic performances, authentic arts and crafts created by skilled Chinese artisans, amusement rides and games, and live entertainment.

Mayor’s Holiday Celebration
When: December 2nd, 2016
Where: 901 Bagby
Houston, TX

Ring in the season with the 97th Annual Mayor’s Holiday Celebration and Tree Lighting Presented by Reliant, an NRG Company on Friday, December 2, 2016 in the heart of downtown Houston. The spectacular event is a holiday tradition of music, Santa, fireworks and family fun. A towering Holiday Tree, glowing with energy efficient LED lights, shimmering ornaments and a stunning star topper will light up the streets of downtown Houston this holiday season. The event takes place in Hermann Square at City Hall from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and is free and open to the public.

Tomball German Christmas Market & Festival
When: December 9th – 11th, 2016
Where: Old Town Tomball
201 S. Elm
Tomball, TX 77375

Tap your feet to the musical sounds of performers like The Chardon Polka Band, Chris Rybak, Yodel Blitz, Das Ist Lustig, Tubameisters, Valina, and get into the festive spirit with the sounds of strolling Christmas carolers. It’s a Texas German celebration at Christmas time on the old downtown streets of Tomball Texas.

Holiday Tree Lighting and Kwanzaa Celebration
When: December 10th, 2016
Where: Almeda Rd & Calumet St

The Holiday Tree Lighting & Kwanzaa Celebration on Almeda is the official kick-off for the holiday season and is free of charge. There will be live entertainment, a one-of-a-kind fashion show, and an interactive Kwanzaa Village. Participants will have the opportunity to enjoy holiday beverages and food available from our various vendor stands and food trucks. There will also be photos with Santa and a fantastic kids zone that will include a rock climbing wall.

Campfire Christmas
When: December 9th – 17th, 2016
Where: George Ranch Historical Park
10215 FM 762
Richmond, TX

Travel back in time for a fun-filled visit to Christmas Eve pasts! Start your evening with a merry greeting from Christmas carolers at the Visitors Center and hot chocolate and coffee to warm your soul. Then enjoy a classic, holiday meal featuring the best and most scrumptious recipes from Christmas pasts. Enjoy this delicious festive feast and then take a turn on the dance floor to the music of the ever-popular Pat Gavin and the Buckaroo Band. After your hearty Christmas meal, hop on our time-traveling tram and take a journey back to Christmas Eves of the past.

Sugar Land Holiday Lights
When: Now through January 8th, 2017
Where: Constellation Field
1 Stadium Drive
Sugar Land, TX

Celebrate the season in the most magical way at the 3rd annual Sugar Land Holiday Lights presented by Momentum Land Rover and Jaguar of Southwest Houston.

This sparkling wonderland features more than 2.5 million lights and numerous themed displays at Constellation Field, located in Sugar Land, TX, (15-20 miles from Houston). You can also get some holiday shopping done with a variety of vendors, enjoy great food, and meet Santa!

This spectacular event, located just 20 minutes south of Houston, is sure to make your holidays memorable. It’s fun for the young, and the young at heart!

ICE at Discovery Green
When: Now through February 12th, 2017
Where: Discovery Green
1500 McKinney Street
Houston, TX

The 7,716 square-foot ice skating surface, the largest in the Southwest, is kept at a frosty 22º F just for you! Come and enjoy winter-time skating under the Texas sky, with the majestic Houston skyline as the backdrop. The rink will be open daily, including holidays. Admission is $14 per person, which includes tax and skate rental.