Free Christmas Holiday Events
and Activities 2025
By: The Kid’s Directory Family Resource Guide – Houston
October 2025. Last Updated November 2025 on www.kids-houston.com
Looking for the best Free Christmas Holiday Events and Activities 2025 happening in Houston and the surrounding areas including major events throughout Texas?
Well, we have gathered and will continue to gather all that for you! We have even created sectioned areas so you can easily find events/activities to plan out your holiday adventures!
College Station
Holidays in the Rotunda
George H.W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum
1002 George Bush Drive West, College Station, Texas 77845
Date: December 13, 2025
Time: 10am – 2:30pm
Cost: Free- RSVP Required
Get into the holiday spirit with our annual Holidays in the Rotunda celebration on Saturday, December 13, starting at 10 a.m.!
This free event takes place in front of the museum’s magnificently decorated Christmas tree in the ConocoPhillips Rotunda.
Live holiday entertainment, along with ornament making in Santa’s Workshop, will get you in the yuletide spirit. Santa Claus will be here to hear your children’s wish lists, so bring your cameras! There will be cookies, hot chocolate, and punch served during the activities.
Deer Park
Tree Lighting Spectacular at Patrick’s Cabin Christmas Town
1302 Center St, Deer Park, TX 77536
Date: Thursday, November 20, 2025
Time: 5:30 PM -9PM
Cost: Free
The City of Deer Park Tree Lighting Spectacular at Patrick’s Cabin Christmas Town will feature holiday activities for the whole family! Experience Deer Park as our first settlers tell the story of how we came to be “The Birthplace of Texas.”
In addition to the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, families can enjoy other festivities, which will include:
- Tours of the historic Patrick’s Cabin
- Sip apple cider at the Simeon West Campfire. Campfire stories will include “Twas the Night Before Christmas”
- Decorate Christmas ornaments at the Santa’s Workshop Craft Station
- Eat cookies from Mrs. Clauses’ Bake Shoppe
- Visit the North Pole Post Office to mail a letter to Santa
- Pet animals at the Bethlehem Live Nativity
- Join carolers around the Christmas Tree as they sing all of your holiday favorites
- Shop at Kris Kringle’s Market Place
- Many other activities will surround our Christmas Tree Lighting that will take place at 6 PM.
This event is FREE to attend. Be sure to bring cash to enjoy concessions and shop till you drop at the General Store and Kris Kringle’s Market Place.
Galveston
Holiday at Hendley Green – Galveston
Hendley Green-2028 Strand Street, Galveston, Texas 77550
Date: November 29, 2025
Time: 4pm-5pm
Cost: Free
Join Galveston Historical Foundation for a Dickens on The Strand sneak peek and holiday party at Hendley Green.
This free-to-the-public event features:
- Letters to Santa
- Dickens Pub with Craft Beer & Wine
- An Appearance by Queen Victoria
- Games on the Green
- Picture Opportunities with Santa in His Sleigh
At the conclusion of Holiday at Hendley Green, we will move to Saengerfest Park for the City of Galveston’s Official Tree Lighting Ceremony.
The Official City of Galveston Tree Lighting
Saengerfest Park-2302 The Strand, Galveston, Texas 77550
Date: November 29, 2025
Time: 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Cost: Free
Join the City of Galveston, the Historic Downtown Strand Seaport Partnership, and Galveston Historical Foundation for the official city tree lighting and party.
This free-to-the-public event features:
- An Appearance by Santa
- Lighting of the City Tree
- Performance by Galveston Ballet
- Vendors in the Park
- Beer and Wine Sales
- And more!
Join Galveston Historical Foundation from 4-5 p.m. at Hendley Green for Holiday at Hendley Green, a kick-off to the 50th Anniversary of Dickens on The Strand.
Dickens on The Strand
Galveston’s World Famous Victorian Holiday Festival
2002 Strand, Galveston, Texas 77550
Date: December 5-7, 2025
Cost: Visit Website For Times & Tickets
The annual holiday street festival, based on 19th-century Victorian London, rush off your bowlers and prepare your petticoats as Galveston Historical Foundation presents the 51st annual Dickens on The Strand.
Held the first weekend in December, the annual festival is a holiday tradition with great family programming, live entertainment, special events and more. Dickens on The Strand, 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.
Houston
2025 Holiday Festival!
Levy Park-3801 Eastside Street, Houston, Texas 77098
Date: December 6-7, 2025
Time: 11:00am
Bring the whole family to the park for our annual Levy Park Holiday Festival! The free festival features a holiday market, a craft station, live music performances throughout the park, a special performance by River Oaks Dance, a free photo booth with Santa Claus, and food and drink concessions.
Christmas Movie Night: The Polar Express
Woodchase Park-3951 Woodchase Drive, Houston, Texas 77042
Date: December 5, 2025
Time: 5 pm
Cost: Free Admission
Woodchase Park is hosting our Christmas Movie Night and you’re invited to join in the excitement!
The movie will be The Polar Express and it starts at 5:00 p.m. Just bring your blankets and lawn chairs for a cozy night under the stars.
Whether you come with family or friends, it’s sure to be a great time.
The Energy Corridor District’s Annual Tree Lighting
Hyatt Regency Houston West13210 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX 77079
Date: December 4, 2025
Time: 6pm-9pm
Cost: Free
The District’s Annual Tree Lighting is quickly approaching!
Bring your family, friends, and neighbors for an evening full of holiday magic, including:
- The lighting of our 50-foot Christmas tree
- Live performances on our main stage
- A spectacular drone light show
- Santa’s Winter Wonderland
- Photos with Santa
- Candy Cane Lane
- Interactive family exhibits
Join us on Thursday, December 4, 2025, for a community celebration that gets bigger and brighter every year.
Movies Under the Stars: Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Market Square Park- 301 Milam Street, Houston, TX 77002
Date: December 4, 2025
Time: 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Cost: Free – RSVP Required
Grab takeout from a surrounding restaurant, pull out your lawn blanket, and enjoy a free movie screening of Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas, 2000, PG, 1hr44m
On the outskirts of Whoville lives a green, revenge-seeking Grinch who plans to ruin Christmas for all of the citizens of the town.
62nd Annual Candlelight Carols & Tours
1100 Bagby Street, Houston, TX 77002
Dates & Times:
Friday, December 12, 2025 5:30pm – 8:30pm
Saturday, December 13, 2025 5:30pm – 8:30pm
Cost: Tickets for Adults are $20 and $10 for young ones from 5 to 18 years of age. Children under 5 are free.
Come as you wish between the hours of 5:30pm – 8:30pm (Tours close at 8:30 pm)
Includes sweets. Champagne for adults of the legal drinking age will be served in the museum gallery for the Houston Heartstrings reception.
Festivities for the Family
Here is how we will be getting festive…
- Tour 3 Historic Houses with reenactors and docents
- Be greeted with traditional Christmas music by the Shimmer Flute Choir
- Enjoy a musical performances by the professional string ensemble HeartStrings Houston at our wine and dessert reception
- Get into the spirit at St. John Church with The Varnett School Children’s Choir
- Shop our gift shop for Hounique presents including holiday ornaments
- Sip hot chocolate/coffee from a large Holiday Market and see the Coastal Cowboys exhibit
- See beautiful decorations by Kirksey Gregg Productions
Movie Night on the Lawn: Elf
POST HTX- Skylawn- 401 Franklin St Houston, TX 77201
Date: December 7, 2025
Time: 8pm – 10pm
Cost: Free- RSVP Required
Come by POST for Movie Night on the Lawn!
For this edition on our rooftop park, Skylawn, we’ll be showing Elf.
Elf is a 2003 Christmas comedy film about a human man named Buddy, who was accidentally taken to the North Pole as a baby and raised as one of Santa’s elves. As an adult, he travels to New York City to find his biological father, a cynical businessman named Walter Hobbs, while embracing the human world and spreading Christmas cheer.
Grab some delicious food and beverages from POST Market and enjoy the movie.
Movie Night on the Lawn: Christmas Vacation
POST HTX- Skylawn- 401 Franklin St Houston, TX 77201
Date: December 21, 2025
Time: 8pm – 10pm
Cost: Free- RSVP Required
Come by POST for Movie Night on the Lawn! For this edition on our rooftop park, Skylawn, we’ll be showing Christmas Vacation.
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is a 1989 comedy film about the Griswold family’s attempts to have a “perfect” family Christmas at home, which descend into chaos due to a series of mishaps and the arrival of various irritating relatives.
The film, starring Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold, follows the well-intentioned but disaster-prone family patriarch as he deals with things like wrestling with thousands of Christmas lights, a massive tree, and the arrival of his in-laws and obnoxious Cousin Eddie. The movie is known for its slapstick humor and relatable portrayal of holiday family frustrations.
Grab some delicious food and beverages from POST Market and enjoy the movie.
Bark The Halls
Trebly Park-1515 Fannin Street, Houston, Texas 77002
Dates:
November 22, 2025 • December 6, 2025 • December 20, 2025
Time: 3pm-6pm
Cost: Free – Registration Required
Bring your furry family members for free pet photos with Santa, while you enjoy a festive day of live music, entertainment, face painting, balloon art, and and refreshments at Tout Suite — plus special activities for pups including a dog treat bar, and paw print ornament craft station.
Santa’s Workshop
Trebly Park-1515 Fannin Street, Houston, Texas 77002
Dates:
November 26, 2025
December 3, 2025
December 10, 2025
Time: 5:30pm-7:30pm
Cost: Free- Registration Required
Join us for festive hands-on workshops each week — from Paint & Sip and wreath making to gingerbread houses, DIY ornaments, and stockings with holiday raffle prizes!
Santa’s Saturday Night Lights
Market Square Park – 301 Milam Street, Houston, TX 77002
Dates:
November 29, 2025
December 13, 2025
Time:6pm-9pm
Cost: Free – Registration Required
Celebrate the season with free photos with Santa, live music, festive entertainment, face painting, and hands-on holiday workshops!
Carols on the Green with The Houston Grand Opera
Discovery Green- 1500 McKinney Street, Houston, TX 77010
Date: Dec 13, 2025
Time: 7 pm- 8:30 pm
Cost: Free
Celebrate the season at Carols on the Green with the Houston Grand Opera as part of HAR’s Home for the Holidays at Discovery Green. This Bayou City tradition brings opera fans and art lovers together for a concert singalong perfect for the season.
This year’s event is a festive celebration of Latin American culture curated, conducted, and emceed by Jorge Parodi, music director of the UH Moores Opera Center and general and artistic director of Opera Hispánica. Enjoy performances from Los Pumas Mariachi Band, the Segundo Barrio Children’s Chorus, and members of HGO’s Butler Studio program, Bauer Family High School Voice Studio, and the renowned HGO Chorus during an evening of traditional Spanish songs, carols, mariachi, and more!
McDade
Sherwood Celtic Yuletide Festival
1883 Old Hwy 20, McDade, TX 78650
Dates: December 12 – December 14, 2025
Times: Friday – 6pm – 11pm; Saturday- 10am – 11pm; Sunday- 10am – 6pm
Cost: Visit Website For Times & Tickets
Live Music, Scottish Highland Games, Artisans, Celtic Archery Tournament, Mead, and Santa!
Hawk Walk
The Hawk Walk is an exciting add-on interactive event for festival days! The Falconer, and his small tour of no more than 15, walk the grounds flying the hawks from the trees to the gloved fist of each patron in turn while they experience the historical art of falconry.
Highland Games
Great Scots performing spectacles of strength and skill are guaranteed at the Highland Games Arena! The games include Scottish Hammer Swinging, Shot Put, Weight over the Bar, the crowd favorite Caber Toss, and much more. Competitors of all ages are welcome to join in the fun!
Santa and Mrs. Claus
Santa Claus hasn’t finished his list just yet… No, he and Mrs. Claus heard about the Sherwood Celtic Yuletide Festival and they knew there would be some very special children coming – so to get these kids’ Christmas wishes just right they’ve decided to spend ALL DAY both Saturday and Sunday taking requests from your bairns and wee-‘uns.
Montgomery
Light up the Park
Cedar Brake Park-21358 Eva Street, Montgomery, Texas 77356
Date: December 6, 2025
Time: 6pm to 8pm
Cost: Free
Dazzling lights and decorations from twinkling light poles to whimsical displays, every corner sparkles with holiday cheer!
A traditional tree lighting, performances, sweet treats, photos with Mr. & Mrs. Claus, and Mayor Sara Countryman’s announcement of holiday winners.
Annual Christmas Parade
Downtown Historic District –14420 Liberty St, Montgomery, TX 77356
Date: December 13, 2025
Time: 10AM – 12PM
Cost: Free
Lone Star–themed Christmas Parade with festive floats, marching bands, live performances, local groups, and a special appearance by Mr. & Mrs. Claus.
Montgomery Snow Party
777 Clepper Drive, Montgomery, Texas 77356
Date: December 13, 2025
Time: 1pm-4pm (Following the Annual Christamas Parade)
Cost: Free
A winter-themed event with artificial snow, snowball fights, and holiday entertainment!
It’s the perfect opportunity to make snow angel, build snowmen, and create unforgettable memories with loved ones.
Pasadena
Christmas by the Bayou
Armand Bayou Nature Center-8500 Bay Area Blvd, Pasadena, Texas 77507
Date: December 7, 2025
Time: 12pm to 4pm
Cost: Visit Website
Join us at ABNC in our Nature Wonderland!
- Take pictures with Santa
- Meet our Friendly Elves
- Make Yarn Dolls
- Paint Tree Cookies
- Meet Animal Ambassadors
Richmond
S’mores with Santa – The George Ranch
George Ranch Historical Park-10215 FM 762 Rd, Richmond, Texas
Date: December 13, 2025
Cost: General Admission Ticket Required
Hitch up your wagon and ride to The George Ranch for a very Cowboy Christmas! Have your photo taken with Cowboy Santa Claus as he travels through Texas on his trusty steed, Rudolph the Red Horse. Then sit with the cowhands by the campfire and toast yourself a sweet and gooey s’more while singing Christmas and country songs. Lastly, be sure to stop by the craft table to make a holiday ornament to remember your trip to the Ranch!
Spring
Old Time Christmas Tree Farm
7632 Spring Cypress Road, Spring, Texas 77379
Choose & Cut Your Own Christmas Tree at Old Time Christmas Tree Farm! We have the saws and measuring sticks here for you – just bring your family and enjoy the atmosphere.
Additional Activities If You Visit On Weekends:
AVAILABLE SATURDAYS, SUNDAYS, & THANKSGIVING FRIDAY
- Purchase tickets for the Train Ride, Petting Zoo, Giant Slide, or Bounce House
- Photos with Santa: $9 per customer camera
- Funnel cakes, Fried Oreos, Hot Dogs, Corn Dogs, and more from The Sweet Zone
- Shaved Ice, Coffee, and Hot Cocoa from Tikiz
- Handmade Crafts
Pix on the Plaza: The Polar Express with Trackless Train Rides
City Place Plaza, 1250 Lake Plaza Drive, Spring, TX 77389
Date: December 6, 2025
Times: Train Rides Between 3:30pm – 5:30pm | Movie begins at 5:48pm
Cost: Free
Pix on the Plaza: The Polar Express (G – 2004)
A young boy who has grown skeptical of Santa Claus is shocked to see a train stop outside his window on Christmas Eve, destined for the North Pole. When he accepts an invitation from the conductor to climb on board, he embarks on a white-knuckle ride to Santa’s headquarters, where he makes fast friends and learns an invaluable lesson about the true spirit of Christmas.
Gingerbread Village
City Place Plaza- 1250 Lake Plaza Drive, Spring, TX 77389
Date: November 22, 2025 – January 11, 2026
Time: 6am- 11pm with lights at night!
Cost: Free
Come 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!
Oh, What Fun! Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration
City Place Plaza- 1250 Lake Plaza Drive, Spring, TX 77389
Date: November 30, 2025
Time: 3pm – 7pm
Cost: Free
Stoll through a Holiday Market, Play in a Real Snow area, meet Mr. Claus himself and watch the Tree light up at dusk!
A Very Merry String Quartet
City Place Plaza- 1250 Lake Plaza Drive, Spring, TX 77389
Date: December 12, 2025
Time: 6:00pm & 7:30pm
Cost: Free
Join us for City Place’s debut Holiday String Symphony!
Let the season’s magic surround you as the talented Divisi Strings Quartet fills the plaza with enchanting holiday melodies. Surrounded by dazzling lights and a festive atmosphere, this immersive performance will transport you straight into a festive holiday celebration.
Enjoy two complimentary 45-minute shows – the first at 6:00 PM, the second at 7:30 PM.
Bring your blankets and low-profile chairs, gather your loved ones, and soak in an unforgettable evening of music and light.
The Woodlands
43rd Annual Lighting of the Doves Festival
Town Green Park-2099 Lake Robbins Drive, The Woodlands, Texas 77380
Date: November 22, 2025
Time: 3pm-8pm
Cost: Free
The Lighting of the Doves Festival is a long-standing tradition in The Woodlands that signifies the start of the holiday season in the community. Symbolizing peace during the holidays, the ceremonial illumination of the giant doves has attracted thousands of visitors each year.
The Festival includes traditional and international performances, showcasing the cultural diversity of The Woodlands and holiday traditions celebrated around the world. Featuring 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.
Festival Activities:
- Airbrush Tattoos
- Balloon Art
- Concessions for purchase
- Craft Activities with The Woodlands Children’s Museum – Free (while supplies last)
- Live Entertainment on 2 Stages
- Strolling Entertainment
- Snow Play Areas and Snow Slides – $5 wristband required for access. Wristbands can be purchased onsite at the event with cash or credit card. Please be advised if paying with cash, change will not be available.
The Woodlands Winter Maker’s Market
Recreation Center at Rob Fleming-6464 Creekside Forest Drive, The Woodlands, Texas 77389
Date: December 13, 2025
Time: 10am-2pm
Join us at The Woodlands Winter Makers Market! Enjoy a festive day with craft fair vendors, delicious food trucks and fun reindeer game activities for the whole family. Don’t miss this exciting celebration of the season, perfect for creating cherished holiday memories.
Come hungry! A variety of food trucks will be on-site offering delicious snacks and treats throughout the day, ensuring a full and festive experience for the whole family.
Holly Jolly Jingle
The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion-2005 Lake Robbins Drive, The Woodlands, Texas 77380
Date: December 4, 2025
Time: Gates at 6pm – Show at 7pm
Cost: Free
HO! HO! HOlly Jolly Jingle!
Get ready for festive holiday fun as over 500 student musicians from all across Conroe ISD descend on The Pavilion to provide an unforgettable night of music and magic. After pictures with Santa in the plaza (totally free, just like entry to this soaring show), get cozy to hear Christmas classics and sing along with beloved carols.
It’s a show that’s sure to inspire the holiday spirit in you – and make you a believer in the power of the arts to impact all!
Cookies and Cocoa with Santa and Friends
The Ice Rink at The Woodlands Town Center
2005 Lake Robbins Drive, The Woodlands, TX 77381
Date: December 1, 2025 and December 8, 2025
Time: 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM
Cost: Visit Website
Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and their merry friends are coming to the Ice Rink at The Woodlands Town Center! Make your morning merry and bright with hot cocoa, cookies and festive fun as you visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Space is limited—register early to save your spot!
Fee: Fee includes admission and skate rental. A ticket purchase is REQUIRED to participate in the program’s amenities. Spectators without a ticket will not be permitted to take part or visit with Santa and friends. Check-in begins at 8:15 a.m.
Flashlight Candy Cane Hunt
Terramont Park, 8500 Terramont Drive, The Woodlands, TX, 77382
Dates: Check Website For All Dates
Time: 7pm-8pm
Cost: Adults: Free – Resident $10- Non-Resident $15
Someone jolly sprinkled the grounds at the park with sweet treats to hunt in the dark! Bring your flashlight or headlamp and a bag to collect them.
Prizes will be awarded to the candy cane hunters who find the “golden” candy canes.
Parents must accompany children (no charge for adults).
Tomball
60th Annual Tomball Holiday Parade
Main Street (FM 2920), Tomball, Texas 77375
Date: November 22, 2025
Time: 10AM – 12PM
Cost: Free
Be a part of this Tomball tradition!
Join us for Two Miles of Smiles down Main Street!
As part of our 60 year anniversary, this year’s theme is:
“A 60 Year Celebration: Christmas Through The Decades”
We invite our parade participants to celebrate by choosing a decade and then decorate your entry with all the fun holiday joy that decade could bring. We are excited to see everyone’s creativity!
Deck the Depot Tree Lighting
Tomball Depot Plaza -201 S. Elm Street, Tomball, TX 77375
Date: December 6, 2025
Time: 4pm-8pm
Cost: Free Admission & Parking
Get ready for a magical evening at the City of Tomball’s annual Deck the Depot Tree Lighting on Dec. 6, starting at 4 p.m.! Join Santa and his merry crew for a festive celebration full of holiday cheer. Savor free hot chocolate and delicious treats (while supplies last), and get into the spirit of the season with cheerful tunes and local performances.
Later in the evening, gather around as Mayor Lori Klein Quinn lights up the Christmas tree, officially kicking off the holiday season in Tomball. Plus, don’t miss our first “snow” of the season!
Bundle up, enjoy the twinkling lights, and capture memorable moments with Santa. It’s the perfect way to start your holiday celebrations. Admission and parking are free!
*Check Back Often For Free Christmas Holiday Events and Activities 2025
Updates!*
Note: Some of the attractions may have limited free access, specific free admission days/hours, registration required so it’s always a good idea to check their websites or contact them beforehand for the most up-to-date information.
For More Holiday Activities and Events 2025:
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Need to take a break from the routine to have some fun and create lasting memories? Check our Calendar of Events for constantly updated fun and exciting activities & events for your kids and family.
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