2024 City Lights Downtown Holiday Magic Kicks Off at The Plaza at Avenida Houston on Friday, November 22, 2024 

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Discover New Villages, More Holiday Lights, More Magical Fun in the Heart of the City

Downtown Houston is a holiday destination transformed by lights, music and magical fun. This year’s City Lights Downtown Holiday Magic presented by Shell Energy features dazzling displays of lights, mesmerizing Christmas trees, live music, unforgettable selfie stops and a few new whimsical surprises at 12 uniquely themed villages. Houston First Corporation is again teaming up with Downtown Houston +, Discovery Green, Alley Theatre, POST Houston, Hilton Americas-Houston and Marriott Marquis to create a memorable experience for everyone.

The kick-off event for this year’s festivities will take place on The Plaza at Avenida Houston, Friday, November 22, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. and is open to the public. The evening of fun will include the annual ceremonial tree lighting, a live band, strolling entertainment, and holiday craft-making. Guests will be able to explore and enjoy the mostly free experiences at the 12 Holiday Villages throughout the holiday season.

From timeless traditions to captivating new creations, Downtown’s holiday villages offer something for everyone in the heart of the city.

2024 HOLIDAY VILLAGES

  1. Peppermint Plaza – Stroll along the Plaza at Avenida Houston to behold unique and remarkably decorated holiday trees in the Grand Window of the George R. Brown Convention Center. Holiday-themed live musical performances will add to the festive ambience every Saturday evening.
  2. Land of Sweets – Mix endless lights and pounds of chocolate together to make a holiday experience like no other at Hilton Americas-Houston. The must-see, life-size display—The Night Before Christmas—recreates Santa’s busy workshop with 1,800 pounds of chocolate. The enchanting creation is open to the public to view and will amaze visitors of all ages. Make the most of the visit with the ‘Tis the Season Package that includes breakfast, ice skating and a special treat for the kids. The little ones won’t soon forget Breakfast with Santa, available on weekends.     
  3. Ice @ Discovery Green – Whether you’re a novice or experienced skater, head to the rink to enjoy one of the quirky, but really cool themed-nights at the rink, and maybe even partner with Santa on the ice. Take advantage of a number of other activities while at the park including ATLAS, a new public art installation, Pixar Putt, Bumper Cars on ICE and Flea By Night Holiday Market. (Ice Rink open through February 2) *   
  4. Texas Winter Lights – Be prepared for magical nightly snowfalls, themed family activities, VR ride on Santa’s sleigh and more dazzling holiday lights than ever before at the Marriott Marquis’ Altitude Rooftop featuring the Texas-shaped lazy river. Floating along the 80-dgree river under the twinkling lights is part of the holiday magic. New this year, reserve a cozy private igloo amongst Texas Winter Lights for date nights, small events, or indulge in an exclusive room package for an unforgettable wedding proposal. There’s a nominal fee for non-hotel guests to enjoy the holiday festivities. *
  5. Twinkle Town – Snap a family photo with your four-legged, fur babies in front of the dazzling holiday tree and steal a kiss under Texas’ largest mistletoe ball to celebrate the holidays. Enjoy free hot chocolate, puppychinos and photos with Santa at Trebly Park. Wear your ugliest holiday sweater for the “Ugly Sweater Holiday Jam,” then grab a bite from Tout Suite as the entire family enjoys a movie under the stars. 
  6. Snow Glow on the Bayou – Don’t miss this year’s newest addition to the Holiday Villages at historic Allen’s Landing. A spectacular fusion of technology and nature combine to create a holiday marvel with Buffalo Bayou as the backdrop. A dazzling projection of art and light illuminate a stunning 100-foot water screen that will capture everyone’s imagination and inspire curiosity. The fantasy doesn’t end there, consider taking a festive holiday cruise along Buffalo Bayou aboard a holiday-themed pontoon boat for an up-close relaxing tour with a dazzling view of the downtown skyline. (Boat tours run from November 22 through December 29) * 
  7. Tinsel Town – Celebrate the holidays at Market Square by enjoying free hot chocolate and puppychinos for the fur babies, movies under the stars, and dance to your own music during Silent Night disco, get an exclusive/lasting photo with multicultural Santas from around the world, face painting and holiday crafts.  
  8. Winter Wonderlawn – Experience hundreds of thousands of lights, a 25-foot Christmas Tree, and holiday-themed selfie spots at Skylawn, POST Houston’s 5-acre rooftop park offering one of the best views of the city skyline. (Open through January 11) *
  9. Sugar Plum Plaza – Giant gift boxes scattered across Wortham’s Fish Plaza will add a whimsical touch to that unforgettable holiday photo. Add in a beautifully crafted Santa’s Sleigh for just the right artistic touch. This interactive display will grab everyone’s attention making picture-taking a fun and memorable experience.
  10. Deck the Trees –19uniquely-themed, artistically designed holiday trees take tree decorating to another level and celebrate Houston’s art and culture. Alley Theatre’s festive tree exhibition is a tradition that comes as a bonus for those who add the holiday classic, A Christmas Carol, to their to-do list. *    
  11. Jingle Town – Interactive installations help transform Lynn Wyatt Square in the heart of Houston’s Theater District into a holiday wonderland. Life-size holiday photo frames, a musical Christmas tree and Santa’s reindeer make it the perfect place for that forever family, friends or couple’s special photo. On Saturdays, live music help make the moments even more entertaining.  
  12. City Hall-iday Lights – Live music, fireworks and Santa are staples at the annual lighting of the City Hall holiday tree, December 7, 6-8 p.m. Reliant Lights Mayor’s Holiday Spectacular is free and a great time to get a photo with St. Nick in his North Pole-themed booth.

*These are ticketed events:

The Hop-On, Hop-Off Holiday Bus will be available again this year to help guests explore the various Downtown Holiday Villages. For a nominal fee, guests can climb aboard a holiday decorated double-decker bus on Fridays and Saturdays, November 23 – December 28,

7 p.m. – 10 p.m. to visit multiple Downtown stops: Trebly Park, Lynn Wyatt Square/Alley Theater/Wortham, Avenida Houston/Discovery Green, Market Square Park, and POST Houston. Special Holiday Route: December 20-21 and 27-28, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. will include an extra stop at Allen’s Landing for a magical experience of Snow Glow on the Bayou.  

Please note operating hours and days for individual villages vary; check the website before making plans is recommended.

For more details including info on times, parking, prices, purchasing tickets, a map and related holiday activities go here.

Photos courtesy of Houston First Corporation

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