Houston--the fourth-largest city in the U.S.--and its suburbs provide dozens of holiday-friendly activities for residents between mid-November and early January. However, only a few of these are actually open on Christmas day. With a high demand for arts, entertainment and family oriented activities, Dec. 25 in Houston can be more than sitting around a fire and opening presents. If you venture out on Christmas Day, you'll find something for the whole family.
Holiday in the Woodlands--just 20 minutes north of downtown Houston--is a celebration that takes place from Nov. 20 to Jan. 17 and features a variety of activities for children and adults. The celebration is open Dec. 25 and features The Ice Rink, open 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Christmas Day, and Donoho's Jewellers Winter Wonderland. Guests can also wander by the Holiday Fountains at Waterway Square--The Woodlands' centerpiece of sorts that features a colorful blend of lights and fountains put to music during the holiday season.
Holiday in The Woodlands
The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau
10001 Woodloch Forest Drive
Suite 600
The Woodlands, Texas 77380
877-963-2447
thewoodlandscvb.com
The Festival of Lights at Moody Gardens in Galveston--just a short drive from the city--is the largest collection of holiday lights in the Gulf Coast. The festival is open Nov. 19 to Jan. 1--including Christmas Day--and boasts more than 100 animated lighting displays set to music. Each night, regional and international entertainers perform on the grounds while guests look at the lights. The festival also has an outdoor skating rink, holiday-themed films at an IMAX Theater, rides on a waterwheel boat and access to the aquarium.
Festival of Lights at Moody Gardens
1 Hope Boulevard
Galveston, Texas 77554
1-800-582-4673
moodygardens.com
The Polar Ice Galleria on the first level of the Houston Galleria offers year-round ice skating for visitors to the mall. The rink is open seven days a week and has been providing family fun since the late 1970s. General admission in 2010 is $8 and skate rental is $3.50. All day passes can be bought for $20 during the week and $25 during the weekend. These day passes allow skaters to enter and exit the rink as they please all day long.
Polar Ice Galleria
5015 Westheimer
Suite 1260
Houston, TX 77056
713-621-1500
