Houston edition

Outdoors and Beaches

Races, beach days and outdoor plans.

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Family and Kids, Outdoors and Beaches

Galaxy Lights

Nov. 14, 2026, to Jan. 3, 2027

On open nights Galaxy Lights runs from 6 to 10 p.m. with last ticket sales at 9 p.m.

Space Center1601 NASA Parkway, Houston, TX 77058Harris County

Space Center Houston presents Galaxy Lights, sponsored by Wellby Financial, on select dates from Nov. 14, 2026, through Jan. 3, 2027. Most displays are outdoors. Admission includes the center's exhibitions. NASA tram tours and the Starship Gallery are closed during the event. Posted prices range from $19.95 to $27.95 for guests older than 3, and children age 3 and younger are free.

Organizer page, Space Center Houston

Family and Kids, Outdoors and Beaches

TXU Energy presents Zoo Lights

Nov. 19, 2026, to Jan. 3, 2027

Public hours are 5:30 to 10:30 p.m., with last entry at 9:30 p.m., except on listed closure nights.

Houston Zoo6200 Hermann Park Drive, Houston, TX 77030Harris County

The Houston Zoo presents Zoo Lights from Nov. 19, 2026, through Jan. 3, 2027. The zoo says it is closed Dec. 9 and Christmas Eve. Christmas Day is open for Zoo Lights only, from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. The main entrance is at 6200 Hermann Park Drive. Children age 2 and under are free, and guests age 3 and older need a ticket. The event is rain or shine.

Organizer page, Houston Zoo

Family and Kids, Outdoors and Beaches

Holiday in the Gardens

Nov. 21, 2026, to Jan. 2, 2027

Moody Gardens lists the festival nightly from Nov. 21, 2026, through Jan. 2, 2027, with the lights trail opening at dusk, about 6 p.m.

Moody Gardens1 Hope Blvd, Galveston, TX 77554Galveston County

Moody Gardens runs Holiday in the Gardens from Nov. 21, 2026, through Jan. 2, 2027. The festival includes ICE LAND: Caribbean Christmas, the Holiday Lights trail, an outdoor ice rink, an Arctic Slide, holiday films and the kiddie train. A Holiday Pass starts at $55 and a lights-trail ticket starts at $24. Parking is free. Breakfast with Santa is listed for Dec. 12, 13 and 19 through 23.

Organizer page, Moody Gardens

Family and Kids, Outdoors and Beaches

Holiday Hangout

Dec. 3, 2026, to Jan. 5, 2027

Weekday hours are 4 to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, weekend hours are 2 to 9 p.m. Friday through Sunday and the square is closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

Baytown Town Square213 W. Texas Avenue, Baytown, TX 77520Harris County

Baytown opens Holiday Hangout at Town Square on Dec. 3, 2026, after the Christmas parade, and continues it through Jan. 5, 2027. The city lists a 38-foot tree, an outdoor skating rink, a hay maze, yard games, glow activities, a toddler area and photo spots. Saturday nights add movies or trivia, and some December dates add visits with Santa.

Organizer page, City of Baytown

Outdoors and Beaches, Family and Kids

Christmas Boat Parade

Saturday, Dec. 12, 2026

Check the organizer's page for the start time.

Kemah Boardwalk215 Kipp Ave, Kemah, TX 77565Galveston County

Hundreds of decorated boats travel through Clear Creek Channel in the 65th annual parade.

Organizer page, Kemah Boardwalk