Come Out to See the Local Houston Holiday Light Displays

Before sharing some of our top picks for viewing holiday lights, let’s take a moment to learn how adding twinkling electrical lights became a cornerstone of today’s modern Christmas traditions.

The Meaning Behind Twinkle Lights at Christmas

Electric lights were first strung on a Christmas tree in 1882 in the United Kingdom during the reign of Queen Victoria. Through immigration to the United States and Australia this tradition made its way to more countries.  

During this time, Edward H. Johnson, an associate of inventor of Thomas Edison and vice president of Edison Electric Light Company, had Christmas tree light bulbs especially made for him to decorate within his home on Fifth Avenue in New York City. The 80 hand-wired red, white, and blue electric incandescent light bulbs were the size of walnuts and proudly displayed on the family Christmas tree. Local newspapers ignored the story but a Detroit newspaper reporter shared this electrical invention breakthrough and dubbed Johnson as the Father of Electric Christmas Tree Lights.

By 1900, businesses started stringing Christmas lights behind their windows mainly due to the fact that the holiday lights were too expensive for the average person.

The use of electric Christmas tree lights on trees in family homes didn’t gain popularity (and affordability) until after World War II.

Today’s modern advances allow lights to range from simple light strands through full-blown animated tableaux, involving complex illuminated animatronics, synced audio sounds, and statues.

Houston’s Top Picks for Viewing Holiday Lights

Visiting public venues displaying Christmas lights is something many families enjoy as part of their holiday traditions. Be sure to check out these amazing places which work hard annually to add to the holiday cheer.

Lights in the Heights, Woodland Heights, Northwest Houston, TX

This easily accessible neighborhood boasts many award-winning lighting displays. Drive within the area bordered by I-10, Heights Boulevard, and 19th Street to I-45, and you will be sure to find many eye-catching and magical holiday scenes. Click here to view the map.

Nite of Lights, Prestonwood Forest, Northwest Houston, TX

The Nite of Lites event typically begins on the second weekend in December and runs through the last weekend in December. Prestonwood Forest has been recognized for over 40 years in the Greater Houston area - and nationally - for welcoming thousands of visitors to share the community’s holiday spirit of well-decorated homes.

Texas Winter Lights 2023, Marriott Marquis Houston, 1777 Walker Street, Houston, TX

From November 10, 2023 – December 31, 2023, the Altitude Rooftop & Pool transforms into an interactive light experience this holiday season with thousands of twinkling lights and winter-themed activations. Guests can immersive light displays from 5 pm – 10 pm nightly.

Galaxy Lights, Space Center Houston, 1601 E. NASA Parkway, Houston, TX

The majority of Galaxy Lights light displays are outdoors and it’s recommended to allow 90 minutes to enjoy walking through the displays and interactive lights. Be sure to wearing comfortable clothing tailored to the weather for the evening of your visit. This space-themed holiday light show defies gravity! The lights are on display November 11, 2023–January 7, 2024 from 6 pm – 10 pm (Galaxy Lights is closed: Nov. 13-16, Nov. 23, Dec. 7, and Dec. 24-25.) Ticket pricing can be found here.

Zoo Lights, Houston Zoo, 6200 Hermann Park Drive, Houston, TX

Nothing could be better than a winter wonderland with life-sized animal lanterns and thousands of lights. The Houston Zoo does an incredible display each year that you won’t want to miss. There are numerous photo opportunities in front of giant light features. Everything is happening from November 17, 2023 - January 7, 2024. Ticket pricing can be found here.

Since 2004 Sara Lyn Nguyen continues to bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise about buying and selling real estate around the Houston area to those she serves. Sara is a multi-year award winning REALTOR® and relocation specialist where her clients trust her to have up-to-date information on the real estate market. She has been one of Gary Greene’s Multi-Million Dollar Top Producers, and citywide was the #2 Top Producing agent in 2020, #3 in 2021, and #2 in 2022. When it’s time to buy, sell, invest, or relocate speak with a trusted professional knowledgeable in the homes and neighborhoods of Fort Bend/Sugar Land and the surrounding region.