Free Holiday Kids' Events in Houston551

Houston gets into the holiday spirit in a big way, and we've got a massive list of free and inexpensive seasonal kids' events and activities happening throughout the area in celebration of Christmas, Kwanzaa, and Hanukkah!

Lace 'em up! Who says we can't have a Winter Wonderland in Houston? Families can find outdoor ice skating rinks at Discovery Green in downtown Houston and at The Woodlands Town Center, both open from late November through mid-January.

The Seasons of Sharing exhibit at the Children's Museum celebrates seven different holidays from around the world, spotlighting a different one each week from mid-November through early January: Diwali, Ramadan, Hanukkah, Las Posadas, Christmas, Kwanzaa, and the Lunar New Year.

Bass Pro Shops set up Santa's Wonderland in both its Pearland and Katy locations from early November through Dec 24, featuring photos with Santa, holiday crafts, games, and a model train display.

The Wortham Tree Lighting Ceremony features not only the lighting of the 25-foot tree, but also live music and visits with characters from Houston Ballet's The Nutcracker.

Downtown Houston's annual Holiday Parade on Thanksgiving morning features floats, giant helium balloons, marching bands, and special guest Santa Claus.

On Thanksgiving night, the neighborhood around the Galleria kicks off the season with its annual Uptown Holiday Lighting celebration, featuring visits with Santa and other costumed characters, fireworks, festival foods, and music.

The Festival of Lights adorns Moody Gardens with twinkling lights and holiday displays starting in mid-November, while activities include live music and pictures with Santa.

Sugar Land's free Annual Tree Lighting ceremony features street entertainers, activity booths, live music, and Santa's arrival in the Town Square.

The Mayor's Holiday Celebration in downtown Houston includes live music, fireworks, and the official City Hall tree lighting ceremony.

The Museum of Natural Science's annual Snow Flurry event features 80,000 pounds of real snow, as well as visits with Santa and a real reindeer.

Families can experience a free Old-Fashioned Christmas celebration as Jesse H. Jones Park comes alive with the customs of the 19th century holiday season.

The annual Dickens on the Strand in downtown Galveston offers street performers, live music, children's activities, and more.

The Heritage Society's Annual Candlelight Tour showcases eight of Houston's oldest historic structures trimmed in traditional 19th century holiday decor, along with music and theatrical performances, and visits with Santa.

George Ranch hosts Campfire Christmas dinners complete with music and old-fashioned hayrides on successive weekends in Dec.

The Woodlands Heights neighborhood hosts its annual Lights in the Heights festival on Dec 11, complete with live music, food vendors, and plenty of holiday cheer.

Kemah's annual Christmas Boat Lane Parade on Dec 11 draws hundreds of festively decorated, lighted boats to the waterway.

The German Christmas Market in downtown Tomball features live music, arts and crafts, fireworks, carnival rides, a petting zoo, visits with Santa, and more.

Old Town Katy hosts a free Old-Fashioned Christmas Festival, complete with real snow, carolers, visits with Santa, and a Christmas village.

Bayou Bend's Family Day Holiday Festival focuses on the history of holiday celebrations through live performances, craft activities, and more.

And, of course, Santa sets up shop for visits and photos at a mall near you - including the Galleria, The Woodlands Mall, Willowbrook Mall, and Baybrook Mall.

Know of more free stuff, events, and activities for kids and families around Houston during the holiday season? Add a comment below to share it with others!