Neighborhood Christmas Lights in Houston

1. River Oaks

Enter River Oaks from Kirby at Shepherd or Westheimer and begin winding your way through this elegant Houston neighborhood that boasts grandiose and traditional displays of white Christmas lights. You will discover enclaves of beautifully wrapped trees, glowing deer, and lights dripping from large branches creating stunning landscapes. Enjoy from 5–10 p.m., but be aware that any day after 7 p.m. can be bumper to bumper, and Friday and Saturday are particularly busy. Historically, visitors can also take the opportunity to have a picture with Santa at the ‘River Oaks Santa House’ located at 3403 Del Monte Dr. most Friday and Saturday evenings in December.

2. Post Oak Boulevard, Highland Village, and Uptown

These shopping centers offer lovely Holiday lights displays and are a quick 10-minute add-on to the River Oaks neighborhood Christmas lights. From Loop 610, take San Felipe west into Post Oak, then turn left onto Post Oak and drive south toward the Galleria, where you can catch spectacular lights on the 300 Christmas trees lining Uptown's main holiday thoroughfare. Take a left on Westheimer and cross under the Loop to head towards Highland Village, where you can see a 35 ft. Christmas tree. Take a left onto Kirby to make your way into the heart of River Oaks described above.

3. Woodland Heights and the Heights

Known for its Christmas lights and its famous Lights in the Heights, this is an easily accessible neighborhood with many award-winning light 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. We recommend starting at Omar and Highland streets to enjoy the best neighborhood Christmas lights.

4. Shepherd Park

Shepherd Park holiday lights are known for the giant festive arches over the street. Start north of West 43rd Street on either side of Ella Boulevard to find many arches, giant inflatable characters, large cutouts, and dioramas.

One of the famous yards in Prestonwood Forest in Houston. Photo courtesy of tripstodiscover.com

5. Prestonwood Forest

If you're looking to see Houston Holiday lights in Prestonwood, start at Prestonwood Forest Drive, just off Highway 249. This neighborhood in Northwest Houston is known to be the top area to experience extravagant Christmas lights with themed streets and even a chance to see Santa. Since the 1980s, neighbors have competed in several categories, including best house, best block, and even best lamp post. Visit Prestonwood Forest's annual Nite of Lites event December 13 - 31, 2025 and see a wide variety of traditional and modern looks. Plan for this trip to take an hour and a half to two hours in order to have time to see all the complex displays and to park and get out of your car for some of them.

6. Christmas Katy

Located at 24603 Stoughton Court off I-10 and Pin Oak in West Houston, this home celebrates years of synchronized lighting to provide a beautiful neighborhood lights display. It has featured more than 50,000 LED lights, a 32-foot tree, 10-foot Nutcrackers, and a Christmas show with 17 songs broadcast on 89.9 FM. The whole street is expected to be lit up and beautiful as neighbors are also a part of the show.

7. Pecan Grove in Richmond

This Fort Bend neighborhood is known for its Christmas lights throughout the month of December. Why not buy the $8 tickets for a 45 minute ride through the lights on a hayride? Private tours are also available.

8. Green Tee Terrace Subdivision in Pearland

Located off FM 518 and Country Club, this neighborhood has a long history of gorgeous Christmas light displays. If you can take your bicycle, then you can follow their 6 - 8 mile "Tour de Lites."

9. Candy Cane Court and other neighborhoods in Atascocita

Located in the Pinehurst Subdivision, you will find Evening Shades Court which residents turn into Candy Cane Court each Christmas. Giant candy canes, candy cane trees, a life-size dancing Santa, a mailbox for letters to Santa, music, a homemade train that travels around the cul-de-sac, and lights upon lights transform the street into a Christmas destination complete with friendly neighbors passing out candy canes to visitors. Other planned communities to check out nearby include the Walden, Eagle Springs, and Summerwood neighborhoods.

 
Christmas lights near Houston in a yard in The Woodlands. Photo by P.D. Zuirman

10. The Woodlands

Many neighborhoods in this area will have decorated homes and streets that are show-stoppers, but start at the Panther Creek and Alden Bridge neighborhoods for over-the-top Christmas light displays set to music. Whoville at June Breeze Place and the musical display at 62 W. Knightsbridge Drive are two worth stopping by.

11. Briargrove

See great Houston holiday lights off Westheimer (near San Felipe and Chimney Rock), this longtime Houston neighborhood has certainly aged well. The houses and the towering oak trees spread throughout are decked out in holiday cheer each year.

12. Dickinson Festival of Lights

In 2025, the Dickinson Festival of Lights is celebrating its 28th year and is open November 29 to December 30, 6 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. This is a free walk-through (not a drive-through) lights display at Paul Hopkins Park in Dickinson. In addition to large light displays, food and drink concessions, cookie decorating, and photos with Santa are available. There is free parking at Dickinson Plaza Shopping Center and free shuttle buses.

Insider Tips for Seeing Christmas Lights in Houston

• Best Times to Go: Visit on weeknights (Monday–Wednesday) to avoid crowds. Go early in December or just after sunset for the best views. Most residential neighborhoods prefer visitors 6 - 9 p.m., but check online before you go.
• Avoid Traffic: Popular Christmas neighborhoods in Houston, like River Oaks and Prestonwood Forest, get busy. Consider walking instead of driving once you park nearby.
• Parking Tips: Park along the edges of neighborhoods and walk in. Some streets may have one-way holiday traffic routes, so you can follow posted signs.
• Bring Holiday Essentials: Pack hot cocoa, water, and blankets. For families with little ones, bring a stroller or wagon for longer neighborhood walks.
• Restrooms & Food: Plan stops at nearby shopping centers or restaurants where restrooms and snacks are readily available.
• Bring the Fun!: Glow sticks and light-up toys can make the experience even more magical!

Neighborhood Christmas & Holiday Lights in Houston FAQ

Q: Where are the best Christmas lights in Houston?
A: Some of the most popular Christmas light displays in Houston can be found in neighborhoods like River Oaks, The Heights, Woodland Heights, Prestonwood Forest, Briargrove, and Christmas Katy. These areas are known for impressive holiday decorations and family-friendly viewing.

Q: Are there free Christmas light displays in Houston?
A: Yes—these neighborhood displays are free to visit. Many communities decorate as part of a long-standing holiday tradition. For ticketed light shows and drive-through experiences, check our separate guide to Houston holiday light shows.

Q: When do Christmas lights start in Houston?
A: Most Houston neighborhood holiday lights go up right after Thanksgiving and remain through New Year’s. Larger displays often start in mid-November and run into early January. Check the dates on the websites or Facebook pages of the neighborhoods.

Q: What are the best neighborhoods for holiday lights near Houston?
A: Some great nearby areas include Pecan Grove in Richmond, Green Tee Terrace in Pearland, Candlelight Park in Spring, and several subdivisions in The Woodlands with coordinated displays.

Q: Are Houston holiday lights kid-friendly?
A: Definitely. These Houston neighborhood displays are ideal for families and are usually stroller-friendly, easy to drive through, and fun for kids of all ages. Many families make visiting these Houston Christmas lights part of their yearly holiday traditions.

Q: What are some great destinations for a weekend of holiday lights and other Christmas fun?
A: Check out our guide to the Top 10 Christmas Towns in Texas to Light Up Your Holiday Season.