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It's the opening weekend of Zoo Lights! Photo courtesy of Houston Zoo
It's the opening weekend of Zoo Lights! Photo courtesy of Houston Zoo
11/19/25 - By Elizabeth R

Looking for the best things to do in Houston this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for this weekend.

Holiday fun really kicks off this weekend with the return of some of our favorite traditions. Houston Zoo Lights opens for the season, and the Coca-Cola Classic Christmas experience is back—now at Katy Mills Mall. I'm also excited to head out to Dewberry Farm’s Berry Merry Christmas (click for discounted tickets!) and check out their brand-new attraction, the Jingle Bell Express, a festive train ride through a mile-long trail of dazzling holiday lights. Also opening this weekend is Astros Light Up the Park, bringing a brand-new, one-of-a-kind holiday experience to Houston.

Want to keep the kids entertained without breaking the bank? Don’t forget to look for the deals link at the top of the calendar to filter for special offers and the free filter to see only free activities!

More Things To Do in Houston This Week with Kids:

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Things To Do this Weekend in Houston with Kids

A Berry Merry Christmas at Dewberry Farm

Brookshire
Saturday, November 22 - Sunday, December 28
This Christmas you don't have to drive far and spend your entire budget for a little holiday magic—Get into the spirit of the season and make magical holiday memories at Dewberry Farm! READ MORE

Water Lantern Festival Houston

Spring
Friday, November 21 - Sunday, November 23
The Water Lantern Festival brings families and community members together for an evening of activities and connection, including food trucks, live music, local vendors, and a kid-friendly scavenger hunt. Participants can design their own lanterns and enjoy a relaxed night by the water.   READ MORE

Classic Christmas at Katy Mills Mall

Katy
Friday, November 21 - Friday, December 26
This holiday light festival brings larger-than-life cheer with dazzling displays, ice skating, snow slides, Santa photos, festive food, shopping, and more—a celebration of real holiday magic. READ MORE

Zoo Lights at the Houston Zoo

Museum District
Friday, November 21 - Sunday, January 4, 2026
The Houston Zoo is transformed into a winter wonderland with life-sized animal lanterns and thousands of lights. READ MORE

Sugar Land Holiday Lights

Sugar Land
Friday, November 21 - Sunday, January 4, 2026
Bring your friends and family out to enjoy over 3.5 million lights, a dazzling 40 ft. light up tree, light shows, numerous themed displays, Santa Claus, holiday vendors, food, and SO much more!  ​ READ MORE

Green Mountain Energy Ice at Discovery Green

Downtown
Friday, November 21 - Monday, February 16
Glide beneath the glittering lights of downtown Houston and discover the holiday magic on Green Mountain Energy Ice at Discovery Green.   READ MORE

Lighting of the Doves Festival

The Woodlands – FREE
Saturday, November 22
The Lighting of the Doves Festival is a long-standing tradition in The Woodlands that signifies the start of the holiday season in the community. Symbolizing peace during the holidays, the ceremonial illumination of the giant doves has attracted thousands of visitors each year. READ MORE

Home for the Holidays Opening Celebration at Old Town Spring

Spring – FREE
Saturday, November 22
Join us for a heartwarming opening night of Home for the Holidays Celebration! Enjoy the magic of the season with free cookies, live music, and the joyful sight of snow falling under sparkling holiday lights. READ MORE

River Oaks District's Holiday Tree Lighting

River Oaks – FREE
Saturday, November 22
Houstonians can enjoy family-friendly activations, including live performances by Breakfast at Tiffany’s, a grand arrival from Santa, strolling characters, free photos with Santa, complimentary hot cocoa from Amorino, artisan ornament-making, face painting, and of course, the highly anticipated countdown to lighting The Park’s grand 30-foot holiday tree.   READ MORE

Holidays at Moody Gardens

Galveston
Saturday, November 22 - Saturday, January 3
Head down to Moody Gardens for an unparalleled holiday experience that includes the Festival of Lights, ice skating rink, artic slides, train rides, pictures with Santa, and more.  READ MORE

Astros Light Up the Park

Downtown
Saturday, November 22 - Sunday, January 4
Astros Light Up the Park is set to bring a one-of-a-kind holiday experience to Houston. Families can follow a glowing trail of lights and music that winds through the stadium—from the concourse to the service level—and end with a memorable walk right across the field. Along the way, look for Houston-inspired and Astros-themed displays that add a fun hometown twist to the holiday magic. READ MORE

Makers Market Festival at Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens

River Oaks – FREE
Sunday, November 23
Bayou Bend presents a one-of-a-kind family festival centered around the thrill of discovering exclusive, handcrafted treasures from talented local artisans and craftspeople. Timed with the holiday shopping season in mind, the Makers Market Festival is set against a backdrop of live music, engaging activities, and captivating demonstrations inspired by Bayou Bend’s collection and gardens. READ MORE

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About the Author

Elizabeth R.
Elizabeth R. is a writer, editor, and mom. She shares all the fun things to do in Houston on social @mommypoppinshouston
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