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Celebrate the season with these FREE self-guided Christmas light tours around Houston

River Oaks and The Heights offer charming self-guided tours

File images of homes decorated with Christmas lights (Canva/KPRC 2)

The holiday season is here, and Houston is lit with beautiful Christmas lights! If you’re looking to take in some festive displays without spending a dime, here are the best spots in the city where you can enjoy the lights.

Nite of Lights - Prestonwood Forest

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Prestonwood Forest, in northwest Houston, is offering the 46th Annual 'Nite of Lites' beginning December 14 through 31. (Photo: Prestonwood Forest Online) (Copyright 2024 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved.)

When: Dec. 14, 2024 – Dec. 31, 2024 Where: Prestonwood Forest (off Texas Highway 249)

For over 40 years, the residents of Prestonwood Forest have been decking out their homes with holiday lights during Prestonwood Forest’s 46th annual ‘Nite of Lites’ mega-display of color and light.

Expect everything from twinkling trees to impressive special effects as you drive through this holiday spectacle.

Holiday Spectacular at City Hall

If you want to see a 48-foot Christmas tree light up, Mayor John Whitmire and Reliant will kick-off the holidays with Reliant Lights Mayor’s Holiday Spectacular. (Photo: City of Houston) (Copyright 2024 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved.)

When: Dec. 7, 2024 – Dec. 31, 2024 Where: Hermann Square, 901 Bagby St.

The Reliant Lights Mayor’s Holiday Spectacular kicks off the season with the lighting of a massive Christmas tree at Hermann Square.

This year’s holiday tree is a 48-foot and will feature nearly 100,000 LED lights and 4,000 ornaments. This festive display at City Hall is a highlight, and the plaza stays decorated with twinkling lights throughout the month.

Jingle Town - Lynn Wyatt Square

When: Nov. 20, 2024 – Jan. 2, 2025 Where: Lynn Wyatt Square, Theater District (Louisiana @ Capitol)

Jingle Town lights up the Theater District with interactive holiday displays. You can snap festive photos with life-size picture frames and interact with musical Christmas trees, plus get up close with Santa’s reindeer! And don’t miss the live music every Saturday, creating a holiday vibe.

Self-Guided Christmas Lights Tour - River Oaks

When: Nov. 25 – Dec. 26, 2024 Where: River Oaks

Drive through this beautiful neighborhood, where luxurious mansions are decorated with thousands of twinkling lights. The entire area glows with festive cheer, making it a must-see on your holiday light tour.

Self-Guided Christmas Lights Tour - The Heights

When: Dec. 1 – Dec. 25, 2024 Where: The Heights

The Heights offers a cozy, charming holiday light experience. Drive or walk through this historic neighborhood, where the craftsman-style homes are decked out in sparkling lights. It’s a quieter, more intimate holiday light tour perfect for a family outing.

Dickinson Festival of Lights

When: Nov. 30, 2024 – Dec. 30, 2024, 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm Where: 1000 FM 517, Dickinson, TX 77539

For a true winter wonderland experience, head to the Dickinson Festival of Lights. This enchanting festival features dazzling light displays, festive music, delicious food, and thrilling carnival rides. This walk-thru event at Paul Hopkins Park offers parking and shuttle service.


About the Author
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Jyesha Johnson, a Mississippi Delta girl who swapped small-town newsrooms for big-city screens at Houston’s KPRC 2, is all about telling stories—whether it’s on the web, social media, or over a good meal. When she’s not crafting content, you’ll find her outside soaking up nature or hunting down the best food spots.

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