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What's Open on Christmas Day in Houston

1. Christmas Lights

Drive around Prestonwood Forest in Northwest Houston to see the beautiful (and insanely elaborate) holiday light displays on all homes. Each street has its own theme. And, of course, the homes in the Heights, River Oaks, and the Duke Family Christmas Light Show are always a sight to see. Check out our other favorites in our Best Neighborhood Christmas Lights article.

2. Tour the Gingerbread Village at City Place

Follow the trail of giant candy canes, lollipops, gumdrops, gingerbread men, and cookie trees to a 16-foot high house and 12-foot tall windmill at the Gingerbread Village.

3. Have Fun in Galveston 

Take a day trip to Galveston and celebrate Christmas by the bay. There are some fun things to do on Christmas Day, like Moody Gardens' Holiday in the Gardens, which includes the ever-popular Festival of Lights and a Christmas Day buffet, and festive Christmas Day brunch at the San Luis.

4. Visit Santa's Wonderland

What better way to celebrate Christmas Day than at Santa's Wonderland? Go snow sledding, take hayrides and train rides, roast s'mores, and visit with St. Nick himself. 

RELATED: 27 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in Houston for Kids

Take a drive through elaborate holiday light displays on Christmas Day. Photo courtesy of Dasher's Light Show/Facebook

5. Splash Into Your Favorite Water Park for Christmas Light Displays

Christmas at Big Rivers, The Light Park at Typhoon Texas, and Hurricane Harbor Splashtown are all open on Christmas Day. Crank up the Christmas tunes and enjoy some spectacular light displays! 

6. Head to Magical Winter Lights

Prepare to be dazzled by some of the best holiday light displays around town. Located at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds, Magical Winter Lights is definitely worth a visit. There is also live entertainment, interactive exhibits, and towering lantern showcases.

7. Take in the Magic at Sugar Land Holiday Lights

Constellation Field in Sugar Land is covered in thousands of lights that make up elaborate and stunning displays you can walk around and underneath. A full carnival setup lets you take in the lights from a Ferris wheel - it's the perfect way to end the holiday as a family.

RELATED: Best Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights in Houston

 
Lace up your skates on Christmas Day at Discovery Green. Photo courtesy of Discovery Green 

8. Go Ice Skating at Discovery Green or The Woodlands Ice Rink

Either head downtown to Discovery Green or up north in The Woodlands near Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion for some outdoor ice skating. You can even make a day of it in The Woodlands by enjoying Christmas brunch at The Woodlands Resort.

9. Bask in the Rooftop Lights at Texas Winter Lights

Take part in a rooftop lights experience at the Marriott Marquis Houston's Texas Winter Lights. The rooftop pool area is transformed into an interactive light experience where guests can snap photos, partake in winter-themed activities, and more.

10. Walk through Friendswood's Lighted Holiday Trail

At the Lighted Holiday Trail, you can walk through more than 100,000 twinkling holiday lights, find all the Christmas fairies along the trail, and snap some family Christmas photos beneath the twinkling arches.

11. Stroll the Kemah Boardwalk

The Kemah Boardwalk is open on Christmas day for memory-making merriment. Ride epic rides, dine on fresh seafood, and more after soaking in some holiday cheer.