The Houston area has 13 Christmas events for kids we could confirm for the 2026 season, from TXU Energy presents Zoo Lights in Houston on November 19 to Holly Jolly Holiday Party in Humble, on December 19. 9 of them are free, and every listing links straight to the host. It is one stop on our guide to Christmas events for kids in Texas, part of our guide for every state.
The short version
- 13 kids’ Christmas events confirmed in Houston for 2026, in Houston, Katy, Humble, Jacinto City, La Porte and Sugar Land
- First: TXU Energy presents Zoo Lights, Houston, November 19. Runs latest: TXU Energy presents Zoo Lights, Houston, through January 3
- Free: Christmas Tree Lighting, Winter Family Fun at the Library!, Winter Wonderland Celebration: A Magical Holiday Experience for the Whole Family!, "Storytime with Santa!" Special program, Read and Rhyme Preschool Story Time, FREE Santa Photos!, Little Readers: The Grinch Visits Story Time, Winter Wonderland Celebration, Holiday Open House! "A Frosty Holiday" and Holly Jolly Holiday Party
- Checked on each host’s own page; each listing links straight to it
Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by city, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (sign-ups, ages, what is included). Looking for a Santa train instead? Those are on our Texas Christmas train rides page.
Houston Christmas events for kids at a glance
- Kids’ Christmas events
- 13 confirmed for 2026
- Cities
- Houston, Katy, Humble, Jacinto City, La Porte and Sugar Land
- Season
- November 19, 2026 to January 3, 2027
- Free events
- 9
- Kinds of events
- Santa visit, holiday story time, holiday crafts and holiday lights
- Last checked
Plan your December
When each Houston Christmas event for kids happens
The first is TXU Energy presents Zoo Lights in Houston on November 19; the last runs to December 19. Each bar spans an event’s dates, not every hour in them, so check the host’s page for times.
- TXU Energy presents Zoo LightsHouston · Nov 19 to Jan 3
- Christmas Tree LightingSugar Land · Nov 20
- Changing of the SeasonsHouston · Nov 27
- Breakfast with Santa 2026Houston · Dec 5
- Winter Family Fun at the Library!Houston · Dec 5
- Winter Wonderland Celebration: A Magical Holiday Experience for the Whole Family!Houston · Dec 9
- All Aboard the Polar Express!Houston · Dec 12
- "Storytime with Santa!" Special program, Read and Rhyme Preschool Story TimeKaty · Dec 15
- FREE Santa Photos!Jacinto City · Dec 16
- Little Readers: The Grinch Visits Story TimeLa Porte · Dec 17
- Winter Wonderland CelebrationHouston · Dec 17
- Holiday Open House! "A Frosty Holiday"Katy · Dec 18
- Holly Jolly Holiday PartyHumble · Dec 19
Look inside the book
Story time with Santa in Houston? Bring Rally home.
Rally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor. It makes a cozy bedtime story after a big day with Santa. Turn a few pages here.
Rally Takes the Train
Eight pages from the book
Turn the page
That's 8 of 25 pages
See who’s waiting at the station
Grandmommy and Papa are at the last stop. Get the full hand-painted book, $16.99 on Amazon.
See the full bookPage 1 of 8
Like it so far? See the full book
25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $16.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.
Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.
Christmas events for kids in Houston
7 confirmed events for kids in Houston, soonest first.
Houston: TXU Energy presents Zoo Lights
Holiday lightsHouston Zoo · Houston
- Host
- Houston Zoo (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Houston Zoo, 6200 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030
- When
- Thursday, November 19, 2026 to Sunday, January 3, 2027 (nightly; closed Dec 9 and Dec 24; last entry 9:30 pm), 5:30 to 10:30 pm
- Cost
- Ticketed; see zoo site for prices
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Zoo Lights is the Houston Zoo's big holiday tradition, running most nights from November 19, 2026 through January 3, 2027, from 5:30 to 10:30 pm with last entry at 9:30 pm. Tickets are for a specific date and arrival time, and guests can stay until closing. The zoo is closed December 9 and Christmas Eve, and this year it opens for Zoo Lights on Christmas night for the first time.
The path winds past animal lanterns at Gateway to Wonder, century old oaks wrapped in lights at Celestial Flight, immersive displays at Candy Cane Lane and s'mores stations at Campfire Canyon. Kids will especially like the Frosted Forest, which promises snow in Houston every night. On Fridays through December 25, the first 2,000 guests take home an animal themed ornament. The focus is the lights rather than the animals, so plan a daytime visit if you want to see the animals.
Parent tip: Buy tickets for a specific date ahead of time; entry is only allowed on the date you choose. Fridays bring a free ornament for the first 2,000 guests.
See dates and details from Houston Zoo (opens in a new tab)Houston: Changing of the Seasons
Santa visitChildren's Museum Houston · Houston
- Host
- Children's Museum Houston (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Children's Museum Houston, 1500 Binz St, Houston, TX 77004
- When
- Friday, November 27, 2026, 9 am to 2:30 pm
- Cost
- Included with general admission
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Children's Museum Houston marks the start of the holiday season on Black Friday with a playful handoff from Thanksgiving to Christmas. At 12:30 pm in Brown Auditorium, the Ensemble Theatre performs Changing of the Seasons, in which the Great Gobbler passes the holiday season over to Santa.
Santa himself visits with an elf helper for a meet and greet in the Kids' Hall Alcove from 9:30 am to noon and again from 1 to 2:30 pm, so families have two windows to say hello. The event is listed for all ages and is included with general museum admission, which makes it an easy add on to a day of hands on play at the museum. With school out for the holiday, this is a good option for a relaxed morning before the weekend rush.
Parent tip: Santa greets guests 9:30 am to noon and 1 to 2:30 pm; the theater show is at 12:30 pm in Brown Auditorium.
See dates and details from Children's Museum Houston (opens in a new tab)Houston: Breakfast with Santa 2026
Breakfast with SantaLone Star Flight Museum · Houston
- Host
- Lone Star Flight Museum (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Lone Star Flight Museum, 11551 Aerospace Ave, Houston, TX 77034
- When
- Saturday, December 5, 2026, 8:30 am to 2 pm
- Cost
- Ticketed; see museum site for prices
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
This is one of the more memorable Santa arrivals in the Houston area. St. Nick flies in aboard the museum's vintage PT-17 Stearman biplane and taxis the ramp live before heading inside, weather permitting. Ticket holders then share a full VIP breakfast with him from 8:30 to 10:30 am in the Heritage Hangar.
After breakfast, guests can take photos with Santa and enjoy holiday themed activities until 2 pm. The event is sponsored by South Houston Moms and Houston Event Planning, and tickets are sold through the museum. The Heritage Hangar is closed to general visitors until 11 am that morning, but the Waltrip Hangar and other exhibits stay open all day, so families can make a full museum visit of it. The museum notes that times may change, so check the event page before you go.
Parent tip: Santa's arrival by plane depends on the weather, and the museum says times may be subject to change. Buy tickets in advance through the event page.
See dates and details from Lone Star Flight Museum (opens in a new tab)Houston: Winter Family Fun at the Library!
Holiday craftsFreeHouston Public Library · Houston
- Host
- Houston Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Heights Neighborhood Library, 1302 Heights Blvd, Houston, TX 77008
- When
- Saturday, December 5, 2026, 1:30 to 4 pm
- Cost
- Free, registration required
- Ages
- All ages
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
On Saturday, December 5, Houston Public Library holds Winter Family Fun at more than twenty neighborhood and regional branches at the same time, from 1:30 to 4 pm. This listing is for the Heights Neighborhood Library on Heights Boulevard, but families elsewhere in the city can look for the same program at their nearest branch, including Freed-Montrose, Johnson, Walker, Collier, Alief and others.
The library describes it as a joyful celebration of the season with cozy crafts, cheerful games and festive fun for all ages. It is free, but each branch asks families to register, and the Heights listing showed a set number of seats. Because it runs for two and a half hours, families can drop in at a time that suits naps and other weekend plans once registered.
Parent tip: Registration is required; search the library calendar for Winter Family Fun to find the branch closest to you.
See dates and details from Houston Public Library (opens in a new tab)Houston: Winter Wonderland Celebration: A Magical Holiday Experience for the Whole Family!
Holiday eventFreeHouston Public Library · Houston
- Host
- Houston Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Shepard-Acres Homes Neighborhood Library, 8501 W Montgomery Rd, Houston, TX 77088
- When
- Wednesday, December 9, 2026, 4 to 5 pm
- Cost
- Free, registration required
- Ages
- All ages
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Shepard-Acres Homes Neighborhood Library hosts a one hour Winter Wonderland Celebration on a Wednesday afternoon, timed nicely for right after school. The library promises a magical holiday experience with festive fun for every age, and the program sits in the library's Storytime and Family category.
The event is free, but registration is required and seats are limited, so sign up through the Houston Public Library calendar. The registration form asks for an age group and the number of people attending, which makes it easy to bring siblings along. Because it is short and close to home for many north Houston families, it works well for toddlers through early elementary kids who might not last through a longer evening event. Check the listing again before you go in case details are added.
Parent tip: Register in advance through the library calendar and include everyone attending.
See dates and details from Houston Public Library (opens in a new tab)Houston: All Aboard the Polar Express!
Holiday story timeChildren's Museum Houston · Houston
- Host
- Children's Museum Houston (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Children's Museum Houston, 1500 Binz St, Houston, TX 77004
- When
- Saturday, December 12, 2026, 9 am to 5 pm
- Cost
- Included with general admission
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Children's Museum Houston turns this Saturday into a celebration of The Polar Express. The centerpiece is a Polar Express storytime and craft led by friends from Ameritex Movers Houston, offered four times in Brown Auditorium, at 10 am, 11 am, noon and 1 pm, which makes it easy to fit around naps.
Around the museum, kids can make festive crafts all day in the Design Studio, including bell ornaments and train whistles. In the Power Science Lab, a Hot Chocolate Spoons Workshop lets kids coat a spoon in chocolate and toppings to take home (10 am to noon and 2 to 4 pm, eight participants at a time, while supplies last). The Science Station offers a fake snow activity all day where kids learn about states of matter and take some snow home. Everything is included with general admission.
Parent tip: The hot chocolate spoon workshop is limited to eight kids at a time while supplies last, so head there early.
See dates and details from Children's Museum Houston (opens in a new tab)Houston: Winter Wonderland Celebration
Holiday story timeFreeHouston Public Library · Houston
- Host
- Houston Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Kendall Neighborhood Library, 609 N Eldridge Pkwy, Houston, TX 77079
- When
- Thursday, December 17, 2026, 5 to 7 pm
- Cost
- Free, registration required
- Ages
- All ages
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Kendall Neighborhood Library on the west side invites families to step into a Dreamy Winter Wonderland for a two hour holiday celebration. This year's theme is Dreams, and guests are invited to come dressed in their warmest, coziest pajamas, which makes it a sweet pre bedtime outing for little ones.
The library describes the evening as a magical holiday experience with festive fun for all ages, and it is filed under the library's Storytime and Family category. The program uses the first floor large meeting room and a third floor conference room. It is free, but registration is required, and the listing showed a limited number of seats, so sign up early through the library calendar. Plan on an easygoing weeknight event close to home rather than a big production.
Parent tip: Registration is required through the library calendar; pajamas are encouraged.
See dates and details from Houston Public Library (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Katy
2 confirmed events for kids in Katy, soonest first.
Katy: "Storytime with Santa!" Special program, Read and Rhyme Preschool Story Time
Story time with SantaFreeHarris County Public Library · Katy
- Host
- Harris County Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Maud Smith Marks Branch Library, 1815 Westgreen Blvd, Katy, TX 77450 (near Houston)
- When
- Tuesday, December 15, 2026, 10:15 to 11 am
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Ages 3 to 5 and caregivers
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Harris County Public Library's Maud Smith Marks Branch in Katy turns its regular Read and Rhyme preschool storytime into a special visit from Santa. Preschoolers and their caregivers are invited to enjoy festive stories, songs and holiday fun with Santa himself.
The program is designed for children ages 3 to 5, and the library suggests bringing a camera for a photo with Santa, so this doubles as a low key, free Santa photo opportunity without mall lines. It runs about 45 minutes on a Tuesday morning, a good fit for preschoolers who are home during the week. The library notes that Preschool Explorer will not meet that day because of the special program. No registration details were listed, so arriving a little early is a sensible way to get a good seat.
Parent tip: Bring your camera for a photo with Santa. Preschool Explorer does not meet that day.
See dates and details from Harris County Public Library (opens in a new tab)Katy: Holiday Open House! "A Frosty Holiday"
Holiday craftsFreeHarris County Public Library · Katy
- Host
- Harris County Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Maud Smith Marks Branch Library, 1815 Westgreen Blvd, Katy, TX 77450 (near Houston)
- When
- Friday, December 18, 2026, 2 to 4 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Maud Smith Marks Branch Library in Katy throws a Frosty the Snowman themed holiday open house for the whole family. A giant Frosty puppet strolls around greeting guests and posing for holiday photos, which is often the highlight for younger kids.
A quartet of band members from Taylor High School fills the library with seasonal music, and there are plenty of activities to keep everyone busy: magical snowflakes, popcorn, cookies to decorate and holiday crafts for all ages. The open house runs for two hours on a Friday afternoon during the week before winter break, so it is easy to drop in for part of it. No fee or registration was listed, and the library invites families to bring friends along to share in the fun.
Parent tip: Plan time for photos with the Frosty puppet and the cookie decorating table.
See dates and details from Harris County Public Library (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Humble
1 confirmed event for kids in Humble, soonest first.
Humble: Holly Jolly Holiday Party
Santa visitFreeHarris County Public Library · Humble
- Host
- Harris County Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Baldwin Boettcher Branch Library, 22248 Aldine Westfield Rd, Humble, TX 77338 (near Houston)
- When
- Saturday, December 19, 2026, 11 am to 1 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Baldwin Boettcher Branch Library in the Humble area hosts a Holly Jolly Holiday Party for all ages on the last Saturday before Christmas week. Families can snap a photo with Santa, get creative at the arts and crafts stations, and settle in for a holiday movie with light refreshments.
Local vendors will be on hand to share information about community services, and Harris County Pets is bringing some lovable pups who are looking for homes, which young animal lovers tend to enjoy. Admission is free. With two hours of activities, it is easy to come for Santa and crafts and leave before the movie if little ones are getting tired. No registration was listed for this party. It is a relaxed way to get a Santa photo and a craft done in one stop before Christmas week.
Parent tip: Bring a camera or phone for the Santa photo; the event runs two hours, so you can come for part of it.
See dates and details from Harris County Public Library (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Jacinto City
1 confirmed event for kids in Jacinto City, soonest first.
Jacinto City: FREE Santa Photos!
Santa visitFreeHarris County Public Library · Jacinto City
- Host
- Harris County Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Jacinto City Branch Library, 921 Akron St, Jacinto City, TX 77029 (near Houston)
- When
- Wednesday, December 16, 2026, 4:30 to 5:30 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Jacinto City Branch of Harris County Public Library teams up with Constable Garcia's office to offer free photos with Santa Claus. Every family that gets a photo leaves with both a free printed copy and a digital copy, which is a real savings compared with mall photo packages.
The event runs for one hour on a Wednesday afternoon and is first come, first served. The library is upfront that it will get through as many families as it can in the hour it has, and that it may not be able to reach everyone. That makes arriving early the best strategy, especially if you have little ones who do not do well in long lines. No registration is needed, and there is no cost.
Parent tip: First come, first served for one hour only; arrive early, since the library may not reach every family.
See dates and details from Harris County Public Library (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in La Porte
1 confirmed event for kids in La Porte, soonest first.
La Porte: Little Readers: The Grinch Visits Story Time
Holiday story timeFreeHarris County Public Library · La Porte
- Host
- Harris County Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- La Porte Branch Library, 600 S Broadway St, La Porte, TX 77571 (near Houston)
- When
- Thursday, December 17, 2026, 10:15 to 10:45 am
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Ages 0 to 5 with caregivers
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
La Porte Branch Library's weekly Little Readers storytime gets a holiday twist when the Grinch visits. Little Readers is a 30 minute program for the youngest library users, children from birth to age 5, along with their caregivers.
Each session mixes books, stories, songs, movement and group play time, all aimed at building early literacy skills in a fun setting. The Grinch theme makes this one a memorable way to share a holiday story with toddlers and preschoolers. The library holds a Christmas Stories edition of Little Readers the week before, on December 10 at the same time, if you want to make it a two week tradition. The library notes that it cannot accommodate daycare groups for this program, so it is meant for families and individual caregivers.
Parent tip: Daycare groups are not accommodated. A Little Readers: Christmas Stories session runs the week before, Dec 10 at 10:15 am.
See dates and details from Harris County Public Library (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Sugar Land
1 confirmed event for kids in Sugar Land, soonest first.
Sugar Land: Christmas Tree Lighting
Tree lightingFreeCity of Sugar Land Parks & Recreation · Sugar Land
- Host
- City of Sugar Land Parks & Recreation (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Sugar Land Town Square, 2711 Plaza Dr, Sugar Land, TX 77479 (near Houston)
- When
- Friday, November 20, 2026, 5 to 8 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The City of Sugar Land's annual Christmas Tree Lighting fills Sugar Land Town Square on the Friday before Thanksgiving. The evening runs from 5 to 8 pm and builds up to the lighting of the big tree.
Kids can write letters to Santa, sip hot chocolate and get their faces painted, and there are several lit up photo spots around the square for family pictures. Performers take the main stage with festive music throughout the evening. Free parking is available at Mercer Stadium, 16403 Lexington Blvd, with shuttles running continuously to Town Square from 4:30 to 9:30 pm, which saves circling for a spot downtown. It is a lively, crowded community night, so younger kids may enjoy it most in the first part of the evening.
Parent tip: Park free at Mercer Stadium (16403 Lexington Blvd); shuttles run to Town Square from 4:30 to 9:30 pm.
See dates and details from City of Sugar Land Parks & Recreation (opens in a new tab)Looking further afield? Our Texas Christmas events for kids guide lists every confirmed event in the state, and we have city guides for Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio and Austin. The national search sorts every event by distance from your town.
A story for the drive home
A morning with Santa or an evening of holiday stories tends to end the same way: tired kids, a long drive and one more book before bed. Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is painted by hand. If your family is spending December missing someone, it was written for that too. For the car, print our free corgi and train coloring pages.
A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor by Leslie Dunn. $16.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.
Buy on AmazonHouston Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask
What Christmas events for kids are in Houston in 2026?
We confirmed 13 Christmas events for kids in Houston for 2026 on each host’s own page: TXU Energy presents Zoo Lights in Houston (November 19), Christmas Tree Lighting in Sugar Land (November 20), Changing of the Seasons in Houston (November 27), Breakfast with Santa 2026 in Houston (December 5), Winter Family Fun at the Library! in Houston (December 5), Winter Wonderland Celebration: A Magical Holiday Experience for the Whole Family! in Houston (December 9), All Aboard the Polar Express! in Houston (December 12), "Storytime with Santa!" Special program, Read and Rhyme Preschool Story Time in Katy (December 15), FREE Santa Photos! in Jacinto City (December 16), Little Readers: The Grinch Visits Story Time in La Porte (December 17), Winter Wonderland Celebration in Houston (December 17), Holiday Open House! "A Frosty Holiday" in Katy (December 18) and Holly Jolly Holiday Party in Humble (December 19). Every one is listed below with times, cost and a link to the host.
What Christmas events for kids are in Houston, Texas?
For families in and around Houston, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: TXU Energy presents Zoo Lights (Nightly, Nov 19 to Jan 3, 5:30 to 10:30 pm (closed Dec 9 and Dec 24), ticketed; see zoo site for prices); Changing of the Seasons (Fri, Nov 27, 9 am to 2:30 pm, included with general admission); Breakfast with Santa 2026 (Sat, Dec 5, 8:30 am to 2 pm, ticketed; see museum site for prices); Winter Family Fun at the Library! (Sat, Dec 5, 1:30 to 4 pm, free, registration required); Winter Wonderland Celebration: A Magical Holiday Experience for the Whole Family! (Wed, Dec 9, 4 to 5 pm, free, registration required); All Aboard the Polar Express! (Sat, Dec 12, 9 am to 5 pm (storytimes at 10, 11, noon and 1), included with general admission); Winter Wonderland Celebration (Thu, Dec 17, 5 to 7 pm, free, registration required). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Houston section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Katy, Texas?
For families in and around Katy, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: "Storytime with Santa!" Special program, Read and Rhyme Preschool Story Time (Tue, Dec 15, 10:15 to 11 am, free); Holiday Open House! "A Frosty Holiday" (Fri, Dec 18, 2 to 4 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Katy section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Humble, Texas?
For families in and around Humble, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Holly Jolly Holiday Party (Sat, Dec 19, 11 am to 1 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Humble section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Jacinto City, Texas?
For families in and around Jacinto City, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: FREE Santa Photos! (Wed, Dec 16, 4:30 to 5:30 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Jacinto City section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in La Porte, Texas?
For families in and around La Porte, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Little Readers: The Grinch Visits Story Time (Thu, Dec 17, 10:15 to 10:45 am, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the La Porte section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Sugar Land, Texas?
For families in and around Sugar Land, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Christmas Tree Lighting (Fri, Nov 20, 5 to 8 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Sugar Land section of this page.
Are there free Christmas events for kids in Houston?
Yes. 9 of the 13 events here are free: Christmas Tree Lighting in Sugar Land, Winter Family Fun at the Library! in Houston, Winter Wonderland Celebration: A Magical Holiday Experience for the Whole Family! in Houston, "Storytime with Santa!" Special program, Read and Rhyme Preschool Story Time in Katy, FREE Santa Photos! in Jacinto City, Little Readers: The Grinch Visits Story Time in La Porte, Winter Wonderland Celebration in Houston, Holiday Open House! "A Frosty Holiday" in Katy and Holly Jolly Holiday Party in Humble. Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.
Where can kids see Santa in Houston this December?
Santa appears at Christmas Tree Lighting in Sugar Land (November 20), Changing of the Seasons in Houston (November 27), Breakfast with Santa 2026 in Houston (December 5), "Storytime with Santa!" Special program, Read and Rhyme Preschool Story Time in Katy (December 15), FREE Santa Photos! in Jacinto City (December 16) and Holly Jolly Holiday Party in Humble (December 19). Times and booking rules are in each event’s listing above.
Where are there Christmas story times for kids in Houston?
Holiday story times on this page: All Aboard the Polar Express! in Houston, "Storytime with Santa!" Special program, Read and Rhyme Preschool Story Time in Katy, Little Readers: The Grinch Visits Story Time in La Porte and Winter Wonderland Celebration in Houston. Library story times are usually free; story times with a meal or show are ticketed.
Where can we have breakfast or a meal with Santa in Houston?
Meals with Santa confirmed for 2026: Breakfast with Santa 2026 in Houston (Sat, Dec 5, 8:30 am to 2 pm). These usually sell out, so book as soon as you pick a date.
Which Houston Christmas events are best for toddlers?
These are aimed at babies, toddlers and preschoolers: "Storytime with Santa!" Special program, Read and Rhyme Preschool Story Time in Katy (Ages 3 to 5 and caregivers) and Little Readers: The Grinch Visits Story Time in La Porte (Ages 0 to 5 with caregivers).
Are there kids' Christmas events in Houston on Christmas Eve or after Christmas?
Yes: TXU Energy presents Zoo Lights in Houston (through January 3).
How much is TXU Energy presents Zoo Lights in Houston?
Ticketed; see zoo site for prices. TXU Energy presents Zoo Lights is on Thursday, November 19, 2026 to Sunday, January 3, 2027 (nightly; closed Dec 9 and Dec 24; last entry 9:30 pm), 5:30 to 10:30 pm at Houston Zoo. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Christmas Tree Lighting in Sugar Land?
Free. Christmas Tree Lighting is on Friday, November 20, 2026, 5 to 8 pm at Sugar Land Town Square. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Changing of the Seasons in Houston?
Included with general admission. Changing of the Seasons is on Friday, November 27, 2026, 9 am to 2:30 pm at Children's Museum Houston. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Breakfast with Santa 2026 in Houston?
Ticketed; see museum site for prices. Breakfast with Santa 2026 is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 8:30 am to 2 pm at Lone Star Flight Museum. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Winter Family Fun at the Library! in Houston?
Free, registration required. Winter Family Fun at the Library! is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 1:30 to 4 pm at Heights Neighborhood Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Winter Wonderland Celebration: A Magical Holiday Experience for the Whole Family! in Houston?
Free, registration required. Winter Wonderland Celebration: A Magical Holiday Experience for the Whole Family! is on Wednesday, December 9, 2026, 4 to 5 pm at Shepard-Acres Homes Neighborhood Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is All Aboard the Polar Express! in Houston?
Included with general admission. All Aboard the Polar Express! is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 9 am to 5 pm at Children's Museum Houston. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is "Storytime with Santa!" Special program, Read and Rhyme Preschool Story Time in Katy?
Free. "Storytime with Santa!" Special program, Read and Rhyme Preschool Story Time is on Tuesday, December 15, 2026, 10:15 to 11 am at Maud Smith Marks Branch Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is FREE Santa Photos! in Jacinto City?
Free. FREE Santa Photos! is on Wednesday, December 16, 2026, 4:30 to 5:30 pm at Jacinto City Branch Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Little Readers: The Grinch Visits Story Time in La Porte?
Free. Little Readers: The Grinch Visits Story Time is on Thursday, December 17, 2026, 10:15 to 10:45 am at La Porte Branch Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Winter Wonderland Celebration in Houston?
Free, registration required. Winter Wonderland Celebration is on Thursday, December 17, 2026, 5 to 7 pm at Kendall Neighborhood Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Holiday Open House! "A Frosty Holiday" in Katy?
Free. Holiday Open House! "A Frosty Holiday" is on Friday, December 18, 2026, 2 to 4 pm at Maud Smith Marks Branch Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Holly Jolly Holiday Party in Humble?
Free. Holly Jolly Holiday Party is on Saturday, December 19, 2026, 11 am to 1 pm at Baldwin Boettcher Branch Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Are there Christmas train rides for kids in Houston?
Yes, but they have their own guide. Santa trains and holiday train rides are listed in our Houston Christmas train rides guide, so this page sticks to story times, Santa visits and other events off the rails.
How do you confirm these events?
We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 2, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.
