Houston is getting a festive makeover as City Lights Downtown Holiday Magic, presented by Kroger in partnership with CITGO and Houston Area Realtors, makes a grand return this holiday season. The event brings dazzling lights, mesmerizing Christmas trees, live performances, and whimsical surprises across 11 uniquely themed villages, many of which are free to the public.

The kickoff event and media preview will take place on Friday, November 21, 2025, starting at 5:30 p.m. on the Plaza at Avenida Houston. The evening includes the annual tree lighting, featuring a 42-foot Christmas tree, live music, holiday craft-making, and strolling entertainment. Visitors will be able to explore the North and South Pole-themed villages, connected by candy-themed trails along Texas Avenue and McKinney Street, offering twinkling pathways, photo opportunities, and special moments for all ages.

The North Pole villages include Winter Wonderlawn at POST Houston, a five-acre illuminated rooftop park with a 25-foot tree and spectacular skyline views; Tinsel Town at Market Square Park, featuring free events such as photos with Santa, movies under the stars, dueling piano shows, and a holiday Elf on the Shelf scavenger hunt; Deck the Trees at Alley Theatre, showcasing 19 artistically designed trees; Jingle Town at Lynn Wyatt Square, offering hot cocoa, lawn games, family crafts, and live performances; and City Hall-iday Lights on December 6, with a star-studded show, fireworks, and free Santa photos.

South Pole attractions include Astros Light Up the Park at Minute Maid Park, with 12 interactive light exhibits celebrating Houston and the Astros; Texas Winter Lights at Marriott Marquis Houston, featuring rooftop snowfalls, igloos, live country music, and Santa visits; Ice @ Discovery Green, an open-air ice-skating rink with themed skate nights and light displays; Peppermint Plaza at Avenida Houston, showcasing 18 festively decorated trees and live performances; Land of Sweets at Hilton Americas-Houston, with over 80,000 lights and a life-size chocolate installation celebrating Disneyland® Resort’s 70th anniversary; and Twinkle Town at Trebly Park, offering pet-friendly activities, hot chocolate, live music, and outdoor movies.

Getting around Downtown has never been easier. Visitors can take advantage of Park Once Zones, the Holiday Express METRORail connecting the North and South Pole villages, or new complimentary Reindeer Rides provided by EV Community Connectors for short-distance routes on Saturday evenings through December 31.

City Lights Downtown Holiday Magic promises unforgettable experiences for families, friends, and holiday enthusiasts. Operating hours and ticketing vary by village, and visitors are encouraged to check the City Lights website for details, maps, and event information.