Houston is a big place, and we love our Christmas lights. Shabana Motors wanted to put together a comprehensive list of places to go in Houston this month to see the grand light installations from neighborhood efforts to lights in the park.
Central Houston
River Oaks - Near the River Oaks Country Club, you can drive through a neighborhood of huge mansions where everything is decked out in twinkling white lights dripping from the tree limbs and on the stately homes. Go along Inwood Drive, Willowick, and Del Monte to see the best displays. The corner house at Mockingbird and Del Monte is something to behold.
Spring Shadows - The display called Candy Wonderland is on Quincannon Lane in Central Houston. Vacant homes along with the rest are spread with Christmas lights. It’s north of I-10 and Memorial City Mall off Gessner. It has one entrance and exit. You must stay inside your car. There is an onsite security officer.
North Houston
Christmas Ranch - Drive through this enormous display in the Cleveland area in the near north side. This display has been humming for 33 years. In fact, it was so big that in 19954 the Hanley’s moved to a bigger home to have even more lights. There are 300,000 lights, holiday scenes, and 32-foot reindeer. Santa will be there on December 23 from 6-8 pm.
It's free, but the family takes donations that it shares with the community needy. 14651 FM 1725 in Cleveland. It’s 6-10 pm Sunday through Thursday and until 11 pm Friday and Saturday. It will be open through New Years.
Schultz Holiday Lights - in Spring near The Woodlands, the Schultz family does it up big with an animated light show called Christmas on Rose Dawn. The show goes on from Thanksgiving through New Years from 6:30-9:30 pm Sunday - Thursday and until 10:30 pm on weekends. They have a Giving Tree for the Tomball Assistance Ministries. Drive out to 19827 Rose Dawn, Spring.
Dodd Family Holidays - Go to The Woodlands and share the Dodd family Christmas celebration. Chris Dodd mingles with visitors and has synced the lights to about 45 songs. Tune in to 95.1 FM near the house between 6 and 10 pm Sunday - Thursday and until midnight Saturday and Sunday. Go to 62 W. Knightsbridge Drive in The Woodlands.
Northwest Houston
Lights in the Heights in Woodland Heights - Drive around the north end and down Bayland Avenue east of Studewood where overhanding oak trees remind you of Rice University. The actual Lights in the Heights is on December 8, but the lights are on all season. Apparently, this is also the place where you can see a duck-hunting Santa.
Shepherd Park Plaza and Candlelight Park - Go towards Oak Forest/Garden Oaks on the near north side to see an entire neighborhood of lights. Watch for cars snaking through the streets and cul-de-sacs, some of which are themed!
Prestonwood Forest - Now celebrating 40 years, this is a Christmas extravaganza routinely to be found on the list of best Christmas displays in Texas. This year is the 41st Annual Nite of Lites and is lit from December 8th to December 30th, dusk to 10 pm weekdays, 11 pm weekends. It’s located near Cypresswood and SH249 (Tomball Parkway) and might remind you of the Great Christmas Light Fight TV show.
786 homes compete for awards such as Best All Around Home, Best Cul-de-Sac and Best Mailbox. You’ll have to wear your sunglasses at night in this neighborhood.
Johnson’s Christmas Corner - They’re back for 2018. The address is 14811 Cypress Meadow Drive with 70,000 lights synchronized to more than 50 songs. There’s a different show every night of the week and includes a snow machine and a bubble machine. They even published a schedule:
- Monday is "A Classic Christmas."
- Tuesday is "TSO & Mannheim Night" by Trans-Siberian Orchestra and Mannheim Steamroller.
- Wednesday is "Rock-n-Roll Christmas."
- Thursday is "Country Christmas."
- Friday is "Movie Night at the Corner" when lights move to iconic movie themes.
- Saturday and Sunday feature mash-ups of songs from the week.
Some nights feature Santa Claus for photo ops with the kids. Your kids might also appreciate the online Santa chat, where they can ask Santa questions. See Johnson Corner Facebook or Twitter for updates.
Franck’s Christmas Light Show - The Franck family at 15923 Viney Creek in Copperfield has been doing big lights for a decade. Songs are synced with music, and the show is 5:30-10:00 pm Sunday through Thursday and until 11 pm on weekends. Set your radio to 89.7 FM when you get there. The show runs on a 45-minute loop.
The Gullo House - Five acres of winter wonderland is created every year by Tony Gullo. Mr. Gullo dresses up as Santa Claus at various times during the season. Look for the unofficial Facebook Page for the Gullo Home Christmas Lights.
Southeast Houston
Moody Garden Festival of Lights - Located in Galveston, this is another top display for the area. You will need to purchase tickets for this show, but it could turn into a wonderful family tradition.
Magical Winter Lights - At Gulf Greyhound Park in La Marque, you can tour over 20 acres of lights and festival activities. With over 100 lantern sets, a Christmas village, acrobats, and a Dino fun zone, there’s something for every member of the family here. This presentation also requires ticket purchase.
Dickinson Festival of Lights - Dickinson, TX has put on this light show since 1998. It's a free walk-through light display at Paul Hopkins Park. You will need to park elsewhere and ride the free shuttle bus. Open nightly November 24 through December 23, 6 to 8:30 pm, weather permitting.
Southwest Houston
Pecan Grove - In this suburb of Richmond, there is at least one house that has lights synchronized to music. Pecan Grove also offers $5 hayrides and a Santa photo op on weekends. Plantation Drive is the main thoroughfare. The best streets are Morton League, Austin Colony, and Quarterpath. This neighborhood is located off 99 between Westpark Tollway and Highway 6.
So, there you go! Something for everyone in every corner of Houston.
Happy Holidays from Shabana Motors!
PS: Let us know in the comments if you know of a terrific display we didn’t list!
