Twinkling lights, holiday music and pictures with Santa are classic Christmas traditions — and while they may not be taking place this year, there are so many seasonal festivities to do around the Bay Area to help make your holiday season merry while keeping you and your family safe. Discover what’s around our Coastal Point community to get you in the holiday spirit.

Jingle on the Boardwalk

Kemah Boardwalk

December 1 – 17, 2023

The Kemah Boardwalk is jingling and jangling with holiday tunes, holiday stilt-walkers, hot cocoa vendors, Santa’s Workshop and a special appearance by the Grinch.

Annual Christmas Boat Lane Parade

Clear Lake

December 9, 2023

More than 60 brightly-decorated sailboats will traverse the Clear Lake channel from the South Shore Harbour Marina and the Nassau Bay Lagoon to Galveston Bay. during the boat parade.  Grab your spot along both sides of the Kemah Boardwalk, Clear Lake Shores, and Davis Road Canal.

Nutcracker in the Park

League Park

November 25, 2023

Meet the Sugar Plum Fairy, Nutcracker Prince, Mouse King and more at this special all-day event. In addition to ballet, enjoy a full day of holiday activities and shopping including a makers market, crafts, food trucks, and more.

Holiday Activities at Moody Gardens

Daily through January 6, 2024

The largest holiday destination in the Southwest is decorated and open for business, delighting families with their annual Festival of Lights, Ice Land, Cirque Joyeux Dinner and Show, and more.

Nutcracker in the Park

League Park

November 25, 2023

Meet the Sugar Plum Fairy, Nutcracker Prince, Mouse King and more at this special all-day event. In addition to ballet, enjoy a full day of holiday activities and shopping including a makers market, crafts, food trucks, and more.

Galaxy Lights at Space Center Houston

Space Center Houston

November 11, 2023 – January 7, 2024

The Space City tradition is back and brighter than ever. Experience two high-tech kinetic light shows, including a new show at the Main Plaza where dozens of suspended lights move in precise sequences to music, as well as a 20-foot ‘twinkling tree’ with swirling and blinking multi-color lights in the Astronaut Gallery.

Santa Hustle Galveston — 5k & Half Marathon

Galveston

December 17, 2023

Suit up for Galveston’s annual fun run and raise money for the Galveston County Food Bank. Swag includes a Santa hat, beard and shirt, plus a finisher medal and candy-cane socks.

Images courtesy of Expedia (Kemah Boardwalk); Silver Skate Festival (Ice Land at Moody Gardens); Veteran’s Count (Santa Hustle).