Holiday

What's New for City Lights Downtown Holiday Magic 2025

The holidays just got a little sweeter in Downtown Houston.

City Lights Downtown Holiday Magic is back—and this year's celebration is brighter, more connected and candy-coated in all the right ways. 

Running now through Wednesday, December 31, more than 100 festive experiences transform Downtown into a shimmer-filled winter delight. 

You can explore all 11 sparkling villages through Visit Houston's full guide, but here's what's new—and what's making this year sweeter than ever.

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Two Poles, One Candy-Coated Celebration

For the first time, City Lights attractions are grouped into two easy-to-navigate holiday hubs—the North Pole and South Pole—each with its own flavor, wrapped together as one Downtown-wide celebration.

The North Pole

With all-new activations at Lynn Wyatt Square, the Theater District shines with holiday classics, twinkling lights and merry moments at:

• Winter Wonderlawn at POST HTX
• Tinsel Town at Market Square Park
• Deck the Trees at Alley Theatre
• Jingle Town at Lynn Wyatt Square
• City Hall-iday Lights at City Hall

The South Pole

Anchored by Discovery Green's iconic ice rink, the South Pole sparkles with festive favorites and new attractions including:

• Ice at Discovery Green
• Peppermint Plaza at Avenida Houston
• Texas Winter Lights at Marriott Marquis
• Land of Sweets at Hilton Americas
• Twinkle Town at Trebly Park
• Houston Astros Light Up the Park at Daikin Park (New!)

These Poles give visitors simple spots to start and make it easier than ever to enjoy more holiday magic in one trip. 

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Sweet Spots: The Confection Connection

New this year, Sweet Spots turn short strolls between the Poles into part of the fun. 

Texas Avenue and McKinney Street glow with:

• Candy-themed decor
• Oversized sweets
• Whimsical photo ops

Think cupcakes, candy trees and a giant gingerbread friend guiding your way. It's a candy-coated connection from one Pole to the other—just minutes apart. 

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Lynn Wyatt Square: A New North Pole Anchor

A new collaboration between Downtown Houston+, Houston First and the Theater District turns Lynn Wyatt Square into a major holiday destination—perfect for a show, after a show or during a weekday break.

Set among iconic theaters, the Square features music, movies, hot cocoa moments and festive decor all season long. 

What's Happening at Lynn Wyatt Square

• Quiet on the Set – Silent holiday movie nights (Nov. 22 & Dec. 13)
• Hometown Holiday Market – A Small Business Saturday market (Nov. 29)
• Sleigh Bell Beats – Silent disco nights with glowsticks and photo ops (Dec. 6 & 20)
• Yuletide, Y’all! – A Texas-flavored holiday series with regional music (Dec. 7, 14 & 21)
• Encore Nights – Post-show music, coffee and sweets on Saturdays

Learn more about Lynn Wyatt Square events during City Lights. 

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Park Once, Explore More

New Park Once zones in both the North and South Poles make getting around simple. Each area includes garages, surface lots and street parking near the heart of the holiday action. 

Once you park, all the City Lights fun is just minutes away. 

Getting Around is Sweet & Simple

• Walk the Sweet Spots along Texas Avenue and McKinney Street that link the Poles.
• Hop aboard on METRO's free Reindeer Rides (Community Connectors) on Saturdays from 6-9pm. 
• Glide along the METRORail Green Line, transformed into the Holiday Express Line for the season. 

No circling. No re-parking. Just one smooth, connected holiday adventure. 

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Explore the Magic Your Way

From the Poles and sugar-dusted pathways to fresh programming and easy ways to get around, this year's City Lights experience is sweeter, brighter and more walkable than ever. 

Plan your perfect holiday night—and discover something festive at every turn. 

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Stay Connected

For a complete rundown of holiday attractions, check out Visit Houston's full City Lights guide, or text Downtown Holidays to 713-651-9354 to get updates sent straight to your phone. 

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