Credit: POST Houston
We could all use a little extra cheer this year, and what better way than ringing in the holiday season with some holiday cocktails and immersive light experiences? Whether it’s a festive happy hour, a date night, or gathering with friends, we’ve got you covered on the top LGBTQ+ friendly holiday events in H-Town!
LIGHTS
City Lights Downtown Holiday Magic
November 22 – December 31, 2024
There’s no better place to get into the holiday spirit than in the heart of downtown Houston! City Lights Downtown Holiday Magic, presented by Shell Energy, is back for the third year with more spectacular lights, music, and magical fun. During this annual tradition, Houston First Corporation is once again teaming up with Downtown Houston +, Discovery Green, Alley Theatre, POST Houston, Hilton Americas-Houston, and Marriott Marquis to create memorable experiences for everyone at 12 uniquely themed locations. Open to the public and mostly free to enter, these locations offer an ice skating rink, sparkling lights, mesmerizing Christmas trees, totally post-able selfie stations, and many other activities to brighten the season for the whole family. To make exploring even easier, hop on the Hop-in Hop-off Holiday Bus, which will take you on a festive tour of the city's holiday highlights. If you’re visiting Houston in November and December of this year, start exploring the city through Downtown and experience the magic of the holiday season. View details here.
Radiant Nature at Houston Botanic Garden
November 8, 2023 – February 23, 2025
The dazzling Chinese lantern festival with larger-than-life installations showcasing the beauty of nature and celebrating the promise of the Lunar New Year returns to Houston Botanic Garden with all-new displays and interactive elements. Radiant Nature, presented by Reliant, is in its second year and highlights include towering ginkgo and pine trees, a majestic Chinese temple, a geometric dome, pandas with bamboo, and much more. Strike a pose in one of the many photo ops and enjoy a night of wonder at one of Houston’s most iconic and beautiful spaces.
November 15, 2024 - January 5, 2025
Head to the land of sugar for some holiday cheer this year! The 11th annual Sugar Land Holiday Lights presented by Houston Methodist returns to Constellation Field November 15 through January 5. Bring your friends and family out to enjoy over 3.5 million lights, a dazzling 40 ft. light up tree, light shows, numerous themed displays, Santa Claus (through December 23), holiday vendors, food and more. A synthetic ice rink will be on the field each night. Enjoy gliding across the field when you book your ice skating ticket-add on in your cart screen when purchasing tickets. Wonder awaits in Sugar Land!
November 22, 2024 - January 5, 2025
Party animals flock to the Houston Zoo each year to enjoy the walking path of lights with hot chocolate in hand! Enjoy the magic of the holiday season at Houston’s favorite holiday lights experience, TXU Energy presents Zoo Lights at Houston Zoo. The spectacular Zoo grounds are the perfect setting to enjoy the sights and sounds of the season with family and friends. Although many of the animals may be asleep during the nightly events, keep an eye out for some curious creatures who stick around to see visitors!
Holiday in the Gardens by Moody Gardens
November 23, 2024 - January 1, 2025
Make the yuletide gay in Galveston! Enjoy a festive stroll along this mile-long trail featuring more than two million lights and lighted scenes themed to holiday music that take you around the Moody Gardens property with spectacular views of Galveston Bay. Stops along the way bring you to see Star the Dancing Tree of Light, concession areas, hot chocolate, fireside s'mores and other festive foods, mistletoe, and plenty of photo opportunities! There’s even an NYE Party featuring Mambo Jazz Kings, New Year's Eve Cruise, and more. Make it a staycation with hotel packages available!
LIBATIONS
Miracle at Johnny’s by Johnny’s Gold Brick
Reservations now open!
Johnny’s Gold Brick is the ultimate holiday stop for any Houstonian looking to have a good festive time! Miracle at Johnny’s is Houston’s original Christmas-themed pop-up cocktail bar. The team brings its customers festive and delicious themed cocktails in an over-the-top festive holiday environment. Guests will enjoy specialty cocktails served in themed glassware, wall-to-wall over the top Christmas decorations, and an abundance of Christmas cheer all served by the talented, friendly staff. Bar snacks are available, but Johnny’s isn’t a full-blown restaurant, so keep that in mind when making your reservation—book them early before all spots are taken! (Johnny’s is 21+ after 7pm)
Michael’s Outpost on Richmond Avenue is the perfectly cozy gay bar where drag, music, and community all intersect. Depending on what night you visit, you could be in store for a drag show or a sing-a-long around the piano, all in an intimate, casual setting. Pull up a stool at the bar or grab a table, and the friendly bartenders behind the fully stocked bar warm you up with the libation of your choice, served with a smile.
Pearl Bar Houston & Side Peace
Santa may be busy this season, so it’s time for Mrs. Claus to sneak away to her favorite spot in town! Pearl Bar is one of the country’s few lesbian-specific bars left and is located right here on Washington Avenue! Pearl Bar Houston and sister bar Side Peace each offer warm vibes and bars that will warm you up after your cool stroll throughout the central business district. Sneak outside for some cool air and immerse yourself in the neon glow of the backyard deck. Pearl is always painting her face with new decor and improvements, so it’s always a good time to stop in and celebrate the holidays with community.
Miracle at Winnie’s by Winnie’s
If you like great food, impeccable cocktails, and spaces that look like Christmas exploded all over the place, then Winnie’s in Midtown is your spot! Miracle at Winnie’s is Midtown Houston’s best Christmas-themed pop-up cocktail bar. The local joint brings customers festive and delicious themed cocktails and Holiday themed sandwiches and snacks in an over-the-top festive holiday environment. The Johnny’s Gold Brick sister establishment features specialty cocktails served in themed glassware, wall-to-wall over the top Christmas decorations, and an abundance of Christmas cheer all served by our friendly staff! (Miracle at Winnie’s is 21+ after 8pm)
Santa baby, come and trim my Christmas tree at JR’s Bar & Grill! Tis the season to hop over to Montrose for a gay old time! JR’s Bar & Grill is the perfect spot to kick off the evening before bouncing from bar to bar. Here, you’ll find multiple fully stocked bars, indoor and outdoor hangout options, as well as wood paneling that makes you feel like you’re in the gayest little Christmas cabin ever! The bar is a short walk to fellow gay bars Eagle Houston, RIPCORD, and more! Put on your Santa hat and get ready to dance the night away!
Looking for a laid back spot to grab a nightcap after a long, brutal day of online shopping? Look no further than George Country Sports Bar! The divey gay bar is easily one of the most charming spots in the Gayborhood to shoot some pool, grab a beer, play darts, or just catch up with a friend or two. The space is intimate, old school, and cozier than a Norman Rockwell Christmas painting. Step in and enjoy some good gay company and celebrate the holiday season—be sure to check out the jukebox to help set the vibe for the bar!
