Bay Area residents do not have to travel far to get into the holiday spirit this winter.

Several local city governments and businesses have put up festive light displays, which will be open for viewing through early January. Here are three holiday lighting destinations to visit in Clear Lake, Nassau Bay and Texas City.

This list is not comprehensive.

Lago Mar

The master-planned community, located along I-45 in Texas City, opened its Lights Over Lago display Nov. 26. The display is centered around the community’s 12-acre Crystal Lagoons amenity.


Visitors of all ages will be able to see a lighted train, take photos with a paddle-boarding Santa, do caroling karaoke, watch holiday movies, use s’mores fire pits, shop at holiday gift markets, make ornaments and more, according to a Nov. 23 Lago Mar media release.

Dates: Nov. 26-Dec. 18 on Fridays and Saturdays, 5-10 p.m.

Cost: $20

Space Center Houston


The center’s annual Galaxy Lights event opened Nov. 13, complete with kinetic light shows, an LED light tunnel, a Space Station tribute and a new interactive show about the science behind light. It is recommended to plan for a 90-minute visit, according to Space Center Houston’s website.

Visitors can also catch a film called "Holidays in Space" that includes real footage of astronauts celebrating the holidays, as well as interviews with retired astronauts about what it was like celebrating in space, per the Space Center Houston website. The 15-minute film is shown in the Destiny Theater every 30 minutes from 6:15 p.m. to 9:45 p.m.

Dates: Nov. 13-Jan. 2, 6-10 p.m.

Cost: Public price starting at $19.95; member price starting at $15.95; free for those age 3 and under


City of Nassau Bay

During the same time period as the Galaxy Lights, Nassau Bay is offering a special display of lighted trees, stars and more in its downtown square and along a median.



The lighting display was placed along the Saturn median in early November in conjunction with Nassau Bay’s traditional holiday decor, according to a post on the city’s Facebook page. Motorists and pedestrians are advised to exercise caution, as the display is in an active roadway.


Dates: Same as Galaxy Lights, Nov. 13-Jan. 2

Cost: Free