From light tunnels to Christmas villages, check out these six holiday events happening in the Heights, River Oaks and Montrose areas. This list is not comprehensive, and events are subject to change.
M-K-T Holiday Light Tunnels
Use the lit-up tunnels that create two twinkling pathways connecting M-K-T to the Heights Hike and Bike Trail as a festive backdrop for evening walks, cozy moments and holiday photos.
- Nov. 7- Jan. 6, 4 p.m.
- Free (admission)
- 600 N. Shepherd Drive, Houston
- www.themkt.com
Christmas Village at Bayou Bend
Sled down faux snow, toss snowballs and search for Santa’s reindeer in the gardens of Bayou Bend while touring Ima Hogg's historic house.
- Dec. 5-30, times vary
- Free (children under 4), $14-$21 (per ticket)
- 6003 Memorial Drive, Houston
- www.mfah.org/visit/bayou-bend
HHA’s Mistletoe Market
Hosted by the Houston Heights Association, the market at the Historic Houston Heights Fire Station features one-of-a-kind gifts, festive cheer and the chance to support local vendors.
- Dec. 12, 2-7:30 p.m.
- TBD
- 107 W. 12th Street, Houston
- www.houstonheights.org/event/mistletoemarket
Heights Mercantile Holiday Market
Located in the heart of the Houston Heights, the holiday market offers unique gifts from local makers and photo opportunities with Santa from 12:30-2:30 p.m.
- Dec. 13, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Free (admission)
- 714 Yale St., Houston
- Instagram: @heightsmercantilemarkets
Gingerbread Build-Off
Architecture Center Houston is hosting this annual competition, where teams will compete to create 100% edible, architectural masterpieces with gingerbread, candy and other sweet treats. Basic materials are included in the registration fee.
- Dec. 13, 8 a.m.-4:40 p.m.
- $200 (team registration), $150 (high school team registration)
- 3801 Eastside St., Houston
- www.architecturehouston.org/gingerbread-build-off
Holiday Crafts
The Houston Arboretum and Nature Center is hosting a DIY paper event, where participants can create holiday cards, gift tags and other festive accents with items such as recycled pulp, plant seeds and dried flower petals.
- Dec. 20, 10 a.m.-noon
- $37 (member), $47 (nonmember)
- 4501 Woodway Drive, Houston
- www.houstonarboretum.org/event/diy-paper

