The city of Tomball hosts a holiday event Dec. 10. The city of Tomball hosts a holiday event Dec. 10.[/caption]

A number of neighborhoods and cities throughout the Greater Houston area will feature lights displays to celebrate the holiday season:

Residents of Oak Ridge North participate in the annual Light Up the Night event starting Dec. 5 with lights displays. The city hosts a community hayride Dec. 15 that takes participants to see the city’s decorated house winners. Parking is available behind City Hall. 5:30-8:30 p.m. (full event), 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. (hayrides' leave times). Free (donations for Nourishment for the Needy are accepted). Oak Ridge North City Hall, 27424 Robinson Road, Oak Ridge North. 832-381-3215.  www.oakridgenorth.com

Homes in Cypress' Prestonwood Forest begin the 39th annual Nite of Lites event Dec. 10-31. The event features 786 homes decked out with lights on houses, lampposts and even mailboxes. A map of the neighborhood can be found here. Lights can be seen after dusk.

Tomball's Holiday Lamp Post Stroll features over 50 decorated lampposts in Old Town Tomball through Dec. 30 as well as a tree display at the Historic Depot Plaza. The city also hosts the annual Christmas on Commerce event Dec. 10 with performances from local school choirs, visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus, and family-friendly games and activities. Noon-5 p.m. Free (admission and parking). Commerce Street, Tomball. 281-351-5484. www.tomballtx.gov

The tenth annual Christmas Katy light display is in full swing through Dec. 25 on Stoughton Court near Westheimer Parkway in Katy. The display takes over 20 days to construct and features a 32-foot Christmas tree and lights synchronized with holiday music. Visitors driving through the neighborhood can set their radio to FM 89.9 to hear the music, and they are advised to turn off their headlights and avoid parking against the flow of traffic. Lights can be seen after dusk. www.christmaskaty.com

Old Town Spring's 36th annual Home for the Holidays runs through Christmas Day and features strolling performers, festive exhibits, local shops and boutiques, decorated winding paths and hot chocolate. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (Mon.-Sat.), noon-5 p.m. (Sun.). Free. Old Town Spring, 403 Main St., Spring. 281-353-9310. www.oldtownspring.com

Hosted by the city of Conroe on Dec. 10, the Conroe Christmas Celebration includes train rides, bounce houses, camel rides, a live nativity scene, face painters, two real snow hills and photos with Santa Claus. The Kiwanis Club has its annual Christmas parade at 1 p.m. through downtown Conroe. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. (full event), 1 p.m. (parade). Free. Heritage Place Park, 500 Metcalf St., Conroe. 936-522-3842. www.cityofconroe.org

For those will to venture downtown, the city of Houston also has a number of lights displays to celebrate the season:

The Museum of Fine Arts Houston hosts Christmas Village at Bayou Bend, an annual event featuring an elaborate garden light display, a faux snow play area, live reindeer on selct nights and carolers. Dec. 10-Jan. 1. $8-$13 for museum members, $10-$15 nonmembers. Prices increase on premium nights: Dec. 10, 16-23 and 30. 6003 Memorial Drive, Houston. 713-639-7300. www.mfah.org

The annual Houston Zoo Lights event runs through Jan. 15 and features more than 2 million lights throughout the zoo, including a holiday train, a 33-foot Christmas tree and an enchanted forest display. Carolers and musical groups will perform nightly at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. 6 p.m. (last entry at 9 p.m.) Tickets range from $9.95-$19.95, plus $6 for parking. 6200 Hermann Park Drive, Houston. 713-533-6500. www.houstonzoo.org/zoolights