Get ready to experience the epitome of the holiday spirit with a trip to Magical Winter Lights, this year conveniently located at Katy Mills Mall. After previously being held in locations such as Sam Houston Park, La Marque and Baytown, this year’s location will be easily accessible to the neighborhoods and families in the area, as well as having lots of free parking.

The details:
  • Dates: Nov. 17-Jan. 7, 5 p.m.-10 p.m. (Sun.-Thurs.); 5 p.m.-11 p.m. (Fri.-Sat.)
  • Cost: $18 (12 and under, 65 and older); $25 (13 and older)
  • Location: Katy Mills Mall, 5000 Katy Mills Circle, Katy
  • Extended hours: Dec. 24-Jan. 1
This is the eighth year the attraction has been put on and is the brainchild of Yusi An, whose family is from China, which is the place that inspired the light displays.

“An wanted to carry on that family tradition of this artistry [in the] style of Chinese lanterns,” Magical Winter Lights spokesperson RoShelle Salinas said. “These are immaculate sculptures that are created with steel and fabric and silk that really illuminate with the lights built into them. It's a whole different experience than just the traditional imagery that people might think of.”

The lantern attractions include:Plan your night

Along with the lantern attractions, visitors can enjoy carnival rides, carnival games and character entertainment, such as the Grinch, the Snow Queen and Olaf. Those looking for other attractions can stop by one of the many cultural events Magical Winter Lights has scheduled.

“We’re really highlighting the cultural diversity that is Houston. We'll have Hawaiian dance groups, Polish dance groups, a Chinese Dragon team, Native American dancers, belly dancers, an Indian High school orchestra and a Native American high school orchestra coming to play,” Salinas said. “There's a lot of fun, cultural entertainment that will be woven in the nights of the whole festival.”

To get the full experience of the park, Salinas recommends patrons give themselves around two hours to fully enjoy everything and take advantage of the games and attractions. If they want just a quick trip, they can run through everything in an hour.This year, the attraction will also have a food truck park featuring vendors such as The Burger Joint, The Waffle Bus and Travel and Tom’s Coffee.

Get involved

Those looking to bring large groups of people to the attractions can inquire about group discounts for birthday parties, holiday work parties and other special events. Magical Winter Lights will also be having a 12 Days of Giveaways on their social media.

“It's going to be an easy holiday experience,” Salinas said. “As a mom of three, I know how hard it is to tack on some of these fun experiences during a really busy, hectic time at the end of the year. I think this is a really easy experience for people to go and have a really magical time.”

To learn more about Magical Winter Lights and book tickets for a night of magic, visit their website.

The above story was produced by Community Impact's Senior Multi Platform Journalist Sierra Rozen with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.