A Magical Season
Moody Gardens’ 15th annual Festival of Lights:
15th annual Festival of Lights: The festival features more than a million lights within 100 sound-enhanced, animated light displays. Guests also can skate on the area’s only outdoor ice skating rink, try out the Arctic Slide or take pictures with Santa Claus. Those who bring a nonperishable food item on Food Drive Thursdays will receive two-for-one festival admission. The food will be donated to the Galveston County and Houston Food Banks. Ongoing 6-10 p.m. through Jan. 8; One Hope Boulevard; $10.95; moodygardens.com, 800-582-4673.
Magical Winter Lights:
Every year, the Magical Winter Lights features some of the most impressive lantern attractions in the area. Guests can stroll through a half-dozen brightly lit exhibits, featuring thousands of lights. They also can enjoy carnival rides and games, cultural performances, arts and crafts, live entertainment, and photos with Santa Claus and other characters. 5-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 3-11 p.m. Friday-Sunday, ongoing through Jan. 8; Gulf Greyhound Park, 1000 FM 2004; $22, $15 for ages 4-12 and seniors; magicalwinterlights.com. Houston Zoo’s fifth annual Zoo Lights: Every evening during the holiday season, the Houston Zoo transforms into a bright, twinkling winter wonderland. Guests can sip on hot chocolate, listen to festive music and view the more than 2 million lights adorning the zoo. Other exhibits include the Holly Berry, a 1968 Cadillac with a lightship set to music; the Enchanted Forest; and Candy, the interactive talking zebra. Guests also can see a number of animal exhibits. Ongoing 6 p.m. through Jan. 15; closed Dec. 24-25; 6200 Hermann Park Drive; $14.95 for members and $19.95 for non-members, free for ages 1 and younger; houstonzoo.com, 713-533-6500.