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Houston Zoo Lights
EASY :
THESE SPOTS ARE EASY TO ENJOY ; YOU DON ’ T EVEN HAVE TO GET OUT OF YOUR CAR . You may have to deal with some slow-moving traffic , but with your favorite tunes ( and most likely , air conditioning ) in your car , you ’ ll be enjoying these spectacles in comfort .
RIVER OAKS SHOPPING CENTER – The stores along West Gray from Shepherd to Woodhead sparkle with millions of lights and festive displays . Three Starbucks ( plus a new one inside Kroger ) make festive holiday beverages a breeze .
HIGHLAND VILLAGE – This favorite spot has been sparkling in the Texas heat since mid-October . With light-wrapped palm trees and oversized giant bows and festive lighted gifts , this center is a true holiday tradition .
POST OAK BOULEVARD – This magnificent stretch of road in the Galleria area features 80 brilliantly lit holiday trees standing guard over Post Oak Boulevard , as well as numerous decorations and lighting throughout the area .
RIVER OAKS NEIGHBORHOOD – The city ’ s ritziest neighborhood takes their holiday displays seriously ! Gaze at the mansions along River Oaks Boulevard and their beautiful trees dripping with millions of hanging lights . Side streets , including Inwood , Del Monte and Lazy Lane , also amp up the Christmas magic . Drive slowly ; you ’ ll want to take it all in .
PLAN A NIGHT OUT :
ZOO LIGHTS Houston Zoo | www . HoustonZoo . org Price : $$ Value Nights 6 – 10pm | Prime Nights 6 – 11pm
If you haven ’ t stopped at the Houston Zoo Lights , where have you been for the past five years ? This is definitely a must-go through January 15 . The Houston Zoo is transformed into a winter wonderland for visitors to cuddle up with a cup of hot cocoa while they listen to holiday carolers , admire more than two million sparkling LED lights , see Candy the Zoo Lights Zebra , twinkling replicas of zoo animals and a brand-new addition – a 33-foot-tall glittering Christmas tree . While most of the animals will be settling for their long winter ’ s nap , you can still have a glimpse of several nocturnal residents . You ’ ll want to buy your ticket online to save time and money !
If you are feeling a little romantic after the Zoo Lights , we know the perfect spot . Go on a romantic winter walk next door at Hermann Park , enjoy our spectacular skyline and see even more Christmas lights ! Lastly , get a warm brew at the Black Hole Coffee House or Siphon Coffee , which are nearby .
CHRISTMAS VILLAGE AT BAYOU BEND Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens www . mfah . org / admissions / christmas-village-bayou-bend Price : $$ Mon – Sun : 5:30 – 10pm
The beautiful 14 acres of gardens in River Oaks will be set up on December 10 as a gracious Christmas Village . Get in the spirit of the holiday with carolers , Santa and his reindeer , a snowball-play area , holiday treats and art-making activities . Stroll the garden and take in the elaborate Christmas light displays . This village is set up to make your holiday memories last a lifetime .
MEMORIAL CITY LIGHTS Memorial City Mall | www . memorialcity . com Price : Free For Jingle & Mingle at The Square , Sat , December 17 , 6 – 9pm
Doing a scavenger hunt of Christmas lights might not be for everyone , but if you find yourself shopping at Memorial City Mall these holidays , you will absolutely run into the lighting celebration that illuminates Memorial City ’ s 265-acre footprint . This is a perfect Christmas tradition that can be convenient and fun for the entire family . Inside the mall you can find various spots to take pictures with your loved ones , like at their Texas-size Christmas tree that is 92 feet tall . Take the little ones to meet Santa but beware , the Santa lines can get pretty long !
Stop by Saturday , December 17 , to Jingle & Mingle at The Square . Enjoy live music , beer or wine for purchase , and a spectacular snowfall while the Memorial City Reindeer make an appearance . continued on next page
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