5 Things in Downtown Houston to Do with Family Over the Holidays

We love that Houston is always bustling with fun things to see and do and the holidays are certainly no exception. Downtown Houstona is pretty festive and lit-up with neon lights year-round, but something about the holidays and bonding time with family and friends makes the city streets buzz with a little extra excitement.

One of the advantages of living at One Park Place (OPP) is it’s the only Houston high rise that is in close proximity to so much in the downtown area. One Park Place is the perfect meeting place for friends and family before heading out to a few of your favorite family-friendly holiday activities.

Here are our picks for the top 5 family-friendly holiday happenings in downtown Houston from now until the end of the year:

• The ICE powered by Green Mountain Energy®

  Saturday, Nov. 16, 2018–Sunday, Jan. 27, 2019

  The ICE is the largest outdoor ice skating surface in the Southwest and if you’re a resident of OPP, it’s right in your front yard. Discovery Green is always a popular family-friendly attraction, but ice skating is probably one of the most visited. If you’re headed there with a little one, check out 'The ICE Box', a separate, pint-sized rink for skaters 45" or shorter below the age of 4. General admission is $11 and $4 for a skate rental. And if you want to skate with Santa, be sure to head to the ice on Saturdays, Nov 17 – Jan 26, 5-6pm to skate along with Mr. Claus (before December 25) and some of your favorite characters after the holiday.

• Bank of America Screen on the Green®

  Gather up the family and enjoy family-friendly holiday movies with a view of the beautiful downtown Houston skyline. Rent a pair of ice skates (see #1) with festive movies playing in the background or grab a spot on the lawn and watch the movie on the hill. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs and arrive early for fun contests and activities. Bring a picnic and make an entire evening of it. Dates to remember include November 29th (Elf), December 6th (Home Alone), December 13th (A Nightmare Before Christmas) or December 20th (Polar Express). Of course you could watch your favorite holiday movies in your cozy high rise across the street, but if the weather is right, this is one of the most festive ways to enjoy a Houston evening this holiday season.

• Winter Flea by Night presented by Green Mountain Energy®

  Saturdays, Nov. 24 and Dec. 1–22, 2018, 6–10 p.m.

  Want to support local vendors and artists while knocking out all of your holiday shopping in one stop? Back by popular demand, Discovery Green’s night market expands to a weekly event during the holiday season. Flea by Night features works by local artisans, artful kitsch, vintage items, antiques and other treasures, plus live music, food trucks, lawn games and more right across the street from OPP.

• Holiday Lights Tour

  Dec. 7, 2018

  Jump aboard the Houston Wave with the family for the Holiday Lights Tour. The tour will start at Market Square Park downtown, then head out past the tree at City Hall and past all the oversized ornaments at Discovery Green. The tour ends at Hermann Park near Miller Outdoor Theater. This is an ideal way to get your fix of holiday lights without having to do any of the driving!

• Very Merry Pops at The Houston Symphony

  Dec. 7 - 9, 2018

  Sleigh bells ring and jingle bells chime as the Houston Symphony’s beloved holiday spectacular returns to downtown Houston! Gather with family and friends in a cozy winter wonderland for a sparkling celebration filled to the brim with traditional carols, festive favorites and heartwarming cheer. The fabulous Ali Ewoldt, who currently stars as Christine in Broadway’s The Phantom of the Opera, joins in the fun, performing unforgettable renditions of your favorite holiday classics. This will be an evening your family won’t forget!

If you need to secure tickets for any of these events or others in the city, don’t hesitate to call down to the concierge desk where we can help arrange tickets, transportation, reservations and more. Don’t forget some of our exclusive resident perks include major discounts at Houston hotels, which is ideal for family and friends visiting for the holidays. And don’t worry – we promise not to tell them your penthouse is in fact big enough to share, we’ll make it sound like a special treat, courtesy of you!

If you’re interested in a private tour of our deluxe Houston high rise, visit us at 1400 McKinney Street or call us at 713.868.5933 today to hear about our current holiday leasing specials. You can also take our virtual tour if you’re daydreaming about your next Houston home.