Houston’s Best Neighborhoods for Christmas Lights
Houston is a city built for driving around and admiring Christmas lights in Houston, from grand estates to quiet cul-de-sacs lit up block after block. Year after year, it is a tradition for locals to load up the car and go searching for where to see Christmas lights near you, and the bayou city rarely disappoints. If you are hunting for the best Christmas lights near you this December, here are the neighborhoods that consistently deliver.
River Oaks
Located east of Loop 610, River Oaks is known across the state for its breathtaking homes and elaborate lighting displays. Homes in River Oaks have a long tradition of trying to out-decorate their neighbors, resulting in street after street of some of the best Christmas lights near you in the entire city. All sorts of decorations show up in yards and homes around River Oaks, ranging from lighted drops, tree wraps, lighted balls, house outlines, and more. Residents often put up their lights early, making this neighborhood a delight to drive through for the whole month of December all the way to the new year.
Tanglewood
Just west of Loop 610 and inside Beltway 8 lies Tanglewood. Known for its great houses and famous residents, Tanglewood also has an established tradition of renowned holiday light displays. Viewing lights here is fun for the whole family, since the neighborhood also puts on holiday hayrides for kids. Driving through Tanglewood in December, expect to see tree wraps, house outlines, and plenty more.
Memorial Villages
The Memorial Villages of Spring Valley, Piney Point, Bunker Hill, Hedwig, Hilshire, and Hunters Creek have some of the most incredible holiday decorations in the city. Comprising the area directly south of Interstate 10 and east of Beltway 8, this collection of towns makes up the largest collection of renowned lighting displays in Houston, and one of the best stretches of Christmas lights in Houston for anyone who wants wide, quiet streets to drive slowly through.
Bellaire/Boulevard Oaks
Boulevard Oaks is a neighborhood and historic district located south of Highway 59 near Rice University and many of Houston's museums. In addition to having some of the most beautiful homes in the city, it also has some of the best lighting displays around. Bellaire sits just west of Boulevard Oaks and West University. Known as the city of homes, Bellaire has excellent lighting displays to match its reputation.
West University
Few places can match the lighting displays put on by the residents of West University Place. Located southwest of Highway 69 and Loop 610, West U is a town of beautiful homes with plenty of ways to celebrate the season, especially from its residents. Expect lighting displays of all kinds, including hanging balls, roof liners, and more, on full display throughout the holidays.
Houston Heights
Just north of downtown, Houston Heights and its surrounding streets turn into one of the most walkable holiday destinations in the city each December. The historic bungalows and Victorian-style homes throughout the Heights lend themselves naturally to classic string lights, wraparound porches lined in warm white, and elaborately decorated yards.
The neighborhood's biggest draw is Lights in the Heights, a free, decades-old community tradition held each December in the adjacent Woodland Heights, where two streets close to car traffic for an evening so residents and visitors can walk block to block taking in home displays, live music from front porches, and hot chocolate along the way. It is one of the most beloved nights of the season for anyone searching for the best Christmas lights near you on the north side of town.
Let the Holiday Spirit Shine Through
Inspired by what you saw on your drive around town? However you found your way here, whether behind the wheel or just researching where to see Christmas lights near you before heading out, turning your own home into one of Houston's best is easier than you think. Book a consultation with Ignite Christmas Lighting and let your home join the list next year.
