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The 2025 holiday season in Houston has seen the introduction of a dazzling variety of new Yuletide experiences. From the state’s newest Christmas-theme park to a block of buzzworthy holiday bars, a baseball-themed light experience and more — we’re here for all of it.
That said, we do love the classic Christmas experiences. One of which, includes driving around Houston neighborhoods and marvelling at the spectacular holiday light displays. When mapping out your next Christmas cruise in Houston, grab a hot chocolate to-go, queue up the holiday playlist, and take a drive out to River Oaks, one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Houston to see Christmas lights during the holiday season.
Photo via River Oaks Christmas Lights
Nestled in the Inner Loop between The Galleria and Montrose, River Oaks is a historical Houston neighborhood populated with grand estates, lush esplanades, and iconic city businesses like the River Oaks Theatre. Come the holiday season, the most expensive neighborhood in Houston truly dazzles.
Typically lit between early December and early January, the second week of December is when River Oaks is fully adorned in vibrant displays.
The best streets in River Oaks to see Christmas lights include River Oaks Boulevard, Inwood Drive, Del Monte Drive (home to the iconic River Oaks Santa House), and Willowick Road. A good starting point to the neighborhood is River Oaks Country Club or from Kirby at Westheimer or Shepherd.
Photo via Shutterstock
The best times to see the River Oaks Christmas lights in Houston is on weeknights between 5 pm and 7 pm on weeknights — Monday through Wednesday are your best bet to avoid crowds.
If visiting on peak nights, especially closer to Christmas Day, the neighborhood does draw crowds that tends to result in bumper-to-bumper traffic. If visiting during these times, there is the option of seeing the River Oaks Christmas lights on foot — the only trouble is that you’ll have to find a parking spot.
If you plan to see the River Oaks lights on foot, parking is available at St. John the Divine church during the holiday season. Street parking is available on smaller side streets, which is obviously first-come, first-served.