Ride METRO to the Holiday Magic

The holidays are lighting up Houston, and METRO is your ticket to the magic! Whether you’re headed downtown to ice skate under the skyline or exploring neighborhood celebrations just outside the city, METRO can get you there safely, reliably, and stress-free.

So, grab your fare card, hop aboard, and make this season merry without the stress of parking or traffic. 

Downtown Holiday Magic — All Accessible by METRO

The holidays shine brightest in downtown Houston, and with METRO, you can skip the parking hassle and get straight to the festivities. From twinkling light displays to skating under the skyline, these downtown favorites are all just a short ride away on the METRORail, your favorite bus route, or the Community Connector, which makes it easy to hop between destinations like Discovery Green, City Hall, and POST Houston. Wherever your plans take you, METRO has the sleigh ready.  

1. Zoo Lights at the Houston Zoo
Take the METRORail Red Line to the Memorial Hermann Hospital / Houston Zoo Station, then enjoy a scenic stroll through Hermann Park to the zoo’s entrance. Once inside, you’ll be surrounded by millions of lights and glowing animal-themed displays — a Houston tradition that turns the Zoo into a winter wonderland every year. It’s an easy, car-free way to celebrate the season with family and friends. To find a parking garage near the event, go to the Visit Houston website.

2. Reliant Lights Mayor’s Holiday Spectacular
For one night each year, Houston City Hall and Hermann Square light up with fireworks, live entertainment, and the city’s official holiday tree. It’s just a few steps away from the Theater District on the Green/Purple Line or Main Street Square station on the Red Line. Whether you’re coming from Midtown, the Museum District, or the East End, it’s a quick ride to one of Houston’s most dazzling holiday traditions. To find a parking garage near the event, go to the Visit Houston website.

3. City Lights Downtown Holiday Magic 
Hop on any METRORail line to Main Street Square or Convention District Station and step right into the sparkle of City Lights Downtown Holiday Magic. This month-long celebration transforms Avenida Houston and the surrounding blocks into a glowing experience filled with themed displays like Peppermint Plaza, Twinkle Town, and Snow Glow on the Bayou. The best part? You can explore it all on foot — no parking meters, no stress. To find a parking garage near the event, go to the Visit Houston website.

4. The Ice at Discovery Green 
Ride the METRORail Purple/ Green Line to Convention District Station and you’ll find yourself steps from the iconic ice rink at Discovery Green. Skate beneath the city lights, enjoy hot cocoa by the park, or catch a photo with Santa during select events. Surrounded by music, lights, and nearby restaurants, it’s a can’t-miss downtown holiday stop — and METRO gets you there with ease. Riders can also choose to ride the Community Connector to the event. To find a parking garage near the event, go to the Visit Houston website.

 5. The Nutcracker – Houston Ballet
This timeless holiday tradition takes the stage at the Brown Theater in the Wortham Theater Center and invites families into a magical world of Clara’s journey, the Land of Snow, and the Kingdom of Sweets. To get there, take the METRORail Red Line to the Preston or Theater District on the Green Line, then walk just a few blocks to the venue. It’s the perfect car-free outing to round off your downtown holiday experience. To find a parking garage near the event, go to the Visit Houston website. Riders can also choose to ride the Community Connector to the event. 

Ride METRO to City Lights Downtown Holiday Magic!

Holiday Fun a Short Ride Away

Looking to explore a little beyond downtown? METRO can still get you close to many of the region’s most festive holiday celebrations. With convenient connecting routes and short rideshare options, you can enjoy Houston’s neighboring holiday cheer without the long drive or parking stress.

1. The Galleria Mall – Giant Tree & Ice Rink
The Galleria’s iconic holiday tree and ice rink make it one of Houston’s most festive winter stops — perfect for shopping, skating, and soaking in the season. You can skip the garage crowds entirely by hopping on bus routes 20 Canal/Memorial, 82 Westheimer, and 433 Silver Line, all of which drop you steps from the mall.

2. Uptown Holiday Lighting on Post Oak
Post Oak Boulevard shines bright each year with a mile of glowing trees and sparkling displays that transform Uptown into a holiday corridor. Hop on the 433 Silver Line at the Westpark/Lower Uptown Transit Center or the Northwest Transit Center for a front-row view of the magic. The Silver Line loops along Post Oak between both transit centers, and parking is free. Ride back when you reach the end of the line.

3. Museum of Fine Arts – Christmas Village at Bayou Bend
Bayou Bend’s “Christmas Village” turns the gardens into a glowing, walk-through holiday experience filled with music, lights, and cozy seasonal moments. Take the METRORail Red Line to the Museum District Station, a convenient ride near the entrance, or hop on bus routes 5 Southmore, 56 Airline/Montrose, or 65 Bissonnet, which stop nearby.

4. River Oaks Christmas Lights
One of Houston’s most beloved traditions, the River Oaks holiday lights draw thousands with their elegant displays and beautifully decorated streets. Bus routes 35 San Felipe and 82 Westheimer get you right to the edge of the neighborhood.

Whether your destination is downtown or a neighboring community, the RideMETRO app makes planning easy. You can check schedules, purchase fares, and even track your bus or train in real time — helping you spend less time worrying about logistics and more time enjoying the glow of the season.

Because in Houston, the holidays are brighter — and closer — when you ride with METRO.