As Mariah Carey says, “It’s time!” Now that December is here, decorations are going up across the city, holiday music is playing in every store, and it’s finally starting to feel a little chilly in Houston. It’s truly one of the best times to visit, and if you have friends or family coming in this month, you might be wondering where to take them to show off the best parts of the city. Here are some of my favorite spots, whether your guests want to be outside enjoying the weather or cozied up indoors.

If you’re hoping to spend some time outdoors, Memorial Park is always a great place to start. This conservancy is equipped with multiple walking and biking trails, a golf course, and spots to play basketball, tennis, and sand volleyball. Memorial Park is perfect for enjoying the outdoors.

Just a quick drive away from Memorial Park, you can head to Discovery Green downtown or over to the Galleria to go ice skating. Both are fun and festive this time of year!

And after all that activity, you might need a little pick-me-up. A few of my favorite coffee shops are Tiny’s Milk & Cookies, Giant Leap, and Common Bond.

Of course, many of your guests will be excited to explore Houston’s shopping scene. The Galleria and Memorial City Mall are the classics. Still, if the weather is nice and you want to stroll outside, Houston has several great outdoor shopping areas, including Rice Village, CityCentre, and Highland Village. And if you want an extra-luxurious experience, River Oaks District never disappoints.

December is also a big month for shows downtown. You can see Houston Ballet’s The Nutcracker at the Wortham Center, or if you’re more into plays, the Alley Theatre’s annual production of A Christmas Carol is always a favorite. For music lovers, check out the Houston Symphony or head to the Toyota Center to see Pentatonix on their Christmas Tour 2025.

Houston’s Museum District is another must-see. We have so many museums that we needed a whole district just to hold them. The Houston Zoo is right there as well, and this time of year, you can walk through their beautiful holiday light display. The Museum of Fine Arts also puts on its Christmas Village at Bayou Bend, which is always a hit. And if you’re looking for something colorful and indoors (without a holiday theme), the Color Factory in Upper Kirby is a fun option.

And of course, Houston has its own quirky charm. One of the most unique places to take visitors is POST Houston downtown. It originally served as the city’s USPS headquarters and was built during the Cold War. This building is complete with fascinating historical details, including its connection to Barbara Jordan, the first African American woman from the South elected to Congress. After the building sat unused, Lovett Commercial transformed it in 2015, giving it new life while honoring its history. Today, it’s a cultural hub with a diverse range of food, shopping, events, and numerous Instagram-worthy spots. This season, POST has also teamed up with Redfin to create a Winter Wonderlawn exhibit on the rooftop. This is a beautiful place to walk around after dark and see the lights set against the Houston skyline.

I hope you all enjoy Houston this season. And if your guests decide that Houston feels like the right place for their next home, I’m always one call away. Happy Holidays!

Until next time,

Dee Dee Guggenheim Howes