As the end of the year rolls in, I always scramble to figure out what are the best events for kids. If your family is in the Houston area for the holidays, here are the top five things to do with the kids.

1.  See a Holiday Show (Ages 3 and up)

Nothing reminds me more of the holidays than seeing Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Now you can see it not only on TV, but live at Houston’s Hobby Center. Other classics in town are:

A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story of Christmas by Charles Dickens at the Alley Theatre (11/20-12/27)

The Nutcracker by the Houston Ballet (11/26-12/26)

Frosty the Snowman at the Express Children’s Theater (11/15-12/27)

Houston's Winter Wonderland

2.  Play in the Snow (Ages 10 and under)

Nothing gets kids in the mood for the holidays faster than a romp around in the snow. Yes, I know that we’re talking about Houston, but each year the Houston Museum of Natural Science hosts a “Snow Flurry.” 80,000 pounds of snow were brought in this year for snow angels, snow forts and snowmen to appear on the HMNS lawn.  It’s so much fun, even Santa and his merry band of reindeer come out to play.

Credit: Houston Galleria

Skate with Santa (Ages 4 and up)

We know that Santa loves to slide down chimneys, but did you know that he skates? Grab your kids and head over to the Galleria’s Ice Rink for a spin around the 55-foot tall Christmas tree with dear Old St. Nick. He visits multiple times a day for 15-minute sessions. From now until December 19^th, you’ll find Santa Monday through Thursdays at 3:30 pm & 4:30 pm and Friday through Sunday at 2:00 pm, 3:00 pm, 4:00 pm, and 5:00 pm.  Whether it’s a photo for the holiday card or to give Little Sam a real experience with Santa, kids love gliding around on the ice with Santa.

Homewood Suites-Galleria is conveniently located in downtown Houston right across the street from the Galleria. I love my son, but I can’t sleep in the same room with him, so suite-hotels are a must for me. HWS-Galleria offers friendly staff, great location, free breakfast daily and dinners Mon-Thu. Read my complete review of Homewood Suites – Galleria Houston.

Seasons of Sharing at the Children’s Museum of Houston. Photo by CMOH.

4.  Come on and Celebrate (Ages 7 and under)

The Children’s Museum of Houston is currently home to the “Seasons of Sharing,” an interactive exhibit that focuses on seven cultural celebrations for kids to explore. My 3-year-old son loved learning about the lights of Diwali, Ramadan, the Hanukkah menorah, Las Posadas, Christmas, Kwanzaa and the Lunar New Year lion dance.  Given how multi-cultural Houston is, it’s a great way for kids to learn all the different traditions their friends and neighbors might be celebrating.

Credit: Moody Gardens

5.  See the Moody Gardens’ Festival of Lights (All Ages)

My little guy loves checking out Christmas lights and loved the Festival of Lights. He walked for over an hour, enjoying the one million lights strung all across Moody Gardens. With nightly live entertainment, animated light displays, plus an outdoor ice rink, there were plenty of things to peak his interest. Open from 6-9 p.m. on December 9th through December 12^th and nightly from December 16th through January 1st.

Click here for more activities for kids in Houston.