School has just started, and Halloween is still around the corner.

Savvy homeowners know that the first signs of autumn mean it’s time to start thinking about holiday light displays. To properly deck your home with lights and festive decorations takes time and planning.

To get you in the proper holiday spirit, let’s look at some of the best Christmas lights in Houston and the surrounding areas.

Public Holiday Light Displays in Houston

First of all, let’s explore a few noteworthy public displays in the area (some of these have an entry fee).

Zoo Lights at the Houston Zoo (Hermann Park, begins in November): Each year the Houston Zoo hosts a dazzling light display with animal sculptures, lights in the trees and colorful projections. Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate.

Dickinson Festival of Lights (Dickinson, from Nov. 26 – 30, 2016): A free holiday light display you can walk through, with free parking near the site.

Moody Gardens’ Festival of Lights (Galveston, from Nov. 12, 2016 – Jan. 8, 2017): This spectacular event includes a lights display with over a million lights around the gardens, plus ice skating and an arctic slide.

Magical Winter Lights: the Houston Lantern Festival & Holiday Celebration (La Marque, from Nov. 16 2016 – Jan. 8, 2017): This year, the festival will include lantern activities such as a holiday market square, Dinosaur Land, Mystery of the East, Landmarks of the World, and a special feature called Man and Nature. They will also have areas featuring arts and crafts, carnival rides and games, cultural performances from around the world, and photos with Santa.

Hermann Square at Houston City Hall (City Hall, lighting ceremony takes place Dec. 2, 2016): Enjoy the festive light display every year at our Houston City Hall.

Neighborhood lights

The public Christmas lights in Houston are fantastic, but Houston is also home to a large number of amazing neighborhood holiday light displays. Be sure to add these to your list!

Woodland Heights: Ask anyone about holiday lights in Houston and they’ll probably mention Woodland Heights. This neighborhood blocks off several streets and provides a wonderful light show, along with musical performances and awards for the best decorations. As a part of our commitment to the Houston community, ABC Home & Commercial Services donates a Christmas Lights package for the Lights in the Heights raffle every year. Look for this show at Highland Street and Bayland Avenue.

Prestonwood Forest: Participating in holiday light displays since the 1970s, this neighborhood is hard to beat. The neighborhood hosts annual competitions for the best displays, many of which adopt fun themes. You won’t want to miss this one at Prestonwood Forest Drive, just off of Texas Highway 249.

Moss Lights (League City): In 2010, the Moss family tried their hand at a holiday display that over the past few years has become a favorite throughout the area. Last year they had over 80,000 lights with synchronized music. Located at 540 Southampton Lane.

Bufkin Christmas Wonderland (Pasadena): With over 165,000 lights, the Bufkin family knows how to delight kids and adults alike. Check it out this year at 2731 Lilac in Pasadena.

Edwards Family Lights (Scarsdale area): In another spectacular neighborhood display, visit the Edwards home. They have 45,000 lights along with a massive Christmas tree and other delights, all programmed into a 20-30 minute show with music. Each year they also collect donations for charity. Find this display at 10014 Citruswood.

Johnson’s Christmas Corner (Cypress): With different themes every night, snow machines and bubbles, this display stands out! Check them out at 14811 Cypress Meadow.

Schultz Holiday Lights (Spring): Enjoy the handiwork of the Schultz family, who provides an animated light display from Thanksgiving to New Years. The address is 19827 Rose Dawn, Spring.

Christmas Katy (Katy): This display started out as a single family but now the neighbors participate, making it a fun street to visit. Check out their 32 ft. tree, giant Nutcrackers and spectacular light show with music broadcast at 89.9 FM. You can find this display at 24603 Stoughton Court off I-10 and Pin Oak in West Houston.

Green Tee Terrace (Pearland): Not only does this neighborhood show off its holiday cheer with a light display, they also feature an annual Tour De Lites with a bike ride (or hay ride) through the neighborhood. Find them at FM 518 and Country Club.

Spectacular Holiday Lighting For Your Home

Do you see all the lovely neighborhood light displays around town and wish you could join them? Never fear, we have the perfect solution!

ABC Home and Commercial Services provides expert assistance with planning and installing outdoor light displays. So whether you want to hang icicles from the eaves or string up lights in your live oaks, give our holiday lighting experts at ABC a call.

Make sure to check out our tips on How To Decorate Your Home For the Holidays for other ideas on how to make the most of this special time of year.