With the difficulties that everyone has faced this year, many have been looking forward to the holiday season in hopes that it will bring some sense of normalcy. And even though there aren’t as many events this year, here are just a few that are sure to bring you holiday cheer:

A Christmas Carol – A Ghost Story of Christmas: Houston’s favorite holiday show has gone virtual this year, perfect to accommodate for the pandemic. The inventive adaption of the Dickens classic is running every day now through Sunday, Dec. 27. Tickets to this virtual event are free; click here for tickets and more information. 

Houston Symphony – Very Merry POPS: The Houston Symphony annual holiday shows are some of Houston’s longest traditions, and this year is no different. With strict guidelines and limited capacity, this event is being offered in person at Jones hall on Dec. 18 and 19 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 19 and 20 at 2:30 p.m. It’s also being offered online as a video performance on Saturday, Dec. 19 at 8 p.m. With adaptations of many classic carols, this is sure to bring the holiday spirit whether viewed in person or online. Click here for more information or to buy tickets.

Home for the Holidays in Old Town Spring: Right here in North Houston is another holiday classic; this holiday festival is celebrating its 40th anniversary of their “Texas-style wonderland.” With lights, live entertainment, shops, and photos with Santa, this is sure to be a holiday hit for the whole family. The festival is open every weekend, Saturday and Sunday, until Christmas. Masks are asked to be worn at this event and social distancing guidelines should be followed.

The Light Park at Hurricane Harbor Splashtown: This safe and festive light show is fun for the whole family, with huge light displays that dance to the tune of the customized radio station. This cheerful event runs every day from 5:30-10:30 p.m. now until Thursday, Dec. 31. It’s a one-time purchase per vehicle, so pack as many as you can into one car for this fun light show. Click here to make online reservations, required Friday through Sunday.

Moody Garden Festival of Lights: If you find yourself in Galveston, the Moody Garden Festival of Lights is always a hit with the whole family. This mile long trail with millions of lights allows you to get some Christmas cheer while also maintaining social distancing. Open every day until Saturday, Jan. 2, there’s still time to head down to this family-friendly light show. 

So whether you want to stay home or venture out this holiday season, there are events that are sure to bring some much-needed holiday cheer to your life this season.