Houston eases into 2026 with a very on-brand mix of glowing light shows, big races, arts festivals, college football and chocolate-fueled runs. Whether you’re planning a family trip, a winter staycation or you’re in town for a specific event, here’s your guide to the top Houston events in January 2026.
TXU Energy presents Zoo Lights at the Houston Zoo
Dates: Through January 4, 2026 (select evenings)
Location: Houston Zoo, Museum District
Start the year under millions of twinkling lights at Zoo Lights. After the animals head to bed, the zoo transforms into a glowing winter trail with giant ornaments, themed photo ops and seasonal treats. It’s a great way to use up that last bit of holiday energy with kids before school starts back.
Radiant Nature at Houston Botanic Garden
Dates: Select evenings through February 22, 2026
Location: Houston Botanic Garden, southeast Houston
Radiant Nature returns with more than 50 larger-than-life lantern installations along a one-mile trail, inspired by nature, the Lunar New Year and the zodiac. Expect glowing bluebonnet fields, a towering dragon, interactive light rooms and plenty of “how is this still Houston?” moments. Timed tickets are required and evenings do sell out on weekends.
Galaxy Lights at Space Center Houston
Dates: Through early January 2026 (select nights)
Location: Space Center Houston, Clear Lake
For space-obsessed kids (and adults), Galaxy Lights is the move. Wander through space-themed light tunnels, walk under projections of galaxies and planets, and explore some of the regular exhibits along the way. It’s a separate ticketed experience from daytime admission, so double-check dates and times before you go.
Ice skating at Discovery Green
Dates: Through February 2, 2026
Location: Discovery Green, Downtown Houston
The ICE at Discovery Green keeps winter going long after the decorations come down. Skate under the downtown skyline, grab hot chocolate from nearby vendors and let the kids run off more energy at the playground before heading back to your furnished apartment. Tickets are required and include skate rental; check the Discovery Green website for current hours and pricing.
Chevron Houston Marathon & Aramco Half Marathon
Dates: Race weekend January 9–11, 2026 (marathon & half on Sunday, January 11, 2026)
Location: Downtown Houston
One of Houston’s biggest weekends of the year. The Chevron Houston Marathon and Aramco Half Marathon bring tens of thousands of runners and spectators downtown for a flat, fast course lined with cheering sections and live music. Even if you’re not running, it’s fun to grab coffee in Midtown and walk over to cheer on the sea of people chasing their 26.2 (or 13.1) goals.
Planning to race (or support someone who is)? Check out Lodgeur’s guide on where to stay for the Chevron Houston Marathon or the Aramco Half Marathon so you can be walking distance from the start line.
Mix-MATCH Festival at MATCH
Date: Saturday, January 17, 2026, 3:00–10:00 PM
Location: Midtown Arts & Theater Center Houston (MATCH), Midtown
The 3rd annual Mix-MATCH Festival turns MATCH into a one-day mashup of Houston’s arts scene. Expect theater, dance, live music, film, performance art and installations across all four performance spaces and the gallery. Festival passes and single-show tickets are available; it’s an easy walk from Lodgeur Midtown, so you can treat the festival like your extended living room with better lighting.
MATCH Family Fun Day
Date: Sunday, January 18, 2026, 1:00–5:00 PM
Location: MATCH, Midtown
Admission: Free
This one is catnip for kids and a sanity-saver for parents. MATCH Family Fun Day fills the entire block with live performances, bounce houses, balloon artists, face painters, stilt walkers and hands-on activities. It’s free, indoors and outdoors, and an easy yes if you’re staying in Midtown and need a low-effort, high-reward outing.
MLK Day parades in Houston
Date: Monday, January 19, 2026 (MLK Day)
Locations: Midtown & Downtown Houston
Houston celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with multiple parades and community events. The long-running MLK Grande Parade in Midtown features marching bands, dance teams and civic groups from across the country, while downtown hosts additional commemorations and family activities. Expect road closures, crowds and a lot of energy—plan to walk or take METRORail if you’re staying in Midtown or near the Museum District.
International Gem & Jewelry Show
Dates: January 16–18, 2026
Location: NRG Center, Hall E
Organizer: International Gem & Jewelry Show
If someone in your group loves sparkle, this is their Super Bowl. Shop rows of gems, finished jewelry, beads and supplies directly from wholesalers and designers at the InterGem show. It’s a ticketed event at NRG Center (children under 9 are not permitted), and easy to pair with a stay at Lodgeur’s Energy Corridor / TMC West Campus location for quick access to NRG.
2026 Hot Chocolate Run – Houston
Date: Saturday, January 31, 2026, 7:15 AM–noon
Location: Sam Houston Park, Downtown
Organizer: SKECHERS Hot Chocolate Run
“America’s sweetest race” lands in downtown Houston to close out the month. Choose from 5K, 10K or 15K distances along Allen Parkway, then cash in your finisher’s mug loaded with hot chocolate and fondue. Registration includes race swag and post-race treats, and the course is a quick Uber or METRORail ride from Midtown.
Houston AutoBoative Show (Auto + Boat Show)
Dates: January 28 – February 1, 2026
Location: NRG Center
Organizers: Houston Auto Show & Houston Boat Show
For five days, NRG Center turns into a massive showroom for everything that moves—cars, trucks, SUVs, EVs, boats and more. The Houston AutoBoative Show combines the auto show with the boat show under one roof, with test drives, kids’ activities and plenty of new-car smell. One ticket gets you into both shows, and kids 5 and under get in free.
Need a game plan? Read Lodgeur’s guide to where to stay and park for the Houston AutoBoative Show so you’re not stuck in the world’s longest parking lot.
Planning ahead? Check out February’s events and celebrations.
