2025 River Oaks Neighborhood Christmas Lights Guide ????

New Map Now Live!

The River Oaks Christmas lights are back for 2025, and this year’s neighborhood glow is bigger, brighter, and easier to navigate than ever with our brand-new interactive map. Whether you’re planning a cozy family drive or a festive night out with friends, here’s everything you need to know before you go.

If you want to see where the best places to see Christmas lights are all around Greater Houston—not just River Oaks—be sure to check out our interactive Glow Guide map:
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A Houston Holiday Tradition

River Oaks has long been known as Houston’s #1 Christmas Light Neighborhood, drawing over 300,000 vehicles each holiday season. From twinkling trees to full-blown mansion displays (some topping $100,000 in décor), this neighborhood truly goes all out.

If you’ve only ever seen lights at big attractions, you’re in for a surprise—you’ll see more lights on individual homes here than at Rockefeller Center.

And the fun doesn’t stop there:

• New homes are added to the map nightly
• Every year brings fresh displays, new themes, and more reasons to come back again and again

Stay in the Loop

Before you head out, make sure you:

• Bookmark the 2025 Neighborhood Lighting Map
• Check our Facebook page for updates, reminders, and helpful info pinned in the tabs
• Watch for new homes being added throughout the season

And if you’re planning multiple light nights this season, don’t forget to use our City Glow Guide to explore other incredible Christmas light spots across Greater Houston:
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This isn’t a one-and-done experience—you can build a whole holiday lights itinerary around it.

Thinking About Decorating Your Own Home?

If you live in or near the area, you’re more than welcome to join in the fun.

• Decorating is totally voluntary, but every lit-up house helps keep the tradition alive.
• Your lights are a simple way to say “thank you” to the community and visitors.
• Christmas lighting contractors book up very early, so planning ahead is key.

Whether you’re new to the neighborhood or a longtime homeowner, we’d love to see your home shine this season.

When to Go & How to Get There

Best arrival time:
Try to arrive around 5 PM to get ahead of the heavy holiday traffic. You’ll catch the lights as they come on and avoid the worst of the congestion.

Directions:
Set your GPS to:

River Oaks Country Club
1600 River Oaks Blvd
Houston, TX 77019

???? Important: Don’t drive up to the Country Club gate itself—that entrance is for members only. Use surrounding neighborhood streets to enjoy the lights.

Parking, Traffic & Drive-Through Tips

This is a drive-through neighborhood experience, not a commercial event, so please be mindful of residents and traffic flow.

• Parking:
  • Street parking only where it’s legally allowed
  • There is no paid parking in the immediate area
• Traffic:
  • Check Google Maps before you go for live traffic updates
  • River Oaks Patrol or HPD may make adjustments and direct traffic as needed
• Be considerate:
  • Avoid stopping in the middle of the road for photos
  • Pull over safely if you want to snap pictures
  • Keep the line moving so everyone can enjoy the night

A Note About Wildlife

River Oaks isn’t just mansions and lights—you may spot some of the local wildlife too.

Coyotes have been seen near the lights by Willowick Rd, and they are considered part of the protected River Oaks ecosystem. Enjoy the sights from your vehicle and always keep a respectful distance.

Santa House ????

One of the most beloved stops in the neighborhood is the Santa House:

3404 Del Monte Drive

Here’s what to know:

• FREE pictures with Santa (dates to be announced)
• Photos typically take place in December from 7 PM–10 PM
• Bring your own camera
• Plan to arrive at least an hour early—lines can get long!

How Long Do the Lights Stay Up?

There’s no official “off switch” date—it’s up to each homeowner. Generally, you can expect:

• Some homes turn off lights just after Christmas
• Others keep them on through New Year’s
• A few may extend to Three Kings Day
• In past years, many displays have stayed lit through the weekend after New Year’s

If you want the full effect with most homes still glowing, aim for visits between Thanksgiving weekend and New Year’s Day.

Make It an Experience: Tours & Rides

For an extra-special night, consider booking through an experienced River Oaks tour operator. Popular options include:

• Horse-drawn carriage rides
• Hayrides
• Pedal bike party tours
• Limousine rides
• Open-air history bus tours

These often sell out early, so booking in advance is highly recommended.

Things to Do Before or After Your Drive

Make a full evening of it by pairing the lights with nearby attractions:

• ???? Bayou Bend Christmas Village
• ???? Shopping at River Oaks Shopping Center and nearby boutiques
• ???? Local restaurants and entertainment spots in and around River Oaks

And if you’re building a whole season of light drives—Kingwood, The Woodlands, Houston proper, and beyond—use our Glow Guide: Houston Christmas Lights Near You to find more of the best neighborhoods and displays:
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Celebrate the Glow of the Season

Whether you’re loading the kids into pajamas for a cocoa-and-lights drive, planning a date night, or showing out-of-town guests one of Houston’s prettiest holiday traditions, River Oaks Neighborhood Lighting is a must-do.

Check the neighborhood map, pull up the Glow Guide, plan your route, be kind to residents and fellow drivers—and enjoy one of the most magical neighborhood light displays in the city. ????