It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Yes, it’s the holiday season, but it’s also the fourth annual Galaxy Lights at Space Center Houston, presented by Reliant! This temporary installation has easily become one of my favorite holiday traditions. It completely transforms the center into a winter wonderland of lights and festivities! 

I can’t wait to talk you through the five reasons you should make your plans to get lit at Galaxy Lights. (Thank you to Space Center Houston for sponsoring this post! As always, this article is original content, and all opinions are my own!) 

The experience is here until January 1, and ticket prices start at $19.95, with member prices starting at $15.95. Admission is free for ages 3 & younger! You can also snag combo tickets that include general admission to Space Center Houston beginning at 3 p.m. to explore the entire center followed by admission to Galaxy Lights. Ticket pricing does vary on peak attendance days. 

Pssst…. might want to read the whole article if you’re interested in some discounts. *wink wink*

1. It’s uniquely Houston.

Quite simply, Galaxy Lights at Space Center Houston could not exist anywhere other than Space City, right?! With NASA in our backyard, doesn’t it just make sense that the most iconically Houston thing you could do this holiday season is see space-themed Christmas lights? I rest my case. (Just kidding, I have way more fun things to tell you about.)

2. There are solid snacks and drink options.

This should also be a huge selling point for you as much as it was for me! About halfway through the experience, which weaves you along through the exterior of the campus, is an area with picnic tables and kiosks full of goodies — kettle corn, s’mores you roast yourself (!!), peppermint bark, gingerbread cookies, hot chocolate, and, for the adults, beer and wine. It’s the perfect spot to stop, sip, s’more, and let the kids run around interactive light displays.

3. There are new additions to the program.

Every year, the center evolves its Galaxy Lights experience a bit, and this year, I have a favorite new addition. The Crystal Fireworks display is a 40-foot-tall cascading light installation. This is one of only two crystal fireworks in existence, and it’s super cool that it is in Houston. I also really loved the music paired with the show — there’s a little something for everyone!

4. It’s kid-friendly with tons to learn.

I think any Christmas lights event is going to be inherently kid-friendly, but I just love that there is still so much more of Space Center Houston to explore. Your ticket to Galaxy Lights also includes access to their latest exhibitions and live programming. The “Celebrate Light” show is educational and entertaining. This interactive experience is in one of Space Center’s theaters, where you learn the mechanics behind the miles of lights strung up around the center.

5. Free parking, discount days, and more.

Trust me, I get it. If you live in Houston proper, trekking out to Clear Lake isn’t anyone’s ideal commute, but the major pro to making the drive is that once you arrive there’s endless parking. I would also like to add, just from a personal perspective, that because the experience is spread out and mixes indoor and outdoor activities, the crowds don’t ever get too congested, no matter where you are on the path. Ahem, now for the best part. Space Center Houston and It’s Not Hou It’s Me have teamed up to provide readers with $5 off their tickets! Head to the website and select the date you want to go out to Galaxy Lights. Redeem the deal online with discount code LIGHTSXHOU or in person with discount code LIGHTSXHOU, now through December 17, 2022 and receive $5 off regular adult, senior, or child Space Center Houston Galaxy Lights Admission or Combo Admission. Limit six (6) people per coupon. This deal cannot be combined with any other offer or discount.