Lights in the Heights

About this happenin

Lights in the Heights is a December night in Woodland Heights, in Houston, that neighbors started in 1987 by setting luminarias along their curbs, driveways and porches. The Woodland Heights Civic Association's 1989 newsletter said that first night drew 20,000 people, and the name Lights in the Heights seems to have been added that year. It falls on the second Saturday in December, from 6 to 9 p.m. The streets on the route close to cars, and people stroll past decorated houses while musicians play from porches. Neighbors lend the porches and the musicians give their time, many of them coming from across the city. Judges pick winners in a home decorating contest beforehand, and the winning houses put up a sign for the night. The Norhill Dinosaurs, electric dinosaurs built by Ward Pennebaker, stand lit on the Norhill Esplanade. The association runs it with volunteers. Sponsors and a fundraising gala, held each fall since 2013, pay for the city permits and the security.

More in December: 6 other Houston events.

Where

Woodland Heights · Highland Street between Studewood and Beauchamp Streets, Houston, TX 77009