14 Acre Christmas Village: MFAH’s Christmas Village at Bayou Bend

When it comes to feeling holiday magic, we recommend visiting the Christmas Village at Bayou Bend, hosted by the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston! Nestled within 14 acres of beautifully lit gardens, this annual tradition transforms Bayou Bend into a sparkling wonderland that’s perfect for families who love to get festive this time of year.

The moment we crossed the twinkling bridge, it felt like stepping into a Christmas dreamscape. The heart of the village is a stunning 15-foot Christmas tree, surrounded by a model train chugging along its tracks. From there, we wandered through the grounds, where Christmas carolers filled the air with nostalgic tunes, and kids gleefully slid down the faux snow slide or dodged “snowballs” in designated areas. For those feeling competitive, there was a small game tent with festive themes.

The theatrical tour of Ima Hogg’s historic house was easily the highlight of the night. We were led room by room through the beautifully decorated home, and each space featured its own mini performance with a live actor. Some rooms even included singing! Everyone involved was truly talented. Along the way, we learned about the house’s history which we found so fascinating. At just $5, it was an experience we’d highly recommend to anyone visiting the village.

For a nostalgic touch, outdoor classic Christmas films played in an intimate section under the stars, creating a cozy atmosphere perfect for sipping on hot cocoa. Food and drinks were available for purchase in the tent, with plenty of festive options to keep us fueled for the evening.

Tickets start at $18 for adults and $12 for children, with free entry for kids under four. Special discounts are available for MFAH members, and on select days—December 11, 18, and 19—you can snag $5 off just by wearing your favorite ugly sweater. Parking is limited but free, with a $10 priority parking option for convenience.

Christmas Village at Bayou Bend is open until December 30, so there’s still time to experience this magical event! It’s a great place to bring kids since it’s full of activities and not too crowded or overstimulating. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did!

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