Planning to check out some of the best Christmas light displays in Houston?
Visit Pecan Grove neighborhood near Houston, Texas.
The community is known for its impressive, over-the-top, and simply stunning Christmas displays.
Also Read: 20 Best Things to do in Houston this Christmas
This annual event is a favorite among locals and visitors alike and the best part is it is completely free.
Whether you’re looking for a festive family outing or a romantic date night, Pecan Grove Christmas Lights are perfect for all.
Here’s all you need to know to visit this neighborhood known for its holiday decor this Christmas.
Also Read: 24 Prettiest Christmas Towns in Texas
The History of the Pecan Grove Christmas Lights
The Pecan Grove Christmas Lights have been a Houston tradition since many years.
What started as a small display in a single neighborhood has now grown into one of the largest light shows in the city.
Almost all the houses in the neighborhood participate in the lights display and feature really extravagant decorations and elaborate dioramas.
You can see home owners sitting on their porches, waving to visitors as well as neighbors, and having a gala time themselves.
Over the years, the event has continued to grow in popularity, attracting people from all over the Houston area.
The Pecan Grove Christmas Lights are an annual tradition that shouldn’t be missed and is the best place to see Christmas Lights in Houston.
This year, plan ahead and make sure to check out this festive event!
Where are the Pecan Grove Christmas Lights located?
Pecan Grove Plantation is located in Richmond, TX – southwest of downtown Houston.
This amazing display is free to the public and open nightly from Thanksgiving until New Year’s Eve.
The lights start going up just past Halloween!
Visitors can stroll through the neighborhood, take a hayride, or drive in their own car to see the extravaganzas on display.
When to see Pecan Grove Christmas Lights
When you visit the Pecan Grove Christmas Lights, you can expect to be dazzled by over two million lights.
The lights are strung throughout the neighborhood and illuminated each evening from 6 pm to 10 pm.
The most crowds are seen between 7 pm to 9 pm with potential for backed up traffic on weekends.
What to expect at Pecan Grove Christmas lights
Visitors often wonder whether the trip out to Pecan Grove is worth it.
So what exactly can you expect in Pecan Grove at Christmas?
Texas-sized Christmas decorations!
The Christmas lights here rival any ticketed attraction: giant inflatables and lit up characters….
….Christmas lights synchronized to music, neon lights…
….character appearances such as Grinch and Elsa, light tunnels, and much more fun – Pecan Grove has it all.
Also Read: Ultimate Guide to Magical Winter Lights, Houston 2023
How to find the best houses in Pecan Grove
While the entire neighborhood goes all out, some streets in Pecan Grove are simply more stunning than others.
One of your best bets is Plantation Drive.
Do not miss this street – the houses here have been featured in TV shows and newspapers.
The Chris Kalvert house at 1531 Alma Ct is superb.
The Ho ho ho house on Mayweather and Plantation is another great house.
The clubhouse address is 3000 Plantation Dr Richmond, TX 77406 and that’s a great pace to start.
You can find a map of the best houses as well as timely updates on the community Facebook group.
Pecan Grove Christmas Lights Hayrides
For a more traditional Christmas experience, take a hayride around the neighborhood!
These services are offered by several different organizations and are a great way to see all the lights without having to walk.
The hayrides mostly begin from Randall’s grocery store parking lot.
They last for about 40 minutes and take you to the most spectacular houses in the area.
Brink blankets for the hayride and be sure to use the bathroom at the store before you start.
Make advance reservations for hayrides if you have your heart set on particular dates.
Large groups can even reserve a private hayride for all.
Tips to see Pecan Grove Holiday Lights
Although the Pecan Grove Christmas Lights are free to attend, there are a few things you should keep in mind to make your experience as enjoyable as possible.
Layer up
Winter nights can be quite chilly in Houston, especially in Pecan Grove area as the neighborhood is quite away from the city.
So be sure to grab your coat and/or a blanket to head out to see these fantastic Christmas displays.
Skip the crowds
Second, arrive early to avoid crowds.
Or you will be spending a lot of time stuck in traffic or even waiting in line to get into Pecan Grove subdivision.
This is especially true on weekends the closer you get to Christmas and New Years.
Bring hot cocoa
We love to carry hot cocoa and marshmallows with us to see the lights.
After all, what’s more festive than sipping hot cocoa while admiring a beautiful light show?
Plan your way around
Third, if you’re visiting with young children, be sure to bring along a stroller or wagon.
Or book a hayride.
Chalk out your route if you’re driving using Google Map app.
The lights are spread all around, so don’t plan to make kids walk all the way.
Drive safely
Pecan Grove Lights are amongst the best Christmas lights in Houston, that means lots of visitors.
Watch out for pedestrians when driving through the neighborhood during the holidays.
Folks will be walking around, taking photos, and enjoying the lights – and children will be running around!
Follow each and every stop sign and keep your blinkers on.
Photo ops galore
And finally, don’t forget your camera!
The Pecan Grove Christmas Lights, Houston make for some great holiday photos.
Also Read: 10 Best Things to do for Christmas in Galveston, Texas
While there’s no shortage of places to see amazing Christmas lights in Houston, Pecan Grove Christmas lights do rank at the very top!
Which are your favorite holiday lights in the Houston area? Let us know below!