Lance Avery Morgan
The River Oaks holiday lights are like the jewels in Houston’s crown each December—a lavish, sparkling spectacle that has evolved into one of the most iconic displays in Texas, if not the entire South. How can you not think things are bigger and better in Texas after stargazing at the millions of electrical lights on display, asks our Lance Avery Morgan?
A Dazzling Beginning That Lit Up The Sky
The origins of this winter wonderland can be traced back to the post-war 1940s and ’50s, as River Oaks—already Houston’s most affluent neighborhood—embraced holiday spirit with gusto, elegance, and a wink of friendly competition. Here, each estate decked out with manicured lawns and towering oaks in glittering lights creates a tapestry of Christmas cheer that could outshine even the boldest Texas sunset in Marfa. Homeowners take pride in the elaborate displays, and more than a few daring souls even competed to see who could hang more lights or add more twinkle to their trees. Soon, River Oaks became a must-see Christmas destination for the entire city––and state.
From a Local Tradition to a Houstonian Pilgrimage, It Thrives
In the decades that followed, River Oaks transformed the holiday lights tour into a ritual. Families from all over the Houston area piled into cars packed with cocoa thermoses and settled in for an illuminating drive through the neighborhood. Young couples ventured out for a “Christmas lights date,” and grandparents brought their grandchildren to see the same houses they had once visited themselves.
The spectacle grew year by year, with some houses adopting a touch of Hollywood glam. Local legends tell of one property rumored to have imported its own “snow” just to get that perfect winter effect, proving that everything is bigger in Texas, especially regarding holiday magic.
Today’s Twinkling Tradition Tells All
Now, River Oaks’ holiday lights are a sensational holiday event that is a must-see. During December weekends, the area becomes a bustling scene, with lines of cars stretching as far as the eye can see. Walking tours are now almost as popular as driving ones, allowing admirers to linger by the glow of each display and snap photos for social media fame. Today’s homeowners have taken things to the next level with custom-designed light shows that can be synced to holiday music and even digital countdowns marking the days until Christmas. And for those who wish to marvel up close but skip the traffic? Horse-drawn carriage rides provide an old-fashioned option to take in the sights, truly enhancing the Yuletide atmosphere.
Here’s Why the Lights Matter
In a city (in a state) that thrives on innovation, growth, and big ideas, the River Oaks holiday lights are a cherished nod to tradition and a communal love for celebration. There’s an air of familiarity and comfort woven into those millions of twinkling bulbs. Each year, Houstonians find themselves again on those light-lined streets, reminded that some parts of the holidays—the simple act of gathering to admire beauty and share joy—never change.
