‍Join Children’s Museum Houston for chills, thrills, and winter skills!

Dec. 14 to Jan. 8

Play in real snow Dec. 21 to Jan. 4!

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Special Hours:

OPEN Mondays Dec. 23 and 30 and Jan. 6

OPEN New Year’s Day!

OPEN 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve

Closed Christmas Day

HOUSTON (Dec. 11, 2024) – Chill out and cheer up: It’s time for Polar Palooza!  The holiday season is snow joke at Children’s Museum Houston! Prepare for a flurry of fun as we unwrap Polar Palooza:  Chills, Thrills, and Winter Skills! during, a magical holiday extravaganza happening Dec. 21, 2024, to Jan. 8, 2025. Bring your crew to play in real snow, discover the magic of the season, and make frosty memories that will melt your heart!

Get ready to play in real snow (yes, even in Texas!) and stroll through our dazzling Seasons of Sharing exhibit, all while staying toasty with loved ones. Whether you’re in it for the snowflakes or the snow-takes (selfies in the snow, anyone?), Children’s Museum Houston is your sleigh-stop for holiday magic.

A BLIZZARD OF FUN! – POLAR PALOOZA SPECIAL EVENTS:

ALL ABOARD!
Dec. 14

In partnership with Ameritex
Choo-choo! “Hop aboard” the Polar Express for interactives and a merry story time with our pals from Ameritex. Get your golden ticket to holiday joy!

INTO THE UNKNOWN – FROZEN-INSPIRED SING-ALONG
Dec. 21
Do you want to build a snowman? Sing your heart out with Ana, Elsa, and Olaf, during a Frozen-inspired event, then enjoy a frosty performance by 6th Position Dance Company and We Care Act’s live holiday music showcase.

POLAR PALOOZA SNOW DAYS
Dec. 21 – Jan. 4 (Except Dec. 30 and 31)
Snow way—real snow in Houston? Believe it! A snowstorm is set to blanket our courtyard, transforming it into a true winter wonderland. Snow Days are included with general admission—don’t flake on this chance for chills and thrills!

A SEUSS-TACULAR WINTER WONDERLAND
Dec. 22
The Grinch is stealing the show (but not the holiday spirit)! Join Cindy Lou Who and the green guy himself for Seussian games, music, and a retelling of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!”

A COZY CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN
Dec. 24, special hours 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Get snug as a bug with Santa and Mrs. Claus! Share your wish list, snap some pics, and enjoy cookie-decorating kits (while supplies last). Mrs. Claus will whisk you away with heartwarming holiday tales.

CELEBRATING KWANZAA
Dec. 26
Feel the rhythm of unity and heritage during our Kwanzaa celebration! Create art in our workshop and groove to the beats of Joy of Djembe Drumming’s interactive performance.

SUGAR RUSH BASH
Dec. 27
Build fantastical candy creations, watch Dragon’s Beard candy demo, and marvel at the sweet-treats sorcery of Papa Bubble. It’s a confectioner’s dream come true!

CELEBRATE HANUKKAH WITH US
Dec. 29
Light up the holiday season! Explore Hanukkah traditions with dreidel interactives, olive press demonstrations, and storytelling.

ROCKIN’ NEW YEAR’S NOON BASH
Dec. 31, special hours 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Sponsored by CenterPoint Energy
Kids rock out before bedtime at our Rockin’ New Year’s Noon Bash! Ring in the New Year with music, magic, and a spectacular ball drop and countdown at noon. It’s the ultimate family-friendly finale to 2024!

POLAR PALOOZA HOLIDAY EXHIBIT:

Seasons of Sharing

Now through Jan. 12, 2025

Sponsored by Lilly Endowment Inc.

Embark on a vibrant adventure through Houston’s rich cultural tapestry at Seasons of Sharing! This one-of-a-kind exhibit invites you to explore the beauty of eight unique traditions, including Christmas, Diwali, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Las Posadas, Lunar New Year, Ramadan, and Vaisakhi. Seasons of Sharing brings the world to your fingertips with engaging activities, curated displays of cultural artifacts, and enlightening workshops throughout the winter season. “Connect” with real, local families as they share their cherished customs through interactive games, joyous songs, and hands-on activities. Celebrate the spirit of togetherness by uncovering both the similarities and differences that make Houston the most diverse city in the nation! From festive crafts to stories that unite, this exhibit is an open invitation to experience the vibrant diversity of Houston—right here at the most dynamic block in the city!