We track 5 displays in Katy — the 3rd-densest city for lights in Texas. Every one of them is free to visit.
Displays here switch on around sunset. In Katy that means about 5:24 PM in early December and 5:26 PM by mid-month — the earliest sunsets of the year fall right in the middle of lights season. It is properly dark by about 5:52 PM, which is when the displays look their best. December nights in Katy typically drop to around 45°F.
| Date | Sunset | Fully dark |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 1 | 5:24 PM | 5:49 PM |
| Dec 15 | 5:26 PM | 5:52 PM |
| Dec 25 | 5:30 PM | 5:57 PM |
We ordered every display in Katy into the shortest sensible driving loop: roughly 9.7 miles and 43 minutes of driving, before you count time spent parked and looking. Start wherever is closest to you and follow it round.
FreeattractionSanta's retreat at Refreshment RidgeMemory Lane photo installationsCoca-Cola Truck Bar
This holiday experience, relocated from Memorial City to Katy Mills for 2025, features Santa's retreat at Refreshment Ridge, Memory Lane photo installations, and a Coca-Cola Truck Bar.
✓ Last confirmed for the 2025 season
Freedrive-thrudrive-thru light showmillions of lightssynchronized to music
A drive-thru holiday light show with millions of lights synchronized to music, priced per vehicle rather than per person.
✓ Last confirmed for the 2025 season
Freeresidential50,000+ LED lights32-foot tree10-foot Nutcrackersmusic synchronized on 89.9 FM
A single-home mega display with more than 50,000 LED lights, a 32-foot tree, and 10-foot Nutcrackers. The show is synchronized to music broadcast on 89.9 FM so visitors can tune in from their cars.
✓ Last confirmed for the 2025 season
Freeneighborhooddecorated neighborhood entrancesresidential street displaysself-guided drive
Katy's master-planned communities, especially Cinco Ranch and Firethorne, go big on holiday decor. There is no single official event, but the entrance displays and residential streets make an easy self-guided light drive.
✓ Last confirmed for the 2025 season
Freeattractionfestive lightingdecorated walkwaysshopping-district atmosphere
The LaCenterra shopping district dresses up with festive lighting and decorated walkways, free to enjoy even if you're just strolling.
✓ Last confirmed for the 2025 season
Know a display we're missing in Katy?Add it to the guide.