Take part in a countdown to the illumination of the shimmering – and floating – 35-foot Christmas landmark rising from City Place Park’s main pond. The festivities also serve as the annual unveiling of the Giant Gingerbread Village with its gumdrop, lollipop and candy-cane-lined path – guarded by two giant gingerbread men – leading to a raised clearing featuring cookie trees, a 16-foot-high gingerbread house and 12-foot windmill.

The free, Insta-worthy attraction is designed by the same creative team responsible for Houston’s Seismique interactive art museum. Santa and Mrs. Claus will attend the festivities for the perfect opportunity to capture family photos, and guests can enjoy complimentary hot chocolate courtesy of the Houston City Place Marriot, along with face painters plus balloon and caricature artists, and seasonal sounds heavy on holiday classics from DJ Gilbert.

Both the tree and the village will be on display through the first week of January.