Enjoy a day full of holiday festivities in Hermann Park! Before a double feature movie night featuring The Polar Express and A Christmas Story, join us in the Park for rides on the holiday train and carousel, pictures with a roaming Santa, lawn games, arts & crafts, and more.

Throw on a tacky sweater or come in your cozy pajamas for the free movie night on the lawn in the Commons. The showings for The Polar Express and A Christmas Story begin at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m., respectively, but be sure to get to the Commons early to snag your spot. Guests are welcome to bring blankets or lawn chairs to settle in for the movie(s).

The showings are free to Park visitors, and free popcorn will be provided on a first-come first-served basis. A variety of food trucks will be on-site serving meals and treats for purchase as well.

Visitors can also enjoy all day rides on the carousel for the price of one ticket at $5, and as it is the second Saturday of the month, Conservancy members can take free rides on the holiday train all day plus take advantage of the Member Express line.

See more event details below, including a schedule of activities, descriptions of the movies, and parking recommendations.

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HOLIDAYS IN HERMANN PARK SCHEDULE

10 a.m. - 7 p.m.: Holiday train open (member ride free day)

10 a.m. - 8 p.m.: Holiday carousel open ($5 all day pass)

10 a.m. - 1 p.m.: Arts & crafts and face painting at Kinder Station

1 p.m. - 5 p.m.: Roaming Santa in the Commons

5 p.m.: The Polar Express

7 p.m.: A Christmas Story

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The Polar Express (2004)

Rated G

Runtime: 1h 40m

The Academy Award-winning team of Tom Hanks and director Robert Zemeckis reunite for The Polar Express, an inspiring adventure based on the beloved children's book by Chris Van Allsburg. When a doubting young boy takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery that shows him that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe.

A Christmas Story (1983)

Rated PG

Runtime: 1h 33m

It's the final days before Christmas in early 1940s Cleveland, and 9-year-old Ralphie wants one thing from Santa Claus more than anything else: a Red Ryder Carbine Action Air Rifle. As he trudges through the snow to school, faces the neighborhood bully and visits a malevolent department store Santa Clause, Ralphie connives, conspires and campaigns for the most fabulous Christmas present ever in this heartwarming, hysterical and sweetly nostalgic holiday film. Based on stories by Jean Sheppard.

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PARKING OPTIONS

Parking Lot S along Main Street, next to Palmer Memorial Episcopal Church. From this parking lot, cross Fannin Street at Cambridge Street into Hermann Park.

Parking Lot A off of the circle drive around the Sam Houston Monument. From this parking lot, walk south along the path to the Commons. Along this route, the Japanese Garden will be on your left and Fannin Street to your right. 

Parking Lots E, F & G in front of Lake Plaza and the Houston Zoo entrance. From here, walk the paths to the west along McGovern Lake to the Commons.

Memorial Hermann Medical Plaza Garage (Winpark) located at 6400 Fannin Street, which is across the street from the Commons site. There is a daily fee to park in this garage on the weekend.

Additional parking options throughout Hermann Park can be found on our interactive map HERE.