Holly Jolly

Jingle Tree, presented by Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital and Honorary Chairs, Judi Dai & Catalina Flores-Rau, features a silent auction showcase of beautifully decorated trees and décor.

Your support enables the Museum to partner with 150+ Fort Bend area schools and 40+ local nonprofits annually, expand museum access to diverse communities including seniors and more than 13,500 school-aged children, and removes barriers to our goal of making the Museum accessible to all visitors.

Presenting sponsor Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. 

Location: Moran Lecture Hall

Get ready to jingle all the way into the holiday spirit because Santa’s setting up shop right here at the museum, and he’s counting on you to lend a hand! Slip on your elf shoes and join us for a magical morning filled with festive fun, hands-on creativity, and a sweet little holiday craft you’ll get to take home.

And of course, no visit would be complete without a photo with the big guy himself, so don’t forget to snap a pic with Santa before he dashes back to the North Pole! 

*Admission is free for children two years old and under. 

Photo opportunities with Santa will be available for General Admission guests in the Morian Hall of Paleontology Overlook from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. 

Our annual family friendly event is your chance to catch Santa during an early visit to Sugar Land. Enjoy holiday crafts in Santa Land, the tradition of cookies and milk, and a take away photo with Santa & Mrs. Claus. Be sure to bring your own camera to snap some candids, too!

A festive way to support HMNS at Sugar Land’s mission of science education and accessibility programming. 

Ho-ho-ROAR! Celebrate the holiday season by traveling back to the prehistoric era for a holiday party like no other! While Santa Claus won’t be joining us, he’s sending his festive replacement, Santa Claws, and he’s ready to party with you!

Enjoy a variety of fun activities for the whole family, including crafts, a balloon artist, a 360° photo booth, a DJ, and a chance to watch Santa’s elves make candy right before your eyes. Plus, we’re treating you to free churros (yes, really!)

Don’t forget to check out the variety of food options available for purchase on the Sundial and explore both the first and second floors of the museum, where you will discover festive fun waiting around every corner. 

*Admission is free for children two years old and under. 

*Free parking is available for this event 

*First & Second Floor will be open for this event 

Location: Moran Lecture Hall

No one does magic quite like Santa Claus, so we’re teaming up with the big guy himself to bring you the best breakfast in town!

Dig into a stack of fluffy waffles piled high with all your favorite toppings, sip on decadent hot chocolate, and enjoy a morning filled with holiday cheer.

Once your belly’s full, strike a pose with Santa and flash your syrupy-sweet smile before he heads back to the North Pole! 

*Admission is free for children two years old and under. 

Doors open at 6:15 pm.

Step into the spirit of the season with a heartwarming night at the Wortham Giant Screen Theatre, as we present the beloved holiday classic The Polar Express (2004) on the big screen!

Bundle up and get ready to journey through snow-covered mountains and twinkling winter skies on a cinematic ride to the North Pole—where the magic of the season comes to life, and the timeless message rings clear: the spirit of Christmas lives on in those who believe!

Arrive early to make your very own holiday craft to take home, and don’t forget to swing by for your kid-approved movie box, filled with all the favorites: buttery popcorn, a juice box, and a fruity roll-up—the perfect snack to enjoy during your magical ride! 

*Admission is free for children two years old and under. 

Location: Moran Lecture Hall

It’s no secret that Santa loves cookies… and so do we! Join us for a morning of holiday cheer as we decorate (and taste!) delicious and festive cookies alongside the big guy himself.

Get creative with frosting and sprinkles, then cozy up for a photo with Santa while he double-checks that you’re on the Nice List this year! 

*Admission is free for children two years old and under. 

Photo opportunities with Santa will be available for General Admission guests in the Morian Hall of Paleontology Overlook from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. 

With 130,000 pounds of snow, the Houston Museum of Natural Science is officially the coolest place in town. Watch your favorite science museum transform into a winter wonderland before your very eyes and celebrate the first day of winter with style at Snow Flurry. Featuring sweet treats, live entertainment, a live DJ, and so much more, it’s snow wonder HMNS is the place to be this winter. Join the party before the shortest day of the year comes to a close. Don’t forget your mittens, you’ll need them!

*Event subject to change based on weather conditions. 

Fongoli chimpanzees are unique for many reasons. Their female hunters are the only apes that regularly hunt with tools, and unlike most other chimps, these apes fear neither water nor fire, using shallow pools to cool off in the Senegalese heat. 

The study of Fongoli chimps is as unique as the chimps themselves. While most primate research occurs in isolated reserves, Fongoli chimpanzees live alongside humans, creating both challenges and opportunities in this shared habitat. 

In collaboration with The Leakey Foundation, join Dr. Jill Pruetz as she explores these unique characteristics and social dynamics between the Fongoli chimpanzees and the people they live alongside in this area of southeastern Senegal using her experience in the field and research findings from the Fongoli Savanna Chimpanzee Project. 

Eligible for CPE credit. 

Distinguished Lectures are supported by Apache Corporation. 

Dive into the miniature world of microfossils. Uncover the remains of ancient plants, animals, and microorganisms using magnification tools and precision instruments. Explore and identify specimens hidden within sediment samples, all while gaining insight into paleontological techniques and the history locked within these tiny fossils.  

All supplies provided. Eligible for CPE credit. 

Ages 15+. All minors must be accompanied by a ticketed adult. No refunds. 

Day of the Dead may have come and gone, but we’re extending the celebration for one more weekend this November! Stop by our craft tables in Grand Hall to make your own paper Day of the Dead mask, and visit the John P. McGovern Hall of the Americas to chat with our knowledgeable docents about how this tradition connects to Mayan culture. 

Event is subject to change at any time due to unforeseen circumstances. 

Support your local vendors and spice up your autumn at the Fall Farmers Market at HMNS. The Braeswood Farmers Market will be setting up shop on the Museum Sundial Plaza on October 20 from 11:00 am – 5:00 pm Find the perfect seasonal eats and treats.

Join HMNS astronomers for a guided tour of the night sky highlights and seasonal celebrations with cool crescent Moon and Saturn’s moons.  

Weather permitting.

Generously supported by the Joan and Stanford Alexander Family Fund 

Three times a year, HMNS offers Sensory Friendly events where exhibits and venues are modified for those with sensory sensitivities. Exhibits and venues are modified to create a sensory neutral environment. The Burke Baker Planetarium and Wortham Giant Screen Theatre also offer modified 2D shows with house lights on and the volume reduced. Sensory Backpacks, which include ear defenders, sunglasses, and fidgets, are available to check out with an ID at the Museum Services Desk, and Touch Carts with tactile specimens to explore will be available throughout the museum’s permanent exhibit halls. To pre-register for free permanent exhibit hall entry, please click the link below. 

Individuals with disabilities and their families will receive free admission to the Permanent Exhibit halls for Sensory Friendly Events at HMNS! To pre-register for these events and to book your visit please click the “Pre-Register” button below or email us at accessprogramming@hmns.org. 

Create holiday memories by travelling across Texas by model railroad in this scratch built “O” scale model. The multiple trains crisscrossing the state will visit important and unique places in the state’s geology and physiography. Destinations include oil country salt domes, prairies and wetlands of the Texas coast and state and national monuments. Along the routes to these geologic wonders the trains will also pass through Galveston, Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, and San Antonio with other surprises along the route.

Trains Over Texas is supported by The Carruth Foundation, Inc. and Union Pacific Foundation.

Ring in the New Year at the Houston Museum of Natural Science!

What better way to welcome 2026 than surrounded by your favorite exhibits? Dance among the dinosaurs, enjoy delicious food in the Sundial , and count down to midnight in style! Feeling bold? Head to the Planetarium Karaoke Lounge and sing your heart out as we welcome the New Year together.

Enjoy live music from Danny Ray and the Atlantic Street Band, plus beats from DJ Q and DJ SkaDean, creating an unforgettable night to kick off your year!

Looking for something extra special? Our VIP experience includes access to three exclusive VIP areas, a complimentary drink ticket, a midnight champagne toast, and a food voucher redeemable at any Sundial food vendor (excluding dessert vendors).  

New Year’s Eve – VIP Experience

Elevate your celebration with the ultimate VIP treatment! 

• Early entry to the event at 8:00 pm
• Access to three exclusive VIP areas featuring private cash bars and comfortable lounge spaces
• A food voucher redeemable for one meal at any food tent near the Sundial (dessert vendors excluded)
• One drink ticket plus a glass of champagne at midnight to toast the New Year in style

Make the most of your night, go VIP!