Polar Palooza 2026 presented by Bank of Texas

Polar Palooza! presented by Bank of Texas The Museum is a snowy wonderland! Experience Polar Palooza, a plethora of multi-cultural activities and festive happenings all around the Museum! ‍ Children’s Museum Houston is turning up the brrr-illiance this holiday season with Polar Palooza , an avalanche of festive fun packed with real snow days, shows, celebrations, and hands-on holiday magic for the whole family! From Dec. 1, 2026 through Jan. 4, 2027 , the Museum becomes the destination for winter wonder, cultural traditions, and merry make-believe—all wrapped in one giant bow! Get ready for puns, play, and plenty of cheer… because we’re about to sleigh the season! ‍ Special Holiday Hours: OPEN Mondays, Dec. 21, 28 and Jan. 4 OPEN New Year’s Day, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Free Family Night Thursday, 5 to 8 p.m.) Closed Christmas Day ‍ BLOCKBUSTERS: ‍ Polar Palooza REAL Snow Days! Dec. 19 to 24; Dec. 26 to 29 Bundle up, Houston! Polar Palooza Snow Days are blowing into town! That’s right… real snow is landing at Children’s Museum Houston, turning our courtyard into a frosty, fluffy playground perfect for chills, thrills, and winter skills. Grab your mittens, bring your coolest moves, and get ready for snow much fun.  All included with general admission! Let it snow, CMH-style! ‍ SPECIAL EVENTS: ‍ Polar Express Saturday, Dec. 12 Hop on board and steam into the holiday spirit with a magical Polar Express-themed adventure packed with stories, crafts, and hands-on fun! Join our friends from Ameritex for hourly Polar Express story times and creative make-and-takes, then keep themomentum going by building your own ramp-racing LEGO train and crafting festive bell ornaments and train whistles. It’s a day full of wonder, whistles, and all the track-tastic magic of the season! ‍ The Nutcracker! OPEN Monday, Dec. 21 Step into a world of twirls, tunes, and holiday magic during The Nutcracker! celebration—our sweetest seasonal tradition! Enjoy enchanting excerpts from The Nutcracker performed by Intempo Dance Ensemble , whisking you away to the Land of Sweets with Clara, toy soldiers, and dancing snowflakes. Keep the magic going with festive story times, cheerful live Christmas music from We Care Act of Pearland, and hands-on fun like decorating your own wooden nutcracker or crafting 3D evergreen trees. ‍ CULTURAL CELEBRATIONS: ‍ Hanukkah Thursday, Dec. 3 and Sunday, Dec. 6 Spin into the festival oflights with our joyful Hanukkah celebration, a full day glowing with stories,hands-on crafts, and family fun! Enjoy special Hanukkah story times, craftbright dreidel banners, and create suncatcher menorahs that shine with holidaymagic. You can even design your own paper dreidels and put them to the test ina classic game! ‍ Las Posadas Thursday, Dec. 17 Step into the glow of the season as we celebrate Las Posadas with warm stories, bright crafts, and community cheer! Join us for a special story time and hands-on workshop where you can create your own traveling Nativity-in-a-box, then light up your imagination with handmade paper bag luminarias. And don’t forget to add a festive flair with colorful poinsettia bracelets—perfect for honoring the joyful journey of Joseph and Mary. ‍ Celebrating Kwanzaa Monday, Dec. 28 Celebrate culture,creativity, and community during a vibrant day filled with art, music, and hands-on discovery! Dive into Kwanzaa’s rich traditions through an interactive workshop with Soullia Rae, feel the rhythm during lively djembe drum circles,and create meaningful crafts like Seven Principles hats and your very own kinara. It’s a joyful celebration that honors heritage, unity, and the spirit of the season! ‍ EXHIBITS: Seasons of Sharing Now through Jan. 10 Sponsored by Lilly Endowment Inc. Step onto Houston’s most multicultural neighborhood block and celebrate the magic of community and cultural identity! Explore eight global celebrations—including Christmas, Diwali, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Las Posadas, Lunar New Year, Ramadan, andVaisakhi —through language, art, music, hands-on crafts, and festive games shared by eight local families. From sparkling traditions to playful discoveries, Seasons of Sharing invites your family to celebrate the joy of diversity, on colorful experience at a time! ‍ Faithful Friends Exhibiting Now! Sponsored by Lilly Endowment Inc. Friendship builds bridges! Faithful Friends turns curiosity, kindness, and empathy into lasting friendships! Come explore Houston’s rich religious and cultural diversity through interactive storytelling, hands-on activities, and real-life stories from local kids while learning about beliefs, traditions and shared values. From crafts and games in the Kaleidoscope Room to storytelling and cultural discovery, this meaningful exhibit inspires understanding, respect, and friendship. ‍ More details coming soon! ‍ ‍