Lights in Heights Festival

Location Description

As a photographer, you might looking for picturesque locations to capture stunning photographs that showcase your talent. The Lights in Heights Festival in Houston, Texas, offers just that. Located on Bayland Avenue, in the historic Heights neighborhood, the festival takes place on the second Saturday in December every year. The community comes together to adorn their houses and trees with twinkling lights, creating a magical and festive ambiance. The festival takes place after sunset, providing photographers with the perfect opportunity to capture the illumination of the decorative lights against the clear night sky. Photographers can walk through the neighborhood and capture the lights from different angles, experiment with various shutter speeds, and create stunning long-exposure shots that show the lights' movement. And if you're lucky enough, you may even get a chance to capture the joyous expressions of visitors thoroughly enjoying the festive light display.

What to Photograph

The Lights in Heights Festival is an absolute delight for photographers. The colorful and vibrant lights adorning the houses and trees in the historic Heights neighborhood provide numerous opportunities to capture some fantastic shots. From wide-angle to close-up shots, photographers can experiment with various perspectives and camera settings to create captivating images. The festival offers a maze of sparkling lights, and you can spend hours photographing the unique and creative light displays, making each spot look like something out of a fairy tale. The best part? The Lights in Heights Festival takes place when the sun sets, providing ample opportunities for photographers to play with creative lighting and capture beautiful long-exposure shots. Whether you're an amateur or a seasoned professional, you'll find plenty of exciting and unique photography opportunities at the Lights in Heights Festival.

History

The Lights in Heights Festival is a relatively new tradition in the historic Heights neighborhood, starting in 1997. However, the Heights itself has a long and storied history, dating back to the 1800s when it was its own independent city before being annexed by Houston in 1918. The neighborhood was originally settled by wealthy businessmen looking to escape the industrializing city center of Houston. The historic architecture and unique character of the homes in the Heights have been well-preserved, making for scenic backdrops for photographers during the Lights in Heights Festival.

For photographers visiting the Lights in Heights Festival, it's important to arrive early and plan accordingly. Parking can be a challenge, so it's recommended to walk or bike if possible. In addition to the main stretch of Bayland Ave, there are also side streets and alleys that are decorated with lights, providing even more opportunities for unique shots. There are also several food and drink vendors at the festival, so be sure to try the local cuisine and stay hydrated. Another helpful tip is to bring a tripod to stabilize your camera for longer exposure shots. Finally, don't be afraid to get creative with your shots - experiment with different angles, aperture settings, and shutter speeds to capture the magic of the Lights in Heights Festival in your own unique way.

Nearby Festivals and Events

• Holidays at the Theater District (December): A festive holiday event featuring Houston Ballet performances, holiday music, and sparkling light displays.
• Houston Greek Fest (May): A celebration of Greek culture in Houston featuring traditional Greek food, music, and dancing.
• Houston Art Car Parade (April): A colorful parade featuring cars transformed into works of art by local artists.
• Houston Pride Festival and Parade (June): A celebration of the LGBTQ+ community in Houston with a festival and colorful parade through the streets.
• Houston Firefest (October): A family-friendly event honoring Houston firefighters with fire truck displays, firefighting competitions, and demonstrations.

If you're a photography enthusiast, you won't want to miss these exciting events hosted in Houston, Texas. Whether you're interested in capturing festive holiday displays, unique art cars, or colorful cultural celebrations, Houston has something for everyone. Don't forget to bring your camera and experiment with different angles and settings to capture the perfect shot.