The Woodlands Township and the Community Associations of The Woodlands are teaming up this year to offer a Santa’s sack full of holiday event in the community.
“What we have to offer for the holidays is something for everyone,” said Nelda Luce Blair, chairwoman of the township. “It’s like a tradition. We’ve started our traditions.”
From small local offerings, like a holiday movie night or breakfast with the Grinch, to large, community-wide celebration, like Lighting of the Doves, The Ice Rink or iWOW, The Woodlands is ready to offer something for kids of all ages for the holiday season.
This year, all the activities are centered along The Woodlands Waterway, including Town Green Park and Waterway Square. It is designed to be a premier destination for residents and visitors alike.
“The Convention and Visitors Bureau is working with Parks and Recreation to bring the waterway to life with special events, festivals and community activities," said Nick Wolda, president of The Woodlands Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Parks and recreation offers all kinds of creative programming that can be enjoyed by residents and their visitors.”
Waterway Square will be hopping with new programs throughout November and December. A free Waterway Movie, featuring Kung Fu Panda, will debut on Nov. 14 at 7 p.m. The square will also offer Waterway Wednesday for children ages two to five at 11 a.m. on Nov. 18 with Turkey Day on Dec. 16 with Winter Wonderland as well as breakfast with the Grinch on Dec. 17 at 10 a.m. and Fun with Santa on Dec. 22 at 10:30 a.m. Teens can get in the act with a concert on Nov. 28 at 7 p.m and on Dec. 19 at 7 p.m. as well as a digital scavenger hunt on Dec. 12 at 4 pm.
The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau will be back with long-standing holiday traditions beginning this weekend, with a special preview of the Ice Rink at the Woodlands Town Center, held in conjunction with the Woodlands Children’s Festival at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. The ice rink will return to its old stomping grounds at Six Pines and Lake Robbins this year, with skating available during festival hours. It will return again on Nov. 21, in conjunction with the Lighting of the Doves and the International Winter on the Waterway.
The Lighting of the Doves, the official kickoff of the holiday season, will be held from 2 to 7 p.m. on Nov. 21 at Town Green Park. Among the offerings for the annual event will be an ice carving competition, snow play area, fireworks, balloons artist, face painters, inflatables, live music and vendors. Santa will arrive via a boat along with waterway at 6:30 p.m.
Simaltaneously, the International Winter on the Waterway also will be held at Town Green Park, featuring holiday traditions from around the world. This year’s featured countries include Japan, Panama and the United States. The festival will feature Cass Irish Dancers, Yosakoi, La Tempestad, and others. Admission to this festival is free.
The ice rink, the largest seasonal outdoor rink in the Southwest, will remain open through Jan. 18. The hours of operations are Monday through Thursday, 3 to 9 pm; Friday, 3 to 11 pm; Saturday, 10 am to 11 pm; and Sunday, noon until 7 pm. Weekday tickets are $9.50 for adults and $5 for children five and over; weekend tickets are $10.50 for adults and $6 for children 5. Fees include skate rental and $2 discount coupons are available at Which Wich Superior Sandwichs and other community events. A buy one, get one free coupon is also available at Fidelity Investments in The Woodlands.
The annual Winter Wonderland holiday display will also surround the ice rink, featuring toy soldiers, elves, doves, musical angels and snowmen from dusk until 11 pm through Jan.4 .
Free parking for holiday events is available at the green, yellow and orange lot on Timberloch Place.
Mark Your Calendars!
Following is a list of holiday events offered in The Woodlands
Nov. 14: Ice Rink at Woodlands Town Center, preview weekend in conjunction with The Woodlands Childrens Festival, Six Pines and Lake Robbins
Nov. 14, 7 p.m., Waterway Movie: Kung Fu Panda, Waterway Square
Nov. 18, 11 a.m. Waterway Wednesdays: Turkey Day, Waterway Square
Nov. 21, 2 to 7 p.m., Lighting of the Doves, International Winter on The Waterway, Town Green Park
Nov. 21 to Jan. 4 Winter Wonderland holiday lights, Six Pines and Lake Robbins
Nov. 21 to Jan. 18: Ice Rink at the Woodlands Town Center, Six Pines and Lake Robbins
Nov. Nov. 28, 7 p.m. Teen Concert, Waterway Square
Dec. 12, 4 p.m. Digital Scavenger Hunt, Waterway Square
Dec. 16, 11 a.m. Waterway Wednesday – Winter Wonderland, Waterway Square
Dec. 17, 10 a.m. Breakfast with the Grinch, Waterway Square
Dec. 19, 7 p.m. Teen Concert, Waterway Square
Dec. 22, 10:30 a.m. Fun with Santa
Source: The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau.