By Laura Landsbaum
The Woodlands comes alive at the holidays, with plenty of sounds and sparkle. Even without wintry weather (most of the time), the township is a true holiday wonderland with lights, trees, ice, music and so much more.
These are some of don’t-miss holiday attractions in The Woodlands:
Market Street Christmas Tree
This 70-foot-tall Christmas tree has a three-minute light show synchronized to holiday songs. The synchronized light and musical display will wow visitors every half hour on the hour, starting at 5:30 p.m and continuing through 9:30 p.m. every day thru January 15.
The Christmas tree at Mark Street leaves an impression any time of day. (Courtesy Market Street)
The Woodlands Ice Rink
Open now thru mid January, The Woodlands’ own indoor rink even has space for holiday parties. For full details including hours, pricing and to purchase tickets online, go here. Standard tickets include a two-hour skate session and skate rental. Helmet and walker rentals are available for an additional fee.
The Woodlands Ice Rink is open now through January 15th.
The Woodlands Ice Rink brings plenty of holiday family fun.
The Woodlands Winter Wonderland
This lighted display is free to walk through and is located at the corner of Lake Robbins Drive and Six Pines Drive just outside of The Ice Rink. Illuminated doves, wrapped presents, snowflakes and other characters can be seen along the pathway.
The Gatlin Brothers Country and Christmas
Dosey Doe’s Big Barn is putting on an unforgettable evening of dinner and live music featuring The Gatlin Brothers – Country & Christmas Tour. This event will take place at Dosey Doe – The Big Barn on Friday, December 15 starting at 8:30 p.m.
Dosey Doe is one unique venue in The Woodlands region. (Photo courtesy Dosey Doe)
The Woodlands Chorale
The Woodlands Chorale is putting on two December events sure to put anyone in the holiday mood. A Chorale Christmas is set for St. Anthony of Padua Church at 7 p.m. on December 9.
The chorale will also perform alongside The Woodlands Symphony for a performance of Georg Frederic Handel’s “Messiah” at Christ Church United Methodist Church The Woodlands at 6 p.m. on December 17.
The Woodlands Men’s Chorus Christmas Concert
On December 18, The Woodlands Men’s Chorus will be singing songs of the season, both sacred and secular. This is a great way to start Christmas week with some real holiday cheer. The annual Christmas Concert is a public event free to all, and offers the opportunity to ring in the holiday spirit with a variety of festive songs sung by a very talented group of singers.
The concert starts at 7 p.m and is expected to last about 45 minutes. The setting? The Woodlands Methodist Church at 2200 Lake Woodlands Drive.
Strolling and Eating at Hughes Landing’s Restaurant Row
Hughes Landing boasts some of the best restaurants in The Woodlands and most of them have outdoor patios where you can enjoy the sights of the season and The Waterway. After dinner, there is nothing more than festive than taking a stroll to catch all the holiday lights and all the public art that makes The Woodlands unlike any other place in Texas.
Public art goes with all the holiday lights in Hughes Landing.
Santa Sightings
Santa Claus will greet young guests at Market Street this year in a beautiful, festive setting located in suite 875, next to the Warby Parker store. Photos are available through December 24 with prices starting at $40. You can even bring your pet for four-legged Christmas photos on Monday, Deember 4. Reservations must be made online in advance. You can book them here.
Jingle Boats
December 16 from 9 am to 10 am
Riva Row Boat House
Head to the Riva Row Boat House for a festive paddle along the shores of Lake Woodlands. Explore The Woodlands Waterway in a tandem kayak and see if you can find any gifts hidden on the lake. After your adventure, head back to the boat house for holiday treats and a chance to meet a very special visitor.
Cost: Tandem kayak for two is $45
A Cappella Sing-Off
Market Street will hold its third annual sing-off with its holiday a cappella competition on December 7 from 6:30 pm to 8:30 p.m. at Market Street.
The Capella Sing-Off at Market Street brings holiday joy. (Courtesy Market Street)
A Christmas Carol
Ebenezer Scrooge and his ghostly encounters will come to life in a lavish and thrilling Broadway adaptation from Class Act productions. The Christmas classic will be put on from December 7 through December 10 and December 14 through December 17 at Class Act’s theater at 25275 Budde Road in The Woodlands. Tickets start at $20.
_______
Many thanks to The Woodlands 50th Anniversary Sponsors:
FOUNDING – Howard Hughes
LEGACY – Woodforest National Bank
HERITAGE – Waste Connections Inc.
GOLD – Entergy Texas, Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital
SILVER – SVN/JBeard Real Estate, The John Cooper School
PRODUCER – The Woodlands Township