Visit The Woodlands released a holiday events calendar listing more than a dozen activities running from late November through mid-January.
The lineup, published by Woodlands Online, includes the return of The Woodlands Ice Rink, the Lighting of the Doves, the Junior League Holiday Market and a concert featuring more than 500 Conroe Independent School District (Conroe ISD) student musicians at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion.
"This season's event calendar includes everything from live music and outdoor adventures to seasonal shopping and festivities," said Elizabeth Eddins, executive director of Visit The Woodlands, the Township's convention and visitors bureau.
The Ice Rink opens Nov. 20 and runs through Jan. 18, 2027. Two-hour sessions cost $15, and guests who book a qualifying hotel stay can earn complimentary tickets.
The Lighting of the Doves, a long-standing tradition in which giant illuminated doves are switched on along The Woodlands Waterway, takes place Nov. 21. Holiday on The Waterway, a free, self-guided Christmas lights display, also launches Nov. 21 and runs nightly through Jan. 3, 2027. The Township announced Oct. 8 that Entergy Texas will serve as presenting sponsor this season under the name Holiday on The Waterway – Powered by Entergy. Last season the display recorded more than 209,000 pathway trips, a nearly 74% year-over-year increase, according to the Township.
The Junior League Holiday Market fills The Woodlands Waterway Marriott with more than 125 vendors selling jewelry, clothing, candles, home décor and holiday gifts Nov. 20–22. Township Chairman Brad Bailey praised the Junior League at a Sept. 18 community event, telling Woodlands Online his "wife is an avid shopper of Junior League's annual Christmas Market event."
On Dec. 3, the Holly Jolly Jingle concert brings more than 500 Conroe ISD student musicians to The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. Bands, orchestras and choirs perform across multiple stages, and families can visit Santa for free.
The Glow & Go 5K follows Dec. 5 on The Waterway. The chip-timed race is sanctioned by USA Track and Field (USATF) and produced by The Woodlands Township Parks and Recreation Department. Runners are encouraged to wear glowing holiday attire.
Other events on the calendar include Boni's Dance 40th-anniversary performance of The Nutcracker on Nov. 21–22, holiday swan boat rides at Riva Row Boat House starting Nov. 22, Market Street in Lights with three-minute synchronized light shows hourly from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. through Dec. 31, The Sing Off a cappella competition at Market Street on Dec. 10, and The Woodlands Mall's 40-foot Christmas tree light show.
Two markets close out the season Dec. 19: The Woodlands Winter Makers Market, featuring craft vendors and food trucks, and the second annual Boho Market at Creekside Park Village Green, which offers free admission and parking.
The full calendar is available through Visit The Woodlands and Woodlands Online.
