Special Events
The Ice Rink at The Woodlands Town Center:
Located in its new 21,000-square-foot permanent home, the new, multipurpose facility boasts ice skating in a main room with lighting, a state-of-theart sound system, tables for parties and concessions. 3-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 3-11 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday and noon-7 p.m. through Jan. 16 (holiday hours vary); 2005 Lake Robbins; $10.50 for adults/$5 for children ages 5 and under Monday-Friday and $12.50 for adults/$6 for children ages 5 and under Saturday-Sunday; woodlandsevents.com.
George Ranch Historical Park’s Christmas in the Park:
The event allows guests to travel through Christmas pasts on a festive hayride as they explore holiday customs and decorations from the 1830s through the 1930s. Visitors can enjoy some wassail and Christmas treat samples or catch tree-house story time with Santa Claus at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Held 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 17 and 20-23; George Ranch Historical Park, 10215 FM 762; $10 for adults, $9 for seniors ages 62 years and older, $5 for children ages 5-15 and free for children ages 4 and under; georgeranch.org, 281-343-0218.
Eighth annual AIA Gingerbread Build-off exhibition:
The Architecture Center Houston recently hosted its eighth annual Gingerbread Build-off, where 30 competing teams created their masterpieces using 100 percent edible materials. Event guests watched and cheered on teams during the build-off. Winners and select competitors will be featured in a one-week exhibition Dec. 12-16, free and open to the public at Architecture Center Houston. Hermann Square, 900 Smith; free admission for spectators; aiahouston.org, 713-520-0155.
54th annual Heritage Society Candlelight Tour:
During the 54th annual Heritage Society Candlelight Tour, guests will tour decorated historic homes and listen to stories about Houston’s past residents and communities from historic characters. Live entertainment will be held throughout the park, and children can participate in Santa’s Workshop. There will be local vendors and artists, and the Candlelight Café will have a variety of items from Phoenicia Specialty Foods. 4-8 p.m. Dec. 11; The Heritage Society at Sam Houston Park, 1100 Bagby; $10 for adults, $8 for seniors ages 65 and up, $5 for children ages 6-18 and free for children 5 and under; heritagesociety.org, 713-655-1912.
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston’s Christmas Village at Bayou Bend:
This year’s village will take place on the 14 acres of the Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens. The event will feature carolers, Santa Claus, a snowball play area, holiday treats, artmaking activities and, on eight nights, a live reindeer. Guests also can pick up gifts and souvenirs from the shops as they stroll through the grounds. It will be held hrough Jan. 1; Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens, 6003 Memorial; $13 adult members/$8 for children members ages 5-12, $15 adult nonmembers/$10 for children nonmembers ages 5-12 and free for all children ages 4 and younger; mfah.org, 713-639-7300.
Lone Star Circus’ Cirque Joyeux Noel Dinner and Show:
The all new show features a talented cast of international performers, including acrobats and aerialists, illusions and comedians. The one-hour show is paired with a buffet dinner prepared by Moody Gardens executive chef Felipe Gonzalez. Tickets to the dinner and show also include admission to the Moody Gardens Festival of Lights, Santa’s Workshop and a visit with Santa. 6:30 p.m. Dec. 1625; Moody Gardens Convention Center, 7 Hope Blvd. in Galveston; $59-95 for adults, $44-85 for children ages 3-12 and $15-75 for children 2 and under; moodychristmasshow. com, 409-683-4186.