The Woodlands area is gearing up for the holidays
Residents in The Woodlands, Oak Ridge and Shenandoah area won’t be at a loss of holiday activities to do. There will be multiple events during December to suit musical, festive and active tastes. From the free Winter Wonderlands and a menorah lighting on Market Street to pre-registration required activities hosted by The Woodlands Township, there’s something for everyone’s budget.
THINGS TO DO Holly Jolly Jingle
Make sure to attend the Holly Jolly Jingle at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion on Nov. 30, a free event hosted by KPMG and the Woodforest National Bank. It will feature performances from area junior high and high schools. Concert begins at 7:30 p.m. and the doors open 6 p.m. The Ice Rink The Ice Rink at The Woodlands Town Center is located in its brand new, 21,000 square foot permanent home at 2005 Lake Robbins Drive near the north gate entry of The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. The new multipurpose facility features ice skating in a main room with lighting, a state-of-theart sound system, tables for parties and concessions.
Winter Wonderland in The Woodlands
The Winter Wonderland is a lighted display that runs along the southwest corner of Lake Robbins Drive and Six Pines Drive. Enjoy a walk along the Winter Wonderland pathway (about a 300-yard long attraction) and be delighted in the fantasy land of magical Christmas lights, toy soldiers, elves, the doves of peace, musical angels and snowmen.
The Woodlands Winter Wonderland events
There will be two FREE Winter Wonderland events on Saturday, Dec. 9, at Creekside Park Village Green and Sunday, Dec. 10, at Hughes Landing. Both will feature Santa Claus, reindeer, carnival games, holiday music, face painters, balloon artists and inflatables. The Creekside Park Village Green Winter Wonderland also will have a petting zoo and pony carousal. Hughes Landing will have snow hill rides available.
THE WOODLANDS TOWNSHIP
The Township will offer several activities and outings. Holiday events usually sell out early. If an event is full people can register for the wait list, as additional holiday events may be added to accommodate. Registration on event day is not permitted unless space and supplies allow. Call 281210-3950 for more information and to register for an event. Jingle Boats Jingle Boats will be held Saturday, Dec. 9, from 2-3:30 p.m. Riva Row Boat House, located at 2101 Riva Row, will have a family adventure to make the children wish for a kayak under the tree this holiday season. Participants in tandem boats will depart from the Riva Row Boat House in search of presents on local shores. An adult must accompany a child in the kayak and sign a waiver for boat use. The cost is $35 per tandem kayak and preregistration is required as spaces are limited.
Flashlight Candy Cane Hunt
There will be hot cocoa, cookies, and a flashlight candy cane hunt at 6 p.m. on Dec. 15 and 17 at Terramont Park, located at 8500 Terramont Drive. Bring a flashlight and camera for a picture with Santa. Participation costs $10 for residents, $15 for non-residents and a $5 sibling discount. Breakfast with Santa Breakfast with Santa includes breakfast, a special craft, holiday music and photographs with Santa. The breakfast will be held at The Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park, located at 6464 Creekside Forest Drive, from 10-11:30 a.m. on Dec. 16 and 22. Cost is $40 for a resident family of four and $45 for a non-resident family of four, with an $8 charge for additional family members.
Gingerbread House Making with Santa
Children can build and decorate a gingerbread house with gum drops, peppermints, frosting and more at The Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park on Dec. 16 from 1-2:30 p.m. Parent participation is required. Cost is $20 for residents, $25 for non-residents and a $5 sibling discount. Feliz Navi-Dog The Township has even thought of animal family members and invites furbabies out to Bear Branch Dog Park for a treat hunt and holiday costume contest from 10-11:30 a.m. on Dec. 17. Attendees can enjoy hot cocoa while their pets socialize and decorate a stocking for their pooch. The event is $5 per dog.
Market Street holiday performances
Market Street, located at 9595 Six Pines Dr., will host a variety of musical and dance entertainment from local school and community performance groups throughout the holidays. Catch one or more of these performances over the following weekends:
Saturday, Dec. 2, at 1 p.m.: The Woodlands High School Orchestra
Friday, Dec. 8, at 11:30 a.m.: Knox Junior High School
Sunday, Dec. 10, at 5 p.m.: Evidence Holiday Concert
Tuesday, Dec. 14, at 4-6 p.m.: Grand Chanukah Celebration
Saturday, Dec. 16, at 11 a.m.: 38h Annual Tuba Christmas performance
Saturday, Dec. 16, at 4 p.m.: Magnolia Community Choir – I Believe
Sunday, Dec. 17, at 1-3 p.m.: Mickey’s Majorettes Twirling Christmas
Sunday, Dec. 17, at 4 p.m.: Magnolia Community Choir – I Believe
Grand Chanukah Celebration and Menorah Lighting
Market Street also will once again host a Grand Chanukah Celebration and Menorah Lighting as presented by Chabad of The Woodlands on Thursday, Dec. 14, from 4 – 6 p.m. Led by Rabbi Mendel Blecher, the lighting of a nine-foot, seven-branched menorah will take place at 4 p.m. with traditional Chanukah food and musical entertainment and fun for guests of all ages following the ceremony.
OAK RIDGE NORTH
Hometown Christmas Hayride & Santa in the
Park
Friday, Dec. 15, at 5 p.m. will be the annual Christmas activities and pictures with Santa at Marilyn Edgar Park, located at 26531 Hillside Drive. In addition to the park activities, the city will have a hayride for those who would like to travel through the city to view the lights/decorations. The hayride will leave from the park and admission to ride is one non-perishable food item that will be donated to the local food bank. Residents are invited to enjoy pictures with Santa, a hot chocolate stand, snowball fights, screening of a Christmas movie, and more. Mayor and Council Christmas Reception
Join the Mayor and City Council as they host a reception for all city residents and businesses on Wednesday, Dec. 14, from 6-8 p.m. at City Hall, 27424 Robinson Road. Join friends and neighbors for food, fun and holiday cheer.
Light up the Night
The residents of Oak Ridge North have become famous in the South Montgomery County area for grand displays of holiday lights. Some may say that it is something in the ORN water that gives the residents extra Christmas Spirit, but others know that it is good ol’ competitive spirit! Homes will be judged Dec. 4-8. Make sure lights are on for judging! SHENANDOAH
Lighting of the Luminaries
Residents can participate from home for this event. Since before 1972, the City of Shenandoah has carried on wonderful traditions. Among these tradition is the Christmas Eve Luminaries display. Everyone comes together to light the streets with a stunning display of luminaries, which transform the city into one of the most magical Christmas Eve scenes in the area. Residents are encouraged to take part in this tradition by setting out their luminaries and lighting them at 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve.