The Woodlands Christmas Guide

The Woodlands Christmas Guide — Map & Go 🌟

Interactive • Live-Updated • Family-Friendly

Curl up with a mug, pull on your coziest sweater, and let the season sweep you in. This guide gathers the brightest lights, the merriest markets, and the most magical moments across The Woodlands—then puts them on one tap-to-navigate map. We update daily so you can plan fast and go make memories. For push alerts and easy favorites, download our app: search “The Livable Forest” in your app store.

🌟 Open Live Map

Holiday on The Waterway

NOVEMBER 22, 2025 — JANUARY 4, 2026

Twinkling tunnels, oversized bows and presents, sparkling snowflakes, and weekend sweet treats turn the Waterway into a walk-through wonderland.

What to Expect

Oversized décor with prime photo-ops.
Light tunnels on the north side of the Waterway.
Festive soundtrack as you stroll.
Weekend goodies 5:30–8:30 p.m. in the South Plaza.

Official site: visitthewoodlands.com/events/holiday/waterway-lights/

Safety tip: The north side is near an active trolley path—enjoy from the pedestrian sidewalk and watch for vehicles.

Lighting of The Doves

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2025

Peace, good cheer, and a grand illumination—plus Santa’s arrival and fireworks to launch the season in classic Woodlands style.

Schedule (Tentative)

✨ Celebration Stage

3:00–5:00 p.m. TBA
5:00 p.m. Live Music: Nervous Rex
7:00 p.m. Greetings, Santa’s Arrival, Lighting, Fireworks
8:00 p.m. Event concludes

❄️ Festival Stage

6:20 p.m. Ice Carvers

Festival Extras

Complimentary balloon art, airbrush tattoos, and crafts (while supplies last), strolling performers, and live sets. A $5 wristband unlocks snow slides and play areas.

Parking: Free lots and garages near Town Center; accessible parking in the Green Lot. Take the complimentary trolley for a festive loop.

Official site: visitthewoodlands.com/events/holiday/lighting-of-the-doves/

Market Street in Lights

NOVEMBER 20 — DECEMBER 31

Thousands of lights dance to holiday music in a magical three-minute show, performed hourly 5:30–9:30 p.m. all season.

What to Expect

Light shows hourly at 5:30, 6:30, 7:30, 8:30 & 9:30 p.m.
Tree Lighting Ceremony on Nov 20 with a 70-foot Christmas tree.
Shop & dine before or after the show—make it a full night out.

Official site: visitthewoodlands.com/events/holiday/market-street-in-lights/

Pro tips: Arrive 10–15 minutes early; weekends fill quickly; for photos, step back across the green to capture the full canopy of lights.

The Woodlands Ice Rink

OPEN NOVEMBER 21, 2025 — JANUARY 19, 2026

Colorful lighting, great sound, party tables, and concessions—an indoor skating tradition made for memory-making.

Hours

Regular

Mon–Thu: First 4:00 p.m. • Last 6:30 p.m.
Fri: First 4:00 p.m. • Last 9:00 p.m.
Sat: First 10:00 a.m. • Last 8:00 p.m.
Sun: First 1:00 p.m. • Last 6:00 p.m.

School Holidays

First session: 10:00 a.m.
Last session: 8:00 p.m.

Holiday Hours

Thanksgiving: First 4:00 • Last 6:30
Christmas Eve: First 10:00 • Last 5:30
Christmas Day: First 4:00 • Last 6:30
New Year’s Eve: First 10:00 • Last 5:30
New Year’s Day: First 1:00 • Last 6:00

Details

Sensory-Friendly Tuesdays at 1:30 p.m. (reduced crowds, lighting, and sound).
Pricing: $7–$15 (includes skate rental) for 2 hours; helmets/walkers $10; table rental (seats 8) $25; +tax.
Parties & Lessons: Book birthdays, groups, private rentals, and lessons.

Accessibility tip: Earlier sessions are often quieter and easier for first-timers.

Christmas at The Mall

MID-NOVEMBER — DECEMBER 31

A 40-foot courtyard tree springs to life every 30 minutes from sunset to close—music, lights, and instant holiday spirit between gift stops.

What You’ll See

Tree shows every 30 minutes.
Festive courtyard with room to gather and snap pics.
Shop & stroll then warm up with cocoa or a sit-down dinner.

Merry tip: Arrive at sunset for softer crowds; step back to frame the full tree and courtyard in one shot.

Junior League Holiday Market

FRI–SUN • NOVEMBER 21–23, 2025 • Preview Party: THU, NOV 20

A sparkling market of boutiques, handcrafted finds, and ornaments—shopping that funds community programs for women, children, and families.

Event Schedule

Preview Party: Thu evening (Nov 20)
Fri & Sat: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Sun: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Good to Know

Strollers welcome Fri & Sat after 2:00 p.m.; all day Sun.
Buy tickets in advance—Preview Party sells fast.
Bring a tote for treasures.

Location

Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center
1601 Lake Robbins Dr, The Woodlands, TX 77380

Official site: Junior League of The Woodlands — Holiday Market

The Woodlands HS Band Holiday Market

SATURDAY • DECEMBER 6, 2025 • 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Free, family-friendly shopping with artisans, boutique finds, food trucks, and live performances—support student programs while you shop.

Details

Location: The Woodlands High School, 6101 Research Forest Dr
Vendors: Email craftmarket@twhsband.org for an application invite.
Updates: Facebook Event

Tip: Arrive mid-morning to beat the lunch rush at food trucks; bring a reusable tote.

Picket Fences Holiday Open House

FRI–SAT • NOVEMBER 7–8, 2025 • 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Twinkling lights, lush garlands, ornament keepsakes for early birds, daily prize drawings, and decorating demos with Jan.

Highlights

First 100 guests: Free ornament keepsake.
Grand prize: $250 Picket Fences Gift Card.
Decor demos: Pro tips you can replicate at home.

Location: 19193 I-45, Shenandoah, TX 77385

Official info: Picket Fences — Holiday Open House

Styling tip: Ask about ribbon layering—one technique can transform your whole tree.

Craft Circle 45th Annual Boutique

2025 DATES TBA • Prior-year schedule shown below

Handcrafted gifts made by The Woodlands Methodist Church Craft Circle—every purchase supports missions partners around the world.

Woodforest Campus (Prior Year)

Fri, Nov 7: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Sat, Nov 8: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

The Woodlands Campus (Prior Year)

Sat, Nov 15: 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Sun, Nov 16: 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Silent auction on both dates.

Official info: TWMC — Craft Circle Boutique

Cookies & Cocoa with Santa and Friends

MONDAYS • DECEMBER 1 & 8, 2025 • 8:30–10:30 a.m.

Warm cocoa, sweet cookies, and cheery meet-and-greets with Santa & Mrs. Claus at The Woodlands Ice Rink. Limited capacity—register early.

Schedule

Dec 1 & Dec 8: 8:30–10:30 a.m. (check-in begins 8:15 a.m.)
Ages: All ages
Tickets: Required; spectators without a ticket cannot participate or visit with Santa

Location: The Ice Rink at The Woodlands Town Center, The Woodlands, TX 77380

Official info/registration: The Woodlands Ice Rink

Cozy tip: Gloves and tall socks make little skaters extra comfy; pack a spare pair just in case.

Holly Jolly Jingle

THURSDAY • DECEMBER 4, 2025 • Gates 6:00 p.m. • Show 7:00 p.m.

Over 500 Conroe ISD student musicians bring the season to life at The Pavilion. Sing-alongs, Santa photos in the plaza, and big-stage magic. Free show—no ticket required.

Good to Know

Arrive early for Santa photos and to sit together.
Outdoor venue—layer up for evening temps.
Allow extra time for parking and bag checks.

Official info: The Pavilion — Holly Jolly Jingle

Photo tip: Blue hour (just after sunset) makes plaza lights pop—perfect for keepsakes.

Sensory Santa — The Woodlands Resort

SATURDAY • DECEMBER 6, 2025 • 1:00 p.m.

A gentle, joyful Santa experience with festive bites in a calm, welcoming setting at The Woodlands Resort.

Tastes & Treats

Cake Pop “Ornaments”
Smoked Turkey & Cranberry Empanadas
Christmas Tree Cookie Stacks
Warm Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes

Location: 2301 North Millbend Dr, The Woodlands, TX 77381

Official info/tickets: The Woodlands Resort — Sensory Santa

Comfort tip: Bring favorite headphones or fidgets; a short stroll through the resort décor after makes perfect photos.

🌟 Open The Woodlands Christmas Guide — Map & Go

For updates on the go, download our app: search “The Livable Forest” in your app store. Save favorites, open live maps, and get gentle push alerts all season.