The holidays are coming to The Woodlands, so as the sun sets behind the treetops, watch as sparkling snowflakes and twinkling light tunnels flicker to life, blinking over The Woodlands Waterway like thousands of pinpoint stars.

This November, celebrate a new annual tradition in The Woodlands at Holiday on The Waterway. Stretching along both sides of the channel from Waterway Square to Grogan's Mill Road, this breathtaking event includes a dazzling display of Christmas lights, larger-than-life decorations, hot chocolate stations, and more.

A display shaped like a giant gift box forms an arch along The Woodlands Waterway.

A golden arch lights the path to Holiday on the Waterway

Light displays shaped like trees form a tunnel along The Woodlands Waterway, reflecting with a golden light on the water.

Lights reflect on the water at Holiday on The Waterway

The Woodlands Township’s Parks and Recreation Department has brought this vision to life. Today, the event is poised to complement the many holiday activities around town, helping make The Woodlands the perfect winter getaway for both residents and visitors alike.

Adding to the holiday magic is the annual Lighting of the Doves ceremony. Established in 1982, this longstanding tradition was initially held in Grogan’s Mill with the illumination of three large doves symbolizing peace and goodwill.

This event has since evolved into a grand affair with a ceremony conducted in Town Center and dozens of doves lit across The Woodlands. Santa makes his grand entrance by sleigh along The Waterway, with live reindeer photo ops, toy drives, fireworks, and performances by local choirs and dance troupes—all adding to the magic of the festival.

The Woodlands Ice Rink in 2000 is a large white tent. A sign reads, "The Ice Rink at The Woodlands Town Center." There's a hand-painted cardboard cutout of a snowman out front. On the right, there are several Christmas trees and several light displays of doves in flight.

The Woodlands Ice Rink in 2000, located beside The Woodlands Mall | Photo Courtesy of Nick Wolda

Kids, teens, couples, and families skate around The Woodlands Ice Rink.

The Woodlands Ice Rink in 2024, located in The Lounge at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion | Photo by Andrea Day

Perhaps the oldest tradition in town involves a trip to The Woodlands Ice Rink. Although it has changed faces many times since its debut in the late 1970s, it remains a classic and fun-filled activity for all ages.

Now open seasonally in The Lounge at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, this 21,000-square-foot venue features colorful lighting, upbeat tunes, and special events from disco parties to trivia nights. New this year, sensory friendly skate sessions ensure that everyone can enjoy the fun.

Market Street in Lights in The Woodlands, Texas.

The 2024 Christmas Tree at Market Street in Lights | Photo Courtesy of Market Street

Those who have yet to finish their holiday shopping can make it a festive outing during Christmas at The Woodlands Mall or Market Street in Lights. Each features a towering Christmas tree lit for the first time in mid-November, followed by synchronized light-and-music shows recurring nightly through December 31. Located just steps from The Mall, a Starlight Swan Boat ride can perfectly conclude the evening as it winds through the heart of Holiday on The Waterway.

From Christmas light displays to ice skating to pedal boat rides, The Woodlands brings people together. It’s a place where residents and visitors can connect, establish new traditions, and bring their families for generations to come.