Discovery Green in downtown Houston, Texas is set to open its Winter Wonderland with a jam-packed schedule of events to welcome the holiday season in. Each year the 12-acre park in the heart of downtown Houston transforms into an array of holiday traditions to bring the whole family to enjoy, and share new memories of the upcoming winter season.
The winter season runs from November 18, 2017, to February 25, 2018, and features a variety of events and activities to bring you moments of magical wonder that take you into the new year. “Discovery Green has an exciting winter season in store, with daily skating events at the ice rink, weekly film screenings, an interactive art installation made just for the park and much more,” said Barry Mandel, president of the Discovery Green Conservancy. Below are a few of the events that await you this holiday season.
1. The ICE Powered by Green Mountain Energy
Photo: Courtesy of Discovery Green. Photo by Katya Horner
Winters in Houston may not be like you hope but for a few hours you can grab that sweater and scarf, lace up those ice skates, and take to the rink at The ICE powered by Green Mountain Energy. The rink will be available for ice-skating from Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017, to Sunday, Jan. 21, 2018.
“The ICE is the largest outdoor ice skating surface in the Southwest. Discovery Green uses water from Kinder Lake to freeze the ice, and all equipment runs on renewable energy,” shares its press release.
Most nights there’s a fun theme to make the experience all the more memorable such as “Cheap Skate Nights,” “Time Warp Tuesdays,” “Break The ICE Date Nights,” “Funfetti Fridays,” “Skate with Santa and Storybook Stars,” and “Houston Skating Stars” where Houston’s top figure skaters perform demonstrations on The ICE.
For a complete schedule, hours of operations, and skating prices please visit www.discoverygreen.com.
2. Hello, Trees! A Walking Serenade by Daily tous les jours
Photo: Courtesy of Discovery Green
Hello, Trees! A Waking Serenade is “the park’s first original commission,” shares Discovery Green. “An interactive installation the public can participate in to create an immersive light and sound experience that is unique to each visitor.”
Created by Montreal-based design studio Daily tous les jours, the installations will light up Discovery Green’s Brown Foundation Promenade. They were inspired by the grand oak trees that line the path of the promenade walkway. Get ready to light up the night with a touch of hand to create a masterpiece of sound and light of your own each time. It is open from November 18, 2017, to February 25, 2018, 6 a.m.–11 p.m. daily.
Photo: Courtesy of Discovery Green. Photo by Katya Horner
Frostival kicks of the winter season at Discovery Green with its magical display of ice sculptures that will take your breath away. “Featuring ice carving by Reverend Butter and DLG Ice Factory, live music by The Peterson Brothers and more,” shares its press release.
Be inspired by the magical ice sculptures these talented artists come up with to spread holiday joy among the crowds on Saturday, November 18, 2017, from 6–10 p.m.
4. Winter Flea by Night presented by Green Mountain Energy®
Photo: Courtesy of Discovery Green
Winter Flea by Nights is a great time to do some holiday shopping among the beautiful holiday lights and sounds of Discovery Greens Winter Wonderland. Saturdays, Nov. 18 and 25, Dec. 2, 9 and 16, 6–10 p.m.
“Flea by Night features works by local artisans, artful kitsch, vintage, antiques and other treasures, plus live music, food trucks and more,” shares its press release. It will also be the first time it will make its shopping times available to the public to a weekly event throughout the holiday season.
Shop till you drop as you are sure to come across one-of-kind items for that perfect Christmas gift you’re looking for.
5. Screen on the Green Presented by Bank of America
Photo: Courtesy of Discovery Green_Photo by Katya Horner
Screen on the Green is the perfect ending to any holiday fun. Bring a blanket, a lawn chair, grab your family and friends, and kick back on Discovery Green’s beautiful lawn to enjoy a holiday favorite on their big screen. With the beautiful Houston skyline as your backdrop, you are sure to create some magical memories as you enjoy sitting on the hill watching an old movie classic. Arrive early for fun contests and activities shares its press release.
The following is the lineup of holiday movies for this winter season:
- National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation – Thursday, Nov. 30, 7 p.m.
- Home Alone – Thursday, Dec. 7, 7 p.m.
- It’s A Wonderful Life – Thursday, Dec. 14, 7 p.m
- A Madea Christmas – Thursday, Dec. 21, 7 p.m.
- Elf – Thursday, Dec. 28, 7 p.m.
For a complete lineup and more information on these and other enchanting events planned for the Winter 2017–2018 programming schedule be sure to visit their website at www.discoverygreen.com.
