Annual Lighting of the Doves Festival and Ice Rink Grand Opening

The Woodlands Township Parks and Recreation Department invites residents, friends and families to enjoy a variety of spectacular holiday activities and entertainment during the 34th annual Lighting of the Doves festival, Saturday, November 19, 2016, from 3 to 9 p.m. at Town Green Park, located at 2099 Lake Robbins Drive, The Woodlands 77380.

The Lighting of the Doves festival is a long-standing tradition in The Woodlands that signifies the start of the holiday season in the community. Symbolizing hope and peace for the holidays, 38 doves illuminate The Woodlands at eight locations, including Harper’s Landing at Trade Center Blvd. (3 doves), Green Bridge Drive at Research Forest Drive (3 doves), Creekside Forest Drive at the Roundabout (3 doves), Kuykendahl at Woodlands Parkway (3 doves), Terramont Drive at Woodlands Parkway (3 doves), Kuykendahl at Creekside Green Drive (3 doves), the Lake Robbins bridge (8 doves) and Town Green Park (12 doves).

This outstanding event started in 1982 when Mr. Ed Lee, then president of The Woodlands Corporation, was inspired during a trip to Hong Kong where he saw giant displays of various animals adorned with brilliant white lights. It was the beautiful bird soaring toward the sky that caught his eye. Upon his return, he arranged for three huge Doves of Peace to illuminate his beloved community. Since then, the Lighting of the Doves has been a favorite holiday tradition in The Woodlands every year.

The festival includes traditional and international performances, showcasing the cultural diversity of The Woodlands and holiday traditions celebrated around the world. Featuring snow play areas, vendor booths, children’s activities and strolling entertainment, Lighting of the Doves culminates with a special appearance by Santa Claus arriving by sleigh down The Woodlands Waterway and a dazzling fireworks display, weather permitting.

Before the festival, attendees are encouraged to visit The Ice Rink at The Woodlands Town Center, presented by Planet Ford Lincoln and Texas Children’s Hospital – The Woodlands, as it makes its debut in a new state-of-the-art multi-purpose facility this season. The Ice Rink will open daily Saturday, November 19, 2016, through Monday, January 16, 2017.

The Ice Rink at The Woodlands Town Center, located at 2005 Lake Robbins Drive, The Woodlands, 77380, opens for the 2016–2017 season, Saturday, November 19, 2016. The new 21,000-square-foot multipurpose facility features ice skating in a main room with lighting, a state-of-the-art sound system, tables for parties and concessions.

The Lighting of the Doves festival and The Ice Rink at The Woodlands Town Center are produced by The Woodlands Township Parks and Recreation Department.

For more information regarding Lighting of the Doves, please call The Woodlands Township Parks and Recreation Department at 281-210-3800 or visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/lightingofthedoves. To learn more about The Ice Rink at The Woodlands Town Center, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/icerink or call 281-419-5630.