The Holiday Season Will Come to Life with an Ice-Skating Rink, Winter Movie Nights, Opportunities to Meet (and Skate With!) Santa, and more.
HOUSTON, TX — This winter, Discovery Green will bring new and returning holiday traditions to the heart of downtown Houston through a magical line-up of seasonal programming, beginning Friday, Nov. 10.
The centerpiece of the winter festivities is the Green Mountain Energy Ice skating rink, which kicks off with a free skate for the first 50 people in line starting at 5 p.m. on opening day. Regular priced tickets are $17 plus tax and include skate rentals. Cheap Skate Mondays, on select dates throughout the season, offer tickets for $8 plus tax. New this year is We Love Houston Wednesdays offering buy-one-get-one discount on select dates. Tickets are available now at www.discoverygreen.com/ice.
Throughout the holiday season, Houstonians can skate with a diverse range of Santas, including Black Santa and Pancho Claus. Visitors will also enjoy demonstrations from Houston’s top figure skating stars, ice dance through the decades with weekly theme nights, and enjoy discounted skate opportunities. Those with physical or developmental challenges will be able to enjoy exclusive time on the ice with their families with the return of the popular Special Skaters series.
Families may gather under the stars for Bank of America’s Screen on the Green, with free evening screenings of The Little Mermaid, The Muppet Christmas Carol, and The Nightmare Before Christmas. Costumes are encouraged!
Houstonians looking for a calm moment during the holiday madness can join one of three free weekly yoga classes, including a Saturday morning Hatha flow, a Monday evening Clase de Yoga Respiración Consciente y Meditación de Sonidos led entirely in Spanish, and a Gentle Flow and Sound Meditation on Tuesday evenings. Fitness in the Park is presented by One Medical.
Holiday shoppers can get one-of-a-kind gifts at Flea by Night presented by Green Mountain Energy. This open-air market features local artisans and small business owners selling vintage, handmade, recycled, repurposed and local goods each Saturday from Nov. 25– Dec. 16. Live music and food trucks make it an experience everyone will enjoy.
Other special events throughout the season include Carols on the Green with Houston Grand Opera, a Lunar New Year celebration, and Rhythms & Reflections: Echoes of Black Legacy, a night of music and images celebrating Black History Month.
Discovery Green events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted. All events are
subject to change – please refer to discoverygreen.com for updates.
Discovery Green Winter Schedule
Friday, Nov. 10 – Sunday, Jan. 28
GREEN MOUNTAIN ENERGY ICE AT DISCOVERY GREEN
Hours of Operation
Monday – Thursday 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Friday, Saturday & HISD School Holidays* 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Sunday 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Thanksgiving Day 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Christmas Eve & New Year’s Eve 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Christmas Day & New Year’s Day 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Martin Luther King Day (Jan. 15) 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
*HISD School Holidays are (Nov. 20 – 24; Dec. 25 – 29; Jan. 1 – 5, 8 & 15)
** Green Mountain Energy Ice closes to the public at 5 pm on Nov. 19, Dec. 17 and Jan. 21 and at 4 pm on Dec 10 & 12.
Green Mountain Energy Ice at Discovery Green Events
Opening Day Celebration
Friday, Nov. 10; 5 – 10 p.m.
Line up early! The first 50 skaters enter for free starting at 5 pm. All Forever Green Members skate for free 5 – 7 p.m.
Veteran’s Day
Saturday, Nov. 11; 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
In honor of Veteran’s Day, Veterans skate for free and their family members receive a $2 discount on their tickets (max of 5 family members).
Skate with Santa and Friends!
Saturdays, Nov. 11 – Dec. 23; 4 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Children of all ages are invited to skate with a Santa Claus of different backgrounds.
- Nov. 18: Santa Claus
- Nov. 25: Black Santa
- Dec. 2: Grinch
- Dec. 9: Santa Claus
- Dec. 16: Pancho Claus
- Dec. 23: Santa Claus
* Check discoverygreen.com/ice for the full schedule.
Cheap Skate Nights
Monday, Nov. 13 & 27; Dec. 4, 11 & 18; Jan. 22; 5 – 10 p.m.
On select Mondays this winter, glide around Green Mountain Energy Ice at Discovery Green for just $8 + tax per person (includes skate rental).
Skating Stars
Tuesdays, Nov. 14– Jan. 23; 7 – 7:15 p.m.
Sundays, Nov. 12 & 26; Dec. 3; Jan. 7, 14 & 28; 7 – 7:15 p.m.
Houston’s top figure skaters perform demonstrations. Get inspired by what’s possible when you practice on Green Mountain Energy Ice at Discovery Green!
We Love Houston Wednesdays – BOGO
Wednesdays, Nov. 15 – Jan. 24*; 5 – 10 p.m.
Slide through the mid-week blah’s by grabbing a friend and hitting the ice! Enjoy your favorite Houston-themed music. Houston themed clothing encouraged. Show your Houston love! Buy one admission and get another FREE!
*Not available Nov. 22, Dec. 27 or Jan. 3
College Student Discount Night
Thursdays, Nov. 16 – Jan. 25; 5 – 10 p.m.
On Thursday’s college students can show their current college ID to receive $2 off admission.
*Not available Dec. 21 or 28
Music Trends Through the Decades
Fridays, Nov. 17 – Jan. 26; 8 – 10 p.m.
Whether you remember exactly where you were when you heard your favorite song or you are experiencing it all for the first time, travel through the decades with some of the top hits!
- Nov. 17 and Jan. 5
1950’s: Rock ’N Roll, B-bop, Big Band, Country
- Nov. 24 and Jan. 12
1960’s: Motown, Rock ‘N Roll, and The British Invasion
- Dec. 1 and Jan. 19
1970’s: Disco, Motown, and R&B
- Dec. 8and Jan. 26
1980’s: Glam rock, Pop, Hip-Hop, Country
- Dec. 15
1990’s: Top Alternative, Rap, and Country
- Dec. 22
2000’s: Adult Contemporary and R&B
- Dec. 29
2010’s: EDM and Hip-Hop
Skate Party Saturdays
Saturdays, Nov. 18 – Jan. 27; 8 – 10 p.m.*
Listen to the coolest Top 40 pop hits while skating on the ice.
*Dec. 9, 8:30 – 10:30 p.m.
Special Skaters Sunday Night
Sundays, Nov. 19, Dec. 17 and Jan. 21; 6 – 9 p.m.
A welcoming environment for skaters with special physical or developmental challenges to enjoy the rink. Guests with special needs skate for free. Guests in non-motorized wheelchairs require a responsible adult to accompany them. Ice rink will close to the public at 5 p.m.
Learn more at discoverygreen.com/specialskaters.
The Details:
The ice rink may be closed at times due to weather conditions or private events.
Call 713.434.RINK (7465) for updates or check discoverygreen.com/ice.
Tickets:
$17 + tax, (skate rental included)
Cheap Skate Mondays: $8 + tax (skate rental included)
Sales support the Discovery Green Conservancy.
Discounts:
Green Mountain Energy Discounts
Employees and customers receive $2 discount. Proof of current billing or employee identification required for entry.
Bank of America Discounts
Customers and employees receive $2 discount. Proof of customer card, billing or employee identification required for entry.
First responders & Military
Receive $2 discount for up to 5 people; must show valid I.D.
Forever Green Members
Discovery Green members receive $2 discount. Proof of member card required for entry. Maximum 5 family members.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Fitness in the Park presented by One Medical
Hatha Yoga
Saturdays, Nov. 11 – Jan. 24*; 9 – 10 a.m.
A basic vinyasa yoga class for enhanced awareness and a strong, healthy body led by Andria Dugas. This Saturday class is a perfect way to start the weekend strong. Classes are free but registration is requested on site. Bring a towel and water, as well as a mat for yoga classes.
*No class Jan. 13.
Clase de Yoga Respiración Consciente y Meditación de Sonidos en Español
Mondays, Nov. 13 – January 29*; 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Esta clase ofrece prácticas de Yoga, Respiración y Meditación de Sonid a la comunidad latina e hispanohablante de Houston. Guiada por Natalia Uribe y Sebastián Romero seguida de un baño de sonido y meditación a cargo de Saumil Manek.
*No hay clase 25 de diciembre o 1 de enero.
Gentle Yoga Flow and Sound Meditation
Tuesdays, Nov. 14 – Jan. 29; 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Strengthen your body, relax your mind and find your center with this dynamic flow yoga and sound healing. Led by Farida Meguid with crystal sound bowls played by Saumil Manek.
Recycling Saturdays with Happy Earth Compost
Saturdays, Nov. 11– January 27*; 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Bring your sorted glass, paper, plastic and aluminum to a recycling station provided by the City of Houston. Happy Earth Compost will be at Discovery Green to pick up your compost free of charge. Compost can be carried in your own container — that you will then clean out and take home.
*No recycling Jan. 13
ENTERTAINMENT
Bank of America’s Screen on the Green
Enjoy a family movie under the stars in the city’s coolest park! Bring a blanket or lawn chairs for your comfort. Meals, snacks, beer, wine and sodas are available for purchase from The Lake House.
The Little Mermaid
Saturday, Nov. 11; 7 – 9 p.m.
Little Mermaid: Ariel, tells the musical story of a mermaid princess who is curious about all things human. (PG) 2023, 135m. cc Spanish
The Muppet Christmas Carol
Thursday, Dec. 21; 7 – 8:30 p.m.
The Muppets’ version of the Dickens holiday classic about a miser who’s visited by three ghosts features Kermit the Frog as the penny-pincher’s hardworking and loyal employee. (G) 1992, 85 min. cc English
The Nightmare Before Christmas
Thursday, Dec. 28; 7 – 8:15 p.m.
Bored with the same old scare-and-scream routine, Pumpkin King Jack Skellington longs to spread the joy of Christmas. But his merry mission puts Santa in jeopardy and creates a nightmare for good little boys and girls everywhere. (G) 1993, 76 min. cc Spanish
Flea by Night, presented by Green Mountain Energy
Saturdays, Nov. 18 and 25; Dec. 2, 9, & 16; 6 – 10 p.m.
Flea by Night is an open-air market featuring local artisans and small business owners selling vintage, handmade, recycled, repurposed and local goods. While you’re there enjoy “A Happy Houston Holiday” musical performance on Avenida Plaza from 6 – 8 p.m. Plus, plan to dine from a rotating roster of food trucks.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Carols on the Green with Houston Grand Opera: Songs of the Season
Saturday, Dec. 9; 7 – 8:30 p.m.
The beloved annual collaboration between Discovery Green and HGO presents music celebrating the rich cultures of our community, in addition to Hanukkah, Christmas, and the season, filling the night sky in Downtown Houston. The concert features music from local community ensembles and guest artists, as well as selections presented by the HGO Chorus, Butler Studio, and Bauer Family High School Voice Studio.
Lunar New Year
Sunday, Feb. 11; 5 – 7 p.m.
A Lunar New Year celebration featuring Lee’s Golden Dragon and other performers, crafts, and food vendors. Presented in partnership with Han Narea.
Rhythms & Reflections: Echoes of Black Legacy
Friday, Feb. 16; 7 – 10 p.m.
Flash Gordon Parks and Phillip Pyle II present a night of music and images celebrating Black History Month at Discovery Green. Flash Gordon Parks’ soundtrack features music by Black artists from Houston accompanied by a projection of historical images from Houston’s wards compiled by Phillip Pyle, II. Daisies and Pancakes, a roller-skating club that explores the Black cultural connection to roller skating in Houston, will also be on hand demonstrating grooves and moves on The Rink.
OTHER PUBLIC EVENTS
FIESTAS NAVIDENAS
Sunday, Dec. 3; 1 – 5 p.m.
Univision’s annual Holiday Celebration is upon us! Take the whole family to Discovery Green on Sunday, Dec. 3. We will have many gifts, the snow mountain, Christmas music and of course the photo with Santa for FREE!
facebook.com/events/discovery-green/fiestas-navideñas-de-univision-houston
2024 College Football Playoff National Championship
Sunday, January 7; TBD
The College Football Playoff National Championship comes to Houston for the first time ever! The Rose Bowl and Sugar Bowl champions battle at NRG Stadium in the national championship game. Shell Energy Stadium, a dynamic fan fest at the George R. Brown Convention Center, a 5 and 10k run in downtown Houston, and more.
We Are Houston Run Fest
Saturday, Jan. 13; 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 14; 7 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The Houston Marathon Weekend of Events, January 12-14, include activities for everyone in the family and all within a walkable distance from the hotels around the Discovery Green area. Note: street closures impact access and parking.
www.chevronhoustonmarathon.com
Afrobeats in America Festival
Saturday, Feb. 17; 2 – 10 p.m.
Afrobeats In America Festival is designed to celebrate the success of the genre. This is a ticketed event.
Tickets can be purchased at www.aiafestival.com
Everybody’s Favorite BBQ & Hot Sauce Festival
Friday, Feb. 23; 4 – 10 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 24; 1 – 10 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 25; 1 – 9 p.m.
Everybody’s Favorite BBQ & Hot Sauce Festival highlights the aroma of America’s best barbecue in a multi-cultural outdoor setting. The experience is sure to evoke a spirit of love, unity and memories among all those in attendance. Music featured includes Jazz, Blues, R&B, Country, Rock and Hip-Hop. This is a ticketed event.
Tickets can be purchased at www.everybodysfavoritefestival.com.
1500 McKinney St, Houston, TX 77010. www.discoverygreen.com/
