The Woodlands Township welcomes the holiday season and one of its most popular traditions later this month with the opening of the Woodlands Ice Rink, along with a variety of winter festivities for the family.

The ice skating rink, at the corner of Lake Robbins and Six Pines drives, will be open for 60 days from Nov. 23 through Jan. 20, and it serves as the centerpiece for several events throughout the holiday season.

"The rink is a place for memories to be made," said Nick Wolda, director of community relations for The Woodlands Township and president of The Woodlands Convention and Visitors Bureau. "People want to enjoy their time off, and the rink provides that because it creates an exciting atmosphere for the holidays."

Along with ice skating, visitors can enjoy holiday celebrations centered around the rink, which opens on the same day.

The annual Lighting of the Doves Festival celebrates its 31st year and features live music, fireworks and an appearance from Santa Claus. The Lighting of the Doves is in conjunction with the International Winter on the Waterway Festival, a showcase of holiday traditions from around the world.

Visitors can also walk through a vibrant holiday lighting display in Winter Wonderland, featuring displays of elves, toy soldiers, angels and snowmen.

The rink features a 7,600-square-foot ice surface surrounded by decking with tables and concessions all in the midst of bright lights, Christmas trees and colorful holiday dcor. Wolda said the rink is popular for birthday parties, corporate events and other celebrations, making it a distinctive destination for visitors and residents around the holidays.

Visitors can participate in different themed nights during the week, such as "Bring a Friend Day," "Rockin' Skate Night" and "Hot Cocoa Day."

It is enthusiasm from the community that has made the rink a long-enduring tradition that has grown over years, Wolda said. Since opening 14 years ago, he said the rink has seen the number of skaters grow from 20,000 in 1999 to 50,000 in 2012.

"Part of what makes the rink so popular is that it is outdoors and one of the biggest in the surrounding area so people don't have to travel too far for entertainment," Wolda said. "Also, the rink is only available for a limited time. With all the festivities and events, people get more and more excited for the rink with the upcoming holidays."

The Woodlands Ice Rink, Six Pines and Lake Robbins drives, The Woodlands, 81-419-5630,www.thewoodlandscvb.com

Hours of operation, Mon.–Thu. 3–9 p.m., Fri. 3–11 p.m,

Sat. 10 a.m.–11 p.m., Sun. Noon–7 p.m.

Holiday hours, Nov. 28 1–9 p.m., Dec. 24 11 a.m.—6 p.m. ,Dec. 25 2–8 p.m., Dec. 31 Noon–1 a.m., Jan. 1 11 a.m.–9 p.m.