December
09-Jan. 20 Ice skate at Town Center
The Ice Rink at The Woodlands Town Center is available for use until Jan. 20. The rink features skating in a main room with lighting, a sound system, and tables for parties and concessions. $5-$6 (child), $10.50-$12-50 (adult). The Woodlands Town Center, 2005 Lake Robbins Drive, The Woodlands. 281-419-5630. www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov
09 Visit a library open house
The George and Cynthia Woods Mitchell Library hosts a holiday open house with an appearance from Santa Claus. All ages are welcome at the event, and refreshments will be provided. 5-7 p.m. Free. George and Cynthia Woods Mitchell Library, 8125 Ashlane Way, The Woodlands. 936-442-7728. www.countylibrary.org
12 Join a Jingle and Mingle
Oak Ridge North residents can meet with the mayor and City Council at the Jingle and Mingle reception. 6 p.m. Free. Oak Ridge North City Hall, 27424 Robinson Road, Oak Ridge North. 281-292-4648. www.oakridgenorth.com
13 Listen to the Holiday Brass Extravaganza
Glade Cultural Center is hosting the second annual Holiday Brass Extravaganza featuring The Woodlands Symphony Brass Section, directed by lead trumpeter Darryl Bayer. This year’s event includes a social hour prior to the concert with an a la carte bar menu and curated holiday beverages. 7 p.m. $25-$45. Glade Cultural Center, 2000 Woodlands Parkway, The Woodlands. 832-557-8781. www.gladeculturalcenter.com
13-14 Make gingerbread houses
The Woodlands Children’s Museum hosts a visit from Mrs. Claus for a workshop on making gingerbread houses. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $5. The Woodlands Children’s Museum, 4775 W. Panther Creek Drive, Ste. 280, The Woodlands. 281-465-0955. www.woodlandschildrensmuseum.org
14 Celebrate winter
The Howard Hughes Corp. hosts its annual Winter Wonderland celebration with a variety of activities, music, photos with Santa, a petting zoo and inflatables. 1-5 p.m. Free. Creekside Park Village Green, 26400 Kuykendahl Road, The Woodlands. www.thewoodlands.com/winterwonderland
14 Run for charity
The Arthritis Foundation hosts its annual festive Jingle Bell Run with teams and individuals participating to raise money to combat arthritis. 8:15 a.m. $40. The Aquatic Center at Rob Fleming Park, 6535 Creekside Forest Drive, The Woodlands. 843-709-6748. www.arthritis.org
15 Bake treats at the North Pole Bakery
Children can decorate cookies and other treats at the Bear Branch Recreation Center. Attendees will also decorate a holiday apron and take pictures with Santa. The event is for ages 3-12. 1-2:30 p.m. $20 (resident), $25 (nonresident). Bear Branch Recreation Center, 5310 Research Forest Drive, The Woodlands. 281-210-3950. www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov
17 Attend Discovery Day
The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce holds Discovery Day as orientation for chamber members. Attendees are introduced to staff, treated to a complimentary breakfast and learn about the chamber. Online reservations are required by noon on Dec. 16. 8 a.m. Free. The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce, 9320 Lakeside Blvd., Ste. 200, The Woodlands. 281-367-5777. www.woodlandschamber.org
18 Go for a fun run at the Westin
The Westin at The Woodlands hosts a free fun run and walk. Run Westin Run concierge Sandra Huskey will lead participants on a guided course along The Woodlands Waterway. A 2-mile walk and 5K run are available as event options. Participants can play fitness trivia for a chance to win prizes, and complimentary coffee will be provided following the run. 6 a.m. Free. The Westin at The Woodlands, 2 Waterway Square Place, The Woodlands. 281-419-4300. www.marriott.com
20 Attend the Stagg Bowl
Tickets to the 67th Stagg Bowl Football Championship include admission to the game and entrance into the Stagg Bowl FanFest from 3-6 p.m. 5:30 p.m. $30. Woodforest Bank Stadium, 19115 David Memorial Drive, Shenandoah. www.shenandoahtx.us/340/2019-stagg-bowl
20-21 See 'The Nutcracker'
The annual performance of “The Nutcracker” ballet is presented by Woodlands Ballet Theatre. 7 p.m. $7.50-$15. Nancy Bock Center for the Performing Arts, McCullough Junior High School, 3800 S. Panther Creek Drive, The Woodlands. 281-789-8170. www.woodlandsballettheatre.com
21Learn archery with holiday helpers
Children can learn the basics of archery with a holiday twist at The Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park. The event is divided into two classes, with the first being instructional for beginners and the second including holiday games. Hot cocoa and snacks are provided. Age 9 and up. 2:30-3:30 p.m. $30 (resident), $40 (nonresident). The Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park, 6464 Creekside Forest Drive, The Woodlands. 281-516-7348. www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov
24-25 Offices close for the holidays
The Woodlands Township, Shenandoah and Oak Ridge North offices are closed in observance of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Regular hours will resume Dec. 26. www.oakridgenorth.com. www.shenandoahtx.com.
www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov
31 Bring the kids to a New Year’s Eve party
Families can celebrate the new year at The Woodlands Children’s Museum. Guests can take part in activities such as a balloon drop. 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. $5 (member), $10 (nonmember). The Woodlands Children’s Museum, 4775 W. Panther Creek Drive, Ste. 280, The Woodlands. 281-465-0955. www.woodlandschildrensmuseum.org
January
01 Take the polar bear plunge
Visitors can join an annual tradition of jumping into The Woodlands Resort Oasis pool on the first day of the year. Drinks such as Bloody Marys, mimosas and hot cider are available for purchase at the hotel bar, and The Bistro restaurant will be open. The event is open to the community. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. The Woodlands Resort, 2301 North Millbend Drive, The Woodlands. 281-367-1100. www.thewoodlandsresort.com
02 Learn about composting
Attendees can begin the new year by learning a new skill at a free composting class. A drawing is held in every class for a free composting bin and other prizes. 10-11 a.m. Free. The Woodlands Township Parks and Recreation Department, 8203 Millennium Forest Drive, The Woodlands. 281-210-3800. www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov
This article ran in the December 2019 edition of The Woodlands. Read the full e-edition here.
