Residents and visitors can celebrate the holidays in The Woodlands area with family-friendly community events, such as craft activities and holiday concerts.

Holiday Helpings

Montgomery County Food Bank is holding its annual holiday food and funds drive, Holiday Helpings, formerly known as Stock the Sleigh. Residents, businesses and organizations are encouraged to participate by scanning a QR code on their website that allows direct donations to the Food Bank. Anyone interested can view the tool kit online to register.Lighting of the Doves

The Lighting of the Doves is a community tradition in The Woodlands that signifies the start of the holiday season with international stage performances, snow play areas, vendor booths, children’s activities, strolling entertainment, a special Santa Claus appearance on The Woodlands Waterway and a firework display.Photos with Santa

Santa Claus will be available for photos with children at Market Street throughout the holiday season. Reservations must be made online in advance.The Ice Rink at The Woodlands Town Center


The 21,000-square-foot ice rink at The Woodlands Town Center will be available for the holiday season and is offering party rink rentals and ice skating lessons.
  • Nov. 18-Jan. 15, skating and lesson times vary
  • $15 (per person ages 6 and up), $7 (children ages 5 and under)
  • The Ice Rink at The Woodlands Town Center, 2005 Lake Robbins Drive, The Woodlands
  • www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/icerink
The Sing Off

Market Street is holding its third annual sing-off with its holiday a cappella competition.MCCS holiday concert

Montgomery County Choral Society is presenting its choir winter concert with a variety of holiday classics.
  • Dec. 8, 7 p.m.
  • $5 (student), $20 (adult), $15 (senior)
  • First Methodist Conroe, 4308 W. Davis St., Conroe
  • www.mcchoral.org
Winter concert

Montgomery County Choral Society is presenting its choir winter concert with a variety of holiday classics.
  • Dec. 8, 7 p.m.
  • $5 (student), $20 (adult), $15 (senior)
  • First Methodist Conroe, 4308 W. Davis St., Conroe
  • www.mcchoral.org
Flashlight Candy Cane Hunts


The Woodlands Township is holding a candy cane hunt for children 5 years of age and older. The Terramont Park grounds will be filled with treats to hunt in the dark. There will be prizes awarded to the candy hunters who find the “golden” candy canes. Parents must accompany their children at no charge. Preregistration is required.
  • Dec. 8 and 15, 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. (Terramont Park); Dec. 21, 7 p.m. (The Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park)
  • $10 (resident), $15 (nonresident)
  • Terramont Park, 8500 Terramont Drive, The Woodlands; Rob Fleming Rec Center, 6464 Creekside Forest Drive, The Woodlands
  • www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/signupforfun
Milk and Cookies with Santa

Children ages 3-12 are invited to have milk and cookies with Santa, hear a Christmas story, decorate cookies and make a holiday craft. Preregistration is required.Donuts with Santa

This holiday event will have doughnuts, fruit, milk and coffee as well as a family craft. Preregistration is required.Gingerbread House Making with Santa

Participants ages 3 and older are invited to build and decorate a gingerbread house with gum drops, peppermints, frosting and other sweets. Children should be accompanied by a guardian. Preregistration is required.Elves and Arrows


This holiday event is designed for children ages 9 and older and includes an introduction to archery. The event will also have holiday games, cocoa and snacks. Preregistration is required.Jingle Boats

The Riva Row Boat House is hosting a gift-hunting event along the lower Woodlands Waterway. After the hunt, attendees can enjoy holiday treats at the boat house. This event is recommended for ages 10 and younger. Preregistration is required.
  • Dec. 16, 9-10 a.m.; Dec. 17, 9-10 a.m.; Dec. 20, 3-4 p.m. and 4:30-5:30 p.m.
  • $45 per kayak (includes admission for two and present for one child)
  • Riva Row Boat House, 2101 Riva Row, The Woodlands
  • www.rivarowboathouse.com
Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt

Children ages 4 and older are invited to an Elf Hunt through the Rob Fleming Recreation Center's forested trails. Hunters will be given a trail map, scavenger hunt and educational signage. Preregistration is required.
  • Dec. 16, 11 a.m.
  • $20 (resident), $25 (nonresident) (family of four, $5 per additional family member)
  • The Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park,Treehouse 1, 6464 Creekside Forest Drive The Woodlands
  • www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/signupforfun
Editor's note: This story was updated to include additional events.