The holiday season is about to shine a little brighter in The Woodlands as Market Street prepares to welcome families for weeks of festive celebrations, shopping and community traditions.

Visits with Santa, holiday entertainment and an open-air setting reminiscent of a holiday movie transform Market Street into more than a place to check off Christmas shopping lists.

Kicking off with its annual tree-lighting ceremony Nov. 19, the shopping and dining destination invites visitors to explore exciting new retailers, enjoy a meal with loved ones and experience the magic of the season in the heart of The Woodlands.

How is Market Street celebrating the holidays in The Woodlands?

The 19th Annual Tree Lighting begins at 6 p.m. with live music, face painting, festive characters and family-friendly entertainment. More than 25,000 multicolored lights will illuminate the 70-foot Christmas tree after sunset, twinkling in sync with holiday music.

The following day, Nov. 20, visitors can begin taking photos with Santa in a brand-new holiday set design. Throughout Market Street, festive decorations and holiday-themed photo opportunities will offer even more picture-perfect backdrops for families to capture memories.

Santa Claus holds a gloved finger to his lips beside a decorated garland near an outdoor fountain.

Transformed by twinkling lights, green garlands, gift bows and colorful ornaments, Market Street provides a warm and welcoming atmosphere for bringing people together this season.

“The holidays are such a special time at Market Street. From our annual Tree Lighting to visits with Santa and all the festive decorations, we love seeing families come together and make memories that become part of their holiday traditions. It’s really about creating a place where our community can enjoy the season together,” said John Pearson, Marketing Director at Market Street.

Crowds gather at night by a giant lit Christmas tree and Market Street theater during a holiday event.

What holiday events will take place at Market Street?

Market Street will host a variety of community performances from local students, choirs and musicians beginning Thanksgiving weekend and continuing through Christmas.

On Dec. 10, local high school a cappella groups will come together for a spirited competition at the sixth annual Sing Off from 6:30–8:30 p.m. in Market Street's Central Park.

Visitors are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs, enjoy hot cocoa and Christmas treats, and cheer on the performers as they compete for the title of Sing-Off Champion.

A group of people stands on stage and the people in the center hold a giant check for the winners of the Sing Off competition

Market Street's Change for Charity program, which directs a portion of parking revenue toward local charitable initiatives, supports the event. Every participating Sing Off school group receives a donation to support its program, with an additional grand prize awarded to the winner.

Change for Charity also supports three local nonprofit organizations annually, reflecting Market Street's ongoing commitment to giving back to The Woodlands.

“One of the things we’re most proud of is the impact Change for Charity has made over the years. By directing a portion of our parking revenue to local nonprofits and dedicating the final quarter to high school music programs, we’re able to give back to the community that continues to support Market Street,” Pearson said.

What new stores are open at Market Street in The Woodlands?

Alongside its seasonal celebrations, Market Street has welcomed several new retailers in the last 12 months, giving shoppers even more options for holiday gifts and personal shopping.

Outdoor shopping plaza at dusk with people seated under a pergola, neon Market Street sign and lit buildings.

Recent additions include David Yurman, Pink Chicken, gorjana, LoveShackFancy, Le Labo and Sephora.

More shopping destinations are on the way, including Aritzia, expected to open Nov. 19 with grand opening festivities planned through the weekend, and Alice + Olivia, slated to open in mid-December.

Make holiday traditions at Market Street

Whether guests are continuing a beloved family tradition or starting a new one, Market Street invites The Woodlands residents to celebrate the season and make lasting memories with loved ones.

Explore upcoming holiday events, shopping and dining opportunities at www.shopatmarketstreet.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the annual tree-lighting ceremony take place at Market Street?

The annual tree-lighting ceremony at Market Street is scheduled for Nov. 19. The celebration is set to begin at 6 p.m. and will feature live music, face painting, festive characters and family-friendly entertainment.

The event will culminate with the illumination of Market Street's 70-foot Christmas tree when the sun sets.

When can visitors start taking photos with Santa at Market Street?

Visitors can begin taking photos with Santa on Nov. 20, the day after the tree-lighting ceremony. The photos will be taken in a brand-new holiday set design. In suite 630, between Madewell and Omega.

Throughout Market Street, families will also find festive decorations and holiday-themed photo opportunities to use as backdrops for capturing memories.

When and where will the annual Sing Off competition be held?

The sixth annual Sing Off competition will take place Dec. 10 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in Central Park at Market Street.

The event features local high school a cappella groups competing for the title of Sing-Off Champion. Visitors are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs to enjoy the performances.

Which new retailers have recently opened or are planning to open at Market Street?

Market Street has recently welcomed several new retailers, including David Yurman, Pink Chicken, gorjana, LoveShackFancy, Le Labo and Sephora.

Additional shopping destinations are scheduled to open soon. Aritzia is expected to open on Nov. 19 with grand opening festivities continuing through the weekend, and Alice + Olivia is slated to open in mid-December.