The Woodlands is a magical place to enjoy a Texas winter. With lots of amazing events and festive sites located close by; there is always something to do for you and the family. From the graceful athletic activities offered at The Woodlands Ice Rink to the always cheerful Christmas décor offered just a short drive away in Old Town Spring and the fantastic Christmas concerts by the likes of Wynonna offered at Dosey Doe – The Big Barn. While we are still lacking the normal level of Christmas Events during this unprecedented year, we can still finish 2020 off with wonder and excitement! So, get out and explore what Winter in The Woodlands has to offer!
Location 1: The Woodlands Ice Rink
Skating enthusiasts can glide into the season while the rest just try to stay upright; nevertheless, fun can be had every day through January 18th at The Woodlands Ice Rink. The 21,000-square-foot multipurpose facility opened its doors on November 20th for the season with joyful lighting, a state-of-the-art sound system, table, and concessions.
Located adjacent to the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, the rink is open Monday to Thursday from 3 to 9 p.m., Friday from 3 to 11 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 7 p.m. The Ice Rink is open during special holiday hours on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, and school holidays.
Operations have been modified throughout the facility to accommodate more stringent cleaning procedures and provide social distancing for guests in accordance with CDC guidelines and local orders. All visitors will be screened prior to entry and temperature checked. Masks are required for entry but may be removed when skating. Ice Rink guests should practice social distancing, refrain from gathering in large groups and continue following all guidelines established by the CDC when in public spaces and around others outside of your household.
Admission for a two-hour skate session ranges from $12.50 to $17.50. Children 5 and under are $6. All prices include skate rental. Helmet and walker (children’s skate trainer) rentals are also available for an additional cost. Observer-only fees range from free to $2.
Table rentals and reservations are available. The Ice Rink also offers skate lessons. For rental information, reservations, skate lessons, or other details, please email icerink@spectrumfcs.com.
Produced by The Woodlands Township Parks and Recreation Department, The Ice Rink at The Woodlands Town Center is sponsored by Market Street, The Strong Firm and The Howard Hughes Corporation.
For information, advance reservations and other details, please visit www.thewoodlandsicerink.com, call The Ice Rink at 281-419-5630, or email icerink@spectrumfcs.com. Reservations are encouraged for the best pricing.
Location 2: Old Town Spring
The 40th Annual Old Town Spring Home for the Holidays will be every weekend until Christmas. The hometown holiday festival features a spectacular display of twinkling holiday lights, entertainment, family-friendly activities, and photos with Santa every weekend! Mark your calendar and come discover this “Texas-style winter wonderland” during the holiday season.
During previous years, the holidays have come alive with the Spirit of the Season as visitors have enjoyed holiday lights, horse-drawn wagon rides through town, and a petting zoo for children to enjoy and strolling entertainers. This year will be a bit different however the festivities continue as the Horse-drawn carriages are still offering free rides around the decorative small town taking you back in time. Additionally, two Santa mailing stations have been set up for children to send their secret wishes off to Santa with his own dedicated mailboxes.
The shops and boutiques offer a variety of local unique holiday gift ideas and perfect treasures for everyone on your shopping list.
Location 3: Dosey Doe – The Big Barn
Hunting for some live entertainment you can enjoy in a fabulous location; you must check out Dosey Doe – The Big Barn. The 165 year old Kentucky tobacco barn will be festooned in twinkling lights inviting you in to have a bite to eat and hear great acts like Wynonna and the Big Noise, Annie Moses, Tab Benoit, The Gatlin Brothers and others!
The Acoustics in The Big Barn, are created with 300 to 600-year-old growth oak and birch massive beams. Many artists that play here are astounded by the quality of sound in the venue. Filled with Americana artifacts from the late 1800s to the early 1900s, there is plenty to see.
Entrees are scratch made based on the season and special offerings of the purveyors with the type of music of the night in mind. They offer meals that would be the reason by itself to visit; however, on top of great eats you are also getting nationally recognized artists from around the world. The presentation is note-worthy, and the creations are featured in several cookbooks from Canada to Texas.
Nationally recognized artists from around the world no dominate the calendar here: from Jerry Jeff Walker to The Rippingtons, Dave Mason to Lee Roy Parnell, Clint Black to Bela Fleck, Leon Russell to Spyro Gyra, Steve Wariner to Hayes Carll, Roger Creager to Mel Tillis, Manhattan Transfer to Gallagher... up very close and personal. Most artists will stay to have photos taken and give autographs after the show. Many very rarely do it anywhere but here and almost everyone says it is one of their favorite rooms to play.
Dosey Does is a completely magical experience. Your hands touching the hand-hewn 2000lb barn beams, your eyes filled with art, artifacts, and signage from a simpler time, your taste buds excited from salad to dessert, and music so pure - up close and personal... all designed to "Take You Away" . It is a place where memories are made. No need to run from the restaurant to music hall, as here you have it all.
Dosey Doe – The Big Barn Event Schedule and ticket information can be found at doseydoe.com