From Houston to Galveston, the Holiday Spirit is Upon Us Starting Now
Join in the festivities from CityCentre to Discovery Green and Moody Gardens in Galveston to get in the holiday spirit
CITYCENTRE is set to Glisten for the holidays on Saturday, November 18 from 12-9 pm.
The district’s annual lighting event in the plaza is presented by Sewell Cadillac and Texas Children’s Hospital – West Campus.
The scheduled lineup of activities is as follows:
12 – 5 PM: Santa will kickoff the festivities when he arrives in his Sewell Cadillac to spread holiday cheer and pose for pictures; help CITYCENTRE and Pines Presbyterian Church fill Santa’s Cadillac with new, unwrapped toys to be donated to Texas Children’s Hospital in exchange for a complimentary picture with Santa and a chance to win a pair of Kendra Scott earrings.
12 – 9 PM: There is a 100% chance for snow in the plaza; grab a sled and take a ride down the 5’ snow slides or build a snowman in the snow box.
1 and 3:30 PM: Open Door Mission will fill the plaza with classic Christmas carols.
4 – 6 PM: Sip and Shop – Toast to the season while supporting local non-profit, Meals on Wheels, in partnership with SWOON Memorial. For a $20 contribution, you will receive a commemorative wine glass, which will be filled free of charge with seasonal sips, including wine and specialty beverages, at participating CITYCENTRE retailers.
7 PM: A DJ will set the stage for the evening’s festivities, which begin with an exciting ice carving demonstration; Sewell Cadillac will keep you warm with delicious complimentary hot chocolate and apple cider.
8 PM: The countdown will begin to the evening’s anticipated lighting!
DISCOVERY GREEN® kicks off Winter Season with FROSTIVAL on Saturday, November 18
On Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017, from 6 to 10 p.m., Discovery Green kicks off its winter season with Frostival, a fun-filled evening that marks the opening of The ICE at Discovery Green powered by Green Mountain Energy and the debut of the temporary art installation Hello, Trees! A Walking Serenade by Daily tous les jours.
This annual park-wide celebration features a live performance by Bastrop-based blues/soul/funk band The Peterson Brothers; ice-carving battles featuring Reverend Butter; interactive ice sculptures; music from DJ Caps; a beer garden with an ice bar; and much more. The ice rink will open at 11 a.m. the morning of Frostival (weather permitting).
Guests who make a $20 contribution to the Discovery Green Conservancy will receive a hand-carved stein made of ice and a free craft beer or root beer from Saint Arnold Brewing Company. Advance donations are encouraged online at bit.ly/donatestein.
The event is free to attend. Please visit www.discoverygreen.com/frostival for additional information.
photos by Katya Horner
MOODY GARDENS launches opening of Festival of Lights and ICE LAND: Ice Sculptures, Rainforest Holiday and more
The mile-long Festival of Lights trail with over 100 lighted and animated displays is one of the eight holiday attractions at Moody Gardens for the Holiday Season.
Other attractions include ICE LAND: Ice Sculptures, Rainforest Holiday, Arctic Slide, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer 4D,” Cirque Joyeux Noel Dinner and Show at the Moody Gardens Convention Center, the area’s only outdoor ice skating rink, holiday movies in the MG 3D Theater and train rides.
“Festival of Lights has become a well-established tradition for families over the years,” said John Zendt, Moody Gardens President and CEO. “It is always a treat to watch children’s faces light up when Santa arrives. It’s wonderful to know that this event provides the opportunity for families to be able to create special memories.”
The Festival of Lights will continue to shine throughout the holiday season everyday through January 7. Hours run from 6-11 p.m.
Regular admission to the Festival of Lights is $15.95. Value Days, which are every Sunday through Thursday, November 12-December 14 (excluding Thanksgiving) offers guests the opportunity to enjoy the Festival of Lights and ICE LAND: Ice Sculptures, Rainforest Holiday while saving $5 per person.
There are also combo packages available letting guests make the most of their visit.
The Holiday Pass allows guests entrance into Festival of Lights, ICE LAND: Ice Sculptures, Rainforest Holiday, and an attraction of their choice after 4 p.m. Another option is the Evening Pass which allows guests admission to all Moody Gardens attractions after 4 p.m.
Food Drive Thursdays will also offer guests the opportunity to enjoy the Festival at a special discount in recognition of helping those in need this holiday season, especially in the wake of Hurricane Harvey. Guests can bring a non-perishable food item every Thursday throughout the Festival and receive a two-for-one admission into Festival of Lights. The food will be donated to the Galveston County and Houston Food Banks.
For more information please visit moodygardens.org/holiday_season or call 800-582-4673.
Featured photo & photos by Jerri Hamachek