Where Every Tradition Shines Bright
November 22 to January 4The Woodlands Waterway is located at 31 Waterway Square Place in The Woodlands, Texas.
Check out The Woodlands Waterway® this holiday season and step into a magical wonderland of lights. Enjoy a free and interactive light experience featuring more than one million twinkling lights that create the perfect setting for family photos and treasured memories.
Wear your walking shoes and enjoy a dazzling light trail along The Waterway as every path, bridge and reflection sparkles with wonder.
During your Holiday on The Waterway visit, lace up your skates and make lasting memories with family and friends at our indoor ice rink.
Plenty of glowing photo-ops at every turn—light tunnels, sparkling arches, water reflections—making your holiday snapshots unforgettable.
Plan Your Holiday StrollPlan ahead for Holiday on The Waterway. Choose your parking spot, then park once and ride the Town Center Trolley to enjoy the holiday sights.
Parking
Paid and free public parking are available at several Township-owned garages, lots and along the street within The Woodlands Town Center.
Convenient options close to Holiday on The Waterway include:
Town Center Garage at 2005 Lake Robbins Drive, located near The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
Waterway Square Garage at 1505 Lake Robbins Drive, directly next to Waterway Square
Orange Lot at 2204 Timberloch Place, just off Grogan’s Mill Road near the Riva Row Boat House.
DO NOT park at Market Street as those spaces are reserved for Market Street customers.
Trolleys
The free Town Center Trolley is a convenient way to see all the lights during your Holiday on The Waterway visit.
Visitors can park once and enjoy a festive ride to several nearby destinations. Regular stops include:
The Woodlands Mall with easy access to shopping and dining
Market Street for upscale shops and restaurants
Waterway Square at the heart of the holiday lights
Hughes Landing along Lake Woodlands with more dining and entertainment
Rides are first-come, first-served, and peak hours from 6 to 8 p.m. can be very busy, so plan to ride earlier or later.
Download our Holiday on The Waterway brochure and map to help guide your visit. The digital guide includes locations for featured lights, festive displays and activities, along with helpful tips to make your walk more enjoyable. Keep it handy on your phone as you explore The Waterway this season.
Lighting of the DovesThe Woodlands Township invites residents to the Lighting of the Doves Festival on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at Town Green Park, 2099 Lake Robbins Drive, from 3 to 8 p.m.
The Lighting of the Doves Festival is a long-standing tradition in The Woodlands that signifies the start of the holiday season in the community. Symbolizing peace during the holidays, the ceremonial illumination of the giant doves has attracted thousands of visitors each year.
The Festival includes traditional and international performances, showcasing the cultural diversity of The Woodlands and holiday traditions celebrated around the world. Featuring snow play areas, vendor booths, children’s activities and strolling entertainment, Lighting of the Doves culminates with a special appearance by Santa Claus arriving by sleigh down The Woodlands Waterway and a dazzling fireworks display.
Holiday Adventure AwaitsMake the most of your holiday in The Woodlands with more ways to play.
Glide across the ice, paddle a swan boat, or test your skills on the aerial ropes course at Texas TreeVentures.
The Ice Rink
Enjoy the season at The Ice Rink in The Woodlands. Skate with family and friends indoors and make memories together.
Boat House
Set out from Riva Row Boat House for a magical swan boat ride. Cruise The Waterway and take in the holiday lights from the water.
Texas TreeVentures
Take holiday fun to new heights at Texas TreeVentures. Climb and balance through the trees for an adventure you will never forget.
Visit The WoodlandsMake The Woodlands part of your holiday tradition. Plan your trip with Visit The Woodlands and enjoy a seasonal getaway filled with sparkling lights, festive shopping and family fun. From strolling through Holiday on The Waterway to finding the perfect gift at Market Street or The Woodlands Mall, your holiday memories begin here.
Book Your StayBook your hotel in The Woodlands to stay close to The Ice Rink, entertainment, dining and all the magic of Holiday on The Waterway.
Vendor ConcessionsWe will offer limited concessions on select days throughout the holiday season as part of Holiday on The Waterway. Vendors will be located near the South Plaza entrance by the Cynthia Woods Mitchel Pavilion.
DonutNV
Sunday, November 23, 2025
Friday, November 28, 2025
Sunday, November 30, 2025
Friday, December 5, 2025
Saturday, December 6, 2025
Sunday, December 7, 2025
Friday, December 12, 2025
Saturday, December 13, 2025
Sunday, December 14, 2025
Friday, December 19, 2025
Saturday, December 20, 2025
Thursday, December 25, 2025
Friday, December 26, 2025
Saturday, December 27, 2025
Sunday, December 28, 2025
Friday, January 2, 2026
Saturday, January 3, 2026
Sunday, January 4, 2026
French Corner
Saturday, November 29, 2025
Sunday, December 21, 2025
Galexy Conessions
Wednesday, December 24, 2025