Lighting of the Doves unites The Woodlands

By: Kim Kyle Morgan, Woodlands Online

| Published 11/08/2016

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THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- The moment the doves light up is undoubtedly breathtaking and memorable.

What you may not know is the 34 years of history behind The Woodlands annual Lighting of the Doves.

It began in 1982 when Ed Lee, then the president of The Woodlands Corporation, was on a trip to Hong Kong. Lee saw giant displays of various animals bathed in white lights, but it was the doves that caught his eye – so much so, he brought the idea home to Montgomery County.

That first year, three doves – known as symbols of peace – lit up a very small portion of The Woodlands.

This year, 38 figurine doves, from Harper's Landing to Town Green Park, will be adorned with white lights.

"Lighting of the Doves is a tradition that has carried on through the years," said Nick Wolda, director of community relations at The Woodlands Township, and president of The Woodlands Convention and Visitors Bureau. "It celebrates the beginning of the holiday season, and brings with it a message of peace – and that's certainly a good thing these days."

As The Woodlands continues to grow, so does the Lighting of the Doves, with an event that now draws thousands of residents from across town.

This year's event begins Saturday Nov. 19 at 3 p.m. at Town Green Park and includes displays that showcase a variety of holiday traditions celebrated around the world. There will also be snow play areas, vendor booths, children's activities and strolling entertainers.

All 38 doves will light up at the same time, around 7:30 p.m., followed with Santa arriving by sleigh down The Woodlands Waterway, and a fireworks show.

Lighting of the Doves also ushers in the opening of the new ice rink.

"This is one of the longest running traditions in The Woodlands," Wolda said. "It's important to protect that history and continue this special event."

Where the doves are: