Holiday Events Announced

26th Annual Lighting of the DovesTM, International Winter On The Waterway^TM, The Ice Rink^TM at The Woodlands Town Center and Donoho’s Jewellers Winter Wonderland^TM Highlight Festivities

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- The largest seasonal outdoor ice skating rink in the Southwest, a 100-foot-long snow hill, live entertainment including Hayes Carll and Grupo Batachá, spectacular fireworks, dancing, delicious food from all over the world and Santa Claus himself will all be a part of this year’s holiday festivities in The Woodlands Town Center.

The Woodlands is the ultimate destination for holiday fun with the 26th Annual Lighting of the Doves, International Winter On The Waterway (iWOW), The Ice Rink at The Woodlands Town Center and Donoho’s Jewellers Winter Wonderland.

26th Annual Lighting of the Doves

The 26th Annual Lighting of the Doves on Saturday, November 22 officially kicks off the 2008 holiday season. This year’s festival will be highlighted by Santa’s grand entrance just after 7 p.m. from The Woodlands Waterway followed by an amazing fireworks display.

Sponsored by The Community Associations of The Woodlands and The Woodlands Development Company, this fantastic festival of lights, live music by Hayes Carll, dancing and great food will take place at Town Green Park, 2099 Lake Robbins Drive, from 3 p.m. – 9 p.m. Admission to the festival is free.

Interactive booths and games, including a children’s area presented by The Woodlands Children’s Museum, will be featured at the festival along with a 100-foot-long snow hill kids of all ages can enjoy. Snow hill rides are $3 each for all riders. Santa will make his grand entrance in a dazzling, decorated boat from along The Woodlands Waterway. D&D Collision is proud to sponsor this one-of-a-kind arrival.

Performances on the Celebration Stage, sponsored by CB&I, and the Festival Stage, sponsored by Woodforest National Bank, include Hayes Carll, Boni’s Dance Studio, A Tuba Christmas, D.R.U.M and Martin Burneston’s Christmas Sing Along.

International Winter On The Waterway (iWOW)

The 2008 holiday season will include a colorful festival with international flavor. iWOW will take place Saturday, Nov. 22 from 3 p.m. – 9 p.m. Admission to the festival is free.

The idea for iWOW was conceived by community leaders looking to create an event that celebrates the diversity of The Woodlands. Today, 92 nationalities are represented by residents in the community according to Interfaith of The Woodlands. iWOW, with its “street fair” atmosphere, will showcase the holiday traditions from Japan, Panama, Colombia, Israel, United States and a myriad of other countries at exhibits along the banks of The Woodlands Waterway. Sample their foods; take part in their dancing, crafts, music and more. There will also be a children’s area presented by Xploration Station.

Performers on the International Stage, sponsored by CB&I, and throughout the festival include McTeggart Irish dancers, Prya Umesh Indian dancers, Grupo Batachá, Ballet Folklorico Azteca, Chilean Folklife, The Woodlands Flamenco Dancers, and Yosakoi – The Woodlands High School Japanese Dancers, and much more.

Other iWOW sponsors include AeroMexico and Silver Eagle Distributors.

Ice Rink at The Woodlands Town Center and Donoho’s Jewellers Winter Wonderland

The Ice Rink at The Woodlands Town Center, sponsored by Jaguar Houston North and Land Rover Houston North, will open daily beginning Nov. 22. The largest seasonal outdoor ice rink in the Southwest will be open through Jan. 19, 2009. A special pre-opening is scheduled for Nov. 15 and 16.

Located along The Woodlands Waterway® at Six Pines Drive, The Ice Rink is open Monday through Thursday, 3 p.m. – 9 p.m.; Friday, 3 p.m. – 11 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.; and Sunday, noon until 7 p.m. Tickets are $9.50 (including skate rentals) for adults and children over five. Tickets for children five and under are $5 (including skate rentals).

Visitors can also pick up a Buy One Get One Free ice skate coupon at Fidelity Investments located at 1701 Lake Robbins Drive.

On Saturday, Nov. 22, National Charity League members will present a free day pass to skaters with a donation of a toy valued at $10 or more before 6 p.m.

The Donoho’s Jewellers Winter Wonderland features illuminated holiday scenes and storybook displays surrounding The Ice Rink. Visitors can wander through the fantasyland of magical, lighted toy soldiers, elves, doves, musical angels and snowmen from dusk until 11 p.m. beginning Nov. 22 through Jan. 5, 2009.

During International Winter On The Waterway and Lighting of the Doves, visitors can take a stroll down the luminary-lighted pathway along Lake Robbins Drive and Six Pines Drive to experience both the Donoho’s Jewellers Winter Wonderland and The Ice Rink at The Woodlands Town Center. Interfaith of The Woodlands will donate the luminaries used for this pathway.

Additional sponsors who help brighten the holidays in The Woodlands include: Mellisa Ray Insurance Agency, Inc., St. Luke’s The Woodlands Hospital, Consolidated Communications, Cinemark, The Strong Firm, P.C., Texas Home Theaters, Wright’s Printing, Hodges Collision Center, Oaks Medical Center, Coca-Cola, Shankz Black Light Miniature Golf, The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center, Sunny 99.1, The Courier, The Villager and ReviewIt Magazine.

Parking for all festivities on Saturday, Nov. 22 is $5 in the Town Center Parking Garage located on Six Pines Drive, adjacent to The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. Free parking is available at the Green, Yellow and Orange lots on Timberloch Place. Or, park free at the Town Center Garage by presenting an unwrapped toy donation of $10 value or more for the Interfaith Holiday Toy Drive.

For more information on all holiday events, please visit the Web site below.