Thoroughly thunderous Thursday – holiday happenings in The Woodlands might be threatened but won’t be dampened

THE WOODLANDS, TX – For those of you who have bemoaned the unseasonably warm weather these past few weeks, you might be regretting what you wished for; later this week, the temperatures are going to plummet and there’s a strong chance of strong thunderstorms.

While ordinarily the shift to decidedly winterlike weather would be more welcome, the storms are expected to be their strongest on Thursday, which historically is chock full of holiday happenings kicking off the season for The Woodlands.

Among the Yuletide events that kick off this Thursday evening are the Lighting of the Tree at Market Street, the VIP Preview Party at the Ice Rink, and the Junior League of The Woodlands’ Holiday Market Preview Party at the Marriott. Add to that the extension into the weekend of the Junior League Holiday Market, the Festival of Lights, the Holiday on the Waterway celebration, and the annual Lighting of the Doves.

Perhaps Santa will come early with the gift of holding off the storms until after the weekend – not unheard of with long-range forecasts where the weather changes more often and more quickly than the tires on a Formula 1 racetrack – and we at Woodlands Online are keeping our fingers crossed that the events planned for Thursday and beyond go off without a hitch. However, though we’re listing them for you here ‘as is,’ you’ll want to keep up to date with us should alternate arrangements be called for.

Most likely to continue unabated on Thursday is one of The Woodlands’ most anticipated holiday events – the Oh What Fun: Holiday Market Preview Party, taking place at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center from 7:30 - 10:30 p.m. This preview of the upcoming Junior League Holiday Market is an exclusive evening of celebration, shopping, and seasonal cheer right in the heart of The Woodlands. Dress in your festive cocktail attire – chic, holiday-inspired, and ready to shine – and enjoy early access with one General Admission ticket to Thursday’s Holiday Market, two signature drink tickets, and elevated seasonal bites to enjoy throughout the evening.

Bret Strong and his crew at The Strong Firm P.C. fully expect you to be sheltered from the rain at the exclusive VIP Preview Party for The Ice Rink that they are sponsoring yet again. Guests will enjoy a family-friendly preview of the rink – situated right next door to the main entrance of The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion – from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. You’re invited to kick off the holiday season with skating, a variety of hors d’oeuvres and beverages catered by Wicked Whisk, live music performed by Louis Adams Diaz, face painting, balloon art, a photo booth, and a special performance on the ice. Additionally, All proceeds from ticket sales and additional collected donations will go 100% to YES to YOUTH - Montgomery County Youth Services.

Possibly in danger of being rescheduled is the Lighting of the Tree at Market Street, but we know that, rain or no, the crew at the Street will have some major festivities planned. We highly doubt that a little rain will keep away the hundreds of people who come each year to witness the unveiling of its stunning 70-foot Christmas tree – a dazzling spectacle of more than 25,000 synchronized twinkling lights and festive holiday music at Central park. The JoiLux band will entertain attendees with a mix of high energy, Top 40, and classic hits from 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. Market Street tenants will also be participating, adding surprise and delights throughout the evening. Special guests at this year’s celebration will include Glinda and Elphaba from “Wicked”, Elsa, Olaf, the Grinch, Cindy Lou Who, Martha May Whovier and Santa’s elves, in addition to balloon artists, face painters and other roaming performers.

On Friday and Saturday, you can enjoy indoor holiday shopping fun at the annual Junior League Holiday Market in The Woodlands at the Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center. This festive Holiday Market brings together local boutiques, unique gifts, seasonal decor, and holiday ornaments – perfect for checking off your gift list early (and maybe treating yourself too). To add to the holiday spirit, all proceeds support programs in food insecurity, teen empowerment, and support for women, children, and families throughout North Harris and Montgomery County.

With luck, the Friday night skies will be clear and you can join Woodlands Church for a heartwarming and illuminating Christmas celebration with the Festival of Lights event, where you can experience the joy and wonder of the season through radiant displays of lights. They have added an exciting new Winter Wonderland snow area, lots of fun for everyone. But even if the rain has other ideas, this gorgeous spectacle lasts through the rest of the year.

The same holds true for Holiday on The Waterway. This all-ages, enchanting light trail that transforms the heart of The Woodlands into a glowing winter wonderland is scheduled to open this Friday, but even if the opening is delayed, you’ll have more than a month to check it out in person, where you can stroll along the Waterway from Town Green Park to The Woodlands Waterway Marriott, enjoying twinkling light tunnels, oversized ornaments, illuminated snowflakes, and festive photo spots on both sides of the path.

Our final event planned to kick off the holiday season in style for the weekend is the annual and venerated The Lighting of the Doves festival, a long-standing tradition in The Woodlands that features traditional and international stage performances, vendor booths, children’s activities and strolling entertainment. Adding to the festivities at the event this year is a special booth sponsored by i-Window Remodeling at Town Green Park. At their booth will be prizes, giveaways, and exclusive event discounts from i-Window. They’ll feature live performances, snow areas for kids, a visit from Santa, fireworks, and more as you also learn about energy-efficient windows and doors from 3:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Again, Woodlands Online is on top of the shifting weather patterns and will keep you updated on possible changes to the Township’s holiday schedule.