In between all the festive bars, markets, and seasonal eating, it’s important to get a little exercise in between. Indoor, outdoor, and everywhere in between: here are the best holiday-themed ice rinks in Houston to skate this season.
1. Discovery Green
Discovery Green has brought their iconic outdoor ice rink back for the holiday season. From now until Sunday, January 29, Discovery Green is hosting public skates at the foot of Houston’s skyline. Themed nights, special events, and surrounding festivities make Discovery Green a must-visit this season!
2. The Galleria
With only a few weeks left before Santa comes, you could do him a solid by getting a jump start on things. While online shopping has its perks, if you want the experience to be extra festive, cruise down to Galleria Houston where the lights are twinkling, the ice rink is glimmering, and the holiday tree is standing tall!
3. Moody Gardens
Moody Gardens’s iconic Ice Land sculpture festival is annual holiday tradition that takes place in Galveston. After a two-year hiatus, the festival is back to fill the Houston area with holiday joy. In addition to the sculptures, the yuletide event features a variety of other seasonal fun including a sleigh slide, train rides, ice skating rink, and entire rooms made of ice.Moody Gardens will also reprise its annual Festival of Lights. Here, visitors can stroll through over two million twinkling lights while enjoying sights of Galveston Bay, concession areas, s’mores by the fire, hot chocolate, and other festive bites.
4. Santa’s Wonderland
If there were ever a North Pole in the Houston area, it’d be Santa’s Wonderland in College Station. The festive compound features extravagant amounts of yuletide entertainment. Featured holiday activities include a spectacle of lights, gingerbread village, snow playground, live music, and boundless merriment for the whole family. Santa’s Wonderland is designated in distinct areas: Santa’s Town, Santa’s Big Red Barn, West Pole, and Santa’s Farm. Here at the latter, visitors can lace up their skates and pirouette atop the outdoor skating rink under the Texas stars.
5. Sugar Land Town Square
On Saturday, December 3, Sugar Land Town Square will transform into a glittering wonderland for the holiday season. From 11 am to 4 pm, visitors are invited to skate the square and peruse the many vendors at the Boho Holiday Market. Stick around and you’ll also get a chance to meet the one-and-only Grinch. For a full scope of the seasonal programming, see their website here.