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.

Festival Activities

• Balloon Art - Free
• Craft Activities with The Woodlands Children's Museum - Free (while supplies last)
• Face Painting - Free
•  Live Entertainment of 2 Stages
• Strolling Entertainment
• Snow Play Areas and Snow Slides - $5 wristband required for access. Wristbands can be purchased onsite at the event with cash or credit card. Please be advised if paying with cash, change will not be available.
• Live Reindeer Photo Area sponsored by America's ER + Urgent Care

Schedule of Events*

Celebration Stage

3 p.m. - Creekside Forest Elementary Choir
3:25 p.m. - Mickeys Majorettes
3:55 p.m. - Performing Arts Center of The Woodlands
4:20 p.m. - Class Act Stars on Tour
4:45 p.m. - Stage Right of Texas
5:05 p.m. - Boni's Dance and Performing Arts Center
5:30 p.m. - Vitacca Vocational School for Dance
6 p.m. - Live Music by OMG (Variety)
7 p.m. - Holiday Greetings, Santa's Arrival, Lighting of the Doves & Fireworks
8 p.m. - Live Music by OMG (Variety)
9 p.m. - Event Concludes

Santa Sponsored by Texas Children's Hospital The Woodlands

Festival Stage

3 p.m. - College Park Choir
3:25 p.m. - Cypress Elite Dance
3:50 p.m. - Sideline Spirit Cheer Company
4:05 p.m. - Texas Twirlers
4:25 p.m. - The Pentecostals of The Woodlands
4:50 p.m. - Yellow Rose Clogging Team
5:20 p.m.- Center for Indian Classical Music of Houston
5:50 p.m. - Undebel Flamenco
6:20 p.m. - Ice Carvers
7 p.m. - Stage Dark for Santa Festivities at Celebration Stage
*All times and entertainment subject to change.

Vendors

Concessions will be available for purchase onsite. Vendors may accept either cash or credit.

Interested Vendors

Vendor Applications are due Wednesday, November 10, 2021. Download the 2021 Vendor Applications & Agreement.

Parking

Free parking will be available at the orange, yellow, blue and white lots at 2002 Timberloch Place. Other designated parking areas include the Town Center Parking garage and Gold Lot and surface lot at the southeast corner of Lake Robbins and Six Pines Drive.

Coolers, picnic baskets. blankets and lawn chairs are permitted. Glass is prohibited. Those planning to attend the event should practice social distancing, refrain from gathering is large groups and continue to follow all guidelines established by the CDC. Face coverings are optional. Please note all information is subject to change, pending local, state and federal Orders and Declarations.

Sponsored by Howard Hughes and Waste Management.