To kickoff the holiday season, The Woodlands is getting ready for its long-standing tradition in lighting up Town Green Park for its 42nd annual "Lighting of the Doves" festival.
Each year, the festival showcases holiday traditions celebrated around the world with traditional and international performances, family-friendly activities and Santa Claus will sleigh down The Woodlands Waterway as fireworks begin to light up the township.
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For the festival's 42nd version on Saturday, guests can expect performances from local musicians and organizations; children activities such as balloon art, face painting, and snow play areas and snow slides, according to the township's website.
The community-wide event attracts nearly 20,000 attendees each year and takes place from 3 to 8 p.m. Saturday, the website states.
While there will be parking areas throughout the township's town center and includes limited, free curbside parking, there will also be free parking available at the orange, yellow, blue and white lots at 2002 Timberloch Place.
There will also be several options for paid parking including covered and surface parking garages.
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ADA parking will be available in the Green Lot off Riva Row and Timberlock Place, however, guests must have a valid placard or plate for parking access.
The festival comes as the township opened its 21,000-square-foot multipurpose facility for ice skaters the holiday season. The Ice Rink at The Woodlands Town Center at 2005 Lake Robins Drive is open through Jan. 20.
Before residents are able to enjoy the festivities at the festival, they will be able to see the lighting of Market Street's 70-foot Christmas tree on Thursday. The free event will include holiday music and the more than 25,000 multi-colored lights in Central Park.
The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion will also be hosting the annual Holly Jolly Jingle performed by student musicians from Conroe ISD on Dec. 5.