Discovery Green, the 12-acre park in the heart of downtown Houston, announces The Ice powered by Green Mountain Energy will be open for the Winter season beginning Nov. 13, 2020 through Jan. 31, 2021. This is the first large-scale event to be held at the park since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Supporting the health and safety of the community, Discovery Green is implementing procedures and protocols following guidance by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“In these stressful times, the Discovery Green Conservancy is thrilled to be able to provide a little bit of excitement and outdoor activity for Houstonians in a safe and thoughtful manner,” said Barry Mandel, president for the Discovery Green Conservancy. “Holiday traditions like skating on The Ice powered by Green Mountain Energy are so important for the mental health of children and adults alike.”

The Ice powered by Green Mountain Energy is operated by Ice Rink Events, a Houston-based company that operates ice rinks around the world. The ice is created and maintained with equipment powered by 100 percent renewable clean energy provided by Green Mountain Energy and uses water recycled from Kinder Lake.

“Green Mountain Energy is committed to providing clean, renewable energy to Houstonians all year-round, and we patiently wait for this season to support Discovery Green in creating a sustainable winter wonderland in the heart of downtown,” said Mark Parsons, vice president and general manager for Green Mountain Energy. “We hope all Houstonians add ice skating at Discovery Green to their list of must-do activities to enjoy a little holiday cheer.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists outdoor activity while wearing a mask as a less risky way of gathering. With that in mind, the following safety procedures and protocols will be followed to further minimize the risk associated with COVID-19:

Tickets must be purchased in advance beginning Wednesday, October 28, online at discoverygreen.com/ice to ensure contactless ticketing.

Guests must have a pre-purchased ticket to enter the venue. (Skating guests under the age of 12 may have one parent or guardian accompany them. This person will be asked to stay in a public viewing area while the minor skates.)

Staff and skaters will be required to wear a mask at all times. If a guest does not have a mask, one will be provided.

Ice rink capacity has been restricted to 50 percent to allow for social distancing.

A number of changes in the venue have been made to allow for social distancing while changing shoes and skates.

Hand sanitizer will be available for guests.

Ice rink staff procedures have been revised to allow for social distancing and monitoring. Equipment and touchpoints in the facility will be thoroughly sanitized at regularly scheduled intervals.

For a complete list of programs and special events, please visit www.discoverygreen.com/ice.

DISCOVERY GREEN WINTER 2020–2021 SEASON CALENDAR

Frostival presented by Bracewell LLP

Featuring The Ice powered by Green Mountain Energy®

Thursday, Nov. 12. At 6:30 p.m.

www.discoverygreen.com/ice

The annual celebration of the opening of The Ice powered by Green Mountain Energy will be held virtually this year. It will feature an ice carving demonstration by Reverend Butter and a look at how the ice is made.

The Ice powered by Green Mountain Energy®

Friday, Nov. 13, 2020–Sunday, Jan. 31, 2021

Hours of Operation

Monday–Thursday 5–10 p.m.

Friday 5–11 p.m.

Saturday & HISD School Holidays* 11 a.m.–11 p.m.

Sunday 11 a.m.–8 p.m.

Thanksgiving Day 11 a.m.–11 p.m.

Christmas Eve & New Year’s Eve 11 a.m.–7 p.m.

Christmas Day & New Year’s Day 1–7 p.m.

Martin Luther King Day (Jan. 18) 11 a.m.–10 p.m.

*HISD School Holidays are Nov. 23-27; Dec. 21-31; Jan. 1-3

Tickets (Available to purchase beginning Wednesday, October 28, at discoverygreen.com/ice)

$15 admission, skate rental included

Cheap Skate Mondays: $8, skate rental included

Ticket prices include tax. Sales support the Discovery Green Conservancy.

Skating Events

Opening night

Friday, Nov. 13. 5—10 p.m.

Enjoy the crisp open air on the ice on opening night! An Instagram-worthy ice sculpture by Reverend Butter will be on display so come dressed for selfies.

Cheap Skate Nights

Mondays, Nov 16 & 30; Dec 7 & 14; Jan 4, 11 & 25

On select Mondays this winter, glide around The ICE at Discovery Green for just $8 per person (includes tax and skate rental.)

Skating with the Stars

Tuesdays, Nov 17 & 24; Dec 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29; Jan 5, 12, 19 & 26

7—7:15pm

Houston’s top figure skaters perform demonstrations on The Ice.

Music Trends Through the Decades with DJ Mohawk Steve Wednesdays, 7—9pm

Nov 18 - 1940’s: Swing, Jazz, Blues and Big Band

Nov 25 - 1950’s: Rock ’N Roll, B-bop, Big Band, Country

Dec 2 - 1960’s: Motown, Rock ‘N Roll, and The British Invasion

Dec 9 - 1970’s: Disco, Motown, and R&B

Dec 16 - 1980’s: Glam rock, Pop, Hip-Hop, Country

Dec 23 - Holiday Cheer

Dec 30 - 2000’s: Adult Contemporary and R&B

Jan 6 - 2010’s: EDM and Hip-Hop

Jan 13 – 2020’s: Top 40

Jan 20 – 1940’s – 2010’s

Jan 27 – Houston Themed Music

Skate with Santa!

Thursdays, Dec 3, 10, 17, 7-8pm; Dec 24, 12—1pm

Children of all ages are invited to skate with Santa Claus (through Dec. 24).

Friday Nights DJs

Fridays (Excluding Christmas Day)

7:30-10 pm (3:30-6:30 pm on New Years Day.)