8th Annual 'Year of Joy' Holiday Ice Skating Party Welcomes 250 Children for Festive Celebrations

Lisa Valadez | 12/5/2023, 1:56 p.m.
Experience the enchantment of the holiday season at the city's exclusive free ice-skating event for children.

Discover the magic of the holiday season at the city's exclusive free ice-skating event for children from underserved communities. Happening on Tuesday, December 12, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Green Mountain Energy Ice, 1500 McKinney, this heartwarming celebration is sponsored by H-E-B and the Houston Chronicle, with additional support from the Astros Foundation and alliantgroup.

Over 250 children from Third Ward and nearby areas, including MacGregor Elementary, Hartsfield Elementary, Hype Freedom School, Southside Community Center, Nehemiah Center, Sehah Youth and Fitness Center, and Be A Resource for Children, will delight in holiday fun on ice. Thanks to the partnership with Discovery Green Conservancy, the ice rink, managed by Ice Rink Events, generously opens an hour early, providing complimentary admission and skate rental for the children.

The festivities will feature captivating performances by local competitive skaters on the ice, a dance showcase by Skyler Clay, star of "Clare" in Houston's Urban Nutcracker, and enchanting holiday tunes sung by Miss Houston ambassadors. Santa Claus, a volunteer with 100 Black Men of Houston, will also make a special appearance.

Former Houston TV anchor Syan Rhodes will serve as the event's emcee, and confirmed special guest Mayor Sylvester Turner will add to the joyous atmosphere. Initiated in December 2016 by Houston Chronicle Columnist Joy Sewing, a trailblazing former competitive skater and Houston's first Black figure-skating coach, the Year of Joy Holiday Ice Skating Party promises an unforgettable holiday celebration for all."

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