This winter, 12-acre urban park Discovery Green will bring new and returning holiday traditions to the heart of downtown Houston through a magical line-up seasonal programming, beginning Friday, November 10th.

The centerpiece of the winter festivities is the Green Mountain Energy Ice skating rink, which kicks off with a free skate for the first 50 people in line starting at 5pm on opening day, as well as all Green Mountain Energy customers. Throughout the holiday season, Houstonians can skate with a diverse range of Santas, including Black Santa and Pancho Clause, watch demonstrations from Houston’s top figure skating stars, ice dance through the decades with weekly theme nights, and enjoy discounted skate opportunities. Those with special physical or developmental challenges will be able to enjoy exclusive time on the ice with their families with the return of the popular Special Skaters series.

Also debuting on November 10th is this winter’s spectacular art installation, Bioluminaire, inspired by the trees and the vibrancy of the Discovery Green community and commissioned from Input Output, a Houston based creative lab composed of Billy Baccam and Alex Ramos. Consisting of eight interactive sculptural “trees”, each containing multiple sensors, Bioluminaire invites public interaction as the sensors react to touch with lights and sounds from field recordings of Discovery Green as the “memories” of the trees. These field recordings were collected by the artists and include natural sounds, such as the frog symphony at dusk, and humans who interact with the park and at events. The artists hope the installation will prompt visitors to remember the moments of magic and beauty they’ve encountered over the years. A monthly DJ takeover will provide a fresh look and feel for the piece with a new soundtrack and augmented lighting. Dance Houston will produce an original dance piece created for and performed amongst the installation on Saturday, January 27th.

Families can gather under the stars for Bank of America’s Screen on the Green, with evening screenings of The Little Mermaid, The Muppet Christmas Carol, and The Nightmare Before Christmas on the sprawling lawn of the Fondren Fountain Performance Space.

Houstonians looking for a calming moment during the holiday madness can join one of three weekly yoga classes, including a Saturday morning Hatha flow, a Monday evening Clase de Yoga Respiración Consciente y Meditación de Sonidos led entirely in Spanish, and a Gentle Flow and Sound Meditation on Tuesday evenings.

Holiday shoppers can get one-of-a-kind gifts at Flea by Night, an open-air market featuring local artisans and small business owners selling vintage, handmade, recycled, repurposed and local goods each Saturday from November 25th-December 16th. Live music and food trucks will add to the experience.

Other special events throughout the season include Carols on the Green with Houston Grand Opera, Univision’s annual Holiday Celebration Fiestas Navidens, 2024 College Football National Championship festivities, Houston Marathon We Are Houston Run Fest, a Lunar New Year celebration, Rhythms & Reflections: Echoes of Black Legacy, a night music and images celebrating Black History Month, Afrobeats in America Festival, and Everybody’s Favorite BBQ & Hot Sauce Festival.

Discovery Green events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted. All events are subject to change - please refer to discoverygreen.com for updates.

Looking for a space to hold an event? An overview of the license process can be found at https://www.discoverygreen.com/hold-your-event-at-the-park.

Discovery Green Winter Schedule

Friday, Nov. 10 – Sunday, Jan. 28

GREEN MOUNTAIN ENERGY ICE

Hours of Operation

Monday – Thursday

Friday, Saturday & HISD School Holidays* Sunday

Thanksgiving Day

Christmas Eve & New Year’s Eve Christmas Day & New Year’s Day Martin Luther King Day (Jan. 15)

5 pm – 10 pm 11 am – 11 pm 11am–8pm

11am–11pm 11am–7pm 1pm–7pm 11am–10pm

*HISD School Holidays are (Nov. 20 - 24; Dec. 25 - 29; Jan. 1 - 5, 8 & 15)

Green Mountain Energy Ice closes to the public at 5 pm on Nov. 19, Dec. 17 and Jan. 21 and at 4 pm on Dec 10 & 12

Events

Opening Day Celebration

Friday, Nov. 10: 5 p.m.

Line up early! The first 50 skaters enter for free starting at 5 pm. All Forever Green Members skate for free 5 – 7 pm.

Veteran’s Day

Saturday, Nov. 11

In honor of Veteran's Day, Veterans skate for free and their family members receive a $2 discount on their tickets (max of 5 family members)

Skate with Santa and Friends!

Saturdays, Nov. 11- Dec. 23: 4 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Children of all ages are invited to skate with a Santa Claus of different backgrounds.

● 11/18 Santa Claus

● 11/25: Black Santa

● 12/2: Grinch

● 12/9: Santa Claus

● 12/16: Pancho Claus

● 12/23: Santa Claus

• Check discoverygreen.com/ice for the full schedule.

Cheap Skate Nights

Monday, Nov. 13 and 27; Dec. 4, 11 and 18: 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.

On select Mondays this winter, glide around Green Mountain Energy Ice at Discovery Green for just $8 + tax per person (includes skate rental.)

Skating Stars

Tuesdays, Nov. 14 – Jan. 23: 7 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.

Sundays, Nov. 12 – 26, Dec. 3, Jan. 7 and 14: 7 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.

Houston’s top figure skaters perform demonstrations. Get inspired by what’s possible when you practice on Green Mountain Energy Ice at Discovery Green!

We Love Houston Wednesdays – BOGO

Wednesdays, Nov. 15 – Jan. 24: 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.*

Slide through the mid-week blah’s by grabbing a friend and hitting the ice! Enjoy your favorite Houston-themed music. Houston themed clothing encouraged. Show your Houston love! Buy one admission and get another FREE!

• Not available Nov 22, Dec 27 or Jan 3

College Student Discount Night

Thursdays, Nov.16 – Jan. 25: 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.*

On Thursday’s college students can show their current college ID to receive $2 off admission.

• Not available Dec 21 or 28

Music Trends Through the Decades

Fridays, Nov. 17 – Jan. 26: 8 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Whether you remember exactly where you were when you heard your favorite song or you are experiencing it all for the first time, travel through the decades with some of the top hits!

● Nov17 andJan5

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

● Nov 24 and Jan 12

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

● Dec1andJan19

1970’s: Disco, Motown, and R&B

● Dec8andJan26

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

● Dec15

1990’s: Top Alternative, Rap, and Country

● Dec22

2000’s: Adult Contemporary and R&B

● Dec29

2010’s: EDM and Hip-Hop

Skate Party Saturdays

Saturdays, Nov. 18 – Jan. 27: 8 p.m. – 10 p.m.*

Listen to the coolest Top 40 pop hits while skating on the ice. *Dec. 9: 8:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.

Special Skaters Sunday Night

Sundays, Nov. 19 , Dec. 17 and Jan. 21: 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

A welcoming environment for skaters with special physical or developmental challenges to enjoy the rink. Guests with special needs skate for free. Guests in non-motorized wheelchairs require a responsible adult to accompany them. Ice rink will close to the public at 5 pm

Learn more at discoverygreen.com/specialskaters

The Details:

The ice rink may be closed at times due to weather conditions or private events. Call 713.434.RINK (7465) for updates or check discoverygreen.com/ice

Tickets:

$17 + tax, (skate rental included)

Cheap Skate Mondays: $8 + tax (skate rental included) Sales support the Discovery Green Conservancy.

Discounts:

Green Mountain Energy Discounts

Employees and customers receive $2 discount. Proof of current billing or employee identification required for entry.

Bank of America Discounts

Customers and employees receive $2 discount. Proof of customer card, billing or employee identification required for entry.

First responders & Military

Receive $2 discount for up to 5 people; must show valid I.D.

Forever Green Members

Discovery Green members receive $2 discount. Proof of member card required for entry. Maximum 5 family members.

ARTS PROGRAMMING

Bioluminaire

Friday, Nov. 10 – Jan. 31

6 a.m. – 11 p.m.

Experience Discovery Green in a whole new way with Bioluminaire. This winter’s art installation was commissioned from Input Output, a Houston based creative lab composed of Billy Baccam and Alex Ramos. The artists were inspired by the trees and the vibrancy of the Discovery Green community. Consisting of eight interactive sculptural “trees”, each containing multiple sensors, Bioluminaire invites public interaction. The sensors react to touch, with lights and sounds from field recordings collected at Discovery Green as the “memories” of the trees. These field recordings were collected by the artists and include natural sounds, such as the frog symphony at dusk, and humans who interact with the park and at events. The artists hope the installation will prompt visitors to remember the moments of magic and beauty they’ve encountered over the years.

Grand unveiling – November 10th from 6pm to 10 pm

PUBLIC ART PROGRAMMING PRESENTED BY PNC BANK

Bioluminaire DJ Takeover

A DJ and a lighting designer are invited to take over the public art installation, providing a fresh look and feel for the piece with a new soundtrack and augmented lighting. Inspired by Houston’s endless capacity for transformation these takeovers provide fresh ways to experience the installation and opportunities for DJs to use sound to create new vibes for visitors.

DJ 9th Sage

Thursday, Nov 16; 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

DJ Billy Baccam

Thursday, Dec 21; 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

DJ Raq City

Thursday, Jan 18; 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Cinema Luminaire: “A Trip to the Moon”

Friday, January 19

7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Dive into the extraordinary world of Georges Méliès in a silent film with live music from French violinist Kami Ghavi Helm. The director’s “A Trip to the Moon” (1902, 13 min) will be followed by a selection of his short films introduced by Charles Dove, Director of Rice University Film Program. Cinema Luminaire is presented in partnership between Discovery Green and the Cultural Service of the French Embassy in Houston/Villa Albertine.

● A Trip to the Moon (1902) - 13 minutes

● The Eclipse (1907) - 9 minutes

● Good Glue Sticks (1907) - 5 minutes

● The Cook in Trouble (1904) - 4 minutes

● The Living Playing Cards (1905) - 2 minutes

Dance Houston at Bioluminaire

Saturday, January 27

7 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Experience an original dance piece by Dance Houston under the direction of Andrea Cody created for Input Output’s Bioluminaire.

Families and Children Public Art Programming

Simple Circuits with Alex Ramos of Input Output

Saturday, November 18

Workshop times: 10 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m. and 2:45 p.m.

Learn about simple circuitry and the foundation of how electronics work with Input Output artist and educator Alex Ramos! Each participant can create an interactive greeting card while learning about design, engineering, conducted materials and art. Recommended ages is 7 – 18

Free registration is required. Maximum of 20 participants in each 1-hour session.

discoverygreen.com/simplecircuits

Bioluminaire Art Workshop

Saturday, January 20

12 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Orange Show Visionary artists lead a hands-on workshop inspired by Bioluminaire for children of all ages

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Fitness in the Park presented by One Medical

Hatha Yoga

Saturdays, Nov. 11 – Jan. 24: 9 a.m. – 10 a.m.*

A basic vinyasa yoga class for enhanced awareness and a strong, healthy body led by Andria Dugas. This Saturday class is a perfect way to start the weekend strong. Classes are free but registration is requested on site. Bring a towel and water, as well as a mat for yoga classes.

*No class Jan 13

Clase de Yoga Respiración Consciente y Meditación de Sonidos en Español

Mondays, Nov. 13 – Jan. 29 from 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.*

Esta clase ofrece prácticas de Yoga, Respiración y Meditación de Sonid a la comunidad latina e hispanohablante de Houston. Guiada por Natalia Uribe y Sebastián Romero seguida de un baño de sonido y meditación a cargo de Saumil Manek.

*No hay clase 25 de deciembre o 1 de enero

Gentle Yoga Flow and Sound Meditation

Tuesdays, Nov. 14 – Jan. 29: 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Strengthen your body, relax your mind and find your center with this dynamic flow yoga and sound healing. Led by Farida Meguid with crystal sound bowls played by Saumil Manek.

Recycling Saturdays with Happy Earth Compost

Saturdays, Nov. 11 – Jan. 27: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.*

Bring your sorted glass, paper, plastic and aluminum to a recycling station provided by the City of Houston. Happy Earth Compost will be at Discovery Green to pick up your compost free of charge. Compost can be carried in your own container — that you will then clean out and take home.

*No recycling Jan. 12

ENTERTAINMENT

Bank of America’s Screen on the Green

Enjoy a family movie under the stars in the city’s coolest park! Bring a blanket or lawn chairs for your comfort. Meals, snacks, beer, wine and sodas are available for purchase from The Lake House.

The Little Mermaid

Saturday, Nov. 11: 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Little Mermaid: Ariel, tells the musical story of a mermaid princess who is curious about all things human. (PG) 2023, 135m. cc Spanish

The Muppet Christmas Carol

Thursday, Dec. 21: 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

The Muppets' version of the Dickens holiday classic about a miser who's visited by three ghosts features Kermit the Frog as the penny-pincher's hardworking and loyal employee. (G) 1992, 85 min. cc English

The Nightmare Before Christmas

Thursday, Dec. 28: 7 p.m. – 8:15 p.m.

Bored with the same old scare-and-scream routine, Pumpkin King Jack Skellington longs to spread the joy of Christmas. But his merry mission puts Santa in jeopardy and creates a nightmare for good little boys and girls everywhere. (G) 1993, 76 min. cc Spanish

Flea by Night, presented by Green Mountain Energy

Saturdays, Nov. 25, Dec. 2, 9, and 16: 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Flea by Night is an open-air market featuring local artisans and small business owners selling vintage, handmade, recycled, repurposed and local goods. While you’re there enjoy “A Happy Houston Holiday” musical performance on Avenida Plaza from 6 – 8 pm. Plus plan to dine from a rotating roster of food trucks.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Carols on the Green with Houston Grand Opera: Songs of the Season

Saturday, Dec. 9: 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

The beloved annual collaboration between Discovery Green and HGO presents music celebrating the rich cultures of our community, in addition to Hanukkah, Christmas, and the season, filling the night sky in Downtown Houston. The concert features music from local community ensembles and guest artists, as well as selections presented by the HGO Chorus, Butler Studio, and Bauer Family High School Voice Studio.

Lunar New Year

Sunday, Feb. 11: 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

A Lunar New Year celebration featuring Lee's Golden Dragon and other performers, crafts, and food vendors. Presented in partnership with Han Narea.

Rhythms & Reflections: Echoes of Black Legacy

Friday, Feb. 16: 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Flash Gordon Parks and Phillip Pyle II present a night of music and images celebrating Black History Month at Discovery Green. Flash Gordon Parks' soundtrack features music by Black artists from Houston accompanied by a projection of historical images from Houston’s wards compiled by Phillip Pyle, II. Daisies and Pancakes, a roller-skating club that explores the Black cultural connection to roller skating in Houston, will also be on hand demonstrating grooves and moves on The Rink.

OTHER PUBLIC EVENTS FIESTAS NAVIDENAS\

Sunday, Dec. 3: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Univision’s annual Holiday Celebration is upon us! Take the whole family to Discovery Green on Sunday, December 3. We will have many gifts, the snow mountain, Christmas music and of course the photo with Santa for FREE! facebook.com/events/discovery-green/fiestas-navideñas-de-univision-houston

2024 College Football Playoff National Championship

Sunday, Jan. 7; TBD

The College Football Playoff National Championship comes to Houston for the first time ever! The Rose Bowl and Sugar Bowl champions battle at NRG Stadium in the national championship game. collegefootballplayoff.com

We Are Houston Run Fest

Saturday, Jan. 13: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 14: 7 a.m. – 4 p.m.

The Houston Marathon Weekend of Events, January 12-14, include activities for everyone in the family and all within a walkable distance from the hotels around the Discovery Green area. Note: street closures impact access and parking. www.chevronhoustonmarathon.com

Afrobeats in America Festival

Saturday, Feb. 17: 2 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Afrobeats In America Festival is designed to celebrate the success of the genre. This is a ticketed event.

Tickets can be purchased at www.aiafestival.com

Everybody's Favorite BBQ & Hot Sauce Festival

Friday, Feb. 23: 4 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 24: 1 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 25: 1 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Everybody's Favorite BBQ & Hot Sauce Festival highlights the aroma of America’s best barbecue in a multicultural outdoor setting. The experience is sure to evoke a spirit of love, unity and memories among all those in attendance. Music featured includes Jazz, Blues, R&B, Country, Rock and Hip-Hop. This is a ticketed event.

Tickets can be purchased at www.everybodysfavoritefestival.com