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.

Attendees are encouraged to sign up for text alerts for important event updates by texting LOTD23 to 877-949-3956.

Festival Activities 
Balloon Art - Free
Craft Activities with The Woodlands Children's Museum - Free (while supplies last)
Face Painting - Free
Live Entertainment on 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. 

Snow Globe Photo Area, sponsored by: 

Schedule of Events*
Celebration Stage 

3:25 p.m. - Muse Mantra
3:50 p.m. - Cypress Elite Dance Studio
4:15 p.m. - The Pentecostals of The Woodlands 
4:40 p.m. - Yellow Rose Clogging Team 
5 p.m. - Live Music by Cold Shot (Variety) 
7 p.m. - Holiday Greetings, Santa's Arrival, Lighting of the Doves & Fireworks 
8 p.m. - Event Concludes
Santa Sponsored by 


Festival Stage

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

Interested in being a vendor?
Vendor Applications are due Tuesday, October 31, 2023. Complete the 2023 Vendor Application & Agreement online. Please note - We are no longer accepting any vendors for the 2023 Lighting of the Doves. 

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. Additional parking areas throughout The Woodlands Town Center include limited, free curbside parking along Lake Robbins Drive, Waterway Avenue, Waterway Square Place and Timberloch Place. Paid covered parking is available at the 24 Waterway Parking Garage (located at the corner of Fountains Plaza and Lake Robbins Drive), the Waterway Square Parking Garage (between Fountains Plaza and Woodloch Court) and the surface parking lot along the corner of Waterway Avenue and Timberloch Place.

Parking is strictly prohibited at the South Regional Library and Community Center, and parking is not permitted in the Market Street surface lots and curbside spaces. Towing is enforced. 

ADA parking is available in the Green Lot off Riva Row and Timberloch Place. Guests must have a valid placard or plate for access to this parking lot.

Coolers, picnic baskets, blankets and lawn chairs are permitted. Glass is prohibited. 

Sponsored by

Sponsorship Opportunities
Please contact specialevents@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov for information.
 
For the most up to date information on the day of the event, including weather updates or postponement of any kind, please follow The Woodlands Township Parks and Recreation Facebook page.