THE WOODLANDS, TEXAS — The Woodlands Township is inviting residents to the Lighting of the Doves Festival on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2026, from 3 to 8 p.m. at Town Green Park, 2099 Lake Robbins Drive, The Woodlands, according to The Woodlands Township Parks & Recreation Department.
The Woodlands festival is a long-standing holiday-season tradition. Parks & Recreation says the ceremonial illumination of the giant doves symbolizes peace during the holidays and has drawn thousands of visitors in past years. The evening builds toward Santa’s arrival by sleigh on The Woodlands Waterway, the dove lighting and a fireworks display.
The Woodlands festival activities and schedule
The Woodlands Lighting of the Doves lineup published by Parks & Recreation includes traditional and international performances on two stages, strolling entertainment, vendor booths, children’s activities, airbrush tattoos, balloon art and concessions for purchase. Craft activities with The Woodlands Children’s Museum are listed as free while supplies last.
The Woodlands Celebration Stage schedule posted by Parks & Recreation lists live music by Cold Shot at 5 p.m., with holiday greetings, Santa’s arrival, the Lighting of the Doves and fireworks at 7 p.m., and the event concluding at 8 p.m. Festival Stage programming is listed from 3 to 7 p.m., with some slots still marked TBD. Parks & Recreation notes that all times and entertainment are subject to change.
The Woodlands snow play, parking and sponsors
The Woodlands snow play areas and snow slides require a $5 wristband purchased onsite with cash or credit card, Parks & Recreation says; cash customers are advised that change will not be available. Free parking is listed in the green, orange, yellow, blue and white lots along Timberloch Place and Grogan’s Mill Road, with ADA parking at 2101 Lake Robbins Drive for vehicles with a valid placard or plate.
The Woodlands festival sponsors named by Parks & Recreation include Texas Children’s Hospital – The Woodlands as Official Santa Sponsor, along with Project Scene, Howard Hughes, Waste Management and Entergy. Event details may change for weather or other reasons; Parks & Recreation directs the public to official Township channels for updates and lists 281-210-3800 for Parks & Recreation.
Photo credit: Photolitherland — CC BY-SA 3.0. The Woodlands Waterway in December (venue-area photo near Town Green Park / Waterway). Source: Wikimedia Commons. No editorial crop by the publisher beyond automatic WordPress thumbnails.
The Woodlands FAQ
When and where is Lighting of the Doves?
Saturday, Nov. 21, 2026, 3 to 8 p.m., at Town Green Park, 2099 Lake Robbins Drive, The Woodlands.
Is admission free?
Parks & Recreation presents the festival as a Township invitation to residents; snow play requires a $5 onsite wristband.
When are the lighting and fireworks?
Parks & Recreation lists Santa’s arrival, the dove lighting and fireworks at 7 p.m.
Where can I park?
Free lots along Timberloch Place and Grogan’s Mill Road; ADA parking at 2101 Lake Robbins Drive with a valid placard or plate, per Parks & Recreation.
