This is the final week for Macy’s Mistletoe on the Go! The giant kiss-ball swinging from a 15-foot-tall candy cane makes its last stop at downtown’s Discovery Green park, to highlight the ice skating rink there on Kinder Lake.
Macy’s and the Downtown District partnered to bring the candy cane and mistletoe to five downtown sites to highlight holiday happenings and raise money for a wonderful cause. For every couple’s “kiss-mas” photo under the ball that is posted on facebook.com/visitdowntownhouston or tweeted to @downtownhouston with the hashtag #MOTG!, Macy’s will donate a dollar (up to $5,000) to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
So pucker up and post your photo for a good cause. And while you’re at Discovery Green, lace on some skates and check out The Ice at Discovery Green, the rink is open through Jan. 27. Admission is just $12 and includes skate rental fee and tax.
Special skate nights each week include: Cheap Skate Nights presented by Megabus.com, Mondays 4-10 p.m.; Jazz on Ice, Tuesdays 7-9 p.m.; Zumba on Ice, Wednesdays 6:30-7:30 p.m.; and on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. skaters can watch IKEA Houston Silver Screen films (Dec. 27 is Date Night with a special showing of When Harry Met Sally and a drawing where you could win a one night hotel stay at one of Downtown’s premiere hotels, plus a pair of free tickets to skate on The Ice). On Fridays from 7-10 p.m. you can chill at the Igloo Lounge.
The almost 12-acre park built on a former downtown parking lot across from the George R. Brown Convention Center is a shining jewel for the district. Green space, outdoor art, a dog park, lake and two restaurants make this a must-see stop for residents and visitors alike.
“Discovery Green is excited to be at the center of downtown Houston’s holiday festivities!” says Susanne Theis, programming director for Discovery Green. “Between the mistletoe, New Year’s Eve Houston, Date Night and The Ice, Discovery Green is your destination for fun activities for the whole family!”
That’s right, back by popular demand, New Year’s Eve Houston returns to ring in 2013. Head on over to Discovery Green on Dec. 31 for live music, DJs, fireworks, tasty foods (including the Prosperity Plate, a traditional “luck” plate to bring happiness and success in the new year), specialty drinks and more. Show up by 8 p.m. and grab a spot on the grass to enjoy the GlowParade by Art Cars Houston, check out the Kids Soul Train and Family Disco Area complete with Bungee Trampolines, rock climbing adventures and more, then practice your countdown early with a 9 p.m. Kid’s Confetti Count Down complete with streamers, glitter and noisemakers. KC and The Sunshine Band rock the park before the count down to midnight that features bubbles and fireworks. And it’s all free (except for the skate rentals). So bring the family and celebrate.
And don’t forget any last minute shopping this week. Avoid the mall traffic and shop at the downtown’s Macy’s where store hours on Christmas Eve Day will be 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. And the day after Christmas there’s a big sale from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Also downtown this week:
Drop by the Downtown Aquarium for Sharkey’s New Year’s Eve Party Dec. 31 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a wonderful buffet from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the Nautilus Ballroom. Activities for the family include a balloon drop, photo opportunities with Sharkey & Nero, plus fun contests, giveaways and more! All Day Adventure Pass for all rides and exhibit is included. Adults: $22.99, kids (3-12): $14.99, 2 and under free. Reservations required.
And you’ve still got a few days left to enjoy The Santaland Diaries at the Alley Theatre and Houston Ballet’s The Nutcracker before the shows close on Dec. 30.
