ice, ice baby

Sugar Land Town Square gears up for the holidays with outdoor ice skating, shopping pop-ups, and family fun

Sugar Land Town Square will be the site of new outdoor skating.

Photo courtesy of Sugar Land Town Square

Fall and winter in Houston and surrounding areas means chilly outdoor activities, and few are more beloved than ice skating. Destinations like The Galleria and Discovery Green are packed this time of years with skaters of every skill level.

Now, a booming 'burb is getting into the on-ice fun. Sugar Land Town Square will debut Skate the Square, which sees the bustling Square transformed into a winter wonderland ice skating rink, on Saturday, December 3.

A large section of the massive town square overlooking city hall and the Town Center restaurants and retail will house the skating rink, where visitors can hop on from 11 am to 4 pm. Aside from outdoor skating, those attending can enjoy bites and beverages from favorite Town Square restaurants, plus, a visit from The Grinch to spread a little (grouchy) fun.

Also on December 3, shoppers can grab presents for at the Boho Holiday Market from 11 am to 4 pm. All events are pet-friendly.

More holiday entertainment comes via a special dance performance, an appearance from Cindy Lou Who, plus a visit from Mrs. Claus, who will gladly pass along Christmas wish lists to the Big Guy in red.

Sugar Land Town Square 2022 The Town Square green space will be transformed into an ice rink.Photo courtesy of City of Sugar Land

Speaking of the Big Guy, Jolly Old Saint Nick will stop by the Community Center (16160 City Walk Dr.) every Sunday starting on Sunday, November 27. Doors open at 1 pm; the last photo will be taken at 5 pm. (Fans are advised to lock in their spots in line before 5 pm). Santa will snap photos and field gift requests through Sunday, December 18.

These activities are part of the Sugar Land Town Square's ongoing Christmas in the Square holiday events. For a full list of fun, schedules, and more, visit the official Christmas in the Square site.

dancing days

Massive new country western dancehall now open in Southwest Houston

Photo by Shane Dante

Cowboys Red River is now open at Plazamericas.

The wait for Houston’s newest destination for two stepping, boot scootin’, and line dancing has come to an end. Cowboys Red River Dance Hall and Saloon has officially opened its doors.

Located at Plazamericas, the Latin-themed shopping mall and entertainment complex in Southwest Houston (7500 Bellaire Blvd.), Cowboys Red River Dance Hall and Saloon offers almost 37,000 square feet of space, including a 2,500-square-foot “race-track” dance floor that’s designed for popular country dance styles such as two stepping and line dancing. It’s the company third location, joining a Dallas outpost that opened in 1989 and a San Antonio location that opened in 2003.

"We’re fired up to bring Cowboys Red River to Houston," said Scott Murphy, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, in a statement. "For over 30 years, we’ve been the biggest, baddest honky-tonk in Texas — the kind of place where you can hold someone close on the dance floor or raise a little hell with your buddies and feel right at home either way. Now it’s Houston’s turn. With our race-track dance floor, top-tier live acts, and that Southern hospitality we’re known for, we’re bringing a whole lot of romance, energy, and Texas-sized fun to this city. Houston, grab your boots, a couple of friends, and let’s go have a damn good time.”

In order to entertain crowds that are expected to swell to as many as 2,000 people on busy nights, Cowboys Red River will feature performances by honky-tonk band Runnin’ Behind. In addition, Cowboys Red River expects to host between 12 and 15 national touring acts in its first year.

Other amenities include 1,700 parking spots, free valet for “unescorted ladies,” pool tables, and a mechanical bull. Cowboys Red River offers special packages for birthdays, bachelorette parties, and other special occasions. It will be open Wednesday-Saturday from 7 pm until 3 am.

Photo by Shane Dante

Cowboys Red River is now open at Plazamericas.