HOUSTON – When we typically look for family-friendly weekend activities, the focus is usually on Downtown and Museum Districts. But just one minute, there are great things to do all across this great city of ours and this holiday season, north Houston has something special in store for you.
The spirit of the holidays is unstoppable at north Houston’s Springwoods Village and CityPlace, its best-in-class urban mixed-use core, despite the challenges of 2020.
Check out these attractions!
New for this season are two, one-of-a-kind attractions that will be unveiled during a lighting ceremony at CityPlace Park – 1200 Lake Plaza Drive, Spring, TX 77389 – on Sunday, November 29 between 4 and 7 p.m. with help from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Bringing additional shimmer to CityPlace’s waterfront Plaza, a 35-foot Christmas tree will rise from the main pond, creating a dazzling beacon for the community. And as an equally dynamic complement to the floating centerpiece, local creative entrepreneur Steve Kopelman and his team of partner artisans at New Orleans-based Professional Scenic Services have been commissioned to fabricate the inaugural “gingerbread” village display on the lake system’s eastern banks, adjacent to the Houston CityPlace Marriott at Springwoods Village.
A super-sized, fantasy version of the holiday classic, the installation is anticipated to expand each year. From the Plaza, guests will wind around a path dotted with oversized candy canes, popsicles and gumdrops and cross under an entrance guarded by two gingerbread men before arriving at a raised clearing featuring cookie trees, a 16-foot high house and 12-foot windmill. This is a first of its kind endeavor for Kopelman, a pioneering and globally recognized haunted house producer, COO of the country’s largest escape room company, and co-founder of soon-to-open immersive experiential museum Seismique.
In addition to enjoying an inaugural look, visitors of the evening’s complimentary festivities will also enjoy carolers and complimentary hot chocolate. For those unable to attend the kickoff, both the tree and gingerbread village will be on display through January 9 with free hot chocolate served on the Plaza every Thursday and Sunday from 4 until 7 p.m.
On Friday, December 4 from 5 until 8 p.m., The Market at Springwoods Village, 2102-2180 Spring Stuebner Road, Spring, TX 77389, will unwrap its month-long giving tree installation, conceived by sought-after holiday styling firm Regina Gust Designs and benefitting local non-profits though an easy QR code donation point. The complimentary kickoff event will feature music, letters to Santa, cookie decorating, and a special guest appearance from Kris Kringle. While you’re there, check out special promotions including a Cherry Blow Dry Bar gift card offer – buy $100 and receive $20 – $5 off from Postal Annex with purchases of $15 or more.
Find that perfect gift for friends and loved ones at the CityPlace Holiday Pop Up Market presented by DASH on Saturday, December 5 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Browse offerings on and around CityPlace Plaza from more than 20 premier vendors showcasing upscale home accessories, art, jewelry, clothing, handcrafted ornaments and more. Insider tip: you’ll want to dash to be there early given the popularity of DASH’s destination happenings and their wonderfully curated home décor and gifts.
The popular Children’s Storytime series returns to City Plaza Plaza on Thursday, December 10 starting at 5:30 p.m. Santa and his top elf will be on hand to share stories from the North Pole, take photos and treat participants to candy canes.
Experience the funny, heart-warming tale of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” at Family Movies on Plaza – Wednesday, December 18 with showtime at 6 p.m. The film’s reclusive star will be on site for a rare photo opportunity, and admission and popcorn are complimentary. Space is limited. Please RSVP to rsvp@public-content.com with subject line: Grinch.
For those looking for a seasonal staycation with plenty of shopping, dining and entertainment options nearby, including Old Town Spring, The Woodlands and The Light Park holiday drive-thru display at Hurricane Harbor Splashtown, hotels in Springwoods Village are offering fantastic packages to stay, shop and play. Make the AAA Four Diamond Houston CityPlace Marriott at Springwoods Village your stylish home for the holidays. Enjoy a discounted rate of $99 per night at the luxurious property between November 23 and January 1. Home to the acclaimed SwitcHouse Plates & Pours and featuring immediate access to miles of scenic trails, it’s the perfect spot to make new memories. Visit this link to save.
Courtyard Houston Springwoods Village is spotlighting a king or double queen room for $79 a night inclusive of a $10 shopping credit at The Market at Springwoods Village plus hot chocolate. Residence Inn Houston Springwoods Village is spotlighting a $99 rate for a studio king suite with $10 credit at The Market at Springwoods Village, hot chocolate and grab and go breakfast.
The safety and well-being of all visitors is a top priority for Springwoods Village and CityPlace. Visitors are encouraged to practice social distancing with suggested spacing as well as wear masks as appropriate for the activity.
For more information, please visit www.cityplacespringwoods.com.