With so much going on around Montrose this Christmas, you’ll be spoiled for choice and wish the holidays could last twice as long so you can fit everything in.

Since Santa is the only one with access to magical elf dust, none of us will be getting a Time Machine any time soon. We’re just going to have to pick and choose which activities we indulge in and make the most of them. Here are some of the choicest Christmas goings-on around Montrose, where you can take the family for some holiday fun.

Ice Skating at Discovery Green

What could be more seasonally festive than a glide around the 7,716 square-foot ice skating rink presented by Houston First. It’s even environmentally friendly since the water is recycled from Kinder Lake.

Can’t ice skate? Don’t worry, because one-on-one tuition is available, although you need to book in advance. Once you learn to skate, the skill will be with you for a lifetime, giving hours of enjoyment and far fewer broken bones than you’d have otherwise.

You can get on the ice for just $14 per person, which includes tax and skate rental. Throughout the school holidays and weekends, skating time is limited to 1.5 hours so everyone gets a chance to have a go. If you’re a speed skater, $30 will buy you a Speed Pass that includes tax, your skate rental and priority entrance. Speed Pass tickets need to be bought online.

There is a regular weekly schedule of events including:

• Cheap skate nights on some Mondays through December, January, and February.
• Two-step Tuesdays through December and February between 6 and 10 PM.
• Jazz nights on Wednesdays.
• Skate with Santa or Storybook Stars on Saturdays, starting on November 28 through January 30 between 4 and 5 PM.

Wheelchairs are welcome providing a responsible adult accompanies the wheelchair user onto the ice. Motorized wheelchairs, however, are not allowed for safety reasons. The wheelchair user gets free admission, with the accompanying adult paying the standard $14.

If the weather is a little unpredictable around the time you are planning to visit the ice rink, check online or phone for information since certain weather conditions may prompt closure of the ice rink.

Bayou Bend Family Days

On Sunday, December 20 between 1 and 5 PM Bayou Bend is hosting a special family day that is packed with activities, music, performances, demonstrations, craft workshops, giveaways and loads more. In short, everything you could possibly wish for in a great, hands-on, family day out. It’s a free event; just turn up and join in with whatever fun activity takes your fancy. You can even enjoy a tour of the first floor of the house, and find yourself surrounded by splendid seasonal traditions. Please note that the last admission is at 4:30 PM.

Main Street Theatre, Houston

Get ready for the annual Christmas party at Houston’s Main Street Theatre. This year the party takes place on Monday, December 21 from 12 PM to 1 PM. Great fun for the little ones as well as accompanying adults, with face painting, arts and crafts activities, tasty snacks, and photos with Santa. Admission is $20 per child, with adults going free.

Stay Safe on the Ice

The Discovery Green ice rink is always popular. It can be a little hazardous, however, so here are some safety tips to stay safe on the ice and prevent an unscheduled trip to the emergency room:

• Make sure rented skates fit properly. Ill-fitting skates can lead to more falls, as well as causing blisters.
• Beware of debris on the ice, and help keep the ice clear to by not dropping litter.
• It is unlikely, but keep an eye out for any ridges, chips or holes in the ice.
• If you are new to ice skating, try to have ice skating lessons, or at least learn how to fall properly to help avoid injuries.

Houston is gearing up for a lively, fun and enjoyable festive season. Choose your venues, book your days out, stay safe, and have lots of fun! Happy holidays.

Photo by fsse8info

Used under Creative Commons image attribution license 2.0