Downtown Houston’s 12-acre urban park, is transforming into the city’s winter wonderland with Green Mountain Energy presents Ice at Discovery Green. Opening on Friday, November 21, and running through Sunday, February 16, 2026, the beloved seasonal tradition invites Houstonians and visitors alike to lace up their skates and glide beneath the twinkling lights of the downtown skyline.
The season officially kicks off with an Opening Night Celebration on Friday, November 21, from 5 – 10 pm. The first 50 people in line at 5 pm skate for free. The evening will also feature the debut of H-Town Holiday Lights presented by PNC, a one-of-a-kind light display by Houston content creator Frankie To-ong of Space City Light Shows, bringing Houston nostalgic themes and pride to the Brown Promenade.
Every winter, Kinder Lake is converted into Houston’s premier outdoor ice-skating rink, running on 100% renewable energy from Green Mountain Energy, providing a magical experience for all ages. Skaters can look forward to themed events throughout the season, including Cheap Skate Mondays, Wine Down Wednesdays, Kids Skate Free Thursdays, DJ Skate Saturdays and Sundays with Santa. Special nights are also planned for families with young children, and skaters with physical or developmental disabilities, ensuring that the rink is an inclusive space for the entire community. Non-motorized wheelchairs are always welcome at the rink.
“Green Mountain Energy is delighted to continue our partnership with Discovery Green in bringing this cherished holiday tradition to life,” said Andrea Ortega-Toledano, senior director of sustainability, Green Mountain Energy. “The ice rink not only creates joy and unforgettable memories for Houstonians each winter, but it also reflects our shared commitment to creating sustainable, community-centered experiences in the heart of the city.”
Adding to the fun, Bumper Cars on Ice offers visitors the opportunity to slip, slide, spin and crash across the ice from January 2 through February 16, 2026. This playful twist on a classic amusement ride is open to children and adults, with no drivers license or prior experience required, and tickets are $20 plus tax. Riders must be at least 42” tall. In addition, Discovery Green’s other seasonal offerings, like Holiday Flea by Night presented by Green Mountain Energy and Lunar New Year, will further enhance the festive atmosphere, making the park a lively destination throughout the holidays.
“Nothing captures the holiday spirit in Houston quite like skating at Discovery Green,” said Kathryn Lott, president of Discovery Green Conservancy. “Whether it’s a family’s first visit to the rink, a holiday date night, or a weekly tradition, Green Mountain Energy presents Ice at Discovery Green is a place where memories are made.”
Tickets are $18 plus tax (including skate rental) for 75 minutes on the ice. Proceeds from ticket sales support the year-round free programming at Discovery Green Conservancy, and all tickets must be purchased online in advance at www.discoverygreen.com/ice. Tickets will not be available for purchase on site.
Hours of operation vary by day, with extended hours on holidays. Please see below for a complete schedule or check out discoverygreen.com/ice.
Discovery Green is located at 1500 McKinney St. (Houston, TX 77010). Events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted. All events are subject to change. Please refer to discoverygreen.com for updates.
GREEN MOUNTAIN ENERGY PRESENTS ICE AT DISCOVERY GREEN
Friday, November 21, 2025 – Monday, February 16, 2026
Houston’s premier outdoor ice-skating rink opens for a magical winter season!
Glide under the glittering lights of downtown while making memories that will last a lifetime. Enjoy festive themed nights like Skate with Santa or DJ Skate nights. Bring mittens, scarves and a thermos of hot chocolate to make a winter experience no matter the weather. As always, guests in non-motorized wheelchairs are welcome anytime.
Lace up and make magic on ice – there’s something for everyone this season!
Hours of Operation
Monday – Thursday 5 – 10 pm
Friday 5 – 11 pm
Saturday and HISD school holidays* 11 am – 11 pm
Sunday 11 am – 8 pm
Thanksgiving Day 11 am – 11 pm
Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve 11 am – 7 pm
Christmas Day and New Year’s Day 1 pm – 7 pm
Martin Luther King Day (January 19) 11 am – 10 pm
Note
*HISD school holidays are (November 24 – 28; December 22 – 31; January 1 – 5 and 19; and February 13 and 16)
**Green Mountain Energy Ice will be closed from 3 – 8 pm on December 7 and from 4 – 6 pm on December 9.
Tickets:
- All tickets must be purchased online in advance at www.discoverygreen.com/ice. Tickets will not be available for purchase on site. Please purchase tickets before paying for parking. If weather forces the closure of the rink, ticket holders will be emailed and allowed to reschedule.
- Cost is $18 plus tax (includes skate rentals, for 75 minutes). Sales support the Discovery Green Conservancy.
GREEN MOUNTAIN ENERGY PRESENTS ICE AT DISCOVERY GREEN EVENTS:
Opening Night Celebration
Friday, November 21 from 5 – 10 pm
Kick off the season at Green Mountain Energy presents Ice at Discovery Green! The first 50 people in line at 5 pm skate for free, and Forever Green members skate for free from 5 – 7 pm. This evening also marks the debut of H-Town Holiday Lights presented by PNC, a one-of-a-kind light display by Houston content creator Frankie To-ong of Space City Light Shows, bringing Houston music, nostalgic themes, and pride to the Brown Promenade.
DJ Skate Saturdays
Saturdays, November 29, December 13, January 17, and February 14 from 7 – 10 pm
A DJ curates a special night of music designed to get you up and out of your seats and on the move at Green Mountain Energy presents Ice at Discovery Green.
Themes:
- November 29: Today’s Pop Hits
- December 13: Old School Reggaeton
- January 17: R&B on Ice
- February 14: Love Songs
Skating with Santa!
Saturdays, November 29, December 6, 13 and 20 from 4 – 5 pm
Children of all ages are invited to visit with a Santa Claus from different backgrounds at Green Mountain Energy presents Ice at Discovery Green.
Cheap Skate Mondays
Mondays, December 1, 8 and 15; January 12 and 26; and February 2 and 9 from 5 – 10 pm
On select Mondays this winter, glide at Green Mountain Energy presents Ice at Discovery Green for just $9 + tax per person (includes skate rental.)
Skating with the Stars
Tuesdays, November 25, December 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 from 7 – 7:15 pm
Sundays, November 23 and 30; December 7, 14, 21 and 28 from 6 – 6:15 pm
Houston’s top figure skaters perform demonstrations of tricks, dances and twirls. Get inspired by what’s possible when you practice at Green Mountain Energy presents Ice at Discovery Green!
Inclusive Skaters Night
Tuesday, January 13 from 5 – 8 pm
A welcoming environment for skaters with physical or developmental challenges to enjoy an evening at Green Mountain Energy presents Ice at Discovery Green. Non-motorized wheelchairs are always allowed on the rink, but Inclusive Skaters Night gives those with disabilities the opportunity to enjoy the rink with a smaller crowd and their families right by their side. Best of all – special skaters skate for free!
Wine Down Wednesdays – Sip & Skate 2 for $26
Wednesdays, December 3, 10 and 17; January 7, 14, 21 and 28; February 4 and 11 from 5 – 10 pm
Skating is better with a friend! Enjoy two tickets for Green Mountain Energy presents Ice at Discovery Green for $26. When you’re done, wine down at the rink by showing your wristband at The Grove Market and Park Provisions to enjoy a discounted drink.
Kids Skate Free Thursdays
Thursdays, December 4, 11 and 18; January 8, 15, 22 and 29; February 5 and 12 from 5 – 10 pm
With the purchase of one adult ticket, two kids ages 10 and under skate for free at Green Mountain Energy presents Ice at Discovery Green.
Bumper Cars on Ice
Friday, January 2 – Monday, February 16
Slip, slide, spin and crash with Bumper Cars on Ice at Discovery Green. This timeless amusement ride gets an updated twist at Houston’s premier outdoor ice-skating rink. No license or experience needed to drive! Tickets are $20 plus tax for a seven-minute ride. Children must be taller than 42 inches to ride. Hours of operation as the same as the ice rink.
Galentine’s Day
Friday, February 13 from 5 – 11 pm
Grab a girlfriend and take her for a spin at Green Mountain Energy presents Ice at Discovery Green. Relationships come and go but your friends are for life.
Valentine’s Day
Saturday, February 14 from 11 am – 11 pm
Green Mountain Energy presents Ice at Discovery Green is the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable Valentine’s Day. Glide hand-in-hand beneath the glittering lights of the city for a date that’s both playful and romantic. Whether you’ve known each other forever, or have just started dating, the rink gives you every opportunity to get a little closer while having tons of fun.
Discounts available:
- Green Mountain Energy customers receive a $2 discount. Refund will be issued at entry with proof of current electric bill. Maximum of four discounts per household visit. Discount will only apply to regular admission tickets and is not valid on holidays.
- HAR Homes and Rentals employees receive a $2 discount.
- First responders and military receive a $2 discount for up to 5 people; must show valid I.D.
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ABOUT DISCOVERY GREEN®
Discovery Green® is a highly acclaimed 12-acre park created by a public-private partnership between the City of Houston and the nonprofit Discovery Green Conservancy in downtown Houston, Texas. Since opening in April 2008, the park has welcomed more than 20 million visitors. Discovery Green® features sprawling lawns, a one-acre lake, an interactive fountain, a playground, public art installations, gardens and an allée of century-old live oaks. The Discovery Green Conservancy works with hundreds of programming partners to present artistic, musical, educational, family-friendly and health-focused events each year, most of which are presented free to the public. The park also features two on-site restaurants, the award-winning destination restaurant The Grove and the fast-casual The Lake House, providing visitors with an array of dining options. As a nonprofit organization, the Conservancy raises all the funds needed for the programming that Houstonians enjoy. For more information, please visit https://www.discoverygreen.com. Arts programming is made possible in part by the City of Houston through the Houston Arts Alliance.
ABOUT GREEN MOUNTAIN ENERGY COMPANY
Green Mountain Energy is the nation’s longest serving renewable energy retailer, on a mission to inspire hope and motivate action through the use of clean energy. Green Mountain offers consumers and businesses the choice of cleaner electricity products from renewable sources, as well as a variety of carbon offset products and sustainable solutions for businesses. Collectively, Green Mountain customers have helped avoid over 125 billion pounds of carbon dioxide to date. Green Mountain is lighting the path to a brighter future by supporting the sustainable projects of nonprofits through our charitable program, Green Mountain Energy Sun Club. To learn more about Green Mountain, visit greenmountainenergy.com.
SOCIAL MEDIA
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