North Houston's City Place celebrated the holiday season with annual tree lighting, gingerbread village, and more this December

SPRING, TX -- A festive holiday season is in store at north Houston’s City Place in December, where an exciting lineup of family-friendly activities will take place on and around the community’s central Plaza at 1250 Lake Plaza Drive – Spring, TX 77389.

Holiday Programming

The annual Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration returns to the upper and lower plazas on Sunday, December 1 from 3-7 pm. Open to the public and free of charge, the lively event serves as a countdown to the illumination of the shimmering – and floating – 35-foot Christmas landmark rising from the City Place Park’s main pond. Santa will make an appearance at the festivities, which also include a curated holiday market and a variety of family-friendly activations such as face painters, balloon twisters, a letters to Santa station, and a kid's ornament craft area sponsored by Harmony Schools. To add to the holiday magic, a play area with real snow will be featured in the Upper Plaza, along with a hot chocolate bar and a DJ who will help spread holiday cheer with festive remixes.

The evening will also serve as the unveiling of the signature Giant Gingerbread Village showcasing a gumdrop, lollipop and candy cane lined path – guarded by two giant gingerbread men – leading to a raised clearing featuring cookie trees, a 16-foot-high gingerbread house and 12-foot windmill. Newly refreshed, the complimentary attraction was designed by the same creative team responsible for Houston’s Seismique interactive art museum. This installation is not the only Insta-worthy sight this season, as City Place will also showcase a number of holiday-themed pop-up art pieces designed by Houston-based artist, Anat Ronen. These larger-than-life installations will offer a whimsical take on traditional holiday decor with a gingerbread family and 3-D festive mural wall, snowmen, Christmas card, candy canes, ornaments and the popular Elf on the Shelf. All City Place holiday decor is free of charge, and will be on display until early January.

The festivities continues with Train Rides and an outdoor showing of the Polar Express during a special iteration of Pix on the Plaza on December 13. Guests can hop aboard complimentary Train Rides around City Place Pond from 4:30 – 6:30 pm, with the movie beginning at 7 pm. Admission is free, and low-profile chairs and blankets welcome.

On Saturday, December 14, the Plaza will be transformed into a Holiday Market featuring local artisans selling apparel, baked goods, holiday decor and more. Common Bond Bistro & Bakery will also be hosting a gingerbread cookie decorating station where kids can design and eat their own creations.

Mr. Leo’s Puppet Show will return for a special holiday edition of unforgettable, playful, and imaginative puppet adventure for children of all ages with two complimentary shows starting at 11 am and 12 pm on December 21. Additionally, Andy Rooniverse will also be back on December 22 from noon to 1 pm for a Happy Holidays Music Show, where interactive performances featuring heartwarming music and sing-alongs await the whole family.

Reoccurring Programming
On December 5, 12, and 19, MDSA: Be Dance! Class will host a complimentary dance classes in The Plaza teaching children the fundamentals of dance through movement and balance. The interactive and engaging programs last from 5:30 – 6:15 pm.

The FUN BUS makes a pit stop at City Place on December 8 from noon until 2 pm for an exciting mobile gym experience designed for kids ages 18 months to 7 years. Featuring two enthusiastic instructors leading games, obstacle courses, and themed activities, kids can swing, bounce, and climb in a colorful, safe, 35-foot refurbished school bus.

Precision Xecution Fitness brings complimentary strength and conditioning classes to The Plaza every Saturday – December 7, 14, 21, and 28 – with two, 45-minute sessions starting at 8:30 am and 9:15 am. Participants can join a vibrant community of individuals committed to achieving their fitness goals with the help of expert trainers, energizing music and a supportive atmosphere.

Fitness sessions continue with complimentary Yoga on the Plaza every Saturday – December 7, 14, 21, and 28 – at 10 am. The one-hour experience includes a meditation element and is the perfect way to jump start the weekend.

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