Last Updated On – 21st November, 2025
Skates on, Houston! Green Mountain Energy Ice at Discovery Green is back again for the 2025 – 2026 season, bringing a swirl of sparkle, laughter, and holiday charm to the city’s heart, and I can’t wait!
Ever since the skating rink’s debut in 2010, it has become a beloved annual tradition that Houstonians, both young and old, look forward to every holiday season. And this season, it is filled to the brim with events that’ll keep you coming back to the ice until the end of its run.
Keep reading for all the details on this year’s Green Mountain Energy Ice experience.
Don’t miss out on other fun local activities and events that you can enjoy with your family — explore our Things To Do This Weekend in Houston guide.
Editor’s Note: Our staff works hard to bring you the most up-to-date information. However, all information is subject to change! As always, please verify with the organizer before heading out!
What is Green Mountain Energy Ice at Discovery Green?
Image credit: Discovery Green
Every winter, Discovery Green transforms part of its lake basin into Houston’s only outdoor seasonal ice-skating rink powered by 100 % renewable energy (thanks to sponsor Green Mountain Energy).
Apart from its energy source, the rink’s ice comes from recycled water from Kinder Lake, and its borders are crafted from recycled plastic, showcasing the event’s dedication to minimizing environmental impact while maximizing holiday fun.
The rink runs from mid-November to early February and hosts themed events, skating demonstrations, and inclusive programs that welcome skaters of all ages and abilities.
2025-26 Dates, Hours & Location
Image credit: Discovery Green
Green Mountain Energy Ice opens for the 2025-26 season on November 21, 2025, and will welcome skaters through February 16, 2026.
Arrive early for the Opening Night Celebration from 5 pm to 10 pm! The first 50 people in line get free skating sessions.
This year, you’ll also catch the lighting of the brand-new H-Town Holiday Lights, designed by the talented Frankie To-ong and presented by PNC. Watch as Space City themes come alive, perfectly synced to Houston’s music scene for a dazzling, unforgettable light show.
- Location: Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney St., Houston, TX 77010
- Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
- Fridays: 5 p.m. – 11 p.m.
- Saturday & HISD School Holidays: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
- Sunday: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 27): 11 a.m. – 11 p.m/
- Christmas Eve (Dec. 24): 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Christmas Day (Dec. 25): 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.
- New Year’s Eve (Dec. 31): 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- New Year’s Day (Jan. 1): 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.
- Martin Luther King Day (Jan. 19): 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Ticket Prices & Deals
Image credit: Discovery Green
You can grab your regular admission ticket for $18 plus tax, which includes skate rental and 75 minutes on the ice.
Make sure to buy your tickets online in advance. General admission tickets won’t be available at the rink’s will-call window. The only exception is for tickets for Inclusive Skater Nights, which you can purchase at the window on the night of the event.
Also, note that the rink may close or delay opening due to bad weather. If your skating time is canceled, you’ll get an email and a full refund.
Discounts
You can save $2 on admission if you’re a HAR employee or Green Mountain Energy customer. Just bring your current billing statement, customer card, or employee ID to qualify.
First responders and military members also get a $2 discount for up to five people when they show a valid ID.
Special Deals
- Cheap Skate Night Mondays: On select Mondays, you can get into the rink for only $9 plus tax per person, including skate rental.
- Wine Down Wednesdays: If you’re bringing a special someone or a friend, take advantage of the Wine Down Wednesday deals! Get two tickets for only $26. Then, after skating, head over to The Grove Market and Provisions and show your wristband to get a discounted glass or bottle of wine.
- Kids Skate – Free Thursdays: If you’re planning to bring the little ones with you, make the most of the Free Thursday deals. When you purchase one adult ticket, two kids aged 10 and under can skate for free.
New & Featured Activities This Season
Image credit: Discovery Green
Bumper Cars on Ice will be making a comeback at Discovery Green this season! From January 2 through February 16, you can slip, slide, spin, and crash in these classic amusement rides.
No driving experience or license needed, just bring your sense of fun. Tickets cost $20 plus tax for a seven-minute ride. Kids must be at least 42 inches tall to join the icy bumper car excitement.
Bumper Cars on Ice run Monday through Thursday from 6 to 10 pm, Fridays until 11 pm, and Sundays from 6 to 8 pm. The ice rink stays open during these hours, though the skating area shrinks a bit to make room for the bumping action.
Themed Skate Nights:
- DJ Skate Night Saturdays: Get ready to hit the ice and the dance floor all at once! A live DJ will be spinning the beats while you and your friends glide, spin, and groove under the lights.
- Skating with the Stars: Watch Houston’s top figure skaters dazzle with jaw-dropping performances that prove what’s possible on the ice. Prepare to be inspired!
- Skating with Santa!: Kids of all ages get a chance to meet Santa, who comes from different backgrounds, to spread holiday cheer and smiles.
- Inclusive Skaters Night: This night welcomes skaters with special physical or developmental disabilities to enjoy the rink in a supportive, fun environment. The rink closes to the public at 5 pm for this event, and guests with special needs get to skate for free. Tickets for others will be available at the skate shack window on the day of the event.
- NOTE: Non-motorized wheelchair users need a responsible adult to accompany them.
- Galentine’s Day: Grab your bestie and hit the ice for a night that celebrates friendship over everything. Because relationships come and go, but good friends? They’re forever.
- Valentine’s Day: Make this Valentine’s Day unforgettable with a date night at Green Mountain Energy Ice. Glide hand-in-hand beneath the city lights for a playful, romantic experience.
Parking
Finding a spot near Discovery Green is easy, so you can focus on the fun without the hassle. Here are several places you can park when you visit Green Mountain Energy Ice.
- Metered Parking
You’ll find metered parking on streets around the park and on nearby blocks. Meter stations accept Visa, MasterCard, and cash. And they are enforced 24 hours a day, seven days a week. - Accessible Parking
If you have a valid parking placard or veteran plate, you can park in regular metered spaces without paying, as long as there are no other posted restrictions like time limits. - Surface Lots
Surface lots are available around the park’s perimeter and nearby streets. Rates vary, and most lots accept Visa, MasterCard, and cash. - Garage Parking
The closest garage is Avenida Central at 1002 Avenida de las Americas. Several other garages nearby provide easy access to Discovery Green.
Discovery Green is also easily accessible via public transit through the METRORail. You can also take a bike ride to the area through Houston’s newest tourist feature, the B-Cycle. This bike-sharing program has B-stations all around downtown where you can check in and check out bikes.
Tips for Visiting Green Mountain Energy Ice at Discovery Green
Image credit: Discovery Green
- Buy tickets online in advance: Walk-up ticket sales at the rink will not be available.
- Arrive early on peak nights (Fri–Sat holiday weeks) to avoid long wait times.
- Dress in layers: Even though Houston is warm compared to winter climates, the ice rink area can feel cooler when the sun goes down. Gloves or mittens, warm socks, and maybe a hat will help.
- Parking: There is pay-parking nearby, but do not pay for parking until you’ve secured your ticket, as the event organisers recommend purchasing a ticket first.
- Best photo spots: The rink under the downtown skyline lights (McKinney & Lamar view) gives a festive backdrop.
- For families: Visit outside peak hours (weekday evenings) for fewer crowds and more relaxed skating.
- For first-timers: If you’ve never skated, go earlier in the session (for example 11 a.m. slot on Saturday) so you’re not under time pressure.
- Weather policy: Because this is an outdoor rink, closures or delays may happen due to weather. Ticket holders will be notified.
FAQs about Green Mountain Energy Ice at Discovery Green
- Do I need to bring my own skates? No, skate rental is included in the ticket price.
- How long can I stay on the ice? 75 minutes per session in the regular admission. (Check ticket time slot for details.)
- What if the weather forces a closure? Ticket holders will be notified by email and given a refund or a chance to reschedule.
- Are children allowed? Yes — children may skate, though for bumper cars, there is a height restriction (42” +).
- Where do I park? There are pay parking garages near McKinney & Lamar. But remember: buy your ticket first, then pay for parking, per recommendation.
- Is the rink open during holidays? Yes — there are special holiday hours on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve/Day, and New Year’s Day. Check the official schedule.
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For a full listing of fun local activities and events you can enjoy with your family, consult our comprehensive Things To Do This Weekend in Houston guide.
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