The holiday season is arriving in downtown Houston, and Discovery Green is inviting families to celebrate with the return of its annual HAR's Home for the Holidays celebration.

The festivities officially begin Friday, November 13, with Frostival, an evening featuring live ice-carving competitions, the opening of the park's popular outdoor ice-skating rink and the debut of Chromatic Forest: A Study of Line and Light by Moon Papas.

From 5 to 11 p.m., visitors can enjoy a variety of activities designed to bring holiday excitement to Houston families.

Frostival Ice Carving / Photo Courtesy of Discovery Green

 

One of the evening's highlights will be live ice-carving battles beginning at 7 p.m., led by Houston master ice sculptor The Reverend Butter. The competition will feature San Antonio's Shelly Heye taking on New York's Griffin Ramesy, along with a highly anticipated rematch between Buddy "The Viking" Rasmussen and The Reverend Butter. Artists will also create an alebrije ice sculpture, bringing the fantastical art form to life in ice.

The evening also marks the return of the Ice Rink at Discovery Green, transforming Kinder Lake into a winter skating destination beneath Houston's downtown skyline. Skating sessions run for 75 minutes, and tickets are $18 plus tax, including skate rental. Tickets must be purchased online.

Adding another visual attraction is Chromatic Forest: A Study of Line and Light by Moon Papas, underwritten by PNC Foundation. The interactive installation features eight geometric sculptures, each 16 feet tall, along the Brown Promenade.

Rendering of Chromatic Forest / Courtesy of Moon Papas

 

The colorful sculptures respond to visitors as they approach, changing patterns and colors to create an engaging experience for guests exploring the park.

Families can also enjoy Family Happy Hour on the Hess Deck from 6 to 8 p.m., featuring creative workshops inspired by the Chromatic Forest installation.

For movie lovers, Discovery Green's Screen on the Green series will feature a free screening of Arctic Tale (2007), rated G, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

With ice skating, art, entertainment and activities for children and adults, Frostival offers an opportunity for Houstonians to gather and welcome the holiday season.

Frostival takes place Friday, November 13, from 5 to 11 p.m. at Discovery Green, located at 1500 McKinney St. in downtown Houston.

Admission to the park activities is free unless otherwise noted. Ice skating requires a paid ticket, and food and beverages are available at an additional cost.

For tickets and additional information, visit Discovery Green.