Lighting of the Doves ceremony marks 25 th anniversary as a favorite holiday tradition in The Woodlands

A long-time commemorative festival in The Woodlands turns 25 years old this year as Lighting of the Doves SM will celebrate its silver anniversary on Saturday, November 17.

This year's ceremonial festival will take place at The Woodlands Town Green Park, just along the banks of The Woodlands Waterway ® from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Symbolizing peace during the holidays, the ceremonial illumination of the giant doves has attracted thousands of visitors each year, signaling the start of the magical season in The Woodlands at the holiday headquarters of The Woodlands Town Center.

According to Nick Wolda, vice president of marketing & public affairs for Town Center Improvement District, the tradition of the Lighting of the Doves in The Woodlands started in 1982 when Mr. Ed Lee, then president of The Woodlands Corporation (forerunner to The Woodlands Operating Company) was inspired during a trip to Hong Kong where he saw giant displays of various animals adorned with brilliant white lights. It was the large beautiful bird that appeared to be soaring toward the sky that caught his eye. When he returned to The Woodlands, he made arrangements for three huge Doves of Peace to illuminate his beloved community during the holidays. Since then, the Lighting of the Doves has been a favorite holiday tradition in The Woodlands every year.

Mr. Lee died of cancer in 1986, but his legacy of the Doves has remained with the community. The event has been held at various locations throughout The Woodlands in its early years, and in 1995 it was moved to The Woodlands Town Center.

This year, the family-friendly festivities at this outstanding holiday tradition will include lively performances, interactive booths, games, holiday music, and soul-soothing delicious food from local restaurants and warm beverages . . . all highlighted by the official arrival of Santa Claus!

This year's special 25 th Annual Lighting of the Doves, which primarily benefits the Interfaith's Holiday Toy Drive generating more than 400 brand new toys for children each year, is presented by The Woodlands Development Company, The Community Associations of The Woodlands, and Town Center Improvement District, who produces the event.

Unique to this year, it will coincide with the launch of a new event – International Winter On The Waterway (iWOW), presented by Fred Haas Toyota World, to celebrate the diverse cultures from the world that have presence in The Woodlands.

“Lighting of the Doves is a great event to showcase The Woodlands,” said State Senator Tommy Williams. “It's a great time of year, and The Woodlands has become well-known for its doves.”

State Representative Rob Eissler added, “I'm pleased to live in a community that has such strong traditions, such as Lighting of the Doves. These types of traditions bring great value and recognition to communities. The Woodlands is known at the holiday season for its doves, and I'm proud to be a part of this tradition.”

The Lighting of the Doves is free and open to the public. For more information, please call (281) 363-2447 or visit www.LightingOfTheDoves.com .

Town Center Improvement District is a public entity committed to maintaining The Woodlands Town Center and surrounding area, as the best possible place in which to live, work, shop, and invest. For more information, please call (281) 363-2447 or visit www.town-center.com .