Ice Skating at the Valley Ranch Town Center

The East Montgomery County Improvement District (EMCID) plans to usher in the winter season with ice — whether Mother Nature calls for chilly, blustery conditions or mild temperatures. Ice skating is a unique activity many have not experienced living down south, but it will be available at the Valley Ranch Town Center this December and January.

EMCID wants to make this “A Holiday to Remember” when the ice skating rink opens on Dec. 29 from 12 – 8 p.m. and operates daily at that time through the New Year until Jan. 6.

“We saw this as a great opportunity at the Valley Ranch Town Center for families to do something together over the holiday break,” said Kelley Mattlage, chief communications officer for EMCID. “Christmas will be over, you’re heading over to Academy, TJ Maxx or Ulta to cash in those gift cards you received, then you take the kids over to ice skate, and finally head over to Gringo’s or RC’s Pizza or another restaurant for dinner, maybe even Cinemark to catch a movie.”

The rink will be located at 11985 N. Grand Parkway E., the corner of Valley Ranch Pkwy. and Valley Ranch Blvd. by the future amphitheater. Parking will be at New Caney ISD’s Texan Drive Stadium. Local food trucks will operate at various hours during the nine-day event.

In the planning phase since summer, the ice skating rink will be constructed by Conroe-based Ice Rink Events. The process, beginning with preparing the ground and ending with a tented ice rink complete with sales counter, skate shop, decking and benches, will take a little over a week. The ice will have to be kept at freezing temperatures 24 hours a day through January 6.

Skating sessions will cost $5 per person. The fee includes the skates.

For more information, go to www.emctx.com/holiday-to-remember