December 9, 2014

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It’s beginning to look a lot like the holidays at Texas Children’s Hospital. The Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony kicked off the season of joy with Santa and Mrs. Clause helping to light The Auxiliary Bridge Christmas tree. This year, the couple was accompanied by one of their elves, who brought along toys for young patients. St. John’s choir also was present singing holiday carols before the tree lighting got underway.

Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Randy Wright helped with the lighting, instructing one girl to close her eyes and wish for the lights to appear. Within seconds, the lights were turned on and Santa’s, “Ho, Ho, Ho,” could be heard walking down the hospital hallways.

Here are photos from the event (click on each photo for full view)

There’s plenty of cheer left for patients, families and employees. Here are some of the holiday events at the hospital and around town.

  • Tuesday, December 9 – FBI members carol the halls
  • Wednesday, December 10 – Bennett’s Bears – Brande Nester visit clinic floors
  • Saturday, December 13 – Christmas on MainStreet (18750 I-45N in Spring, Exit 66B) – Texas Children’s Hospital Friends and Family Day – 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. (see below for schedule of events) (Admission is free for Texas Children’s employees with ID badge)
  • Monday, December 15 – Santa Connection Program
  • Monday, December 15 – Apollo Chamber Orchestra performs
  • Monday, December 15 – Ballet in Nutcracker costumes visits
  • Thursday, December 18 – WATCH Santa Day
  • Thursday, December 18 – Puppet Pizzazz
  • Tuesday, December 23 – Bennett’s Bears – Brande Nester visit all floors
  • Tuesday, December 23 – Christmas carols performed by opera singer Anna Maria Martinez in West Tower lobby
Christmas on MainStreet (18750 I-45N in Spring, Exit 66B)
Texas Children’s Hospital Friends and Family Day
Saturday, December 13, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
5 p.m. – Dinner with Santa (Conference Center)
6:30 p.m. – Santa Parade (MSA Street – Performance from Spring High Starletts)
7 p.m., 7:45 p.m., 8:45 p.m. – Light Show (Villa Lago)
7:15 p.m., 7:45 p.m., 8:15 p.m., 8:45 p.m. – Story time with Mrs. Claus (Centennial)
8 p.m. – Santa Celebration (Xfinity Stage/Lodge – Performance by Sugar Joiko)
6 p.m. to 9 p.m. – Snowflake Making (Cross Creek)
6 p.m. to 9 p.m. – Ornament Decorating (Wakefield)
6 p.m. to 9 p.m. – Cookie Decorating (Centennial)
6 p.m. to 9 p.m. – Ring Toss (Lodge)
6 p.m. to 9 p.m. – Bean Bag Toss (Lodge)
6 p.m. to 9 p.m. – Prize Walk (Lodge)
6 p.m. to 9 p.m. – Food Samples (Midtown, Timbergrove, Valencia, Wakefield, Casa Lana, Cross Creek, Villa Lago)
6 p.m. to 9 p.m. – Cooking Demo/Samples (Ashby Manor, Calais)
6 p.m. to 9 p.m. – Photos with Santa (Alexandria $10.00 per photo)
6 p.m. to 9 p.m. – Train Rides (In Front of Casa Lana)
6 p.m. to 9 p.m. – GlowStreet (lodge, Items/Prices will vary)
6 p.m. to 9 p.m. – Membership Sales (Guest Center)
6 p.m. to 9 p.m. – Santa’s Sweet Shop (Café, Items/Prices will vary)
6 p.m. to 9 p.m. – Strolling Characters (Santa Parade 6:30 p.m., Park 6:45 p.m., Santa Celebration 8 p.m., Park Entrance 8:45 p.m.)

 

November 25, 2014

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Texas Children’s Hospital Neonatologist Dr. Jennifer Arnold and her family are no strangers to the spotlight. Arnold, her husband, Bill Klein, and their two children, Will and Zoey, are the stars of TLC’s “The Little Couple.” This year, the family will officially kick off the holiday season by leading the 65th Annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade through downtown Houston. They will serve as the parade’s grand marshals and join Mayor Annise Parker at the head of the parade route.

“It is an honor for our family to be included in this 65-year tradition, which brings together Houstonians to celebrate Thanksgiving,” said Dr. Jennifer Arnold. “The holidays are a special time for our family and leading this parade will be a memory our children will never forget.”

The 65-year tradition continues this year with the parade showcasing Houston’s finest characteristics including a tribute to the Texas Medical Center, families, fashion, food, art, entertainment and sports. New floats and high-flying balloons will be seen throughout downtown.

“Bill and I are proud Houstonians and we are thrilled for our children to experience this year’s parade, which is dedicated to our city,” said Arnold. “The Texas Medical Center is a huge asset to Houston and I am excited to represent the medical community in this amazing holiday tradition.”

The first Thanksgiving Day Parade in Houston took place in 1949 with Santa arriving at Union Station and riding his sleigh to the downtown Foley’s. While much has changed about the city and the parade in six and a half decades, the parade continues to be a major tradition of Houston families during the holidays with about 250,000 spectators expected to line the streets.

“We have terrific sponsors who have made it possible for this family holiday tradition to continue,” said Mayor Annise D. Parker. “Each year Houstonians have so much for which to be thankful, from advances in medical research and practices in the Texas Medical Center and world-class exhibits and entertainment to international cultures that give this city its character and flavor. This year, we will shine the spotlight on the cornerstone of Houston’s greatness – our families.”

This year’s new downtown route will begin on Smith at Lamar, head north to Walker, east to Milam, south to Pease, west to Louisiana, north to Clay, west to Smith, and north to end at Smith and Dallas. The parade begins at 9 a.m. and is free and open to the public.

For more information, visit www.houstonthanksgivingparade.org.