It’s the time of year for dazzling lights and holiday cheer. And Avenida Houston's City Lights is the place you want to be this holiday season. They pull out all the stops to transform the downtown district into the perfect holiday destination.

Here are some of the top activities to enjoy at this year’s City Lights:

Discovery Green Ice Rink

The Ice at Discovery Green is one of the largest outdoor skating rinks in the Southwest. Created from recycled water from the park's Kinder Lake, this winter wonderland offers skate rentals as part of the $15 price of admission and is open every day until Jan. 30.

Alley Theatre's Deck the Trees

Alley Theatre's annual production of A Christmas Story is usually part of the lobby experience. The 28 mystic trees find their way to Houston's Grand Holiday opposite the plaza. All trees are decorated by Houston's leading designers.

Texas Winter Lights at the Marriott Marquis Houston

For an interactive walk-through or float-under light experience, explore Discovery Green on a 60,000-square-foot terrace at the hotel. The terrace boasts a giant Texas-shaped lazy river.

Every night, you'll enjoy an interactive light experience that surrounds the 1-mile stretch at 110 feet above street level. The spectacular view encompasses the downtown Houston skyline that overlooks Discovery Green Park.

Light displays include Glow Garden, Light Up Sports lawn, and Hanging Icicles, all of which make for Instagram-worthy setups. You can rent a cabana for the night, enjoy some s'mores at the fire pits, or indulge in some dining and wining.

Visit the Olympus Falcon Landing blog for more Christmas inspiration on places to visit and things to do for the holiday cheer.