Museum mainstay event is here to help light up your holiday

SUGAR LAND — Can you feel the excitement in the air? From twinkling lights to cozy nights, and plenty of hot chocolate and festive bites, the holidays offer a truly magical time to connect with loved ones and celebrate the spirit of the season. Get swept up in the holiday wonder and come on over to HMNS at Sugar Land for our annual Jingle Tree celebration, this year happening from November 15 – 21.

A winter wonderland awaits you at the Museum as you wander the halls, enchanted by the beautifully adorned trees and festive decorations. These stunning displays, sponsored by local talents, are a feast for the eyes. And the best part? You can take home your favorite tree by bidding on it in the online silent auction.

This year, Jingle Tree is organized by Honorary Co-Chairs and longtime supporters of HMNS at Sugar Land: Judi Dai & Catalina Flores-Rau. Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital returns as presenting sponsor for the festive occasion.

“We’re excited to be back for another year of Jingle Tree to help create a truly memorable holiday season for everyone,” said Michael Garcia, senior vice president and CEO of Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. “This partnership supports science education and sensory-friendly accessibility programs – underscoring our commitment to the well-being and development of our community. Our friends at the museum are inspiring curiosity and knowledge throughout Fort Bend County and beyond, and together we’re investing in a brighter, more inclusive future.”

Event proceeds allow the Museum to partner with 150+ Fort Bend area schools to provide discounted field trips; expand Museum access to diverse communities and local nonprofits; and support innovative sensory-friendly programming to make HMNS at Sugar Land accessible to all visitors, including those with disabilities, their peers, and families.

“HMNS at Sugar Land is more than just a museum; we’re a community resource dedicated to science education, and we’re beyond excited to say that we’ve served our friends and neighbors in Sugar Land and beyond for 15 years now,” said Kavita Self, Executive Director of HMNS at Sugar Land. “Jingle Tree has been instrumental in supporting our efforts to make science accessible for everyone, from the sensory-friendly programs within our Museum to the outreach initiatives in our community. We’re grateful for the continued support of Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital and the dedication of our Honorary Chairs and planning committee. Together, we’re making the natural sciences more engaging and inclusive for everyone.”

This year’s schedule of events includes:

• Tree Lighting

Friday, November 15 | 10:00 a.m.

Watch the trees come to light and begin bidding, or buy your favorite now!

• Holiday Workshop

Tuesday, November 19 | 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Live demos and new trends, plus tree viewing with light bites and beverages – a perfect time to spend with friends!

• Festive Finale

Thursday, November 21 | 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.

A festive party filled with cheer! Don’t miss the live auction with exclusive museum experiences, and final bidding on the designer trees and décor.

Catering by Events by Safari

For sponsorship opportunities, to purchase tickets, and for more information visit,

sugarland.hmns.org/jingle-tree or email jingletree@hmns.org.

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The Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land—On Oct. 3, 2009, a historic prison building in the residential community area of Telfair opened to the public, transformed – as the new Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land. This satellite facility of HMNS includes five permanent galleries reflecting the most popular exhibit areas of the downtown Museum location. In addition to permanent exhibitions, the 43,000 square foot building and the surrounding 5.5 acres of land that house the museum present a variety of compelling traveling exhibitions. Located at 13019 University Blvd. (at the corner of University and New Territory Blvds.), a visit to HMNS at Sugar Land is always an adventure.

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Jingle Tree 2024 Honorary Co-Chairs and Sponsors (Photo Above):

• Esther Schinzler, Marketing & Communications Manager, Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital
• Eliud Faz, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital
• Kavita Self, Executive Director, HMNS at Sugar Land
• Judi Dai, Jingle Tree Co-Chair
• Michael Garcia, Senior Vice President and Chief Executive Officer, Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital
• Catalina Flores-Rau, Jingle Tree Co-Chair
• Jeffrey Wood, M.D., Interim Chief Medical Officer/Chief Quality Officer, Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital
• Janet Leatherwood, Vice President, Chief Nursing Officer, Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital
• Elizabeth Butler, Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Board Member
• Sally Shen, Associate Chief Nursing Officer, Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital

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