December Is Here! Ring in the Season at Six Holiday-Happy Events this Weekend

December Is Here! Ring in the Season at Six Holiday-Happy Events this Weekend

Reliant Lights Mayor's Holiday Spectacular (photo by Richard Carson)

IT’S DECEMBER! WHICH means Christmas is coming, like, for real. And if you haven’t bought a tree, sipped some eggnog, or stuck some reindeer antlers on your pet, it’s time to hop to it. So for those of you who can’t wait to begin your holiday revelry, be it with the family, friends or on your own, here are six super cool Christmas-y things to do this weekend.


Deck the Park at Memorial Park

Photo by Liz Silva via Instagram

On Friday, Dec. 2, beginning at 4pm, Memorial Park Conservancy presents “Deck the Park,” a family-friendly picnic on the Clay Family Eastern Glades Event Lawn, beginning with an advance preview of the park’s Holiday Lights followed by an outdoor screening of the Christmas classic Elf. Kids can enjoy cookie-decorating, festive games, and letter-writing to Santa — and fill up on hot chocolate and other holiday treats. If you don’t have a picnic blanket, you can buy one at the park.

Jingle All the Way, Better than a Negligee

Need a gift, but dread going to Best Buy or Target? Then head over to Burning Bones Press Printmaking Studio this Saturday, Dec. 3, 11am-4pm, for its annual “Jingle All The Way, Better Than A Negligee” holiday market. Earlybird shoppers can browse a wide selection of provocative prints, handmade artisan gifts, and other unique items created by Houston’s independent printmakers and community retailers.

Holiday Brews on the Bend

On Sat., Dec. 3, 2pm-6pm, head over to Bayou Bend Collections and Gardens for a holiday-themed beer tasting, with craft beers from some of your favorite Houston breweries, including Saint Arnold, 8th Wonder, Eureka Heights, and others. Houston saxophonist Philippe Edison and The Black Luster Quartet will provide sublime jazz and neo-soul vibes. The event is for ages 21 and up.

Holiday Celebration at 4411 Montrose

On Sat., Dec. 3, 2pm-4pm, the galleries of 4411 Montrose — Anya Tish Gallery, Art is Bond, Assembly, Barbara Davis Gallery, David Shelton Gallery and Foto Relevance — come together for a holiday celebration, perfect for seasoned gallery-goers as well as those who want to learn more about the city’s vibrant and diverse art scene. Visitors can enjoy sweet treats and poinsettia cocktails while checking out paintings, sculpture and photography by homegrown and internationally renowned artists.

Reliant Lights Mayor's Holiday Spectacular

Gloria “I Will Survive” Gaynor headlines the Reliant Lights Mayor’s Holiday Spectacular this Saturday, Dec. 3, 6pm-8pm, in Hermann Square at City Hall. The free extravaganza includes performances by Houston Contemporary Dance Company, Dance of Asian America, Parker Elementary Performing Strings, and Mariachi Luna Llena, the lighting of the holiday tree, free photos with Santa, fireworks, and other festive activities for all ages.

Holiday Festival at Levy Park

River Oaks Dance at Levy Park (photo via Instagram)

Family fun abounds at Levy Park all weekend long. Check out the Holiday Festival — with craft stations, Houston vendors and photos with Santa — from 12pm-5pm on both days. Food trucks like The Burger Joint will supply delicious eats, and local performing-arts groups, including River Oaks Dance, the Boomtown Brass Band, and holiday carolers, will be taking the stage throughout the weekend.

Art + Entertainment
As Escape Spa Expands in 2025, Owner Has Advice on Personal Growth: ‘Focus on Intention Setting’

CHANGE IS A good thing, and with the start of a new year, I always like to reflect on how far I've come and start fresh by setting self-care goals for the coming months. Personal growth is a passion for me, and also something I enjoy. Guiding a business through growth and change is also one of my passions, so I am very pleased to announce that Escape Spa is going to be expanding in 2025! We’re honored that we’ve built such a loyal following since opening in Cypress in July of 2022, and we’re thrilled to be in a position to grow our wellness and recovery sanctuary just outside of Houston.

Keep ReadingShow less

Duck N Bao's bento boxes are part of Dine Out Rice Village

HOUSTON'S EVER-GENEROUS restaurant scene is already at it in 2025. Here are three ways foodies can dig in, raise a glass, and support important causes in January.

Keep ReadingShow less
Food

BY NOW, MOST of us are bracing for whatever Mother Nature decides to bring next week, be it snow, ice, or just a lot of bad traffic.

Keep ReadingShow less
Food