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
Wellness Pro LeBrina Jackson on Gratitude at the Holidays: It’s a ‘Reset Button for my Mind’

LeBrina Jackson

AS WE GET into the holiday season, we’re reminded of what we have, what we want and what might be lacking. As Sheryl Crow says in her song, Soak up the Sun, “It’s not having what you want, it’s wanting what you've got.” We caught up with LeBrina Jackson, owner of Escape Spa in Cypress, Texas, and learned how she tackles the holiday season with hope, love and most importantly, gratitude.

Keep ReadingShow less

Gold high-low tulle mini dress, $698, by Chloe Dao, with diamond-and-pearl necklace, diamond earrings, diamond-flower bracelet, and diamond rings, all vintage Buccellati, and Macri cuff bracelets, from $32,000, by Buccellati, all at Tenenbaum Jewelers.

IN THE WARM glow of the holidays, festive frocks, elegant resort looks and baubles from Houston’s finest jewelers take on a regal new light.

Keep ReadingShow less
Style

WHEN ENVISIONING The Marigold Club, afternoon tea was destined to be a cornerstone — a sophisticated nod to the lavish charm of Mayfair London infused with French culinary flair and a dash of Houston’s bold spirit.

Keep ReadingShow less
Food