Santa Alert! After Two Years, Beloved Holiday Tradition Returns, with Brews, Music and Games Galore

Santa Alert! After Two Years, Beloved Holiday Tradition Returns, with Brews, Music and Games Galore

THE BEST WAY to spread Christmas cheer is … the festive, family-friendly, action-packed Christmas Village at Bayou Bend!


After a two-year hiatus, the MFAH is bringing back the popular December event to its 14-acre estate off Memorial Drive. To make it even more bubbly, the season will get kicked off with the Holiday Brews tasting experience on Dec. 3.

Open to guests 21 and older, the evening features music from The Black Luster Quartet with saxophonist Philippe Edison, along with craft beers for tasting from various local breweries such as Breckenridge, 8th Wonder, Saint Arnold and more.

The beloved Christmas Village opens Dec. 9. For 20 nights, Bayou Bend will be transformed into a Christmas wonderland. Yep, the kiddos will be excited — but kids of all ages can immerse themselves in the Christmas adventure. A dazzling bridge transports guests into a winter wonderland featuring thousands of colorful lights.

Highlights include a tour of the first floor of Ima Hogg’s stately historic mansion — live actors, theatrical effects — plus beautiful Christmas decorations, as well as a handcrafted model train that circles the decorated 15-foot Christmas tree. Ready for a little Christmas shopping? Adults can stop by the Cottage Shop for unique gifts. And outside, Santa’s huge, lit-up sleigh has crashed on the front lawn.

If that’s not enough, kids should anticipate a faux-snow slide, and tons of games, from a scavenger hunt and cotton snowball toss to “antler rings” and beyond. For $10, visitors can enjoy photos with Santa through Dec. 23.

Note that Bayou Bend will be closed Dec. 24. Tickets for the Christmas Village at Bayou Bend are on sale now. For more information, visit www.mfah.org/christmasvillage.

People + Places
Reyna Group Owner Leads Real Estate Market with Passion and Excellence

MICHELLE REYNA WYMES, a distinguished name in the Houston real estate market, is the owner of the successful boutique brokerage, Reyna Group. Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Michelle has deep-rooted connections to the community she serves with dedication and pride.

Keep Reading Show less

What year was your organization launched? Urban Harvest’s Saturday Farmers Market started in 2004 with just seven vendors, providing an outlet for local farms, community and backyard gardeners to sell fresh produce harvested directly from their soils. Now in its 20th year, the market has grown to be one of the largest markets in Texas, supporting over 100 local farmers, ranchers, and food artisans all from within 180 miles of Houston. The market draws 3,000 customers every Saturday morning and includes many original vendors like Animal Farm, Atkinson Farms, and Wood Duck Farm.

Keep Reading Show less

What year was your organization launched? Founded in Houston in 1947, as the Cerebral Palsy Treatment Center, the organization provided services to individuals with disabilities living in Houston and Harris County. In 1989, the organization changed its name and greatly expanded its services to meet the needs of its clientele. Today as Easter Seals Greater Houston, the organization provides multiple outstanding service programs to children, adults, veterans, and service members with all types of disabilities and their families in Harris and sixteen surrounding counties.

Keep Reading Show less