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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.