holiday

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.

From Your Site Articles
Related Articles Around the Web
People + Places
promoted

Leadership in Action: ‘Family, Community and Spiritual Connection’ Drives Success for Henry Richardson

Al Torres
Leadership in Action: ‘Family, Community and Spiritual Connection’ Drives Success for Henry Richardson

How did you get to where you are today? The present moment is a combined history of my family, my time as an athlete, my passion for learning, and my desire to see the world be better. I grew up as a successful springboard and platform diver, however, an injury caused me to seek alternative treatments to heal my body. In that process, I discovered the power of yoga, exercise, meditation, mindset, and nutrition. This holistic approach eventually led me to open a Pilates and cycling studio called DEFINE body & mind. I opened studios around the nation, and after selling most of my business between 2017-2019, I was ready to explore how I could make an even greater impact on the wellbeing of our community. In 2023, I started actively working on a brand new multi-family/apartment concept called, Define Living. The idea focused on offering health and wellness services within a beautiful apartment setting to increase the wellbeing of our residents. Having a strong sense of community is the number one factor in living a happy life, so why not build a community where daily fitness, cooking classes, and social connection are the norm? We opened Define Living in March of 2024, and we couldn’t be happier with how things are being received. We are already looking at building more concepts like this in the Houston area and beyond.

Keep Reading Show less
food

Savor the Sun with Okto’s New Happy Hour

THE WEATHER IS changing, and soon, so will the time! Make the most of that extra hour of sun at Montrose’s Okto. This Mediterranean hotspot, located in Montrose Collective and part of Sof Hospitality — a group nominated for the prestigious 2025 James Beard Award in the competitive Outstanding Restaurateur category — is rolling out a new happy hour to enjoy on their urban-chic patio.

Keep Reading Show less
Food
promoted

Golden Hour at The Marigold Club: A Decadent Escape

THERE'S A MOMENT just before dusk when everything turns to gold—the light softens, the world slows, and indulgence feels not just necessary, but deserved. Welcome to Golden Hour at The Marigold Club, where opulence meets effortless charm and your midweek unwind turns into an exquisite ritual.

Keep Reading Show less