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.