All week long
Hanukkah with Sof Hospitality
Sof Hospitality is celebrating Hanukkah across its restaurants starting Sunday, December 14, with nightly traditions and holiday treats. Hamsa will lead the lighting of the menorah each night at 6:30 p.m., alongside specials on sufganiyot and latke. Doris Metropolitan and Októ will offer their own spins on the classic latke, with caviar at Doris and mini versions with smoked salatim and caviar at Októ. Badolina Bakery rounds things out with fresh sufganiyot and an array of Mediterranean pastries, available individually or by the half dozen or dozen.
Monday, December 15
Katami x Milton’s & Lee’s Feast of the Seven Fishes
Katami, 2701 Westheimer, is hosting a one-night-only Feast of the Seven Fishes dinner at 7 p.m., reuniting chef Manabu “Hori” Horiuchi with chef Seth Siegel-Gardner for an eight-course, seafood-forward benefit dinner for Southern Smoke Foundation. The menu features octopus terrine, nigiri, seafood-stuffed ravioli, scallop and eel, Italian-inspired cocktails, and wine pairings, with a cocktail hour kicking off the evening. Only 30 seats are available.. Tickets are $350++.
Friday, December 19
12 Days of Brunch at State Fare Kitchen & Bar
State Fare Kitchen & Bar, 947 Gessner, 15930 City Walk, 1900 Hughes Landing, continues its 12 Days of Brunch celebration, opening an hour early and rolling out its full weekend brunch menu on select days during weekday lunch hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Upcoming dates include December 19, 22–24, 26, 29–31 and January 1–2.
Saturday, December 20
Annual Holiday Bourbon Allocation at O.S.T. Liquor
O.S.T. Liquor, 3928 Old Spanish Trail, is dropping more than 200 rare and highly coveted bottles at its annual bourbon allocation event when doors open at 10 a.m. Look for big names like George T. Stagg, Willett 8-Year, Elijah Craig 18-Year, Elmer T. Lee, Eagle Rare 12-Year, Blanton’s Single Barrel and a limited Fortaleza Tequila release. Guests can grab one allocated bottle per turn with a supporting purchase, then rejoin the line. Early arrival is recommended. Through December 19, donate a new $25 toy to the store’s Annual Toy Drive for a chance to win allocated spirits and an appreciation gift.
Zanti Claus Brunch at Zanti Cucina Italiana
Zanti Cucina Italiana, 1958 West Gray is wrapping up its themed brunch series with its “Zanti Claus” Christmas Brunch. Guests can enjoy classic brunch favorites and seasonal specials while Santa makes the rounds for photos and holiday cheer. Expect festive DJ beats and holiday-inspired cocktails to keep the spirit bright. The brunch runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with reservations available on OpenTable.
Saturday–Sunday
Afternoon Tea at The Lancaster Hotel
Guests heading to The Nutcracker at Houston Ballet or A Christmas Carol at Alley Theatre can make a day of it with Holiday Afternoon Tea at the iconic Lancaster Hotel, 701 Texas, in the heart of the Theater District. The festive spread features tea sandwiches, cranberry scones, seasonal patisseries and global teas, plus a complimentary tin of the hotel’s holiday spiced black tea. Afternoon Tea is served Saturdays and Sundays at noon and 2:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 21
Brunch with Santa at Pier 6 Seafood & Oyster House
Pier 6 Seafood & Oyster House, 113 6th, is hosting a festive morning with Santa photo ops set against a coastal Christmas backdrop plus complimentary kids patio activities like oyster shell painting, a write-a-letter-to-Santa station and hot cocoa. Live Christmas classics round out the holiday vibe from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Reserve online.
Sunday Supper at Little’s Oyster Bar
Little’s Oyster Bar, 3001 South Shepherd, is opening up its doors for a rare Sunday dinner service on Sunday, December 21 from 5 to 9 p.m., offering a limited-time opportunity to close out your week with chef Jason Ryczek’s award-winning Gulf Coast fare. The restaurant has also just debuted two new seasonal offerings: a bright cocktail called Paradise Lost (Probitas Rum, Crème de Cassis, pineapple, purple basil, lime), and an elegant new dessert of Toasted Buttermilk Custard with spiced wine-poached pear and pear sorbet.
All month long
Trill Burgers × SPY×FAMILY Collab at Trill Burgers
Trill Burgers is going full anime with a limited-time SPY×FAMILY collab running through the end of the month at both the Montrose outpost, 3607 South Shepherd, and the newly opened Spring location, 6810 Louetta. Fans can dig into an over-the-top SPY×FAMILY Burger stacked with two smashed patties, American cheese, pickles, beef goulash, Lil’ Smokey sausage, a fried egg and sour cream. Exclusive tees featuring the Forgers drop, too, available only during the collab window.
Exclusive December Lunch Service at Turner’s
Through December, Turner’s, 1800 Post Oak , is opening its doors for a rare midday treat, inviting guests to slip in for a luxe holiday lunch that feels straight out of a vintage Christmas film, complete with martinis, poinsettias and live music warming the room. Menu highlights include caviar service, seafood cioppino, Turner’s burger and filet mignon.
Holiday Bars Pop-Ups
Check out our 2025 Sip & Sleigh Guide to find all the holiday bars popping up around Houston.
New and ongoing specials
Holiday Sweets
Craving something sweet for the holidays? From bûche de Noël to peppermint tres leches, Houston’s best seasonal treats are just a click away. Don’t miss our roundup of the city’s top spots for festive cakes, cookies and pies — perfect for parties, gifting or hoarding for yourself. Check out Sweet Season: Where to Order Houston’s Best Holiday Desserts.
Tamale Season
It’s tamale season, y’all! Check out our 2025 Houston Holiday Tamale Guide to find out where to get the goods this season, from fancy numbers stuffed with mushrooms with pipián rojo to grandma style pork and chicken tamales by the dozen.
This article appears in Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2025.