All week long
Hanukkah Pre-orders at Kenny & Ziggy’s
Hanukkah begins at sundown on Monday, December 15, and Kenny & Ziggy’s, 1743 Post Oak, is offering multiple holiday packages and a huge à la carte menu available for pickup or nationwide shipping. Orders due 72 hours in advance by Friday, December 12.
12 Days of Thompson
Thompson Houston, 1717 Allen, brings back its festive, city-inspired holiday celebration with daily surprises and immersive experiences, with something new rolling out each day — from complimentary hot cocoa at check-in and holiday cocktails in the lobby to spa specials, live music, pet-friendly photo ops, and a curated maker’s market featuring Houston artisans. Highlights include a Hot Cocoa Station in the Library (December 8), Twilight Slow Flow Yoga (December 10), a complimentary holiday cocktail on arrival (December 12), the Maker’s Market (December 13) and Peppermints & Polaroids (December 14).
Friday, December 12
Bouillabaisse special at Etoile Cuisine et Bar
Etoile Cuisine et Bar, 1101-11 Uptown Park, is celebrating National Bouillabaisse Day a little early this year, serving chef Philippe Verpiand’s epic Provencal fish stew as an off-menu special on Friday, December 12. Expect bowls loaded with shrimp, fresh-caught snapper, sea bass and mussels, plus an aioli crostini. The dish runs $34 at lunch and $44 at dinner.
Saturday, December 13
Ugly Sweater Party at Pier 6 Seafood & Oyster House
Over in San Leon, Pier 6, 13 6th, throws its second-annual bayside Ugly Sweater bash, inviting guests to ditch the fancy fits and lean all the way into festive tacky. Expect a DJ, drink specials, and prizes for the best (or worst) holiday sweaters. The fun kicks off at 5 p.m.
Saturday–Sunday
Holiday Jazz Brunch at Brennan’s of Houston
Brennan’s, 3300 Smith, extends its legendary Sunday Jazz Brunch to Saturdays for two festive weekends, giving guests extra chances to celebrate the season in true Creole-charm style. Savor soulful Creole classics, sip holiday cocktails, and enjoy live tunes from the restaurant’s beloved roaming jazz band. Holiday attire is encouraged — think tacky ties, ugly sweaters, Mrs. Claus looks, or full Santa’s helpers. Plus, the annual Jingle Bell giveaway returns with surprises throughout service.
Sunday, December 14
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.
Le Club du Dimanche: Holiday Edition at Brasserie 19
Brasserie 19, 1962 West Gray, brings back its most anticipated Le Club du Dimanche of the year with a festive piano night featuring Thomas Cokinos on the baby grand. Expect holiday tunes, seasonal cocktails and plenty of that classic B19 charm from 7 to 9:30 p.m.
All month long
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
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.