Monday, December 1
Tamale Season Kickoff at Monkey’s Tail
Monkey’s Tail, 5802 Fulton, launches its tamale season with a trio of housemade flavors – Red Chile Pork, Green Chile Chicken and a Grilled Pineapple–Jalapeño Cream Cheese twist – available beginning December 1. Orders come with your choice of the bar’s signature guajillo red or jalapeño green hot sauce, priced at $9 for six or $16 for a dozen.
Thursday, December 4
Jazz & Caroling Lunch at Brennan’s of Houston
Celebrate the season at Brennan’s of Houston, 3300 Smith, with a festive lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring live jazz and caroling. Guests who dine will receive a jingle-bell ribbon necklace, continuing a beloved New Orleans holiday tradition. The event also partners with Pursuit Center, supporting their mission to empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Annual White Truffle Dinner at Da Marco
Da Marco, 1520 Westheimer, is hosting its highly anticipated white-truffle dinner, featuring freshly shaved Alba truffles at the table in a multi-course Italian feast. This is a rare seasonal experience, so book via Resy to reserve your seats.
Friday, December 5
Cocktails for a Cause at The Kid
The Kid, 1815 North Durham, hosts a one-night Cocktails for a Cause event from 4 to 9 p.m., raising funds for Kids’ Meals Houston. Guests can sip two specialty cocktails – the Comeback Kid made with bourbon donated by Redemption Bourbon and the Kids’ Table featuring cantaloupe syrup and lime – with 100 percent of proceeds benefiting the nonprofit’s mission to fight childhood hunger. Children are welcome until 7 p.m. and Happy Hour food pricing runs until 7 p.m.
Prohibition Party at Whiskey Cake
Whiskey Cake turns back the clock with a Prohibition Party across all Houston locations. Guests can expect live music, hand-rolled cigars on the patio and bartenders slinging bootleg-style cocktails from the scratch bar. Doors open at 7 p.m., the band hits at 8 and guests are encouraged to dress the part. Admission is free.
Saturday, December 6
Santa Le Brunch de Funk at Brasserie 19
Brasserie 19, 1962 West Gray, is kicking off the holiday season with a high-energy holiday edition of its signature monthly brunch party, Santa Le Brunch de Funk, from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Expect melted raclette, holiday cocktails and a live DJ spinning seasonal favorites and chic brunch beats. Guests are encouraged to arrive in Christmas sweaters or cozy pajamas.
Saturday–Sunday
Holiday Nutcracker Tea at The Audrey
The Audrey, 9595 Six Pines, will host a Holiday Nutcracker Tea on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., offering an enchanting morning filled with seasonal magic. Guests can enjoy elegant teas, festive bites, and visits from Nutcracker ballerinas — including Clara and her mischievous mice — dancing through the dining room for charming photo ops. Reserve via OpenTable for Saturday or Sunday.
Sunday, December 7
Dandy’s Holiday Village at Dandelion Cafe
Dandelion Cafe pops up at the Heights Clocktower, 611 West 22nd St, for its first-ever Dandy’s Holiday Village, running 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Guests can browse a curated lineup of local vendors including Leafloria, The Bake Happening, Buff City Soap, The Dragon Beans and more seasonal makers. Brunch favorites and festive sips will be available as you shop, and Santa and Mrs. Claus will stop by from 10 a.m. to noon for photos and family fun.
All month long
Jingle Bell Bar at Botonica
Jingle Bell Bar returns for another over-the-top holiday takeover, transforming Botonica, 2031 Westcreek Lane, into three festively decked-out spaces: a twinkling Classic Christmas bar, a pastel Candy Cane Lane and a cozy Ski Lodge hideaway. Guests can sip seasonal cocktails like the Mistletoe Martini and Festivus Old Fashioned, plus festive bites ranging from flatbreads to Santa’s Cookie Platter Don’t miss $2 oyster Tuesdays, Jingle Bell Burlesque, live music nights and Sunday craft classes with holiday movies. Entry is free and reservations are recommended.
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
Sprinkles Holiday Boutique
Sprinkles’ Houston bakeries are spreading festive cheer with limited-edition holiday cupcakes and treats, available for pickup and local delivery. Now hrough December 25, the lineup expands to include the Joy Dozen ($64), Chocolate Peppermint Layer Cake (from $14), The Grinch Red Velvet cupcake ($5.25, pre-order only), and seasonal favorites like Chocolate Peppermint, Christmas Cookie, and Gingerbread. All treats come with festive gift wrap options.
Guerrero Tasting Menu at Caracol
Chef Hugo Ortega continues his tasting menu series at Caracol, 2200 Post Oak, bringing the flavors of Guerrero to Houston with a four-course tasting menu available at dinner Monday through Saturday. Highlights include Tiritas de Pescado, Pozole Verde, Pescado a la Talla, and Carlota de Limón, each paired with a mezcal cocktail inspired by the region. The menu is $75 per person, with an optional beverage pairing for $36 extra.
This article appears in Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2025.