The 8th Annual Saint Arnold One Pot Showdown isn't until Sunday, January 25, but the brewery is putting out a call for cooking teams. The event showcases homemade gumbos, stews, chili and anything else you can cook up in a single pot. Sign up online and be sure to do it now, as spots fill up quickly. The team fee is $100 per team, with prizes including $500 (plus all the glory in the world) for 1st place. See their One Pot Showdown page for complete details.
The Wave's last Holiday Lights Tour -- where you tour the winter wonderlands of Woodland Heights, Downtown, River Oaks Blvd. and more -- will take place on Tuesday, December 23. Meet at Market Square Park around 5:15 p.m. to warm up with food and drink specials before the ride. Tickets are $30 per person.
Damian's Cucina Italiana pays tribute to its storied history in December with daily specials selected from its 31-year archive. Chosen by veteran staff members, many of whom have worked at the Midtown landmark since its inception, the dishes include Veal Valdostana -- a breaded veal chop stuffed with fontina cheese and prosciutto topped with a mushroom marsala wine sauce; Lamb Chop Arno -- center cut lamb chops rubbed with garlic and rosemary and topped with a Barolo wine-balsamic reduction sauce; and Snapper Moda Mia -- baked snapper topped with basil pesto, tomato, parmesan cheese and toasted pine nuts, to name a few. Get the specials all month long. 3011 Smith
Catch the family-friendly Magical Christmas Dinner & Show at Moody Gardens now through December 27. The evening features a magic show from Master Illusionist Curt Miller alongside a festive holiday dinner buffet. Feast on harvest stuffed chicken with cranberry roulade, sirloin of beef with au jus, roasted butternut squash, and chocolate ganache cake. A children's buffet includes chicken tenders, mac and cheese, tater tots, fruit salad, and more. Tickets are $55 to $85 per adult, $39 to $75 for children 3 to 12; and $15 for children up to 2 years old.
Celebrate December 31 New-Orleans-style with Messina Hof Bryan's "New Year's Eve: A Night in the Big Easy" event. Get dinner, dancing, and dessert for $89.99 per adult (dining and dancing/dessert options can also be purchased separately). Head to the Vintage House from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. to enjoy crawfish beignets, poulet fricassee, filet of beef au poivre, and more. After, ring in the new year with assorted desserts and dancing in the Gallery. 4545 Old Reliance
