On tap this week is a mega art sale, a wine wholesale shop-a-thon, a twinkling tour that celebrates Houston's iconic past, a performance in which Manischewitz and Santa play nice and an inspiring concert reverberating with magical voices.
Glassell Studio School Student Art Sale
Your jaw will drop to the floor when you see not only the amount of art, but also the quality of paintings, prints, ceramics, jewelry and more that awash the classrooms of the Glassell School of Art for this popular shopping binge. The students put up their works up for sale, with proceeds benefiting the artists and Glassell scholarships.
Tips: Go early for the best selection and don't second guess yourself. Because it's not as though you could go back a week later and the goods will be there waiting for you.
The skinny: Friday and Saturday; Glassell School of Art; free admission.
13 Celsius' Annual Wholesale Market and Customer Appreciation Event
I am stupid about wine. Although I know very little, I can always count on the grape savants at 13 Celsius to recommend something that matches my mood. So whether you're looking to stock up your cellar or for holiday gifts, there's no better place to do so than at the wine bar's wholesale market — prices are that good.
The event also welcomes local food merchants such as Slow Dough Bread Co., Catalina Coffee, Houston Dairymaids and Sweet Voodoo. Cookbook author Erin Hicks will make an appearance to sell and sign copies of her newest masterpeice, Houston Small Plants and Sips.
The skinny: Saturday, noon to 4 p.m.; 13 Celsius; free event.
Heritage Society's 52nd Annual Candlelight Tour
Experience the Houston of yesteryear at this annual event during which historic buildings sparkle with holiday glee. The Heritage Society hosts this two-day celebration that features seasonal activities, performances and yummy bites — a perfect date night or family outing.
New this year is an art market curated by the Bayou City Art Festival.
Horse Head Theatre Company hosts "Holiday Huzzah" featuring Abby Koenig's The Jew Who Loves Christmas
Part party, part performance and all hilarity, this "Holiday Huzzah" gathering hosted by Horse Head Theatre Company is just what you would expect from this amicable thespian troupe. In addition to an open mic, raffles and games, the evening includes Abby Koenig's one-woman show, The Jew Who Loves Christmas — that's yours truly all the way as well.
Recommended attire: Holiday cheer and that ugly sweater aunt Ursula gave you for Christmas in 1994. Sounds like a perfect outing when combined with Lights in the Heights.
The skinny: Saturday, 7 p.m.; Obsidian Art Space; tickets start at $40.
Houston Chamber Choir presents "Noël, Noël - Christmas at the Villa"
The accoustics of the chapel offer an unparalled milieu in which to enjoy the crystal-clear voices of this professional chamber choir. If you need an uplifting outing, you can count your blessings that the Houston Chamber Choir will deliver a magical musicale that includes tunes that feed the soul with goodness.
The skinny: Saturday and Sunday, 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on both days; Villa de Matel; $40 adults, $36 seniors.
13 Celsius' Annual Wholesale Market and Customer Appreciation Event also welcomes local food merchants.
D.R.E.A.M.S. by Camilla Falsini is coming to the Balloon Museum.Photo courtesy of the Balloon Museum
Spiritus Sonata by ENESS.Courtesy of the Balloon Museum
"Swing" by Motorefisico — part of a different international exhibition — shows scale as a child explores.Photo courtesy of the Balloon Museum