Christmas Day is a time to spend hanging out by the tree, unwrapping presents, and generally lounging. But if you and yours get a little cabin fever, we've rounded up 10 fun events to get you out and about, once the wrapping paper and packages have been thrown away — and A Christmas Story is in its second showing.
Axelrad
Enjoy a screening of not one, but two cinematic adaptations of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol: the 1951 movie Scrooge and the 1988 Bill Murray comedy Scrooged. (We're partial to The Muppet Christmas Carol, where Dickens is played by Gonzo. But we still approve of this double feature.) 7:30-11 pm.
Bungalow Heights
Grab a small gift and head to this holiday party, featuring $1 draught beers, an open kitchen and a White Elephant gift exchange (bring a gift, get a gift!). If you're hungry, may we suggest the Bungalow Bird, a roasted half-chicken seasoned with fresh herbs, garlic and oil, served with veggies. 7 pm-2 am.
Cadillac Bar Houston
Celebrate the day with a Christmas brunch, complete with 60 items to choose from — including popular, Cadillac signature items. This spot mostly traffics in authentic Mexican food — enchiladas, fajitas, and more. And their margaritas are all that. 10 am-3 pm.
Conservatory
Drink up this "Break Even Bottle Event," where 1.25oz. pours of high-end, limited-release whiskey bottles will be offered as a gift (per person, that is). Among the selections: Booker's Bourbon, Elijah Craig 23 Year, E.H. Taylor Single Barrel, and High West Yippee Ki-Yay. 11 am-midnight.
The Continental Club
Head downtown for a free live show featuring '80s cover band Molly & the Ringwalds. So, you just know you're gonna hear Wham's "Last Christmas" from them at some point. There will also be free nachos and karaoke. 9-11:30 pm.
The Flat
It's a special Christmas tribute to James Brown, where DJ Sun will no doubt spin some holiday classics performed by the Godfather of Soul. This event is a must for anyone who's a fan of Brown's iconic holiday album, James Brown's Funky Christmas. Remember, Christmas is love. 9 pm.
Fitzgerald's
Sara Fitzgerald's beloved Heights venue give people its 24th and final Christmas party before it shuts down for good. Bands 30footFALL and Bickley are the headliners. Also on the bill: The Cops, A Taste of Garlic and — we kid you not — Skeleton Dick. Yeah, it's gonna be that kind of a night. 7 pm-midnight.
Funplex
Kiddos and families are invited to show up for its third-annual, kids' Christmas party. There will be crafting stations, Christmas bingo and karaoke for the kids. And, of course, Santa will be around to take photos. Admission is free and tasty treats and holiday drinks will be available for purchase. 5:30-10 pm.
Govinda's Vegetarian Cuisine
Look for a full menu of vegan dishes for people not down with turkey and giblets, along with complimentary apple cider. What do they have, you ask? There's seitan roast, stir-fry veggie and pasta, acorn squash with maple syrup, spinach fritters with chutney, and much more. 11 am-8 pm.
The Rustic
Pat Green's jammin' downtown spot celebrates Christmas with "Drink the Tree," an event with a special holiday menu, live music from The Powell Brothers and $3 Firemans beers. Word is, they'll stack 'em up all up like a Christmas tree and everyone can drink them until that beer tree is all gone. 5 pm-midnight.
