Everything on Your List

Enjoy 12 days of M-K-T shopping, dining, fun, and more this holiday season

SuitShop Sip & Shop with Poder Hispano happens December 7.

Photo courtesy of SuitShop

Celebrate a full calendar of holiday events and site-wide specials at M-K-T this December. Here's what waiting for you:

1. Sparkle and shine at holiday photo opps
Never miss a moment to strike a pose when you visit M-K-T.

M-K-T Holiday Light Tunnels family photo Claim your free holiday photo session for December 12.Photo by Jonathan Rienstra Photography

Holiday Light Tunnels | Now - January 4, at 4 pm daily
Visit M-K-T trailside to experience a magical wonderland of two tunnels of shimmering lights adorning the full length of M-K-T’s bridges. M-K-T is treating lucky locals to FREE holiday photo sessions with Jonathan Rienstra Photography on Tuesday, December 12. Sign up here to schedule your complimentary 10-minute photo session, while availability lasts.
Holiday-themed Airstream | December 2 - January 2The groovy, '60s-era M-K-T Airstream receives a holiday glow-up with an eye-catching photo opp installation sponsored by Houston Plant Market. This is open to the public during M-K-T’s hours of operation, no appointment necessary.

2. Shop 'til you drop in M-K-T style for fashion, accessories, and home
Let the eye-catching apparel and accessories in M-K-T’s array of inviting boutiques and shops draw you out of your winter cocoon.

Lovesac Bundles are on sale now at Lovesac.Photo courtesy of M-K-T

Pippa & Pearl grand opening party | December 2, noon - 2 pm
Celebrate the grand opening of Pippa & Pearl’s first brick-and-mortar location with a live DJ, light bites and drinks, shopping, giveaways, a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 1 pm, and the debut of Sarah Pappas’ Rair Burd streetwear pop-up shop.
Lovesac holiday collections | Up to 35% off Sac Bundles, Now - December 4Prepare your home for the coziest time of the year. Shop Lovesac’s Holiday Favorites and Northern Nights collections, along with their top picks for holiday gifting. Lovesac’s luxury fabrics and easily customized Sactional furniture set-ups and pillowy signature Sacs offer the ultimate in comfort for any size crowd you’d like to get cozy with.
SuitShop Sip & Shop with Poder Hispano | December 7, 6 - 8 pm
Prep for the holiday party season with SuitShop and Poder Hispano. Enjoy festive drinks and try on the perfect suits designed for both men and women at this stylish soiree. Poder Hispano is a 501(c)(3) organization focused on community engagement and multicultural awareness. RSVP to carolina@poderhispano.org to attend.
Chloe Dao charitable HoUSton shirts + mugs | December 1 - 31The perfect gifts for those who love to support local are available at Chloe Dao. Her signature “HoUSton” design T-shirts and mugs celebrate the remarkable diversity found in H-Town. This holiday season, 10% of the proceeds from each purchase will support the Houston Food Bank.

3. Holiday fun and frolics at M-K-T’s family-friendly kids events
Parent-tested, kid-approved. You can celebrate with the entire squad at family-friendly programming for all ages this December at M-K-T.

Trail Mix: Music, Magic & More | December 2, 10 am
Enjoy a lively Saturday morning singalong to original kids’ music from local favorite AndyRoo and madcap mayhem from Dave & Jake Rangel Magic at M-K-T’s monthly Trail Mix variety show, trailside.
Heights Kids Day of Music | December 16, 4 - 6 pm
Rock out at a sunset glow-stick dance party with Heights’ Kids Day of Music. This trailside celebration features the chance to jingle jam with '90s cover band Booyah and enjoy a hot chocolate and churros station from Homestead Kitchen & Bar.

4. Shop with all the jingle ladies at HTX Boss Babes Holiday Fest
Bring the whole squad to this femme-powered family and dog-friendly event.

HTX Boss Babes Holiday Fest | December 3, 11 am - 4 pm
Shop 'til you drop with H-Town’s original girl gang and over 80 women-owned businesses at HTX Boss Babe’s Holiday Fest. This site-wide outdoor event features a glittering array of holiday activities for all ages, multiple DJs, and stunning photo opps around every corner.

5. Treat yourself to festive M-K-T fitness and wellness features
The holiday hubbub can take its toll, so be sure to take time to work out, refresh, and rejuvenate at M-K-T’s fitness and wellness hot spots.

Score membership specials at Solidcore.Photo courtesy of M-K-T

Hi, Skin "gift one, get one" facials + $40 off gift cards | Now - December 31
Freshen up your gift game when you give personalized facials and skin care products from Hi, Skin. “Gift one, get one” of their signature Hi, Tech Facials when you book in-studio or by phone. You can also receive $40 off any gift card purchase of $140 or more when you use or mention code HOLIDAY at checkout.
Hush Hush Tan pre-opening deal 25% off gift cards | Now - December 31
This luxury spray tanning salon is coming soon to M-K-T. Score year-end gift card savings redeemable at their first Houston location on their website now, so you can be the first to get the Hush Hush Tan glow.
Solidcore December new + annual membership specials | December 1 - 31
Work out and save big this season under the blue lights at Solidcore with their popular high-intensity, low-impact, full-body workouts. New members can sign up for two weeks of unlimited classes for only $79 and take four classes in two weeks to earn 15% off a continuing membership. New and current members can commit to a 12-month membership to save 25% off. Email theheights@solidcore.co for more information and to sign up for these local deals.

6. Sunday Funday the holiday way at M-K-T’s Holidaze Market
Shop the best in festive fare from local vendors and meet The Grinch.

Sunday Funday: Holidaze Market | December 10, noon - 4 pm
'Tis the season for sipping, shopping, and feeling groovy. DJ M-Cue will spin the fresh holiday vibes as you sip brews from Eureka Heights and shop for everyone on your nice list at this festive outdoor market. Find the best local artisan wares, hands-on activities, and giftable goodies galore. Meet and greet with Who Stole Houston’s The Grinch from 12-2 pm.

7. Jingle all the namasté at Union Studio Yoga’s Ugly Sweater Yoga Class
Get your warm and fuzzy fitness fix at this all-level outdoor yoga session.

Union Studio Yoga: Ugly Sweater Yoga | December 13, 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Wear your ugliest holiday sweater and join Union Studio Yoga founder Kim Taurins as you pose, frolic, and stretch in view of the twinkling lights from M-K-T’s Holiday Light Tunnels. Whether you’re new to yoga or a seasoned pro, you’ll feel jolly good when you leave.

8. Savor seasonal flavors when you drink and dine at M-K-T
Winter warmers and great gifts for foodies are on tap from M-K-T’s delicious dining destinations.

Get a bonus when you buy Blue Sushi Sake Grill gift cards.Photo courtesy of M-K-T

Blue Sushi Sake Grill gift card promo | December 1 - 31
This holiday at Blue Sushi Sake Grill, gift-givers will receive a $25 bonus gift card with the purchase of a $100 gift card. Give the sushi-lover on your list a thrill when you snag this coveted gift deal. We won’t tell if you keep the bonus $25 gift card to treat yourself!
New seasonal flavors at YumCha
Fuel your holiday with delightful teas and handcrafted beverages from YumCha. New menu items include the comforting winter flavors and cool sensations of their House Trio milk tea and creamy avocado yogurt drink.
Mendocino Farms giving opportunity + BOGO deals | Now - December 31
Enjoy crowd-pleasing salads, sandwiches, and more and give back this holiday season at Mendocino Farms. Through December 31, you can round up your check in-store to benefit No Kid Hungry or add on a donation with any online order. Each Saturday and Sunday in December, use promo code BOGOWKND to score a buy one, get one 50% off entrees, in-store or online.

9. Art lovers find creative fun with M-K-T’s Finer Things Club
Culture vultures will love this al fresco weeknight art lesson under the stars.

Finer Things Club: Urban Sketching | December 12, 6 - 7 pm
Join local urban sketching artist Judith Dollar trailside for this free art class, which will use the twinkling lights and colorful scenery of M-K-T as picturesque points of inspiration. Enjoy savory tapas-style specials and cocktails from da Gama Canteen’s cafe window while you get creative, and you’ve achieved the ultimate cultural night out. RSVPs are required, so save your spot at M-K-T’s website now.

10. Sleigh your holiday shopping at Houston Plant Market’s PlantMas event
Green thumbs enjoy holiday fun for all ages at this outdoor market.

Houston Plant Market: PlantMas | December 17, noon - 6 pm
Houston Plant Market will deck the halls at M-K-T with over 30 local vendors, a lively DJ, their Take-A-Plant, Leave-A-Plant station, and a merry scavenger hunt activity for all ages featuring prizes from M-K-T businesses. Whether you’re looking for the perfect beginner-friendly or rare plant, or for artisanal crafts, snacks, and home goods to make the season bright, you’ll find it here.

11. Delightful excursions and date nights at M-K-T
Plan your next adventurous outing with your BFF or boo with these outside-the-box entertainment offers.

Color Me Mine couple Spend date night at Color Me Mine.Photo courtesy of M-K-T

Color Me Mine buy one, get one date night deal
Craft an unforgettable evening with the one you love at Color Me Mine’s playful pottery painting studio. Couples can enjoy buy one, get one free studio fees after 4 pm each Wednesday. Mention “Date Night” in-store or when booking by phone to redeem.
Pedego exciting excursions + 60% off year-end sale | Now - January 2Electric bikes for all! Get out and about on the Heights Hike & Bike Trail when you stop by for a free test drive with Pedego’s friendly team. You can also rent their easy-to-ride and oh-so-fun bikes hourly or by the day. Zoom in now to score the biggest savings of the year on select e-bikes and accessories. Sale prices are available in-store only, while supplies last.

12. Eat, shop, and be merry at M-K-T’s Sunset Market with The Feel Good Group
Weeknight market fun gets the full winter wonderland treatment at Sunset Market.

M-K-T Sunset Market | December 21, 6 - 9 pm
Expect festive surprises and live performances to keep all ages entertained as you score last-minute gifts in style at this very merry edition of M-K-T’s monthly Sunset Market, which takes place every third Thursday, trailside. You’ll find hot, fresh, and to-go food options from Houston’s favorite chefs, along with locally crafted accessories, pantry essentials, home goods, gifts, desserts, and more from The Feel Good Group’s curated selection of local vendors.

holidays shopping families kids promoted

Movie Review

Avatar: Fire and Ash returns to Pandora with big action and bold visuals

Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios

Oona Chaplin in Avatar: Fire and Ash.

For a series whose first two films made over $5 billion combined worldwide, Avatar has a curious lack of widespread cultural impact. The films seem to exist in a sort of vacuum, popping up for their run in theaters and then almost as quickly disappearing from the larger movie landscape. The third of five planned movies, Avatar: Fire and Ash, is finally being released three years after its predecessor, Avatar: The Way of Water.

The new film finds the main duo, human-turned-Na’vi Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) and his native Na’vi wife, Neytiri (Zoë Saldaña), still living with the water-loving Metkayina clan led by Ronal (Kate Winslet) and Tonowari (Cliff Curtis). While Jake and Neytiri still play a big part, the focus shifts significantly to their two surviving children, Lo’ak (Britain Dalton) and Tuk (Trinity Jo-Li Bliss), as well as two they’ve essentially adopted, Kiri (Sigourney Weaver) and Spider (Jack Champion).

Miles Quaritch (Stephen Lang), who lives on in a fabricated Na’vi body, is still looking for revenge on Jake, and he finds help in the form of the Mangkwan Clan (aka the Ash People), led by Varang (Oona Chaplin). Quaritch’s access to human weapons and the Mangkwan’s desire for more power on the moon known as Pandora make them a nice match, and they team up to try to dominate the other tribes.

Aside from the story, the main point of making the films for writer/director James Cameron is showing off his considerable technical filmmaking prowess, and that is on full display right from the start. The characters zoom around both the air and sea on various creatures with which they’ve bonded, providing Cameron and his team with plenty of opportunities to put the audience right there with them. Cameron’s preferred viewing method of 3D makes the experience even more immersive, even if the high frame rate he uses makes some scenes look too realistic for their own good.

The story, as it has been in the first two films, is a mixed bag. Cameron and co-writers Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver start off well, having Jake, Neytiri, and their kids continue mourning the death of Neteyam (Jamie Flatters) in the previous film. The struggle for power provides an interesting setup, but Cameron and his team seem to drag out the conflict for much too long. This is the longest Avatar film yet, and you really start to feel it in the back half as the filmmakers add on a bunch of unnecessary elements.

Worse than the elongated story, though, is the hackneyed dialogue that Cameron, Jaffa, and Silver have come up with. Almost every main character is forced to spout lines that diminish the importance of the events around them. The writers seemingly couldn’t resist trying to throw in jokes despite them clashing with the tone of the scenes in which they’re said. Combined with the somewhat goofy nature of the Na’vi themselves (not to mention talking whales), the eye-rolling words detract from any excitement or emotion the story builds up.

A pre-movie behind-the-scenes short film shows how the actors act out every scene in performance capture suits, lending an authenticity to their performances. Still, some performers are better than others, with Saldaña, Worthington, and Lang standing out. It’s more than a little weird having Weaver play a 14-year-old girl, but it works relatively well. Those who actually get to show their real faces are collectively fine, but none of them elevate the film overall.

There are undoubtedly some Avatar superfans for which Fire and Ash will move the larger story forward in significant ways. For anyone else, though, the film is a demonstration of both the good and bad sides of Cameron. As he’s proven for 40 years, his visuals are (almost) beyond reproach, but the lack of a story that sticks with you long after you’ve left the theater keeps the film from being truly memorable.

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Avatar: Fire and Ash opens in theaters on December 19.

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