As the Bayou City eases into the holiday season, pre-Thanksgiving and Black Friday specials take the lead this week. Look for parties, special food offers, and a host of drink deals. Translation: we have a whole lot to be thankful for.

Tuesday, November 26

Holiday Kickoff at the Four Seasons
Beginning with the annual holiday tree lighting, this swanky downtown hotel begins a season of special dining deals. The tree lighting takes place in the lobby; Bayou and Bottle will offer an extended happy hour, while Quattro offers a 15-percent discount on dinner in honor of the festivities. Throughout the holiday season, both restaurants have killer deals on Champagne by-the-glass, including Moet Imperial Brut ($25), Moet Imperial Rosé ($28), Ruinart Rosé ($33), and Dom Perignon 2006 ($50).

Wednesday, November 27

Before the Bird Bash at FM Kitchen & Bar
Eureka Heights Brewing partners with the restaurant for a pre-Thanksgiving celebration. Deals of the day include the Gravy Boat special, a boilermaker cocktail with an Old Fashioned shot and beer; all-day beer specials as part of the Eureka Heights Tap Takeover; and two Eureka Heights beers plus one FMKB Kitchen Sink combo for $25, featuring FM Kitchen & Bar’s take on a sampler platter featuring six chicken wings, four corn dogs, street corn, and spinach and artichoke dip.

Pie and Egg Pregame at Public Services Wine and Whiskey
The downtown gathering spot releases its eggnog today, and is also offering pies — by the slice or the whole thing — and tarts from local pastry chef Otto Sanchez of Magnol French Bakery.

Bar Takeover at La Lucha
Beginning at 6 pm, Alphonso Quinones from Capt. Foxheart’s Bad News Bar & Spirit Lodge will be mixing drinks. The evening benefits Child Advocates.

Thursday, November 28

Happy Thanksgiving!
See our list of places to check out that are open for Thanksgiving dinner.

Friday, November 29

Black Friday specials around town
A'bouzy has a Black Friday brunch, with special pricing on stuffed French toast, croissants, and sous-vide pork belly slab and eggs. Brunch is available from 11am to 3 pm. Conservatory has a host of special pricing on 1.5-ounce and .75-ounce pours on high-end spirits, including Port Charlotte Islay Malt ($3.75 for 1.5 ounces and $1.88 for .75), Appleton 21-year rum ($6.08/$3.04), and Elijah Craig Barrel Proof ($3.94/$1.97).

Molina's Cantina has its Molina’s Margaritas, made with 100-percent agave tequila, Triple Sec, and fresh lime juice, available for $6.50 all day at both the Bellaire and Westheimer locations. At The Original Ninfa's Uptown, guests can enjoy happy hour all day — from 11 am to 11 pm. The restaurant also has a Black Friday brunch menu available from 11 am to 2 pm. Superica offers its regular weekend brunch from 10 am to 3 pm, perfect timing to either plan Black Friday shopping or recover from it. Weights + Measures is serving brunch and offering guests 10-percent off any gift card purchases.

Saturday, November 30

Holiday Brews on the Bend at the Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens
In an event combining art, music, and beer, this holiday kick-off features brews from 8th Wonder, Bell’s, Breckenridge, Elysian, Eureka Heights, Karbach, No Label, Parish, Rahr, Rogue, Saint Arnold, and Sierra Nevada, along with music from Black Luster Quartet and offerings from the Moon Rooster food truck. Tickets are $35 per person and include all beer tastings plus admission to Bayou Bend’s 14 acres of gardens and the first floor of the historic mansion.