Houston rolls into Christmas this week, but that doesn't mean a let-up in events. There's a chef pop-up to check out, enchilada bragging rights to capture, a bunch of free bubbles to sample, and an all-day party complete with snowball fights. This week's festivities are heavy on fun, clearly targeting at unleashing the inner child in Houstonians. Party on.
Thursday, December 19
Chef Pop-Up at Glitter Karaoke
Chef Jason "Big Sexy" Hill, best known as one-half of the duo that powered the legendary H-Town Streats food truck, drops in, preparing dishes for the singing masses and their fans. Festivities kick off at 8 pm and run through 2 am. Guests are asked to RSVP by emailing the restaurant or sending a Facebook message but walk-ins are welcome, too.
Friday, December 20
Free Wine Friday at Revival Market
From 2 to 4 pm, come and check out samples of some killer sparkling wines.
Booze, Bites and Historical Sites Tour with Best Bites Houston
This roaming cocktail-tasting allows guests to sample libations from some of Houston's great bars, as well as learn more about Bayou City history. The tour meets at 800 Preston Street at 4 pm, and includes drinks and bites at downtown restaurants. The cost is $69 per person and reservations can be made online.
Saturday, December 21
Holiday Onesie Party at Truck Yard
Beginning at 11 am, this all-day fun fest kicks off with holiday drink specials and hot cocoa for the kids. There's a kids-only snowball throwing contest at 1:30 pm and an adults-only contest at 2 pm. The kid's contest winner gets a candy prize, while the winning grown-up pockets a $50 Truck Yard gift certificate. An eggnog-chugging contest starts at 5 pm and raffle drawings begin at 6 pm. The wearing of holiday-themed onsies is encouraged.
Wine Tasting at French Country Wines
The emphasis is on sparklers that aren't from Champagne, meaning shoppers looking for great-tasting bubbles without the sticker shock should drop in. The tasting runs from noon to 6 pm, and all the wines available to taste are also available to buy — just in time for New Year's Eve.
Best Enchiladas Cook-Off at Warren's
Home cooks who think they've got what it takes to compete should make a tray of enchiladas and bring it downtown for this culinary contest. At stake are bragging rights, prizes, and fun. Setup begins at 2 pm. Those more interested in eating can turn up at 3 pm.
Sunday, December 22
Farmers Market at Heights Mercantile
From 9 am to 1 pm, pick up everything necessary for a holiday feast, from grass-fed meats to eggs, hydroponic greens, produce from multiple local farms, mushrooms, honey, salsa, and more. Shoppers will also find gifts for foodies.
Drag Brunch at La Grange
From 12 to 3 pm, enjoy a menu of Tex-Mex inspired dishes, including tres leches French toast, stacked breakfast enchiladas, migas, and more. Expect a variety of specialty cocktails, along with local and imported beers, as well as mimosas and Bloody Marys. Special guest Angelina DM Trailz will emcee the event, featuring a rotating lineup of drag performances.
Casserole Christmas Celebration at Might As Well Lounge
From 6:30 to midnight, guests are encouraged to bring their best covered dish to this Spring Branch bar for an evening of shared dining, mulled wine, and holiday revelry.
Heights Mercantile's farmers market returns Sunday.
