Memorial, TX December 2025

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Cheers to Five Years!

Five Years of Heart and Purpose

When I made the decision in May of 2020 to start a magazine for the Memorial and Tanglewood communities, my goal was simple but deeply meaningful: I wanted to give local business owners a way to connect with their neighbors, share their stories, and shine a light on all the incredible things happening in our area and throughout Houston. It was an especially challenging time. The launch of this publication took place during the early months of COVID, when every meeting I had with business owners was virtual. I was sharing a vision for something that didn’t yet exist- a beautiful, hyperlocal magazine built on community, connection, and inspiration. I was selling an idea and a calling, not a product, and I’ll forever be grateful for those first business owners who believed in me and in Memorial Lifestyle before they ever held an issue in their hands.

Our very first issue debuted in December of 2020, and seeing it come to life was truly a dream realized. From that day to now—five years and sixty issues laterthis publication has become part of my heart and purpose. To commemorate this milestone, I commissioned caricature artist Bailey Vidler of Gilbert, Arizona, to create the special anniversary cover you see today. It was inspired by a photo of our small but mighty team: Managing Editor Gabi De la Rosa, Publication Director Kayla Bokemeyer, photographer Lauren Holub, and me.

As a woman-owned business producing 24 heartfelt issues each year across both Memorial Lifestyle and River Oaks Lifestyle, it remains my greatest honor to connect people to community. Thank you for celebrating our five-year anniversary with us - and for your loyalty, support, and belief in what we do. Here’s to many more beautiful issues (and stories!) to come.

With gratitude,

SUZANNE SCHAKETT, PUBLISHER

December 2025

PUBLISHER

Suzanne Schakett | suzanne.schakett@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Gabi De la Rosa | gabi.delarosa@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Kayla Bokemeyer | kayla.bokemeyer@citylifestyle.com

SALES DIRECTOR

Suzanne Schakett | suzanne.schakett@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Jennifer Kahlden | jennifer.kahlden@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Arielle Alston | arielle.alston@citylifestyle.com

SALES SUPPORT COORDINATOR

Savannah Schakett

INTERN

Antonio De la Rosa

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Diane Cowen, Allyson Straczek

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Daniel Arizpe, Apollo Productions

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe

LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle

At Energy Realty, we connect people to homes and communities that inspire. Speaking over 12 languages, our team bridges cultures and builds relationships, helping clients feel confident in every step of their journey. Together, we make Houston more vibrant—one transaction at a time.

Start your journey to the perfect home. Scan the QR code to meet our team.

city scene

1: Sammy Osbourn, James Bialas, Troy Lee, and Cam Raison at the Vintage and Valor event. 2: Kelly V. Mastervich (Chair), Pamela Darrington, and Karen Schmidt at Vintage and Valor wine tasting. 3: Tia Morgan, Cisselon Nichols Hurd, Marcia Bobb, and Tonya Lewis at the Vintage and Valor wine tasting. 4: Dan Ceballos, Trey Cranson, and Chad Franklin at the Houston Metro Go Texan Committee event. 5: Sean Wright, Simon Martinez, Leah Sealover, and Clayton Hudson at the Houston Metro Go Texan Committee event. 6: Tia Morgan, Cisselon Nichols Hurd, Marcia Bobb, and Tonya Lewis at the Vintage and Valor event. 7: Ralph Castellano with Specs and MI Travel Concierge shared his knowledge during the evening.
Photography by Daniel Arizpe/ Apollo Productions

8: Khoa & Quynh Dao at the Houston Symphony’s 2025 Opening Night Concert & Gala. 9: Dr. Sippi & Ajay Khurana at the Houston Symphony’s 2025 Opening Night Concert & Gala. 10: Seth & Katie Tsuru at the Houston Cattle Baron’s Ball. 11: Michelle Avila, Kelsy Speiser at the Houston Cattle Baron’s Ball. 12: Omar Alaoui & Maria Moncada-Alaoui at the Operation Smile Gala. 13: April McGee, Sneha Merchant, Brooke Burke, Viet Hoang, Stacey Lindseth at the Operation Smile gala 14: Odilia & Owen Conflenti at the Italian Cultural & Community Center luncheon.

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MARTHANN MASTERSON

The Bastion Collection and Cafe Natalie Launch Bastion Events, Soleil and Moon

The Bastion Collection has joined forces with Houston’s premier off-site catering powerhouse, Café Natalie, to form a new joint venture. The partnership launches with Bastion Events, a catering platform bringing world-class cuisine and flawless service to private events, as well as two new concepts situated above Tavola: Soleil, a luminous, design-forward event space, and Moon, an intimate, magnetic bar. Together, these three offerings introduce a new era of culinary artistry, versatility, and hospitality to Houston.

Photography by Brian Kennedy

Recess Brings Family Dining and Play

Experience to Houston

A fresh take on family time is coming to Houston. Recess, a 12,500-squarefoot, two-story family retreat featuring custom playscapes, a full-service bistro and bar that also functions as an all-day workspace for parents, will open in River Oaks at 1500 Waugh Drive in early 2026. The concept transforms a former two-story bank building into a one-ofa-kind destination where children can play and explore, while parents enjoy an environment designed for both relaxation and productivity.

Photography Courtesy of Recess

Lombardi Family Concepts Opens Maison Chinoise

Lombardi Family Concepts recently opened its second Texas location of the acclaimed contemporary Chinese restaurant. The new restaurant is open for lunch and dinner. Maison Chinoise presents a thoughtful fusion of contemporary and traditional Chinese cuisine, with a focus on dim sum, dumplings, and regional specialties that encourage sharing and exploration of flavors. At the helm of Maison Chinoise is Executive Chef Jordan He, originally from Shanxi, China, bringing a refined approach to each dish.

Photography by Becca Wright

Hunter Bell Launches Holiday Collection

Hunter Bell’s Holiday 2025 Collection captures the magic of the season, from quiet walks in Central Park to martinis at Bemelmans and the timeless charm of The Carlyle. With shimmering fabrics and golden touches, these pieces are made for nights filled with warmth, laughter, and celebration.

Photography Courtesy of Hunter Bell

CHEERS TO FIVE YEARS!

This month marks a special milestone for Memorial Lifestyle as our team celebrates five years of sharing community stories, local businesses, and the people who make this beautiful part of Houston so special. Over the past five years, our small but mighty team has enjoyed being immersed in the community. What started as a neighborhood publication in 2020 has grown into something much more meaningful.

Each month, we work to connect readers through stories, shared experiences, travel destinations, and delicious food.

We are grateful to the readers who invite us into their homes month after month, and we look forward to sharing even more stories and community highlights together. We’re celebrating by revisiting some of our favorite articles and covers from past issues.

Celebrating five years of sharing the stories, businesses, and people who make our community special.

BY MEMORIAL LIFESTYLE STAFF

Photo by Paige McInturff

Suzanne Schakett Owner, Publisher

Celebrating five years of the magazine is truly indescribable. This publication means so much to me because it allows me to help local business owners create what I call a red thread connection to the community. Through Memorial Lifestyle, I get to share their stories, highlight their passion, and connect them with the neighbors they serve. The publication is more visually striking and cohesive than ever before. Our covers, in particular, have evolved into bold, colorful statements that truly stop people in their tracks. Standout moments include landing Matthew McConaughey for our Men’s Issue and launching The TEN!, our annual event honoring extraordinary women. Looking ahead, I envision even greater community engagement through our events, digital storytelling, and partnerships.

AUGUST 2025

Our Kids & Pets issue featuring my Cavapoo, Penny Apricot, is my favorite. Robyn Arouty Photography captured her perfectly. Penny became a local celebrity, and that joyful cover still makes me smile every time I see it.

SEPTEMBER 2022

This whimsical Yarn Art cover for the article “Bare Maximum,” featuring artists Louis Lopez and Alida Bonifaz, remains unforgettable. The vibrant colors, creative makeup, and playful textures made me so proud of our magazine’s artistry and imaginative storytelling.

DECEMBER 2020

Our very first issue launched midCOVID and marked my pivot from mortgage and homebuilding into becoming an owner and publisher of a magazine. Receiving that first copy was surreal, symbolizing courage, reinvention, and the start of something truly special.

Photo by Chris Hicks

Gabi De la Rosa Managing Editor

Hundreds of pages, countless interviews, photos, and deadlines later, it feels incredible to see this magazine celebrate its 5th anniversary. We’ve gone through Covid-era challenges, economic ups and downs, and a lot of uncertainty, but through it all, we’ve continued to tell stories that matter.  For 60 consecutive months, I have been able to highlight the people and places that make Houston a wonderful place to live. What keeps me excited is that there are so many more stories left to tell. Our community never stops surprising me with news-worthy moments that make Memorial Lifestyle magazine come to life. I feel so grateful for the amazing team of women who make this possible and for everyone who is so excited to be included in our pages.

MAY 2024

As soon as I saw this art from Karina Llergo, a Bayou City Arts Festival featured artist, I knew I wanted it on the cover. It was a joy to interview and put the spotlight on such a talented artist.

JUNE 2023

I absolutely love this cover. Not only is the astronaut such a strong symbol of Houston, but it was painted by Gonzo247, who is so talented and generous with his creativity.

JUNE 2024

I held onto this photo for more than six months before I could make it a cover, and I was so excited to see it come to life. Hang 10 at Waco Surf!

Photo by Lauren Holub Photography

Kayla Bokemeyer Publication Director

Five years already? Time really does fly. We have such an amazing team and a well-oiled machine. It feels incredible to see our hard work come to life every month, and over time we’ve worked to create even more beautiful covers and stories. The magazine has grown its audience and impact, with more readers requesting copies, sharing stories, and engaging with us. Celebrating The TEN! was definitely a highlight, along with collaborations with Houston Ballet, St. Jude, and Kids’ Meals. I’ve also loved featuring some of my favorite Houston spots like Hotel Lucine, Máximo, and Traveler’s Table. Looking ahead, I see the magazine expanding its reach, hosting more memorable events, and continuing to capture the spirit of Houston.

AUGUST 2024

The August 2024 Kids & Pets issue is near and dear to me. Writing the masthead allowed me to reflect on my first year of motherhood alongside my husband, Josh, and our little boy, Andy.

OCTOBER 2024

What a treat! This cover is mouth-watering. I loved celebrating this edition with our team at Makiin and discovering new places to dine around Houston.

MAY 2025

The Women’s Issue is one of my favorites, especially the 2025 edition, because our team worked so hard to put together The Ten! event, which was a huge success honoring 10 amazing women in Houston.

Photo by Paige McInturff

Lauren Holub Photographer

It feels amazing to celebrate five years! I can’t believe it’s been that long since the launch. It honestly feels like yesterday that I was interviewing to be the lead photographer and stressing about shooting anything food-related. The magazine’s content has been incredible over the years, and I’ve loved seeing so many local features that highlight our community. Some of my favorite memories are of photographing people and moments I never would have experienced otherwise, and many of them have even become long-term clients. I’ve also had the chance to work on some incredible covers that really pushed me creatively. I’m so excited to see how the magazine continues to grow, especially with all the new things happening in Houston.

JUNE

2025

Obsessed with this shoot of Harper Waters at the Houston Ballet. His ability to make every pose look so effortless was truly incredible to watch and photograph.

THE CHEF’S FRIDGE ARTICLES

I loved getting to read and see what exactly is in an esteemed chef’s personal refrigerator. They all had celery in a glass of water, and their meats were always freshly cut that day.

MARCH 2021

This was my first shoot for the magazine. I got to photograph my first Houston celebrity couple who are now lifelong clients.

Photo by Paige McInturff

GIFTS

OF JOY

Celebrate the season with practical gifts for the whole family.

IS $20/LARGE SIZE IS $39

A practical, clean gift, Magnolia Soap & Bath Company’s Laundry Wash is a custom-formulated detergent-free wash that cleans clothes without toxins that can remain in standard detergents. These toxins can penetrate fabrics and people’s skin, causing allergic reactions. Handcrafted in-store while you wait, select from 50 scents for a safe laundry wash.

A signature Magnolia Soap & Bath product is the plant-based Bar Soaps. Sold in over 50 original scents, they offer the clean ingredients everyone craves and gentle, effective cleaning. With foamy lather and unique fragrances, this gift provides a luxurious shower/bath experience. And with the Hope in a Soap offerings, the company gives back to charitable causes.

Owner Katie Fleming’s favorite product, Shower Oil, is an in-shower moisturizer that nourishes the skin and your senses. With warm water priming the skin for absorption, the unique blend of hemp, almond, and olive oils will soften and smooth skin. Select a handcrafted, safe scent to complete the spa-like shower or bath. mymagnoliasoap.com/houston-memorial

1. MAGNOLIA SOAP & BATH LAUNDRY WASH | SMALL SIZE
2. MAGNOLIA SOAP & BATH SOAP | $8
3. MAGNOLIA SOAP & BATH SHOWER OIL | $16
Photos courtesy of Magnolia Soap & Bath Company

5. PLAY ON HOLIDAY 2025 APPAREL SWEATER LAMB CHOP | $24.98

The red-and-white Lamb Chop Christmas from Pet Supplies Plus Memorial knit sweater features “Lamby”, or Lamb Chop. It is the perfect gift to keep a fur baby feeling cozy this winter. This dog’s favorite character sweater can be worn for walks, for holiday strolls, or for cuddling on the couch while watching holiday favorites.

4. PLAY ON HOLIDAY 2025 CAT FURNITURE CANDY CANE | $29.98

Pet Supplies Plus Memorial offers this candy-cane cat scratching pole and toy combo to keep cats entertained and feeling festive this holiday season. A sturdy base ensures that cats can scratch safely, and the soft plushy covering provides comfort. Crafted from 100% natural sisal, this post satisfies any cat’s scratching instincts. Easy to assemble.

Every dog loves a soft and squishy new toy! These new holiday dog toys feature a penguin, reindeer, sheep, or pig and are sure to be a dog’s new best friend this holiday season. And, Pet Supplies Plus Memorial donates 10% of sales of this item to The Best Friend’s Animal Shelter. petsuppliesplus.com

6. PLAY ON HOLIDAY 2025 DOG TOY CHARITY PLUSH | $12.98
Photos courtesy of Pet Supplies Plus Memorial

mymagnoliasoap.com/houston-memorial

IF YOU EAT ONE THING

NORTH ITALIA’S FALL MENU HIGHLIGHTS COMFORTING CLASSICS AND NEW SEASONAL FAVORITES.

North Italia has become a neighborhood staple where everyone at the table finds a favorite. From hand-tossed pizzas to seasonal dishes like Braised Short Rib and house-made pasta, the menu offers something for every craving. With three Houston-area locations, North Italia has recently rolled out its fall menu, where diners can settle in for a cozy evening of Italian dining. Among the new seasonal offerings is the Sunday Night Lasagna, which Corporate Chef and Director of Culinary Research and Development Chris Curtiss says was inspired by Italian tradition. northitalia.com

THE PROTEINS

“The dish is inspired by the Sunday Ragu or Sunday Gravy that families have gathered around for generations,” says Curtiss. It combines braised short rib, Italian sausage, and a meat ragu also used in the restaurant’s Bolognese. “I chose the braised short rib and Italian sausage to add depth of flavor and to honor one of the most well-known Italian traditions,” he says.

THE PASTA

The pasta for the Sunday Night Lasagna is a simple egg dough made from egg and flour. “Each sheet is handcrafted daily in our kitchens,” says Curtiss. He explains that while the dough is uncomplicated, the process requires care. “The simplicity of the dough complements the complex depth of the gravy,” he adds.

THE SAUCE

Curtiss describes the sauce as a traditional, house-made marinara. “It’s a hand-crushed tomato sauce that stays true to classic Italian roots,” he says. The sauce, which he calls rustic, serves as a balanced base. “It pairs perfectly with the deep flavors that build layer by layer in the Sunday Night Lasagna.”

THE MIX-INS

Ricotta and Grana Padano cheeses are added for richness, along with a touch of bechamel. “The bechamel helps stabilize the lasagna and adds a subtle flavor of nutmeg,” says Curtiss. The combination is intentional. “It’s the kind of flavor that keeps you wanting to go back for another bite.”

North Italia, Sunday Night Lasagna.

The Power of Play

Houston’s first Balloon Museum presents Pop Air –Art Is Inflatable, an exhibition celebrating creativity.

Houston’s first-ever Balloon Museum is now open, bringing the internationally acclaimed Pop Air – Art Is Inflatable exhibition to the city through April 19, 2026. Created by Italy-based Lux Entertainment, the immersive showcase fills more than 65,000 square feet with luminous, large-scale inflatable installations from 14 international artists. The experience merges pop culture with conceptual art, celebrating creativity, play, and human connection. “In Pop Air, play becomes both a language and an intellectual experience,” says Roberto Fantauzzi, president of Lux Entertainment. Founded in Rome in 2021, the Balloon Museum has become a global sensation, attracting more than seven million visitors. Houston joins a growing list of cities to host the award-winning, air-filled exhibition that redefines how audiences interact with contemporary art. balloonmuseum.world

Bottom Right: Visitors explore giant inflatable installations at Houston’s new Balloon Museum exhibition, Pop Air.

TAKING IT UP A NOTCH

Truluck's is back and looking better than ever. After a major renovation, the Bayou City favorite has reopened its doors, revealing a completely refreshed space that still feels like the Truluck's Houstonians know and love.

The new design mixes coastal charm with a modern edge, featuring marble-style finishes, soft leather booths, and olive trees that add a laid-back warmth to the dining room.

Guests will also find a new semi-private dining space called the TRU Dining Room, perfect for gatherings, and

a reimagined bar that ties it all together with elegant chandeliers and greenery. The updates honor Truluck's 33-year legacy while giving it a fresh, contemporary feel that fits right in with Houston's vibrant dining scene.

The redesign, led by Dallas-based designer Bruce Russo and Houston's Tanner Construction, marks what Partner and Beverage Director Dave Mattern calls "a rebirth." He said, "We wanted to preserve the soul of Truluck's while creating an experience that resonates with longtime guests and appeals to a new generation."

Truluck’s Houston returns with a refreshed coastal-inspired design, a renewed focus on sustainability, and a menu that blends classic seafood favorites with thoughtfully crafted offerings.

Alongside its dazzling new look, Truluck's is also doubling down on its dedication to sustainable sourcing. From its signature Florida stone crab, harvested from its own fishery and never frozen, to South African cold-water lobster caught through ethical partnerships, every menu item reflects care for both quality and the environment. The restaurant also introduces sushi and petite entrées for those seeking variety, as well as a three-course Sunday Prime Rib menu.

With a reimagined beverage program and expanded offerings, as well as team members like server Rosemarie Foster, who has celebrated more than three decades with the restaurant, Truluck's continues to reflect the loyalty and hospitality that have made it a true Houston classic.

ON THE MENU AT TRULUCK’S

Truluck’s continues to serve the dishes that built its reputation while introducing a few new favorites. The restaurant’s menu centers on responsibly sourced seafood and expertly prepared steaks, offering something for every kind of diner. Guests can expect both familiar classics and new tastes designed to complement the restaurant’s refreshed atmosphere.

• Signature Florida stone crab, sustainably harvested and never frozen.

• Norwegian salmon, Chilean seabass, and Texas redfish are prepared with care.

• Hand-cut prime steaks that rival Houston’s best.

• South African cold-water lobster, sourced through sustainable partners.

• New sushi selections and petite entrées for lighter options.

• Sunday’s three-course Prime Rib menu is offered all day, with choices across starter, entrée, and dessert categories.

Truluck's, Stone Crab
Truluck’s Houston reopens with a refreshed coastalinspired design featuring olive trees, marble finishes, and a welcoming atmosphere that reflects its roots.

Family-focused business

Elise and Jonathan Williams learn from their own family as they help others craft new homes

When homebuilders Elise and Jonathan Williams launch a construction project, they think about how their own family of six functions, both indoors and outdoors.

The couple met as freshmen at Texas A&M University but didn’t start dating until they were nearly finished with their degrees. When they both ended up in Houston – Elise for a teaching job and Jonathan for a mechanical engineering job – that’s when things heated up.

The Williamses are the December honorees for the Houston Design District’s Leaders In Design program.

When they married 17 years ago, the couple bought a home in the Heights and gutted it, falling in love with remodeling in the process. They did remodeling projects for a decade before launching their Williams House LLC business 7 years ago, just after the birth of their fourth child. They started with remodeling projects and eventually began designing spec

homes of 4,000 to 5,000 square feet and a budget of $3 million to $5 million.

“Elise and I are creative in different ways,” Jonathan says of the way they work together – him starting with construction and Elise handling finishes. “Design is the creative side and construction is the execution of an idea.”

They believe that smart construction supports good health, so they factor in additional HVAC filtration, pay extra attention to insulation and choose lowor no-VOC paints to avoid dangerous off gassing.

“One family may want everyone to have their own space while another family wants everyone to share a room and be together all of the time,” Elise says. “We talk to them about how they want to do life. Do they want to eat at the island or create a banquette for breakfast? If you’re living by yourself, how do you want to engage? How do you connect the spaces?”

ARTICLE BY DIANE COWEN
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF WILLIAMS HOUSE LLC

Elise and I are creative in different ways. Design is the creative side and construction is the execution of ideas. “

Great millwork, like trim around windows and crown moulding, are common in Williams House projects.
White oak cabinets and natural stone pair well in this bathroom by Williams House.
This girls bedroom designed by Williams House is perfectly pretty in pink.

Winter Simmer Magic

FILL YOUR HOME WITH THE COZY SCENTS OF TART CRANBERRIES, BRIGHT CITRUS, AND WARMING SPICES

Creating stovetop potpourri is a delightful way to indulge in the scents of the festive season. This Cranberry Orange Potpourri combines sparkling notes of fresh citrus and cranberries with nostalgic spices and woodsy herbs to create a welcoming atmosphere.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup fresh cranberries

• 1 orange, sliced

• 2 cinnamon sticks

• 1 teaspoon whole cloves

• 3 star anise

• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary

• 2-3 cups water (plus more as needed)

INSTRUCTIONS:

Combine cranberries, sliced orange, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and rosemary in a pot. Add 2-3 cups of water, ensuring the ingredients are submerged. Simmer on low heat, allowing the aromas to release. Check the water level, adding more as needed to prevent drying out. Simmer for several hours to fill your home with the scents of the season.

This potpourri is perfect for setting the holiday mood, whether you’re preparing for a family gathering or simply want your home to smell warm and inviting.

ARTICLE BY MEMORIAL LIFESTYLE STAFF

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF METRONATIONAL

From shopping and dining to Santa visits, Memorial City

Very Merry Memorial: Where Holidays Come to Life

Visit A Festive Wonderland With More Than Four Million Holiday Lights Across 300 Acres.

There’s something magical about the holidays in Memorial City, where more than four million twinkling lights transform 300 acres into a winter wonderland that shines across Houston’s westside.  As dusk falls, the entire city comes alive in a dazzling display of color. Trees sparkle along Gessner, and the glow illuminates the night.

SHOP THE SEASON

Beyond the lights, Memorial City offers a holiday experience designed to delight. Discover the latest holiday fashions,

Memorial City sparkles with more than 4 million lights, creating a true winter wonderland.

shimmering accessories, and thoughtful finds for everyone on your list. Find the perfect party look or cozy winter layers from your favorite fashion retailers, stop by Lululemon and Chubbies for stylish essentials or stocking fillers alike. Choose a sparkling statement piece from Helzberg Diamonds or explore Apple for the latest tech gifts sure to impress.

Wander through local boutiques and specialty stores where finding that just-right gift is effortless and fun —from home décor and toys to gourmet treats and unique one-of-a-kind surprises. Whether you’re checking off your list or simply enjoying the magic of the season, Memorial City makes holiday shopping fun.

DINE

When it’s time to refuel, the dining options are just as festive. Whether you’re craving a cozy brunch, an elegant dinner, or a quick bite between shopping stops, Memorial City has you covered.  Savor prime steaks and fresh seafood at Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille or unwind over classic comfort dishes at nearby favorites like Ciro’s Italian Grill and Liberty Kitchen, where warm, welcoming atmospheres make every gathering special. For an elevated experience, Credence offers a refined setting and a chef-driven menu showcasing the best of South Texas, while Haywire offers a true farm-to-fork experience with every plate telling the story of seasonality.

And for those on the go, the Memorial City Mall Food court features a variety of quick, delicious options to keep the holiday energy going.

CAPTURE THE MAGIC WITH SANTA

No holiday visit would be complete without a stop to see Santa Claus at the Dillard’s Court inside Memorial City Mall. Families can capture the perfect holiday photo, share wish lists, and enjoy the magic that’s made generations of memories.  On Mondays, Pet Days invite furry friends to join in the fun, while Santa Cares provide a calm, sensory-friendly environment where every child and family can experience the joy of meeting Santa.

captures the magic of the season.

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

DECEMBER 1ST

A Christmas Carol

Alley Theater | 7:30 PM

Penny-pinching and bad-tempered old miser Ebenezer Scrooge goes on the adventure of his life in Charles Dickens' perennial holiday favorite, returning to the Hubbard Stage this year in this revitalized production from Rob Melrose, directed by Amber D. Gray. Magic and merriment abound as Scrooge is visited by three ghosts, each ready to teach him a lesson he'll never forget.

DECEMBER 5TH

Houston Symphony - Handel's Messiah

Jones Hall | 7:30 PM

Undoubtedly one of the Western world's most popular oratorios, Handel's triumphant and moving 'Messiah' is considered the definitive live Christmas concert experience. As with past years, Houston Symphony will not fail to delight and inspire by presenting the nearly 300-year-old master-work with the orchestra, guest soloists, and a first-class chorus, to create an unforgettable celebration.

DECEMBER 19TH

Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve

Toyota Center | 7:30 PM

The Trans-Siberian Orchestra is hitting the road once again in 2025, bringing their electrifying holiday rock opera to audiences across North America. Join them for a festive celebration that spans over two decades of Christmas magic. Along with The Ghosts of Christmas Eve, fans can expect some of the band's greatest hits, making it clear why audiences keep coming back year after year.

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