Seasonal Suggestions for Where to Shop, Eat and Play

Snowflakes fell across Houston this month––a rare and delightful reminder that the holidays are here. We’re fortunate to have moderate temperatures most of the year, which makes it pleasant to get out and enjoy the sights and sounds of the season.

In Midtown Houston, there is plenty to see and do: shopping, dining, and some of the city’s most charming entertainment venues. Through December 30, The Ensemble Theatre at 3535 Main Street is presenting “Soulful Sounds of Christmas,” a story about family and giving written by Chika Kaba Ma’Atunde.

The Ensemble Theatre sits in the heart of Mid Main Houston, which bills itself as the “soulful blocks,” from 3500 to 3700 Main Street. This unique area is home to a mosaic of the city’s best local theaters, galleries, shops, restaurants, bars, art and music.

Before you go out on the town, perfect your look at Big Kat’s Barbershop, 3622 South Fannin Street F, and Kat’s Meow Beauty Parlor, 3622 South Main Street F. Need new kicks? Try 8 One Sneaker House 3622 S Main Street B,  a great place to find rare and retro footwear.

Now you’re ready to dance, and The Continental Club, 3700 South Main Street, has been rocking the house with great live and local music for 17 years. Above Continental, check out Midtown Houston’s best-kept shopping secret. Upstair’s Lair, Trey’s Vintage, and The PLACE Upstairs are great options for truly special Christmas gifts.

Hungry for some real comfort food? Natachee’s Supper ‘N Punch, 3622 South Main Street, serves up breakfast all day, plus burgers, salads, chicken-fried steak and chicken, pork chops, and more. Tacos A Go Go, 3704 South Main Street, has breakfast tacos all day, plus eight varieties of soft and crispy tacos filled with pollo guisado, grilled fish, or barbacoa.

At Sable Gate Winery, 2600 Travis Street, Suite 104, you can satisfy your taste buds in the bistro that dishes up “not your average” tomato soup, hummus, flatbreads, and charcuterie boards with a choice of 10 delicious cheeses. Then you can learn how wine is made and create your own private vintage of about two dozen bottles with a custom label.

Midtown Houston is always merrier during the holidays, so come and visit!