Santa Claus is coming to town, and many Houstonians are on their best behavior, so as not to make the “naughty” list. Houston is a bigger city than most, which means Ol’ Saint Nick is going to be rather busy making his rounds. While there isn’t a GPS tracker on the big guy, we do have a list of local spots he is scheduled to appear for a quick bite or spot of tea.
Here is Santa’s “nice” list of hotels, restaurants, and bars where he will be gracing guests with his presence for photo ops and wish lists.
Santa Le Brunch de Funk at Brasserie 19
Pere Noel will be getting guests in the holiday spirit with Santa Le Brunch de Funk on Saturday, December 6 from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Among the special offerings are raclette, seasonal cocktails from Tito’s vodka and Still Austin, plus a DJ spinning holiday tunes. Guests are encouraged to wear their most stylish, or ugliest, Christmas sweaters or comfy pajamas. 1962 W. Gray St., Houston, brasserie19.com
Meet Santa at Stableside at Falcon Landing
This multi-purpose development in Katy is hosting a free, family- and dog-friendly holiday event on Saturday, December 6 from 1 to 2 p.m. with photo ops for both kids and pets. Along with a meet and greet with Santa Claus, there will be music provided by a DJ, a kids craft station, along with hot cocoa and cookies. Linger around a bit longer for a meal—on-site dining options include Crust Pizza, Mandito’s, Freebird’s, Kiku Ramen, Sonoma Wine Bar, and more. 9806 Gaston Rd., Katy, stablesidekaty.com
Brunch With Santa at Brennan’s of Houston
Santa Claus is making a special visit for brunch at Brennan’s on Saturday, December 6, and he’s bringing Rudolph along with him. From 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saint Nicholas will be taking professional photos at the restaurant, with the photographer using a green screen to create a magical backdrop. (Wearing green is highly discouraged!) The three-course brunch includes a multitude of choices, including snapping turtle soup and Texas shrimp and grits. The dessert choices are even sweeter, with Brennan’s bananas foster and Creole bread pudding. Reservations may be made by phone only at 713-522-9711. 3300 Smith St., Houston, brennansofhouston.com
Brunch With Santa at The Annie Cafe & Bar
Berg Hospitality must be on Santa’s “nice” list this year, because he is stopping by a number of the group’s restaurants, including the Annie Cafe & Bar. The restaurant is continuing its annual tradition of Brunch with Santa, on Sunday, December 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The holiday brunch includes a buffet and a complimentary mimosa for adults, and a hot chocolate and cider bar for wee elves. Santa will be available for photos, plus a magician will roam the dining room entertaining guests with jaw-dropping tricks. Add in cookie decorating and holiday crafts, and you have a recipe for a spectacular Sunday afternoon with family. 1800 Post Oak Blvd., Houston, theanniehouston.com
Meet Santa at Levy Park’s Holiday Festival
On December 6 and 7, Levy Park is hosting its Holiday Festival, a free outdoor event for all ages, during which Santa will take photos with guests. Santa is visiting due to the generosity of McDonald’s House Houston, and as a bonus, several beloved McDonald’s characters will be on hand, including Grimace, Birdie, and the Hamburglar. The River Oaks Dance group will perform scenes from the Nutcracker, and there will be a craft station and character storytimes. Pups are even welcome to join the fun. 3801 Eastside St., Houston, levyparkhouston.com
Tea With Santa at McHugh Tea Room
This Bellaire tea room is hosting a special afternoon tea with Santa on Sunday, December 14 from 2:30 to 4 p.m., with a special menu for adults and children. Kids are encouraged to bring their favorite doll, stuffed animal, or lovey, to accompany them as they listen to Santa’s holiday tales. The man in red will also listen to Christmas wishes and take photos. For those who celebrate Hanukkah, the tea room has a special tea service through Saturday, December 13 with treats like scones, smoked salmon sandwiches, and honey cake. 5305 Bissonnet St., Bellaire, mchughtea.com
Santa’s Storybook Breakfast at Hotel Granduca
This elegant Italianate hotel is hosting a number of special teas and breakfasts all month, and it’s worth dressing your little ones in their finest holiday duds for the Nutcracker Tea or the Gingerbread Tea, each with their own special menu and list of events. Mr. Claus, however, will be making his big appearance at the hotel on Sunday, December 14 from 9 a.m. to noon for Santa’s Storybook Breakfast. Executive chef Maurizio Ferrarase is creating a buffet of breakfast favorites and seasonal offerings. There will be entertainment and activities, followed by visits with Santa himself in the Library. 1080 Uptown Park Blvd., Houston, granducahouston.com
Dine With Santa at URBE
Hugo Ortega’s Mexican street food concept has convinced Papa Noel to stop by twice this month: Thursday, December 18 from 6 to 8 p.m., and Monday, December 22 from 1 to 3 p.m. There will be plenty of tacos and tamales on the a la carte menu, but kids can have their own exclusive two-course meal for $15. Santa will be mingling and ready to take photos with guests. 1101 Uptown Park Blvd., Houston, urbehouston.com
Breakfast With Santa at Rainforest Cafe, Katy Mills Mall
You may not picture Kris Kringle in the middle of the Amazon, but for the month of December, he’s making three stops by this family-friendly eatery: Saturday, December 13, Saturday, December 20, and Sunday, December 21. Hopeful children are welcome to write letters to Santa, take free photos with him, and participate in activities and games. Breakfast with Santa begins bright and early at 8 a.m. and includes a plated breakfast with yummy bites like French toast, eggs, and bacon, plus a goodie bag. 5000 Katy Mills Cir., Katy, rainforestcafe.com
Brunch With Santa at The Marigold Club
If you’ve ever dreamed of a posh tea service in a swanky London hotel, the Marigold Club can deliver the experience stateside. Throw in a visit from Father Christmas, and you have all the makings of a British yuletide. The restaurant will host Brunch with Santa on Saturday, December 20, from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a special holiday tea service for adults and children. The brunch a la carte menu will also be available, along with a dedicated kids menu. 2531 Kuester St., Houston, themarigoldclub.com
Breakfast With Santa at Harrison’s, The Woodlands Resort
The Woodlands Resort always has an abundance of family fun activities, and it is especially true at this time of year. While its lobby bar has A Christmas Story-inspired Leg Lamp Lounge for adults this December, its onsite restaurant, Harrison’s, is hosting Saturday Breakfasts with Santa, each Saturday morning through December 20. There are other Santa meet-ups as well, including Sensory Santa, The Claus’ Fireside Stories, and Santa Tuck-ins. There are a number of sweet concessions for purchase and an a la carte menu for the Polar Express Brunch. 2301 N. Millbend Dr., The Woodlands, woodlandsresort.com/harrisons
A Very Feges Christmas at Feges BBQ
Santa may come to Houston to visit the kiddos, but it’s possible he is also tempted by the city’s fantastic barbecue. One of the best places to sample Houston’s iteration of Texas ‘cue is at Feges BBQ, owned and operated by pitmaster Patrick Feges and “queen of sides” Erin Smith. The couple have two locations, but it’s the Spring Branch spot that will be hosting A Very Feges Christmas on Saturday, December 20 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. The party begins with photo ops with Santa, who will follow up with a storytime adventure. 8217 Long Point Rd., Houston, fegesbbq.com
Brunch With Santa at Chardon
If Christmas in Paris is not in the plans this year, Houstonians can still get a French kiss of Parisian charm at this stylish bistro on the street level of the Thompson Hotel. Each weekend, through Sunday, December 21, Santa will stop by during Chardon’s brunch service, and each child will receive a little gift. It’s a perfect excuse to introduce your child to a cuisine that has given the world croque monsieur and pain perdu. There are simple delights like the royale with cheese (hamburger) and a banana Nutella crepe, too. 1711 Allen Pkwy., Houston, chardonhouston.com
Meet Santa at Buttermilk Baby
The colors of this ice cream dreamworld set the tone for a magical experience, so it’s only fitting that Santa would put this fantabulous Heights eatery on his visit list. Mr. Claus will be on hand for a meet and greet on Monday, December 22, from 3 to 5 p.m. Besides photos with Santa, there will be crafts and kid-friendly activities. Parents might want to treat themselves to the limited time-only Santa’s Nog or Bailey’s hot chocolate. 600 N. Shepherd Dr., Houston, thebuttermilkbaby.com
