Holiday Time 2012 Houston - Shopping

Houston Holiday Pop Shop
This event — 2-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday — will feature more than 50 independent artists selling handmade craft items, jewelry, vintage clothing and more. Live music, adult beverages and food-truck fare will add to the festivities, which will be at Summer Street Studios, 2500 Summer Street. Free admission.

Holiday on 19th
This two-day open house in the Heights will channel the spirit of “Mad Men.” Think red attire, old-school cocktails and retro fun. The retail shops along 19th street between Shepherd and Yale will offer shopping specials, refreshments and live entertainment, including jazz by Horace Grigsby at the “Laid Back Lounge.” The event is 6-10 p.m. Nov. 30 and 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Dec. 1.

Home for the Holidays Gift Market at Moody Gardens
More than 100 retailers will be offering unique gifts, holiday décor, candles, craft foods and more at this event Friday-Sunday in the Moody Gardens Convention Center. Shopping hours are 2-8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $5. A $50 VIP pass includes refreshments in a lounge overlooking the showroom floor. Information: 281-788-4297

Old Town Spring’s Home for the Holidays
Every weekend now through Dec. 23, this popular shopping district will welcome strolling performers, horse-drawn carriage rides, a petting zoo and pony rides and other diversions for holidays shoppers. Hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays and noon-6 p.m. Sundays. Some activities may require a fee. Information: 800-653-8696

JUST FOR KIDS (and their parents)

Thanksgiving with Santa
The Children’s Museum kicks off the holiday season at this Nov. 23 event that includes a visit with Santa. Children can make their own floats and wear them during an indoor Thanksgiving Parade. Around the museum will be activities that include learning to call a turkey, fun facts about turkeys and the opportunity to create a garland. Hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Admission is $9. Information: 713-522-1138

Holiday Teas and Gingerbread Workshops
Busy parents can get a two-hour reprieve from the holiday chaos courtesy of the Four Seasons Hotel. Every Saturday (Nov. 24-Dec. 22) from 2-4 p.m., the hotel’s culinary team will lead a hands-on workshop in which children ages 12 and younger will decorate their own gingerbread house to take home. Parents can enjoy afternoon tea in the hotel’s Lobby Lounge. Cost is $42 per person. Workshops are limited to 20 children per workshop so reservations are required. Call 713-276-4700. Four Seasons Hotel Houston is located at 1300 Lamar.

Old Fashioned Christmas Party at MST
Main Street Theater will host a kid friendly, “Little House” Christmas-themed holiday party beginning at 11:45 a.m. Dec. 1. Pioneer-inspired festivities include building pretzel logs cabins, bobbing for apples and playing musical chairs. Tickets are $15 and include refreshments, but not admission to the MST’s matinee performance of “A Little House Christmas,” which is being presented through Dec. 22 at Main Street Theater-Chelsea Market, 4617 Montrose. Information: 713-524-6706

Breakfast with Santa
The Downtown Aquarium, 410 Bagby, is hosting this kid-friendly breakfast buffet 8 a.m.-10 a.m. Dec. 1, Dec. 8-9, Dec. 15-16 and Dec. 20-24. Sharkey and Santa Claus will be on hand for photos. Admission is $15.99 ($9.99 for ages 4-10). Reservations advised. Call 713-223-3474.

Jingle on the Boardwalk
A holiday parade, kids’ karaoke, cookie decorating and ice carving are among the festivities 11 a.m.-midnight Dec. 1 at this even on the Kemah Boardwalk, 215 Kipp, in Kemah. Free admission; some activities may require a fee.


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