The holiday season is in full swing. Lights decorate many area businesses and shopping centers, as well as homes and apartment balconies in the Montrose District. While you probably have plenty of holiday parties packing your schedule, we hope you can slip away and enjoy one of these wonderful events in the neighborhood.
December 9th: Black Market Holiday Pop-Up at Black Hole Coffee
Still need to do a little shopping for some of the people on your list? This pop-up will have a little bit of everything. Expect to find thoughtfully curated knick knacks, beautifully potted succulents, vintage clothes, screenprints and other artistic creations. Black Hole will be providing themed drinks, and DAMN GXRL will be playing some tunes for you. Bringing a toy to donate to Toys for Tots before you browse is encouraged.
December 9th: 2nd Annual Montrose Grace Place Gingerbread House Competition
If you’ve already got your list taken care of and want to take an opportunity to have a little fun, this is your event. The Montrose Grace Place Gingerbread House Competition will provide all the fixings to build and decorate the gingerbread house of your dreams (bringing your own fixings is also encouraged!) Once you’re done, a panel of judges will pick the top three. But fear not: even if your house doesn’t win, you’ll still have an opportunity to pick up some amazing baked goods at the bake sale.
December 10th: Holiday Extravaganza: A Sunday Funday
Want to take a little time to give back this holiday season? The Montrose Center will be hosting a volunteer opportunity called “Holiday Extravaganza: A Sunday Funday.” Every year, they partner with local LGBTQ nonprofit Bunnies on the Bayou to hand out holiday baskets to members of the community in need. This year, Bunnies on the Bayou has doubled their donation, and The Montrose Center needs YOUR help to prepare these food baskets! It’s free to volunteer, but registration is required.
December 17th: The Holiday Brunch Mixer + Market
If you’re down to the wire and lacking a special something for those hard-to-buy-for friends, Brooklyn Athletic Club’s Holiday Brunch Mixer + Market just might be the ticket. While the exclusive vendor list has yet to be released, it promises to be good. Local fashionistas STRUT will be helping curate the market, and are partnering with Brooklyn Athletic Club to provide photos with Santa. If you need to entice a friend to tag along, make sure you mention the drink specials and music by The Vibes HTX. It’s sure to be a party.
December 24th: Christmas Eve Dinner at Backstreet Cafe
Take the hassle out of the holiday, and let Backstreet Café prepare Christmas Eve dinner! Every year, the restaurant puts together a special menu and invites everyone to spend a relaxing evening in their warm, inviting space. The three-course meal, which costs $52/person, has several options per course, with vegetarian and seafood options for appetizers and entree. Don’t forget to have a glass of their complimentary egg nog with your apple tart for dessert! Please call (713)521-2239 for reservations.
