LATELY IN HOUSTON

Is it Houston or not? When meeting people in Houston, the question that always pops up is where do you live? And the answer is getting more difficult to answer as Houston’s sprawl continues to grow. Whether you rep inside or outside the loop, this side or that, city limits are constantly being pushed outward. Erica Cheng puts it best: “So, what is Houston, really? A fried egg gone scrambled.” We don’t disagree.

Houston's drag brunch scene gets magical. The Dollhouse Kitchen at Condo Cabaret is serving themed drag brunches that are equal parts spectacle and sanctuary. This Wicked-themed experience proves that joy (especially queer joy) is a political act in Texas. In a state actively legislating against LGBTQ+ Texans, CEO Barbie Monroe has created a space where queer artists thrive. Bring cash for tips and your best friends.

“I hope the camel is okay.” An audience member was kicked by a camel at Champion Forest Baptist Church’s “Christmas Spectacular.” It’s large-scale, over-the-top Christmas theatrics isn’t uncommon in Texas megachurches, and who knows if this is the first time this has happened. The church didn’t disclose information on the extent of the injuries.

ICYMI, Houston got its first Ismaili Center and it’s stunning! The 150,000-square-foot building in Montrose features Persian gardens, a reflecting pool, and a 68-foot atrium. The Ismaili Center, which opened on December 13th, is designed to welcome everyone, not just Houston's 40,000 Ismailis. Expect concerts, exhibitions, and cultural programming. It's the seventh Ismaili Center worldwide and part of Buffalo Bayou's growing cultural corridor.

This week’s coffee is on us! That means 5 readers will get a $10 gift card to Le’ DRIP. All you have to do is open today’s issue (if you’re reading this you just did—nice!) and you’ll be entered to win.

Winners will be randomly selected and emailed tomorrow morning.

Want to sponsor a future issue and treat readers to a local coffee spot on you? Hit reply.

WEEKEND EVENTS

All Weekend

🌟Holiday event

• 🌟Elf in Concert at Houston Symphony

• 🌟The Nutcracker at Houston Ballet

• 🌟Nightshift Before Christmas and A Christmas Carol at Alley Theatre

• 🌟An Italian Baroque Christmas by Mercury Houston

• 🌟Irving Berlin’s White Christmas at The Hobby Center

• 🌟Santa is coming + Christmas Mariachi at Saint Arnold

Thursday, 12/18

6pm-8pm, Art | Music and the Museum at CAMH. “Listen to the sounds of Jupiter, while exploring the exhibitions Tomashi Jackson: Across the Universe and Mario Ayala: Seven Vans, and join us for a hands-on art-making workshop with artist Carlos Mendoza, inspired by CAMH’s current exhibitions.” Free.

6pm-9pm, 🌟Games | Blanket Bingo Ugly Sweater Edition at Market Square Park. $10.

6pm-9pm, 🌟Market | MKT Holiday Village Market.

7pm-12am, Games | Vinyl & Chess Night at Room808.

8pm-11pm, 🌟Live Music | The Incredible Jimmy Smith Christmas Cookin’ Special at Echoes. Free.

10pm, Nightlife | Montrose Cumbia Club at Catbirds. Free.

Friday, 12/19

11am-7pm, 🌟Toy Drive | Christmas Toy Drive presented by Burdlife. “Drop off toys to bless kids in need this season. Please note all donated items must be new.”

5pm-8pm, Nightlife | Happy Hour Friday at MFAH.

6pm, Nightlife | Opera Karaoke “Nowhere Else to Wear This” Edition at Gristworkz. “Opera, pop, musical theatre – wear what you want, sing what you want, live your main-character dreams. 🎭⭐” Free.

6:30pm, 🌟Crafts | Eco-friendly Gift Wrapping Party at Dreamers Bookstore. Free but ticket required.

9pm-2am, Nightlife | Best of Drake presented by Rabbits Got The Gun. RSVP.

9:30pm, Concert | EZ Band at Dan Electros. $34.

Saturday, 12/20

10am-2pm, 🌟Market | Live mini portraits pop-up by Rocio at Holiday Cheer Market at Central City Co-op.

12pm-5pm, 🌟Market | Houston Heights Market “We’re bringing together an amazing mix of local vendors + holiday vibes you don’t want to miss.” Free.

3pm-6pm, 🌟Holiday | Bark the Halls at Trebly Park. “Bring your pups to this FREE event at Trebly Park! Enjoy photos with Santa, live music, face painting, balloon art, and refreshments at Tout Suite — plus special activities for pups including a dog treat bar, and paw print ornament craft station!” Free.

5-7pm, Art | Walker Western Wear Pop-up by John Walker at Monterroso Gallery. “John will share his new line of Western-inspired neckwear made from vintage materials, along with a live demonstration of how the pieces are made and worn. He’ll also bring music into the space for the evening.” Free.

9pm-12am, 🌟Nightlife | Snowy Nights Burlesque at Hifi at The Finn. “We present Snowy Nights Burlesque, a sultry, stylish, and spectacular showcase that brings the magic of the season to life.” $48 and up.

Sunday, 12/21

6pm-9pm, Art | Closing reception for East & Essence: Crafting Identity, Shaping Culture with DJHRT and DJMLE at Friends Gallery.

8pm-10pm, 🌟Film | Movie Night on the Lawn: Christmas Vacation at POST. Free.

ON THE HOU(S)E Concierge

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