Despite the busy holiday season and the year winding down, it’s been a stellar month for restaurant openings. Why not take advantage of the new openings for a weekend tasting? The highly anticipated Montrose lounge/restaurant Doc’s Houston finally opened, bringing its jazz club vibes, clams casino, and classic cocktail list to the Tower Theatre. In Uptown, the team behind the Michelin-starred Le Jardinier launched Moon, a new bar for inventive drinks and luxurious snacks, including wagyu sliders and petite lobster rolls. Need something more casual? Amy’s Lunch Box debuted in Sharpstown, bringing banh mi and boba tea to the neighborhood, spicy chicken tenders joint Hot Peckers opened Downtown, and burger shack Lankford’s unleashed its signature burgers in The Woodlands. —Erica Cheng, news and city life editor

Honestly, all of ChòpnBlọk’s menu could go here. I’ve never not had an incredible meal there. But at a recent Houstonia team lunch, we decided to split the house-plantain bread, served with vanilla crème anglaise. That, too, was unsurprisingly incredible. Make sure to sop up all the crème. Yes, even if you’re sharing (sorry, not sorry, Sofia). —Meredith Nudo, senior culture editor

507 westheimer rd

Heights & Co. is here to help Houstonians celebrate the holidays with themed drinks, Christmas decorations, and an interactive s’more board fireside. The bar is pouring up candy cane Irish coffee, a salted caramel carajillo, the Cookies & Cream espresso martini, and the Grinch, made with rum, pear, lemon, lime, and Topo Chico. And we hear things can get pretty interesting with the Naughty and Nice shots, which come in flavors like mistletoe lemon drop, Christmas green tea, and cinnamon sugar cookie. —Sofia Gonzalez, food and travel editor  

1343 Yale st

There can be a lot of pressure to imbibe this time of year. Even for those of us who do drink alcohol on a regular or semiregular basis, the sheer amount of boozy beverages available at events and on special menus can instigate a hangover just by looking over your options. Sometimes you want all the flavorful fun of a cocktail without the risk, and that’s why I appreciate the refreshers available at Houstonia favorite ChòpnBlọk, made with sparkling water and juice. I’m personally partial to the Cape Town Cooler with guava, lemon, and grapefruit, but they’re all excellent. —MN

507 westheimer rd

Located inside the Hardy & Nance Studios on the border between Downtown and Fifth Ward, Insomnia Gallery is mainly known for its pop culture–themed shows. On Friday, it hosts an art show with free admission, $10 merch, and $25 works of art crafted by some of the city’s finest creators and designers. It’s a great opportunity to get some affordable holiday shopping done and support local artists at the same time. —MN

902 hardy st

Oh, you thought the architects of the AIA Houston chapter only wanted to show off their skills with sandcastles? It turns out they love getting into the holiday spirit, too, and have for the past 16 years. Their annual Gingerbread Build-Off at Levy Park is sure to make for a delightful (and delicious) morning. —MN

902 commerce st

This is the last weekend to watch the world premiere of Kathy Ng’s Beautiful Princess Disorder at Catastrophic Theatre. We thoroughly enjoyed the production’s kineticism and unabashed silliness, and with pay-what-you-can prices, it makes for an affordable night out with your funniest friends. Bonus: Ng will be in attendance for the final shows, so you may even get a chance to congratulate them on a job well done in person! —MN

3400 main st

Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center of Houston will host a candlelighting celebration for Hanukkah, December 15–19. This event is free, and anyone is welcome to attend, but we definitely recommend bringing the kiddos along to enjoy the variety of after-school activities that will happen concurrently with the lighting. —MN

5601 s braeswood blvd

What’s better than finding the perfect gift that no one else will have? For anyone looking for Christmas decorations, artisan-made soaps, and even local treats, these holiday markets have your back. Head to the Heights or The Woodlands this weekend to shop gifts that support local makers. The best part? Many of these events are family- and pet-friendly, so bring the whole crew along for some fun reindeer games and a day outside. —EC