From festive brunches to boozy Santa sightings, Houston is bringing the holiday cheer far beyond your living room. Whether you’re grabbing a keepsake photo with the big guy, sipping cocktails with Mrs. Claus or letting the kids meet Rudolph, our Santa Restaurant and Bar roundup has the city covered. For even more seasonal pop-ups, check out our 2025 Sip & Sleigh Holiday Pop-Up Bar Guide.

The Annie Café & Bar, 1800 Post Oak

Enjoy Brunch with Santa on Sunday, December 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring a festive buffet, complimentary mimosas or bellinis for adults, hot chocolate and cider for kids, Santa photos, cookie decorating, holiday crafts, and a magician sprinkling festive magic throughout the morning. Reservations are $89 adults, $49 kids (ages 5–12).

Betelgeuse Betelgeuse, 2101 Washington

Betelgeuse Those wanting to skip Santa this year (or get some really funny holiday photos) can get a photo with Krampus, instead. On Thursday, December 4 from 6 to 8 p.m., Betelgeuse teams up with Hellhound Social Club for “Photos With Krampus,” a spooky holiday twist on a classic photo op. Tickets ($30) include one professional photo with Krampus and a cocktail, with food available for purchase, festive giveaways, and an after-party until 10 p.m. Kid-friendly until 9 p.m. 

Bloom & Bee, 1600 West Loop South

Enjoy a festive Brunch with Santa and his elf on December 20, 21 and 24 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., complete with live holiday entertainment and a three-course meal topped off by a decadent dessert buffet. Tickets are $90 adults and $50 children.

Brasserie 19, 1902 West Gray

B19 hosts Santa Le Brunch de Funk on Saturday, December 6 from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. A festive holiday edition of its popular monthly brunch, expect holiday sweaters, melted raclette, beats by DJ GFunk and cocktails from Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Still Austin.

Brennan’s, 3300 Smith

Enjoy Brunch with Santa and Rudolph on Saturday, December 6 from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Gather the family for a festive three-course brunch, with a keepsake photo taken by a professional photographer. New this year: kids of all ages can meet Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Reservations required by phone: 713-522-9711.

Buttermilk Baby, 600 North Shepherd

On Monday, December 22 from 3 to 5 p.m., Santa will stop by for an afternoon of meet-and-greets, holiday crafts, and kid-friendly activities, creating a festive and memorable experience for the whole family.

Dandelion Café Heights, 611 West 22nd

The Brunch with Santa & Holiday Market is going down Sunday, December 7, with visits from Santa and Mrs. Clausfrom 10:00 a.m. to noon for photos and holiday cheer. The brunch is paired with a vendor‑filled Holiday Market running until 2 p.m.

Downtown Aquarium, 410 Bagby

Catch Santa underwater at the Downtown Aquarium’s restaurant. Breakfast with Santa seating begins at 8:30 a.m. (ends 10:30 a.m.) on December 13, 14, and 20-24. Guests enjoy a full breakfast buffet, photos with Santa (and a chance to watch Santa and his elves dive into the aquarium), and take‑home holiday crafts. 

Greater Heights Brewing, 938 Wakefield

On Thursday, December 4 from 5 to 7:30 p.m., the taproom is spreading holiday cheer with a festive “Meet Santa” event, complete with photo opportunities for the little ones. Kids can enjoy treats while adults sip beers or wine. Bring your own camera or phone for photos—Santa won’t be taking pics with four-legged friends. Free admission.

Hotel Granduca, 1080 Uptown Park

Enjoy a festive Santa’s Storybook Breakfast at Remi on Sunday, December 14 from 9 a.m. to noon., featuring a lavish breakfast buffet curated by executive chef Maurizio Ferrerase, festive entertainment, and holiday activities. The morning culminates with a magical appearance by Santa Claus in The Library. Tickets are $125 per adult and $55 per child. Reserve via OpenTable.

The Marigold Club, 2531 Kuester

On Saturday, December 20 from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Brunch with Santa features a special visit from Santa, complete with professional holiday photos. Guests can enjoy The Marigold Club’s à la carte brunch menu or reserve the Holiday Tea Service for a more elevated experience ($75 per person). A dedicated kids’ menu is also available for $25 for children ages 10 and under.

Monkey’s Tail, 5802 Fulton

The Lindale Park bar celebrates Noche Buena on Tuesday, December 23 from 3 p.m. to 1 a.m. Start with Santa photos from 3 to 5 p.m., then join a Gingerbread House Contest from 5 to 7 p.m. A six-piece Mariachi band plays 7 to 8 p.m., followed by DJs keeping the party going into the night.

Pier 6 Seafood & Oyster House, 113 6th 

Brunch with Santa on Sunday, December 21 from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. to enjoy Santa photo ops with a coastal Christmas backdrop, complimentary kids’ patio activities including oyster shell painting and a write-a-letter-to-Santa station, plus hot cocoa and live Christmas classics. Reservations recommended.

URBE, 1101 Uptown Park

Celebrate with Santa & Friends at URBE, featuring photos with Santa, a festive holiday‑themed menu, and activities for kids on Thursdays, December 11 and 18 from 6 to 8 p.m. Tickets run $39 adults and $15 for children.

This article appears in Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2025.

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