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Summer Activities Just for YOU in the Memorial District!

When you think of June, July, and August, do happy images of camping, fishing, swimming, grilling, and catching the latest summer blockbuster at the movie theater come to mind? They do for us here in the Memorial District, where warm-weather summertime activities are already in full swing.

Want to go camping? Get everything you need for a camping adventure with merchandise from Sun and Ski Sports or Academy Sports + Outdoors. Pick up camping gear like tents, sleeping bags, folding chairs, hammocks, lighting, and outdoor games. Plus, look for the hiking gear you might need for a trek, including boots and hydration packs. The stores also have coolers for your food and drinks and backpacks or duffel bags for your luggage.

If fishing is part of your summertime plan, you need to make a trip to Fishing Tackle Unlimited to get everything you need. Reeds, rods, fishing accessories, and even apparel are available at the Memorial District's top shop for everything fishing.

How about trying a cooking class from the experts at Sur La Table at CITYCENTRE. This summer, you could learn to make chocolate macarons or take an introductory course on making sushi. Take a grilling class on July 3 to get ready for Independence Day celebrations the following day. They have courses on Korean barbecue, Chinese dim sum, Italian risotto, and other international flavors. Check out their available classes here.

The summer blockbuster is back this year with big movies like A Quiet Place Part 2 and Cruella already out and other big names on the way. You can find all the hits at Studio Movie Grille CITYCENTRE and Cinemark Memorial City. Take a moment to see all of the deals on their websites. If you have a summer party coming up and want to plan something with AC indoors, you might be able to rent out an entire movie theater for you and your whole crew for the same price you would pay normally. Seriously, look into this. It’s a fabulous deal!

Few things in life are better than an outdoor pool with cool water on a hot day, and with help from Leslie's Pool Supplies, Service and Repair, the dream can be reality every day this summer. Leslie's has all of the pool products for you, whether you need chemicals like chlorine, equipment like heaters, maintenance products like filters, or pool toys like foam floats and noodles.

This year, you can also keep cool with a sweet treat from the brand-new Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams CITYCENTRE. This company is "devoted to making better ice creams and bringing people together," according to its mission statement. With its new location here in the Memorial District, you can try out all their delicious flavors, such as Buttercream Birthday Cake, Roasted Peanut Butter and Strawberry Jam, Boston Cream Pie, and Lemon and Blueberries Parfait.

Are you looking for events for young ones? Check out our blog post about activities for the kiddos to enjoy during their time off from school during summer break.

 

Memorial Day Weekend is a time to pay respects to fallen soldiers who served to keep America the land of the free. It’s also considered the unofficial start of summer. There are activities, brunches, and fun attractions to enjoy over the long weekend in the Memorial District.

Begin the festivities with Friday Family Movie Night in the Square at Memorial City, where you can catch Toy Story 4 for free on the enormous 24'x14′ HDTV from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Head to the Plaza at CITYCENTRE from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for live music. Catch pop musician Jon David Finney on Friday, May 28; R&B musician Kameron Williams on Saturday, May 29; and Christian musician Zack Meeks on Sunday, May 30.

 

Looking for a budget-friendly activity? Take a bike tour scavenger hunt of the Memorial District to look for the patriotic art in UP Art Studio's Mini Murals project, such as local artist Joy Matheson’s mural at Memorial City. Similarly, you can hunt for art in the third annual Art @ CITYCENTRE. Because May is National Bike Month, you can find great deals on bike rides in the Memorial District.

 

Give back in honor of Memorial Day. Participate in one of Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center's two Memorial Day Weekend mobile blood drives. The first will be in the Plaza at CITYCENTRE from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 29. The second will be in the south parking lot of Memorial City near the food court entrance from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. At the latter, all donors will get a coupon for a free 8-ounce shaved ice. Plus, Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center will donate $5 to Wounded Warrior on each donor's behalf. Register in advance by contacting Carly Pappert at cpappert@giveblood.org, or visit commitforlife.org to sign up.

Many Memorial District restaurants will have delicious brunch specials over the Memorial Day Weekend. For example, enjoy the "Ultimate Brunch Buffet" at Churrascos until 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 30. Keep an eye out for updates on our Facebook page.

Then, on Memorial Day, Monday, May 31, celebrate with Memorial City's Remember and Honor event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be a patriotic presentation of colors and a majestic flyover by the Commemorative Air Force. This event also includes a live band, face painting, balloon art, and much more!

CITYCENTRE and the Weingarten Art Group are proud to present the third annual Art @ CITYCENTRE! This rotating art program features exciting exhibitions of works from Texas-based artists and galleries, such as Brad Tucker, Lou Peralta, and Ansen Seale. You can see the art on display now through June 26 in lobby spaces across CITYCENTRE.

"Each of these artists brings a fresh perspective to their work: Brad Tucker explores color and texture, Lou Peralta pushes the boundaries of portraiture and Ansen Seale teases the unusual out of the usual," said Lea Weingarten, Principal, and Founder of Weingarten Art Group. "All together, they offer a new dimension to CITYCENTRE's art program and to its multiple and intellectually curious audiences." Weingarten Art Group partners with clients and artists to plan, curate, develop and manage public and private art collections.

"Curated art in commercial buildings and spaces like CITYCENTRE is on the rise, largely due to strategic partnerships with art experts such as Weingarten Art Group," added Robert Williamson, Senior Vice President, Investment Management. "By showcasing Art @ CITYCENTRE's free, immersive exhibitions, we are not only able to provide a public voice for these talented artists but are also able to attract a new audience through our loyal visitors and tenants alike."

Austin-based artist Brad Tucker's "Springtime Skies" exhibition decorates the walls of the newly renovated lobby in CITYCENTRE 2. Then, you can stop by the lobby of CITYCENTRE 3 to browse the eye-catching artwork of Lou Peralta's "Disassemble" exhibition. The works by fourth-generation portrait photographer Peralta helps people build appreciation for Mexican identities.

Over in the lobby of CITYCENTRE 4, you can see work by San Antonio Art League & Museum's Artist of The Year, Ansen Seale. This innovative installation is called "Texas and Other Places." Seale makes the images with a camera he created.

"I hope people can share my sense of wonder at how odd and mysterious the world around us is. I have a deep joy of discovery in the designs of everyday things we use and build," said Seale.

Want to check out these beautiful works? Visit CITYCENTRE during regular business hours from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on weekdays. CITYCENTRE 3 is also open from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturdays. Each of these unique pieces of artwork is available for purchase upon request. For more information about the Art @ CITYCENTRE program, visit citycentrehouston.com or pick up the most recent issue of Midway's District Magazine. Follow CITYCENTRE on Instagram at @citycentrehou for the latest updates.

May is National Bike Month, which means now is the perfect time to get outside, hop on a bike, and experience the joys of biking. Riding a bike in Houston can give you a new perspective of our fabulous city. Whether you are new to biking or an experienced rider, the Memorial District has bike-share options and biking products for all.

Thanks to the nonprofit bike-share program Houston BCycle, biking in the Memorial District is more accessible and affordable than ever. They have around 1,100 bikes at stations in Houston, including one near Pearl CITYCENTRE and one near the Memorial City Club at 920 Memorial City Way. Guest passes are $3, and annual memberships are $79. Monthly memberships are usually $13. However, you can save money with the Bike Month Special Offer for a $10 monthly membership in May. Plus, if you are a student or staff member at a local university, click here to get a student discount.

Also, it is worth noting Houston BCycle prioritizes the health and safety of its riders. The organization puts a premium on sanitizing its public bikes. This critical component of the bike-share program's philosophy has become more important than ever in the past year.

This month, the Houston-Galveston Area Council invites you to enjoy many Bike Month events. On May 20, enjoy Bike-Share Awareness Day at Memorial Picnic Loop from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Houston BCycle will be there to provide free rides, discounts on memberships, and details about bike stations.

On May 21, participate in Bike to Wherever Day for FREE for 30 minutes courtesy of Houston BCycle. That includes the e-bikes. Download the BCycle app and put in the code BTWD for your free ride. Alternatively, punch in code 0521 at the kiosk at Pearl CITYCENTRE to get this deal. Post a picture of yourself biking to work or anywhere else with the hashtag #GulfCoastBikes on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn, and tag @HouGalvAreaCog. They will select one person each week to receive a Commute Solutions Swag Box.

You can also take a virtual cycling safety course called CyclingSavvy anytime during May for a chance to win some cycling swag from H-GAC.

Another idea is to make a day of it in the Memorial District and bike from Memorial City to CITYCENTRE to Town and Country Village to the Conrad Sauer Detention Basin. There are always exciting outdoor events to check out, or you could take a bike out to enjoy artworks that are part of UP Art Studio's Mini Murals project. Houston BCycle also has suggestions for popular routes to try throughout Houston.

Gearing up to make biking a part of your life? Find all the bikes and bike gear at Academy Sports Bunker Hill or Sun & Ski Sports. There are many ways to enjoy biking here in the Memorial District. Happy biking!

As the weather heats up, so are events in the Memorial District including live music performances. Check out the Cowboy Surfer Bar located at 827 Frostwood Drive every Sunday for live music, cocktails and snacks. Running through the month of May, a variety of artists including Tommy McLain and Mike Stintson and many more will be performing every Sunday evening. Check out the talent and discover what could be your new local spot! Be sure to visit their website www.cowboysurferbar.com for more info and ticket updates.

Check out Cowboy Surfer for exciting live music events.
Food, drinks, and entertainment are all in one place at Cowboy Surfer.

CITYCENTRE  joined in on the musical festivities. Every weekend head out to the Plaza for live music. Artists will vary each weekend. The genres include R&B, soft rock, pop and Christian/inspirational. The artists will be playing out in the Plaza during the evening time. Enjoy nearby patios at YardHouse and Bellagreen to listen to some great tunes while you enjoy your dinner or cocktails. Check out more events on the CITYCENTRE site.

Also, at CITYCENTRE, check out the Fireside and Radio Milano events at the Moran Hotel where you can find a wide range of live music experiences across many genres. Click here to see a list of upcoming performances. At these events, you can find delicious craft cocktails, elevated Mediterranean cuisine, and light fare menus for your tasting pleasure. All of this is available while you enjoy the sounds of live music on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

Enjoy cocktails at the Moran Hotel's Fireside and Radio Milano events.
Radio Milano has delicious beverages to choose from during shows.

Be sure to stay update with all the happenings this summer on our website www.memorialdistrict.org.

 

 

Thanks to Memorial District restaurants and retailers, celebrating Mother's Day is more fun than ever. We have gift ideas, dining options, exciting experiences, and ways to say, "I love you." If Mom prefers to discover her own gifts, bring her to the District for a shopping spree.

Shops like J. McLaughlin have gifts mom will love. Check out their Mother's Day Gift Guide gallery here. Similarly, Paper Source CITYCENTRE has a Mother's Day gallery online here. Then, Marlo Miller Boutique is a great spot to find Mother's Day gifts, such as this gorgeous faux diamond initial necklace.

Next, China Baroque has gifts you can't find elsewhere and incredible service. Take old china to China Baroque. The company can transform it into a fantastic new keepsake. Have old china from someone important to Mom? Call China Baroque to see if they can fashion it into a one-of-a-kind gift.

The Memorial District has fun Mother's Day sweepstakes. Anthony Vincé Nail Spa's Ultimate Mother's Day Giveaway will give away 100 gift cards for a couple's spa pedicure, which clients and their mothers can use together. Participate from the company's Facebook post about the contest. Like and share the pinned post. Tag Mom and let her know you appreciate her. Then, let the spa know where to send gift cards. Check back on May 7 to see the winners.

Lush Cosmetics has a Mother's Day contest. Read the full terms and conditions here. First, check out Lush's Facebook post to learn how to submit an entry. Then, shoot a video to explain within one minute how the mother figure in your life has helped you. Upload the video to Instagram, tag Lush Cosmetics, and use the hashtag #LushMothersDay2021. Return on May 9 to see if you won.

You could also pamper Mom with a spa package or gift certificate to one of the many luxury beauty bars and salons in the area, such as Brush and Blush Blow Dry Bar or Beautique.

This year, Houston favorites Kendra Scott and Tiff's Treats partnered to create the perfect Mother's Day gift combination: jewelry and sweet treats. Kendra Scott exclusively designed the Ellie necklace, a gold double strand necklace with an Ivory Mother-of-Pearl stone, for the occasion. Then, Tiff's Treats added delicious warm cookies. Order from the Tiff's Treats in the Memorial District at Ship.CookieDelivery.com.

Want to take your mother to a fabulous Mother's Day brunch? Over at CITYCENTRE, you will find fantastic brunch options to mark the day. Check out all of the happenings at Cyclone Anaya’s, bellagreen, Brio Tuscan Grille, Eddie V’s Prime Seafood, Seasons 52, The Capital Grille, Sweet Paris, Sal y Pimienta, and The General Public. You could also give Mom an unforgettable Mother's Day brunch at The Tasting Room, where she can try delicious dishes like Crab Cake Benedict. Don't worry if mom is not available on May 9 specifically. The Tasting Room has you covered with specials all Mother's Day weekend long. Just be sure to make a reservation to secure a table at TastingRoomWines.com.

Every year, Memorial City Mall has a Mother's Day pop-up flower shop. Watch for an announcement on the Events page of Memorial City's website to see details.

Want to honor mothers everywhere? Check out Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center to see upcoming blood drives in the Memorial District at CITYCENTRE and Memorial City. Donating blood makes a world of difference to moms.

Whichever way you celebrate Mother's Day this year, we hope you have a wonderful time making someone else's day extra special!

New CITYCENTRE restaurant ReikiNa is cooking up a unique dining experience for the Memorial District. ReikiNa offers a tasting menu with a European take on Asian cuisine. Business owners Andrew Herron and Thomas Stacy hope guests visit not only for a delicious meal but also for a new and exciting experience.

"I like to call it experiential fine dining because it is more than just dinner," Stacy said. He described ReikiNa as communal and explained that this aspect of the restaurant was something he enjoyed during dinner parties he has served in the past. "Many groups I served included folks who did not know each other. These seemed to be the most interesting and stimulating dinners, as these people had to find common ground and get out of their comfort zone."

For now, ReikiNa does not have a signature dish. Instead, the team plans to make new dishes every six to eight weeks. Dishes will offer cohesive coursing. Recent dishes have included Brussels sprouts, burrata, and kimchi; octopus, pink peppercorn, yuzu, and arbequina; uni, egg pasta, guanciale, trout roe, and bottarga; and more. A recent menu had a dish with honey nut squash, sake braised peppers, coconut yuzu pudding, and fried sage and shallots. Likewise, Stacy described a dish called Lights in the Mountain from a recent menu.

"It gave the experience of camping on the Continental Divide Trail," he said. "Eel consommé poured tableside represented a mountain lake. Khombu and melted leeks represented the marsh grass. Crispy grilled trout represented the mountainside, and blacklight reactive vitamin B50 was flicked on the rim of the bowls and revealed when the lights were turned off and the black light came on. I told guests that the stars were coming out on the mountain lake."

ReikiNa is full of personal touches. For example, guests choose vinyl records to play a soundtrack for their dining experience, or they can enjoy the sounds of the piano when Stacy plays at the end of the night. Similarly, guests can expect a community feeling when everyone dines around an 11-foot table and bar top that Stacy made from reclaimed barn wood. Furthermore, there will be a 106-foot art gallery wall showcasing local artists' work.

The name is a blend of two Japanese words that together refer to snacks paired with divine energy. This is what the ReikiNa team wants to give Houston in addition to presenting something entirely new to the area. They knew the Memorial District would be the perfect place for their restaurant because it is home to potential clientele with adventurous tastes. For now, ReikiNa offers 20 seats at a time. The space is large and open, so guests can feel comfortable and safe. According to Stacy, the reduced number of seats gives the restaurant a chance to offer extra details when crafting the menu and service.

"I hope I can bring a joyful artistic experience to the area," Stacy said, discussing the rapidly growing popularity of meals as an experience. He explained that ReikiNa wants guests to ask questions and learn something new every time they visit. "Many people are growing more interested in learning about food. People are longing to have an extraordinary experience after being isolated and living so cautiously for the past year. We plan to give them this experience. With ReikiNa I hope to bring a focus to how blessed we are to be alive and to help others find peace."

ReikiNa
https://www.reikina.xyz

Spring has arrived! It’s time to bury your coat in the back of the closet and bring out those beautiful spring dresses and golf shorts. Spring brings a breath of fresh air as we do away with the drab and bring out the sparkling, bright hues that make us smile once more. Let’s refresh our wardrobes with the latest styles and colors of the season. Michael Kors has brought out jewel-toned purses and clutches, the perfect accessories to complement any outfit. Coach has developed its Tabby purse into a soft pillowy version that comes in bright hues that work well as a swap out for the black winter season classic.

Pleated jumpsuits, off-shoulder tops, and ruffle skirts have made a significant comeback this season, with light fabrics for comfort in the Houston heat. Anything Bling Boutique has these styles in the prettiest hues and patterns around. Pop in and check out their entire spring collection. Spring is also a chance to bring out your white pants or jeans. Pair them with a pastel or bright color top to make an outfit for any occasion. For example, check out the latest fun spring outfits at Marlo Miller Boutique. Anthropologie, American Eagle, and Free People are several places to check out beautiful flowing maxi dresses, floral print dresses, and lacy blouses. Then, Free People’s latest collection, aptly named “the march,” includes flowy mini dresses, crochet tops, ripped cutoffs, and bohemian blouses.

Take out your shades and hit the District’s restaurant patios. Try the oyster platters at The Rouxpour, paired with a lemon drop martini or a Bloody Mary. What a delightful way to spend an afternoon. In the mood for pasta? Head on over to Maggiano’s Little Italy and try their shrimp Cacio e Pepe with delicious, made-from-scratch lemon parmesan sauce. Feel like a flight? No, not at the airport. We mean at State Fare, where you can get brunch and choose from beer flights and mimosa flights. Stop into Kirby Ice House Memorial or Torchy’s Tacos for a relaxing afternoon. Similarly, check out the cool vibes at the Tasting Room.

Are you looking for outdoor activities you can enjoy at home? Pick up a book from Barnes and Noble on gardening, installing a goldfish pond, or building backyard forts. Then, pick up supplies at the nearby Home Depot and start your project. Going fishing? Stop by Fishing Tackle Unlimited for all the latest equipment in addition to your clothing and tackle needs.

 

Spring activities are popping up as well. Events at Memorial City Mall include magicians, puppets, fun science projects, and movie nights. Plus, don’t miss the Easter Bunny at Memorial City Mall, and remember that live music has returned to the Plaza at CITYCENTRE on weekends.

Whatever your mood this spring, the Memorial District is the place to be. See you soon!

CITYCENTRE has welcomed Bateel to their family this holiday season. The sweet shop is home to more than just exotic dates. They offer a wide range of products including balsamic vinegars, sparkling juices & chocolates.

Bateel is world-renowned and has graced Houston by opening up a store front in the Memorial District. If you’re looking for something to satisfy your sweet tooth, pop into Bateel and try one of their many gourmet dates filled with fruits or caramelized nuts. Bateel also offers single-origin chocolates that come with a variety of fillings and flavors.

 

Looking to give a gift with an exotic twist? Bateel offers a range of customizable luxe gift boxes that can be filled with their signature date jams, honey, dhibs (a date syrup), chocolates & date-filled biscuits. This is a gift that will surely satisfy any sweet tooth.

Pop in today to see which date is your new favorite treat.

The world feels different this year, but the spirit of giving is alive and well this holiday season. That means it's time to make your way through your holiday shopping list, and with a little help from Memorial District retailers, you can find wonderful presents to make the season bright. CITYCENTRE, Memorial City, Town and Country Village, and Village Plaza have a fantastic array of shops to visit to find gifts for the whole family.

For Children

If your child is a video gamer, Target offers the latest games and hardware. Nintendo Switch is a popular device that you can take anywhere and everywhere, so it's first-rate portable gaming for the kiddos. GameStop also offers the latest in video games. It also has the newest collectible Funko pop characters and funky T-shirts for fans of video games like Super Mario.

Is your child obsessed with everything Disney? Make sure the Disney Store at Memorial City is your first stop. They have plush toys, action figures, movies, toys, clothing, home décor, and more. You will find everything you need for your little Disney fan, and you will have a chance to pop in and relive some childhood moments. They even have cute, kitschy items like this Star Wars-inspired waffle maker.

Are you looking for a memorable, heartwarming gift? Build-a-Bear Workshop helps you pick and stuff a plush toy in the cutest way. It's a fun way to put all your love into a gift for your child. Plus, you can even add a little heart inside every toy to make it extra special. They even have festive favorites available, like these reindeer.

For Women

Sephora has all the big names in luxury self-care. This year's gift sets are colorful and filled with items to excite. You can find skincare, haircare, perfumes, makeup, and more. Favorites include Sephora's must-have makeup set, which includes mini versions of products perfect for trying out new things without fully committing. Laneige rolled out a Water Wonderland skincare set with a sleeping mask, moisturizer, lip mask, and face mist. Is the woman in your life looking for perfume? Hermes has a mini set of their best fragrances for less than $50. Visit Sephora at Memorial City and Sephora at CITYCENTRE, and remember that stores might have sets with prices different from what you see online.

If you are staying home more, Anthropologie at CITYCENTRE has the largest selection of all things cozy with their stay-at-home collection, which has everything from soft, fuzzy slippers to cashmere lounge sets in the loveliest color schemes. If you love to set a cozy mood with candles, check out their candle collections, which come in heavenly scents, and try their essential oil diffuser too. Faux fur blankets in pretty colors are excellent for cozying up on the sofa for a day indoors during cold winter days. 

Speaking of items for winter, Anything Bling has gorgeous sweaters perfect for creating a stylish outfit and keeping warm. These stylish sweaters start at $40 and come in various colors and styles, from puffy sleeves to long cardigans. Anything Bling is a one-stop-shop boutique for all your gift needs. 

Are you looking to give the gift of the little yellow box? Kendra Scott has the latest in jewelry, candles, and accessories. Many of their pieces start at $40, and that includes earring studs and bracelets. A little-known fact about Kendra Scott is that if one of your pieces becomes tarnished, you can take it back to the store, and they will swap it out for a new one completely free. Then, if you're looking for multiple pieces, Kendra Scott offers gift sets that include earrings and a necklace or a trio of earrings. The company is also doing a fun December Days of Joy all month to highlight their fantastic products.

Pandora has added additional charms to their collection, and this year they've introduced a Harry Potter line of charms. If you've been waiting to start a charm bracelet, then wait no more. A charm bracelet from Pandora is the perfect way to start a collection of memories. 

For Men

The Memorial District makes it easy to find fantastic gifts for the men in your life. Check off the teenage guys and twenty-something men on your shopping list with apparel gifts from Aeropostale, American Eagle, and Abercrombie & Fitch at Memorial City. Similarly, Express has excellent looks to keep young men looking sharp.

Lifestyle retailer Urban Outfitters at CITYCENTRE always has clever gifts for men. Discover graphic T-shirts and hoodies as well as other fun tops and bottoms. Look for other fun gifts, like a Fujifilm Instant Camera, which lets your group take cool pictures and develop them in seconds. Urban Outfitters also has record players and dozens of vinyl records to select from.

For men of all ages, you cannot go wrong with a watch, and Fossil at Memorial City certainly knows how to craft a beautiful timepiece. You can see the American vintage inspiration in all of this brand's products. They might be timepieces, but they look timeless.

Does your gift recipient love the outdoors? You're in luck. First, while you're at Memorial City, check out Sun and Ski Sports to find products for men who love to bike, camp, hike, run, or swim. (Yes, there are also plenty of great products for snowy adventures!) Then, swing by Village Plaza to visit Academy Sports and Outdoors to check out the selection of similar products and all fan shop products for sports fans who love MLB, NBA, NFL, and more. You can even shop by city to find excellent fan apparel for Houston sports teams.

For Pets

Don't forget to spoil your pets with extra love and gifts during the holiday season. PetSmart at Bunker Hill in Village Plaza has everything you need to help your pets enjoy a festive celebration right along with everyone else in the family. And we're not just talking about pet food either. (However, you can find plenty of great food options there.) Instead, you can find toys, treats, and new beds. You could even get a fun, festive holiday costume for your pet. Top it off with a trip to Memorial City on a Monday when you can visit St. Nick's Park in the Dillard's Court with your dog or cat to snap holiday photos with Santa!

We hope you have a fabulous holiday shopping experience this year. Remember, you can find great products in-store or online from shops right here in the Memorial District!

Santa Claus is back in town, and he has cheerful experiences that emphasize health, safety, and inclusivity. Visit Santa in person at Memorial City or CITYCENTRE, or in a virtual visit from the comfort of your own home.

There are multiple ways to visit with Santa or get a family photo for the holidays at St. Nick’s Park in the Dillard’s Court of Memorial City. There are giant illuminated reindeer, a peppermint-scented path, and six-foot candy canes at St. Nick’s Park. Take pictures with Santa from fun camera angles, and watch the magical moments with Santa on a large TV monitor outside of St. Nick’s Park. Prefer to visit Santa from home? No problem! Zoom video calls are available this year, and children can talk to Santa online.

At St. Nick’s Park, choose one of multiple photography session options. Make a reservation before December 16 to receive $3 off your photo package. Then, with each photo package that you purchase at St. Nick’s Park, receive free passes to Ice Skate Memorial City and the Memorial City Carousel.

Reservations are a must, as they help the staff create magical, memorable events that comply with health and safety guidelines from the CDC, Harris County, and the City of Houston. Click here to sign up for a spot ahead of time online or make a reservation in person at the Dillard’s Court and return when it is your turn to see Santa.

People with pets can share in the joy of having their little ones see Santa from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. every Monday through December 21. You could even make the experience extra special and pay a visit to PetSmart in the Memorial District near Bunker Hill, where you can find fun holiday outfits and treats for your fur baby before the meet-and-greet experience.

Memorial City also has Caring Santa from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on December 6 and 13. This sensory-friendly opportunity is an excellent way for children with special needs to have a Santa visit. During Caring Santa, the staff turns down the lights and music to create a peaceful, welcoming environment while the young ones have a photo session with Santa before public admission. Memorial City will provide juice boxes, doughnuts, and coloring sheets for this event, and Santa’s reindeer will be in attendance. Click here to sign up, Memorial City partnered with Autism Speaks. This organization raises societal awareness and understanding of autism and helps people with autism and their families.

For all of the Santa events at Memorial City, employees and guests must wear masks at all times unless a guest requests to remove a mask temporarily for the photo session. The staff will conduct temperature checks on all employees and guests, and St. Nick’s Park will undergo sterilization before and after every visit. Everyone will have access to hand sanitizer. Parents and guardians of Santa’s young visitors will be the ones to put their children on the physically distanced set near Santa, and anyone who is not part of the photo will socially distance in an area away from Santa, the photographer, and the other guests. Please note that these safety rules, event times, and experience details are subject to change. Read more about safety here.

Santa Claus will be at CITYCENTRE for Holiday in the Plaza from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday, November 28. Presented by Sewell Cadillac, this event will begin when Santa himself arrives in a Cadillac. You can help CITYCENTRE fill the Cadillac with donations for the Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus. In exchange, you can take a complimentary photograph with Saint Nicholas.

The fun and joy are sure to continue in the coming weeks with additional events and opportunities for holiday enjoyment here in the Memorial District. Stay tuned!

Thanksgiving is always the perfect excuse to overload on desserts. Besides the turkey dinners, dessert is the next best thing to look forward to. Enjoy pies, cookies, and cakes galore, and remember that the Memorial District has the most amazing desserts to offer this holiday season.

If you want it all, Three Brothers Bakery is your one-stop-shop for cookies, cakes, pies, cupcakes, bakery treats, and more. They offer four different flavors of pecan pie. The chocolate-chip bourbon pecan pie is divine. Are you looking to give pies as gifts? Three Brothers Bakery has the option of wooden boxes that can be engraved. All of their pies are under $30, perfect for buying more than one.

Sweet Houston at CITYCENTRE offers 15 different cupcake flavors and endless macaron flavors. Nothing says Thanksgiving like a macaron tower in the middle of the dessert table. Feel like having cake? Choose from 13 different flavors, make your layers ombre or have a naked cake (the latest in cake trends). The bakery must receive all cake orders 24 hours in advance, so be sure to order in time.

Leibman’s offers exquisite truffles sold individually or in a packaged box, perfect for the chocolate addicts. These truffles come in various flavors, and you can give them away as little Thanksgiving gifts. Leibman’s also has various specialty candy that comes in its own fabulous packaging, including black lava sea salt caramels.

Lolli & Pops at Memorial City Mall is a one-stop-shop for all the sweets you crave. Mix and match chocolates and candies in their $13 jars, which you can refill for only $5. There are different sizes of jars and tins, too. Also, look for prefilled tins, which are perfect for gifts. Stop and check them out.

Want to DIY your pie? Pillsbury has a collection of easy pie recipes that you can choose from, especially when you cannot decide which pie to have. Pick from strawberry pie, lemon meringue, chocolate silk, and the classic apple pie. Is cake more up your alley? Then, check out these 36 mini Thanksgiving desserts from Delish for all of your holiday indulgences on Turkey Day. These will give you the ultimate Thanksgiving dessert table, and you can find all of the ingredients at the local HEB or Randalls here in the Memorial District.

Happy eating, and happy Thanksgiving!

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9811 Katy Freeway, Suite 925B
Houston, TX 77024

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