Geneva Diaz

Explore the flavors of South American asado in Houston.

Chef Evelyn Garcia’s Heights restaurant, a James Beard Award semifinalist, blends New American cuisine with Salvadoran, Mexican, and Southeast Asian food.

Get your lips in prime condition with lip treatments from Face Haus, and top it off with lip balms from Bee2Bee Honey, Zeal Cares, and more.

Nothing competes with the Christmas decor at Julep, Annabelle Brasserie, Winnie’s, and Johnny’s Gold Brick.

The long-awaited new boutique hotel on the Seawall is in a 1960s renovated motel, offering retro vibes and great food at the on-site restaurant The Fancy.

Enjoy meeting Santa in the Christmas Capital, snowy activities in Alpine, amazing light displays in Johnson City, or ice skating in College Station.

Lorita Makes has the backing of famous comedian Mo Amer.

Plenty of local greeting card companies offer designs and messages for every occasion, from Anvil Cards in Rice Village to Space Montrose’s Paper Vibes.

Your best chance to see snow in Texas is in the Panhandle, where you can hike Palo Duro Canyon, admire Cadillac Ranch, and enjoy local art and food.

Explore unique independent boutiques that sell gifts, home decor, jewelry, clothing, candles, artwork, and so much more from local makers.

Ana Soria took her mother’s recipe for the traditional Mexican food and turned it into a beloved business in Bellaire that gets busy around Christmas.

Visit Texas RenFest, the largest medieval fair in the country, for costumes, traditional crafts, live music, comedy, food, drinks, and much more.

The state’s must-visit batty destinations include the largest bat colony in the world at Bracken Cave Preserve and the Congress Avenue Bridge in Austin.

From the Gulf of Mexico to Northern Wales and back, Tally was released in September thanks to extraordinary international collaboration.

Mostly located in Texas Hill Country, there are around a dozen caves in the state you can visit, filled with weird geological formations and family fun.

Free admission, public art, exhibits welcoming to people with disabilities, translated reading materials, and more are all important for the community.

The largest national forest in Texas and only an hour away from Houston. This park is perfect for camping, hiking, biking, horseback riding, and more.

The Houston Heights shop is still a place to celebrate and learn about Latino culture, buy Mexican art and literature, and support the community.

Kian is advocating for the city through poetry and working with organizations like Mutual Aid Houston and Houston Abolitionist Collective.

See monarch butterflies, admire tropical plants, visit the Culinary Garden, and enjoy events year-round such as ROCO on the Go and the holiday Lightscape.