At The St. Regis Houston
“Catch Me If You Can”
Feb. 5 – 13, 2013; Sarofim Hall at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts
By the age of 21, con man Frank William Abagnale Jr. had committed millions of dollars in bank fraud and successfully impersonated a commercial airline pilot, doctor and lawyer. Based on a true story, this Broadway adaptation of Steven Spielberg’s 2002 film provides an original score and adventurous ride that crosses international borders. (713-315-2525; thehobbycenter.org)
Signature Afternoon Tea
Nov. 23 – Dec. 30; Tea Lounge
The St. Regis Houston presents its signature afternoon tea Wednesdays through Sundays with two daily seatings. Savor the St. Regis signature tea, as well as seasonal blends, while enjoying a traditional English fare of sandwiches, black currant scones and exquisite pastries prepared by Executive Chef John Signorelli and pastry chef Dwayne Fortier. Reservations essential. (713-403-2631)
St. Regis Teddy Bear Tea
Weekends through Dec. 22;
Astor Ballroom
Children of all ages will delight in this holiday event designed especially for them. The afternoon consists of a “ ’Twas the Night Before Christmas” marionette show, T-shirt and cookie decorating, face painting, balloon animal artist and “Ice Princess” story hour. Guests will receive a complimentary teddy bear photo. Bring a new teddy bear for donation to the Houston Area Women’s Center. Reservations essential. (713-403-2624)
Christmas at The St. Regis Houston
Dec. 24 – 25; The Remington Restaurant and Astor Ballroom
Celebrate Christmas with a three-course prix fixe dinner and live music in The Remington Restaurant on Dec. 24. The following day, savor the legendary St. Regis brunch buffet in the enchanting Astor Ballroom with live entertainment and children’s activities. Reservations essential. (713-403-2631)
New Year’s Eve at The St. Regis Houston
Dec. 31; The Remington Restaurant and the Remington Bar
Ring in the new year with a New Year’s Eve dinner in The Remington Restaurant. The four-course menu includes amuse-bouche, sorbet and mignardises as well as complimentary entrance to the St. Regis Bash celebration. The celebration in The Remington Bar includes a sparkling toast at midnight, luxe party favors and live entertainment. (713-403-2631)
Theater
“Peter Pan”
Dec. 11 – 23; Sarofim Hall at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts
Experience the adventures of the Darling children as they travel to Neverland with Peter Pan and encounter the Lost Boys, Captain Hook and his pirates in this two-time Emmy Award-winning musical adaption of the J.M. Barrie classic. Tony Award nominee Cathy Rigby brings to the stage the boy who refused to grow up. (713-558-2600; tuts.com)
“Camelot”
Jan. 22 – Feb. 23, 2013; Sarofim Hall at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts
Set in majestic Camelot, Lerner and Loewe’s Tony Award-winning musical rendition of T.H. White’s novel “The Once and Future King” explores the difficult predicament of Queen Guenevere, betrothed to King Arthur but enamored with Sir Lancelot. An outstanding score accompanies the tale of love, honor and betrayal. (713-315-2525; thehobbycenter.org)
Exhibits and Activities
“Gems of the Medici”
Through March 31, 2013; Houston Museum of Natural Science
For 300 years, the Medici family dominated all aspects of city life in Florence, Italy. The family’s collection contains artistic masterpieces dating back to the first century B.C. by artists, goldsmiths, silversmiths and engravers. (713-639-4629; hmns.org)
“Portrait of Spain: Masterpieces from the Prado”
Dec. 16 – March 31, 2013; The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
More than 100 paintings on loan from the Museo Nacional del Prado in Madrid reflect the changes that occurred in Spanish society, culture, politics and religion from the 16th through 19th centuries. The exhibition, which takes viewers through Spanish history, includes masterpieces by Goya, El Greco, Murillo and Velázquez as well as several other leading Spanish painters of the time. (713-639-7300; mfah.org)
Houston Auto Show
Jan. 23 – 27, 2013; Reliant Center
More than 450,000 car aficionados attend the annual exhibit at the Reliant Center showcasing the newest model year imports and domestic vehicles. This high-end vehicle boutique features top luxury car brands such as Ferrari, Bentley, Lamborghini, Maserati, Rolls-Royce, Lotus, Saleen, Porsche and Aston Martin. (832-667-1400; houstonautoshow.com)
Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo
Feb. 21 – March 17, 2013; Reliant Park
For 81 years, the world’s largest livestock exhibition, rodeo and live music event has captured the hearts of locals and visitors. Beginning with a World Championship Bar-B-Que Contest on Feb. 21, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo provides fun and entertainment for the entire family. Events include the Downtown Rodeo Parade, Go Texan Day, Rodeo Carnival and nightly concerts, plus a trail ride with more than 4,000 trail riders. (832-667-1000; rodeohouston.com)
Holidays
Festival of Lights
Through Jan. 5, 2013; Moody Gardens Galveston Island
Get in the holiday spirit by visiting this winter wonderland. More than 1 million lights illuminate 100 hundred sound-enhanced animated displays, creating the largest holiday celebration in Texas. Nightly live entertainment, holiday films, ice-skating and pictures with Santa ensure fun for the entire family. (800-582-4673; moodygardens.com)
“A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story of Christmas”
Through Dec. 29; Alley Theatre
Michael Wilson’s adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic tale examines the life of the elderly and cantankerous Ebenezer Scrooge, who finds salvation after visited by four ghosts on Christmas Eve. A powerful story that captures the true meaning of Christmas, audiences love this heartwarming and inspiring play. (713-220-5700; alleytheatre.org)
“The Nutcracker”
Through Dec. 30; Brown Theater at Wortham Theater Center
Young Clara dreams of a nutcracker prince and sugarplum fairies in this magical performance by the Houston Ballet. Based on the book by E.T.A. Hoffmann, choreographer Ben Stevenson’s 25th anniversary production includes Tchaikovsky’s musical score. (713-227-2787; houstonballet.org)
