Want to make this season memorable but don’t know where to start? We’ve got all the answers. Whether you want to do the nightlife scene up big or just chill with friends and family, downtown is the place for a unique experience. Check out some top picks that will make your special day, well, special.

HOLIDAY CHEER

Downtown’s Holiday Spectacular offers a  magical experience with free trolley rides connecting you to great downtown holiday destinations. Shopping is a big part of this season; so while you’re hitting up Macy’s, Houston Pavilions and The Shops at Houston Center for your gifting needs, consider these holiday traditions to keep your spirits bright. 

 Early risers should start at the Downtown Aquarium for a photo op and breakfast with Santa weekends in December. Next head over to the St. Joseph Medical Center’s Ice at Discovery Green for an afternoon of skating in the park. This eco-friendly outdoor ice-rink offers a full schedule of events to keep skaters of all ages entertained as they bring live music, celebrity skaters and Zumba fitness to the ice.

 Once you’ve perfected your triple axel, make your way down Lamar to The Four Seasons for a toasty treat. On Thursdays in December, visit the fourth floor pool bar where you can sit by the fire, sip libations, nibble on appetizers and fire up s’mores, any way you like ‘em.

 And the ultimate holiday tradition delights with more than 100 dazzling dancers on stage for The Nutcracker at Wortham Center. Houston Ballet’s breathtaking production is not to be missed. Just ask the one million people who have seen the show since its Houston premiere in 1987.

 Need something a little saucier? David Sedaris’s The Santaland Diaries, featuring Todd Waite at Alley Theatre, chronicles the comic encounters of Crumpet the Elf during the height of the holiday crunch. Leave the sugarplums at home; this show is recommended for mature audiences.

NEW YEAR’S EVE

Whether 2011 was a year to remember or urgently bid adieu, the arrival of 2012 is a time to celebrate. Before you slip into your fancy evening garb, take your New Year’s fitness resolutions by the horns and visit Buffalo Bayou Park’s 10 miles of urban wilderness for a brisk workout in the park.

Now it’s time to party! Houston’s annual countdown returns with New Year’s Eve Live at Discovery Green and the George R. Brown Convention Center. This free, family-friendly evening offers plenty of fun with good eats, a beer and bubble garden, illuminated parade, live performances, 3-D light show and spectacular fireworks to entertain guests throughout the night. Casual fun is key at this signature event!

 For a more low-key, luxe celebration, cozy up at The Alden Hotel. Their staycation package includes a romantic five-course tasting menu with wine pairings, deluxe king bed accommodations and in-room breakfast. The Egyptian cotton sheets alone will encourage guests to take advantage of the package’s late checkout.

Those who want to celebrate in style can hit up Morton’s Steakhouse, Biaporetti’s or Vic & Anthony’s for a guaranteed five-star meal. Music lovers should snag tickets to Bach in Time at the Hobby Center, featuring a Bach suite, or stop by The Capitol at St. Germain for dinner, dancing and live big band music.

CUPID’S ARROW

Roses are red, violets are blue. There are so many choices. What should you do? For a casual,  intimate evening, reserve a table at Hearsay Gastro Lounge, where the food is delicious and the historic ambiance is unrivaled. Those with a sweet tooth will fall over their bananas foster bites and chocolate domino cake. Go ahead, order both.

After dinner, grab some coffee at Niko Nikos at Market Square to keep you warm on your walk to Sundance Cinemas at Bayou Place, where you can catch this season’s romantic flick. If sitting in a theater doesn’t fit your mojo, make your way to Lucky Strike Lanes at Houston Pavilions, where you can enjoy cocktails while you bowl in style. Plus, they have a tasty menu to keep couples satisfied.

Culture lovers will enjoy an evening of music as they explore the themes of love in Jean-Philippe Rameau’s cantatas, Orphee and Les Amants Trahis with Mercury Baroque at Wortham Center. And just across the street you can find fine dining at Samba Grille, downtown’s coveted Brazilian steakhouse. Samba’s extensive wine list covers all the bases for a night of worldly wine tasting.

 Those aiming to impress will seek out Spindletop at the Hyatt – a classic spot with 360 degrees of breathtaking downtown views. Ring-bearing men beware: You may not be the only one proposing at this sky-high joint. If reservations are tight, The Grove at Discovery Green, III Forks and McCormick and Schmicks at Houston Pavilions will provide excellent meals and an atmosphere to match.

 SUPER BOWL SUNDAY

It’s game time. If you didn’t get tickets to the Super Bowl in Indianapolis, stake out your territory at one of downtown’s best watering holes. To catch the big game on the big screen, keep House of Blues and Lucky Strike Lanes on your radar. We can always count on them to put together a massive party for this season’s most anticipated sports event, while providing a feast of scrumptious food.

 The Flying Saucer is a spot where variety rules, with more than 240 beers and 100 different brewing styles available and a full menu for your tasting pleasure. If you want a seat, get there early as the Saucer fills up quickly.

Historic District favorites include Shay McElroy’s, Molly’s Pub, CharBar and the Brewery Tap, where you can throw darts and shoot the bull with the regulars.

MARDI GRAS MADNESS

Laissez les bons temps rouler! Louisiana is our neighbor, but getting to New Orleans for Mardi Gras can be a challenge. No worries, we can honor the holiday right here at home the best way we know how – with food. Plenty of places offer up a taste of The Big Easy.

 Working or living downtown lets you take advantage of Treebeards’ amazing seafood gumbo, blackened catfish or red beans and rice for a midday Cajun treat. The proof is in the pudding with five locations dotting the downtown district.

 The name says it all, but family-owned Zydeco Louisiana Diner pulls no punches with its weekly lunch specials. Popular menu items include crawfish étouffée, chicken and sausage jambalaya, veggies and cornbread. Plus, the authentic Zydeco atmosphere is a rare gem in today’s world of carefully constructed restaurant decor.

 Over in the Historic District you’ll find BB’s Cafe, boasting award-winning sandwiches favored by the late-night crowd. The Bullet for the King is stuffed with cream cheese and jalapenos, wrapped in bacon and topped with bacon ranch and fresh tomatoes. You heard that right – there’s double bacon on the King.

 Keep your pulse on House of Blues’ musical schedule. If their Mardi Gras celebration is anything like last year’s, you might be calling the day after Fat Tuesday stay-home-from-work Wednesday.