Throughout 2025, Community Impact spoke with owners and managers of eight local businesses to be featured in our monthly editions. Here’s a look back at the Katy and Fulshear retailers we featured.

Cottage Charm preserves 'Old Katy' aesthetic at historic wedding, event venue: Located in downtown Katy and shaded by 100-year-old heritage oak trees, the historic Romack house provides a nostalgic aesthetic for weddings, baby showers, anniversaries, quinceañeras and other special occasions, Maggie LaRotta said.

• 5806 Fourth St., Katy

• 1806 Ave. D, Ste. 102, Katy

• 24530 Kingsland Blvd., Katy

Brett’s BBQ Shop is set to close its doors in late December, citing over a year of severe economic pressures, officials said in a Dec. 9 Facebook post.

What you need to know: The eatery offered a number of barbecue options including beef brisket, ribs, sausage and pulled pork, alongside various side options such as pinto beans and potato salad, according to its website.

Looking ahead: Although the brick-and-mortar location will close, officials said they will still consider catering opportunities that align with operational capacity and will participate in the Houston Rodeo Cookoff as scheduled.

• 25220 Kingsland Blvd., Katy

Here are eight fine dining restaurants near Downtown Houston that will be open on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. This list is not comprehensive, and details are subject to change.

Trattoria Sofia: The Houston Heights restaurant serves authentic, rustic Italian food in an intimate, romantic setting, with a focus on seasonal items and fresh ingredients. Popular pastas include the cacio e pepe, lamb ragu and shrimp scampi.

• Open 4-9 p.m. on Christmas Eve
• 911 W. 11th St., Houston

B&B Butchers: The fine-dining steakhouse on Washington Avenue will be open Christmas Eve, serving Royal White Sturgeon Caviar, Snake River Farms Pork Chop and brisket ravioli.

• Open 11 a.m.-9 p.m. on Christmas Eve 
• 1814 Washington Ave., Houston

Remi
The restaurant at Hotel Granduca is hosting a festive, family-style feast with sparkling bubbles, gourmet dishes and seasonal treats.

• Open 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. on Christmas Day
• 1080 Uptown Park Blvd., Houston

Several places are kicking off the holiday season with holiday light displays this weekend. 

Sugar Land Holiday Lights
Attendees can enjoy millions of dazzling light displays, a new 9-hole mini golf course, a carnival, a synthetic ice rink and vendors. Santa Claus will also be visiting the lights in Sugar Land through Dec. 23.

• Through Jan. 1
• $18.24 (admission)
• 1 Stadium Drive, Sugar Land

• Through Dec. 31, noon- 10 p.m.
• $24.47- $47.10 (admission)
• Marriott Marquis Houston, 1777 Walker St., Houston

• Through Jan. 4
• Free
• 2101 Riva Row, The Woodlands