‘Tis the season of holiday magic and miracles - people are nicer to each other, politics is (largely) put aside, hope fills the air, and wonderful surprises can be right around the corner.

In Galveston, a bit of that unbridled joy has popped up at a local favorite hangout in the trendy west Market Street district: Daiquiri Time Out. “Year-round, we offer seasonal and classic cocktails and a full chef-driven food truck menu,” said owner Brad Stringer, 35, who launched the annual event in 2018.

“During the holidays, we completely transform into Miracle at Daiquiri Time Out. Our whole place is decked out from wall-to-wall with holiday decorations. There's festive glassware and a full menu of holiday-themed cocktails.”

The sparkling speakeasy is serving up irresistible seasonal libations with such monikers as Snowball Old Fashioned, Elfin' Around, Santa's Little Helper, and Grandma Got Run Over by a T-Rex, just to name a few.

The holiday pop-up-palooza continues through December 29 at DTO, 2701 Market St., a Galveston hot spot steps away from Maceo’s Spice & Import in the uber-cool WEMA District (west of Market Street).

WEMA is the site of an eclectic array of boutiques, specialty shops, antiques galore, restaurants—and an interesting history. Market Street was once part of Galveston's extensive red-light district, which catered to the sailors and others who roamed the town with pockets full of cash looking for ho-ho-hos of another sort.

This year’s holiday theme is Christmas Overload “in the best possible way,” Stringer said.

“We have bigger and better decorations every year, like the giant 26-foot inflatable Santa on the roof, and blow-up igloos. We'll have dancing lights and a light arch outside. We've got some fun events planned, too. We're also debuting our new indoor seating and outside bar service.”

 

Events include Christmas movies shown on the patio every Tuesday, beginning at 7 pm through December 20, courtesy of Martini Theatre; a Gingerbread Build-off on Wednesday, December 21; and, as in year’s past, toy donations are accepted for the Galveston Police Department’s Blue Santa program, which helps ensure area children have gifts at this special time of the year.

Along with the eatery’s perennial selection of burgers and elevated bar food, DTO’s chef is offering a scratch-made green chili pork tamale and a butternut squash jalapeno tamale. There will also be a passion fruit caramel apple served hot, and patrons can request spicy chamoy sauce and tajin seasoning.

Ten percent of all proceeds from retail sales at the holiday pop-up event benefit SEVA Foundation, a nonprofit foundation that has been provided sight-saving surgeries, eyeglasses, medicine, and other eye care services to more than 50 million people in under-served communities since 1978.

Stringer said his annual themed holiday event is just one of the many on the island that illustrates just how close-knit and welcoming Galveston is, not just during the holiday season, but all year long.

“The holidays in Galveston are already super special. It's a great way for us to be a part of the holiday tradition here,” he said.

“I like that the community is so involved with the events. Whether it's the Santa Run or Dickens or any of the long list of others, the community here really comes out and participates. It's a big part of why we love Galveston, in general.”

DTO is located at 2701 Market Street. Miracle at Daiquiri Time Out can be enjoyed from 4pm-midnight Sunday - Thursday; 4pm-2am Friday - Saturday through Thursday, December 29.

For more details call 409.497.2760, visit dtogalveston.com, or follow DTO’s Instagram to stay updated on all the information and events.

The Miracle of Sight For more information about how to be part of the ongoing miracles provided by SEVA Foundation, visit seva.org.

Magic of Santa For more information about the Blue Santa program, email galvestonpdbluesanta@gmail.com or call 409.526.9750.