Houston’s Iconic Shopping Escape: Highland Village Makes Gifting a Breeze with Distinctive, Destination Stores Galore

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Of all the thoroughfares in Houston, none is as memorable and picturesque as Westheimer Road in Highland Village. Especially during the holiday season. Luxurious, lite up, walkable and welcoming, Highland Village is a day-to-night destination for those who appreciate the best in shopping and dining right at their fingertips.

Towering palm trees and soft white lights beckon shoppers to Highland Village, whisking them away from the mundane and into the sublime. More than 50 shops and seven restaurants, including the very first Starbuck’s in Houston, which opened in 1994, call Highland Village home.

Developer S.N. Adams created the center in the 1940s, naming it after his beloved Highlands in Scotland, establishing it as one of Houston’s first shopping centers, and Highland Village has been home to speciality shopping and deliciously buzzed about dining ever since. It is as relevant — and essential — for discerning holidays shoppers today as it was 70 years ago.

Style seekers know Highland Village is a head-to-toe shopping excursion, stocked full of national retailers and speciality boutiques. Anthroplogie, Lilly Pulitzer, Kate Spade, Lucky Brand, Splendid and Vineyard Vines are among the women’s retailers offering anything and everything for the knowledgeable shopper.

Weddings, Home Design, Men’s Stores & More

Before heading down the aisle, prospective brides will find wedding gowns for days and in various prices at BHLDN and Joan Pillow Bridal Salon. Found the dress of your dreams to go with that new fiancé? Why not go ahead and start registering? After all, Crate and Barrel, Pottery Barn and Williams Sonoma are right within reach.

Design devotees will also appreciate the breadth and selection of stores catering to all things home. Design Within Reach, Mecox, Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, Pottery Barn, West Elm and Z Galleria round out the extensive list home and speciality stores.

When it comes to special items with a definitive local touch, Lucchese is Texas personified, with a stunning selection of handmade cowboy boots and beyond. From ranch-appropriate exotic skin boots to modern bootie, Lucchese covers the urban cowboy and cowgirl with boots, shoes, apparel and accessories for every day life.

Menswear is much more than a blip on the fashion scene at Highland Village. Banana Republic, Donald J. Pliner and Jos. A Bank are among the options for every well-dressed man.

Apple’s museum-like store is always abuzz, drawing the dedicated and curious alike to its convenient location.

The best part of Highland Village? You can valet or find plenty of parking in the garage and then explore on your own terms, strolling from shop to shop, stopping along the way for sweet treat from Sprinkles, a margarita and table-side guacamole at Escalante’s or a hearty steak at Smith & Wollensky. From breakfast to happy hour, snacks and dessert, restaurants like Drexel House and Ra Sushi, are a gourmand’s delight.

This is the holiday shopping destination for in-the-know shoppers, the gift-giving savants who aim for better than just another present that will be returned to some cookie-cutter mall.

Convenience, luxury and holiday magic in one beautiful destination? That’s what Highland Village has been doing for more than 75 years.