Below is a list of select holiday events taking place in the San Antonio area. Have a local event you would like Focus On San Antonio to promote? Email all the details to eortiz@journalist.com
STAGE
Now through Dec. 23
San Antonio Playhouse will host performances of Disney’s “Frozen,” the stage musical inspired by the popular animated movie. Show times generally are 7:30 p.m. Fri. and Sat., and 2 p.m. Sun. Some performances offer extra features or themes. Tickets: $35-$60. 800 W. Ashby Place.
Now through Dec. 23
Wonder Theater will host performances of “The Sound of Music.” Based on the memoir of Maria Augusta Trapp, the famed story follows an aspiring nun who serves as governess to the seven children of retired naval officer Captain von Trapp. She brings music, joy and calm to the household while they are surrounded by tension and fear brought on by the rise of Nazism. 7:30 p.m. Fri. and Sat., and 3 p.m. Sun. through Dec. 23. Tickets: $18-$32. Wonderland Mall of the Americas, 4522 Fredericksburg Road, Suite A-90, Balcones Heights
Now through Dec. 24
Magik Theatre will present performances of “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” based on the famed television program. Special themed performances are scheduled throughout the run. Show times vary. Tickets: $26.50-$33.50. 420 S. Alamo St.
Dec. 4-7
“Las Nuevas Tamaleras” has become a San Antonio holiday tradition since its 1993 debut. The heartwarming comedy is about three women who try their hand at making tamales for the first time, and find themselves guided by the spirits of two expert tamaleras in a tale about aspirations and friendship. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4 and 5, and 2 and 5 p.m. Dec. 6 and 7. Admission: $28 standard, $25 for seniors and groups. Carver Community Cultural Center, 226 N. Hackberry St.
Dec. 6-7
Children’s Ballet of San Antonio will perform “The Polar Express: The Musical,” based on Chris Van Allsburg’s classic book. This show will share the journey of kids riding a magical train to the North Pole on Christmas Eve through choreography, live singing and storytelling. 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 6, and 2 p.m. Dec. 7. Tickets start at $24.40. Empire Theatre, 226 N. St. Mary’s St.
MUSIC
Dec. 4
McNair Middle School Band will perform traditional holiday songs. 6 p.m. Admission is free. 11553 Pearsall Road.
Dec. 4 and 5
East Central High School choir and theater students will perform Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” the famed tale about a miserly businessman who learns the true meaning of Christmas. 7 p.m. Dec. 4 and 5. Admission is free. Patterson Center for the Performing Arts, 7173 FM 1628.
Dec. 5
The Trinity University Department of Music presents its annual Christmas concert, which features performances from Trinity’s choirs, symphony orchestra, symphonic wind ensemble, handbell ensemble, and jazz ensemble. 7:30 p.m. Admission is free. Trinity University Laurie Auditorium, 1 Trinity Place.
Dec. 5
Vienna Light Orchestra will perform two shows, each of which blend symphonic music – including traditional holiday tunes – with theatrical scenes and flickering candles. 3:30 and 7 p.m. Tickets start at $61. Majestic Theatre, 222 E. Houston St.
Dec. 5-14
Ballet San Antonio will perform the classic holiday ballet “The Nutcracker,” featuring 100-plus local children, and music by The Orchestra San Antonio. 7:30 p.m. Fridays, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 14. Tickets start at $31. Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Circle.
Dec. 7
San Antonio Mastersingers will present Handel’s “Messiah,” a yearly San Antonio holiday season tradition. This program features musicians from the San Antonio Philharmonic, and acclaimed soloists soprano Megan Pachecano, mezzo-soprano Sabatina Mauro, tenor David Sadlier and bass Tres Hunter. 3:30-5 p.m. Tickets: $15-$75. University Methodist Church, 5084 De Zavala Road.
Dec. 8
Judson High School Rocket Choir will perform its winter concert. 6:30 p.m. Admission is free. Judson ISD Performing Arts Center, 9443 Schaefer Road, Converse.
Dec. 10
Alamo Heights Junior School Band will present its winter concert. 6 p.m. Admission is free. Alamo Heights High School auditorium, 6900 Broadway St.
Dec. 10
Davenport High School Orchestra will offer a special Christmas performance at Garden Ridge City Hall. The public is invited. 10 a.m. Admission is free. 9400 Municipal Pkwy., Garden Ridge
ART
Now through Dec. 20
San Antonio Art League and Museum is hosting a sale of original works by SAAL members. The works are part of SAALM’s current exhibit, “Season of Lights,” a multimedia display inspired by the warmth and joy represented in holiday lights. Admission is free. 130 King William. (210-223-1140)
HOLIDAY LIGHT DISPLAYS
Now through Dec. 20
Westover Field of Lights features more than 350,000 Christmas lights synchronized to classic Christmas music in the Westover Hills neighborhood on the far West Side. The display includes light shows, kid-friendly activities, games, refreshments, and multiple photo opportunities with your favorite holiday characters. Bring a non-perishable food item or an unwrapped toy to benefit the San Antonio Food Bank, Gabriella’s Smile Foundation, and Bill’s Elves Toy Drive. Admission is free, but tickets reserved by a one-hour block must be ordered online in advance. 9340 Westover Hills Blvd.
Now through Dec. 23
The Old West Christmas Light Fest is an immersive, family friendly holiday showcase with an Old West setting. Guests may enjoy viewing the lights strung across the ranch, a light show, laser tag in the lights, mechanical bull rides, Santa’s Holly Jolly Herd of longhorns, music, food and more. Admission starts at $27.42; season passes, and discounts for family packs and first responders available. Gates open 5-10 p.m. every Fri.-Sun. through Dec. 14, and Dec. 19-23. 242 Texas Hwy. 46 W., Unit C, Boerne
Now through Dec. 25
The Jones CHRISTmas Ranch is a ranch-sized lighting and musical display that celebrates the reason for the season. Guests can enjoy seeing more than 3 million holiday lights. Some proceeds go to benefit Shine Bright Ministries. Open 6-10 p.m. Sun.-Thu., 6-11 p.m. Fri. and Sat. Open 6 p.m.-midnight Dec. 21 and 22, and 6-9 p.m. Dec. 24 and 25. Admission: $35 weekdays, $40 Friday/Saturday per vehicle, $75 season pass. 43360 I-10 W., Boerne.
Now through Dec. 28
Coca-Cola Classic Christmas features a 90,000-square-feet holiday winter wonderland, complete with immersive light trails, snow slides, ice skating, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, ski dance parties, holiday craftmaking, festive refreshments and more. There are special themed days/nights including movie screenings and opportunities to bring your dog(s) for extra holiday fun. Visitors can reserve an arrival time. Admission: $21-$37. Toyota Field, 5186 David Edwards Drive.
Now through Jan. 1
Windcrest’s Candy Cane Lane is festively decorated and illuminated with Christmas lights, which can be seen by visitors between Windway Drive and Patriot Island during the holiday season.
Now through Jan. 4
The Light Park is a drive-thru Christmas light village where visitors can enjoy the illumination, a DJ, and festive drinks, food and accessories. Open 5:30-10 p.m. Sun.-Thu., 5:30-11 p.m. Fri. and Sat. Vehicle admission: $39.99 Sun.-Thu., $49.99 Fri. and Sat. and holidays. Season passes are also available. Retama Park, 1 Retama Pkwy., Selma
Now through Jan. 4
JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa is hosting “ICE!” a holiday attraction that is open to resort guests and the general public. With a Frosty the Snowman theme, “ICE!” will feature whimsical scenes from the classic tale, “snowy” tunnels and arches, ice slides, and beloved characters, all carved out of over 2 million pounds of ice. Visitors may also ride a tube on a hill made of real snow, play an interactive game where they make and throw snowballs to score points, and enjoy a storytime and sing-along with Mrs. Claus. There will also be a gingerbread decorating corner, photos with Santa Claus, seasonal food and beverages, holiday shopping and more. Special themed events will take place during the “ICE!” exhibition throughout the holiday season. Attendees may reserve an entry time. Admission: $31-$38. 23808 Resort Pkwy.
Now through Jan. 4
The Gruene Ice Rink has reopened. Ice skaters may enjoy the 100-by-40-foot outdoor ice rink beneath holiday lights while taking advantage of hot cocoa, cookies, and a chance to shop for souvenirs. Skates are available for rent. Not in the mood for ice skating or want more fun? Gruene Mini Golf is located on the same site. Regular hours: 3-10 p.m. Mon.-Thu., 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Fri.-Sun.; special hours 10 a.m.-10 p.m. daily Dec. 16-Jan. 4. Admission starts at $18. Location: Behind The Pomegranate, 1613 Hunter Road, New Braunfels.
Now through Jan. 4
San Antonio Zoo presents Zoo Lights, where visitors can check out miles of Christmas lights, and festive music and displays during the holiday season. Photos with Santa and other activities are held during Zoo Lights. Cost is included in zoo admission.
Now through Jan. 6
University of the Incarnate Word’s Light the Way continues, as visitors may come to UIW and see up close the thousands of Christmas lights that are strung all across the campus through Jan. 6. Admission is free. 4301 Broadway St.
Now through Jan. 1
The city of San Antonio has several public areas where anyone can see illuminated Christmas trees and structures and walkways: Travis Park, 300 E. Travis St., the Riverwalk through the central business district; and Alamo Plaza.
Now through Jan. 1
The following San Antonio retail, entertainment, park and educational venues have Christmas trees, illuminated displays and spaces, and other holiday activities available to the public through the holiday season:
*Pearl, 303 Pearl Pkwy. The Pearl Ice Rink is open 3-10 p.m. Mon.-Thu., and 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Fri.-Sun. with a $20 admission that includes 60 minutes of skate time and skate rental;
*Holidays at Hemisfair include Christmas lights, movie screenings, holiday markets, and an ice rink that is open 5-9 p.m. Tue.-Fri., and noon-9 p.m. Sat. and Sun. The ice rink has special hours in late December. Admission is $15 which includes skate rental;
*The Creamery District, 875 E. Ashby Place, includes a tree and lights;
*The Christmas tree in front of Eilan Hotel and Spa is lit along La Cantera Terrace;
*The Shops at La Cantera offers weekly visits with Santa Claus and pet photos with Santa in the center court;
*Texas A&M University-San Antonio’s Lights of Esperanza has 30,000-plus Christmas lights strung across the central part of the South Side campus. One University Way;
*Holidays on Houston Street offers Christmas lights, decorations and a tree along East Houston Street between Legacy Park and The Alamo through the holiday season. An event featuring culinary samples from Houston Street restaurants and bars will be held Dec. 6 in front of the Majestic Theatre. A holiday market featuring photos with Santa, refreshments and children’s festivities will take place on Houston Street from Dec. 12-14.
Now through Jan. 1
Area smaller cities have illuminated Christmas trees and other holiday displays open to the public through the holiday season:
*Converse City Hall, 402 S. Seguin Road;
*Castle Hills Commons, 209 Lemonwood Drive;
*Leon Valley Conference and Community Center campus, 6427 Evers Road;
*Universal City City Hall, 2150 Universal City Blvd;
Now through Jan. 11
San Antonio Botanical Garden will host “Illuminate,” an exhibit of handcrafted lanterns and glowing trails that transform the garden on holiday season evenings. Special themed evenings are scheduled. Tickets: adults $23-$31; children ages 3-12 $18-$24; free for infants ages 0-2. 555 Funston Place.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Dec. 5
Northeast Lakeview College will host Nighthawk Winterfest, which will feature photos with Santa, food trucks, vendors, games, a petting zoo and a fireworks finale. 5:30-8 p.m. Admission is free. 1201 Kitty Hawk Road, Universal City.
Dec. 5
Helotes’ Lighting of the Lights will involve the lighting of the city’s Christmas tree, performances by local school groups and the Helotes Area Community Band, and refreshments. 6-7:30 p.m. Admission is free. 12951 Bandera Road, Helotes
Dec. 5
Garden Ridge’s Christmas tree lighting will include a visit with Santa Claus, letters to Santa, hot chocolate and cookies, and a performance by the Garden Ridge Elementary School Choir. 5:30-7 p.m. Admission is free. Garden Ridge Community and Event Center, 9400 Municipal Pkwy.
Dec. 5
San Antonio Krampus Parade returns for a second year. The parade’s debut on First Friday of December 2024 was an instant smash, attracting attention from thousands of onlookers – and criticism from some locals. The parade is inspired by a centuries-old Alpine folkloric legend, Krampus, who was said to walk alongside St. Nicholas in an effort to ensure not-so-good kids do good in their lives. The parade starts at 7:30 p.m. and ends at Beethoven Maennerchor, 422 Pereida St., with the route going through the King William neighborhood.
Dec. 5
The city of Kirby will present its Christmas tree lighting, an event that will include performances by the Kirby Middle School Choir and Band, a visit from Santa Claus and the Grinch, and refreshments. 6-8 p.m. Admission is free. 3211 Alan Shepard Drive.
Dec. 5
San Antonio Christian School will host Christmas on Mane Street, a family friendly celebration that includes food trucks, holiday shopping opportunities, a petting zoo, inflatables, a snow machine, a Christmas parade and a live nativity scene. 4 p.m. Tickets: $13 adults, $9 students (free for SACS students who are participating in this event). 19202 Redland Road.
Dec. 5-6
It’s Weihnachts weekend in Boerne with two days of holiday celebrations. On Dec. 5, community members may take part in the Wassail Walk and Caroling Contest along the Hill Country Mile on Main Street from 4-8 p.m. On Dec. 6, the 38th annual Weihnachts Parade begins at 6 p.m., featuring nearly 100 floats on Main Street. Admission is free.
Dec. 6
Schertz’s Holidazzle is a daylong yuletide celebration. Following breakfast with Santa (spots already filled), visitors may enjoy the Kris Kringle Market from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Schertz Civic Center, 1400 Schertz Pkwy., snowy festivities at Holiday Hoopla 4-6 p.m., and the Festival of Angels Parade, which kicks off at 6:30 p.m. at Pickrell Park, 703 Oak St., and ends at Community Circle Drive. Check the event link for details.
Dec. 6
Bexar County Pct. 3 Commissioner Grant Moody will present Holidays in the Park, a family friendly holiday celebration with a snow area, photos with Santa, a holiday market, inflatable games, face painting, food trucks and more. Attendees may bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to the Elf Louise Christmas Project. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission is free. Raymond Russell Park, 20644 Frontage Road/Interstate 10 West in the Leon Springs area.
Dec. 6
The Rim shopping center will host “Holiday Magic,” an event involving a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, festive holiday music, a complimentary photo booth, and a pop-up holiday market. 3-5 p.m. Admission is free. The Rim Commons Park near North Italia restaurant and Lick Honest Ice Creams.
Dec. 6
Windcrest kicks off its annual Christmas Light Up with a ceremony filled with holiday music, refreshments, children’s activities and a visit from Santa Claus. Attendees can get a map to homes that are ornately decorated with holiday displays and lights as part of the Christmas Light Up competition. The Light Up ceremony begins at 4:30 p.m.; decorated, illuminated homes can be viewed by visitors through Dec. 31.
Dec. 6
The 16th Kwanzaa Market Festival is a celebration of African heritage, culture, and community. The event offers attendees a chance to learn more about the Kwanzaa holiday, and to support local African and African-American business owners. Noon-4 p.m. Admission is free, but donations are accepted. SBC Community Center, 3310 E. Commerce St.
Dec. 6
The city of Shavano Park will have a holiday event involving a visit from Santa Claus, snow, a Christmas tree lighting, entertainment from Blattman Elementary School spirit groups, a vendor market, a cookie contest, free hot cocoa, and more. 3-6 p.m. Admission is free. City Hall, 900 Saddletree Court, Shavano Park
Dec. 6
The city of Cibolo will present Holidays on Main, a daylong event featuring a parade, which this year has a cowboy Christmas theme. The parade starts at 11 a.m. at Borgfeld Road and Everyday Way, continues through Cibolo Valley Drive, travels down Main Street, and concludes at Cibolo City Hall, 200 S. Main St. The fun goes on with a holiday vendor market 3-7:30 p.m. at Pfeil Road and Main Street. A Christmas tree lighting wraps up the festivities at the market site at 6 p.m. Admission is free.
Dec. 6
Balcones Heights’ Christmas tree lighting will include refreshments, entertainment and a visit from Santa. 7-9 p.m. City Hall, 3300 Hillcrest Drive, Balcones Heights
Dec. 6
A holiday market will be held in the Monte Viejo neighborhood, featuring a visit with Santa, vendors, food, music and more. Noon-5 p.m. Admission is free. 4011 Emory Oak Drive.
Dec. 6
Converse Citizen Firefighters will present a Breakfast with Santa fundraiser for the Converse Fire Department. This family friendly event will offer pancakes, photos with Santa, and a chance for children to send a letter to the jolly old elf. 8-11 a.m. Costs: $8 adults, $5 children, $5 photo with Santa. 602 Toepperwein Road, Converse
Dec. 6
WinterFest SA is an annual Stone Oak holiday celebration that includes 80,000 pounds of snow, performances by local school students and groups, a carnival, photos with Santa Claus, holiday shopping, refreshments and more. Some proceeds go to benefit Brighton Center, a local nonprofit that helps children with developmental disabilities and delays. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission starts at $7.77. North Central Baptist Hospital parking lot, 520 Madison Oak.
Dec. 6
SAY Si will host its first winter arts and music festival, where SAY Si students will showcase their musical, singing and artistic talents. There will also be vendors and craft-making. Noon-3 p.m. Admission is free. 1310 S. Brazos St.
Dec. 6
The Christmas edition of the Aviation District Market, held every first Saturday, will feature a visit from Santa Claus, photos with the jolly ol’ elf, live music, seasonal beverages, and children’s activities. Attendees may also buy a wreath from Wreaths Across America to honor a loved one who served. Additionally, visitors may grab a tag, donate toys, or drop off unwrapped gifts to benefit the Angel Tree Ministry. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Admission is free. Gather Brewing Co., 210 E. Aviation Blvd., Universal City
Dec. 6
Village at Stone Oak shopping center will welcome Santa Claus for an afternoon of festive fun, including children’s activities, a photo with St. Nick, and holiday craftmaking. Noon-3 p.m. Admission is free. 22610 U.S. 281 N. (between Carranza Jewelers and Francesca’s).
Dec. 6
The Green Santa Sustainable Holiday Market will have sustainable craft vendors, food vendors, educational booths, and hands-on workshops, all of which revolve eco-friendly practices, and holiday gifts and decorations that yield minimal waste. There will also be children’s activities. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission is free, but online registration is encouraged. William B. Sinkin Eco Centro, 1802 N. Main Ave.
Dec. 7
The city of Fair Oaks Ranch will present “Santa at the Ranch,” which will have a holiday market, photos with Santa, crafting in Santa’s workshop, live music, letters to St. Nick, food trucks and treats. 2-5 p.m. Admission is free. City Hall, 7286 Dietz Elkhorn Road, Fair Oaks Ranch
Dec. 7
Briscoe Western Art Museum will host its annual Cowboy Christmas. Cowboy Santa will be on hand for free photos and holiday wishes from young cowboys, cowgirls, vaqueros and vaqueras. There will also be hands-on holiday crafts and other family friendly activities. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Admission is free, but advance registration is required. 210 W. Market St.
Dec. 7
Leon Valley Historical Society will present a Cowboy Christmas at the historic Huebner-Onion Homestead and Stagecoach Stop which will be turned into a Christmas wonderland with lights, decorations, games, tamales, live music and a visit from The Grinch. 2-5 p.m. Admission is free. 6613 Bandera Road, Leon Valley
Dec. 7
A holiday bazaar benefiting the San Antonio Feral Cat Coalition will feature several local vendors, many of whom will offer unique cat-themed gifts. There will also be treats, drawings, and a chance to bid on online auction items. 1-4 p.m. Admission is free. Harmony Hills Cabana Club, 339 Fantasia St.
Dec. 7
Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center will host its annual Hecho a Mano/Made by Hand artisan market, where dozens of artists, artisans and makers will sell their handcrafted art, goods and unique gift items. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is free. Guadalupe Latino Bookstore, 1301 Guadalupe St.
Dec. 11
Hands-On Chanukkah will be a chance for community members to celebrate the Festival of Lights with a family friendly afternoon filled with Chanukah-themed games, hands-on activities, snacks, and candle-lighting. 4-6 p.m. Admission is free, but RSVP is appreciated. Barshop Jewish Community Center, 12500 NW Military Hwy.
Dec. 12-14
Children’s Ballet of San Antonio will perform “The Children’s Nutcracker,” inspired by Tchaikovsky’s classic holiday ballet. 7 p.m. Dec. 12, and 2 p.m. Dec. 13 and 14. Tickets start at $56. Lila Cockrell Theatre, 900 E. Market St.
Dec. 13
Pearl’s Pullman Market will host its first tamale festival that will include several local tamale vendors offering a variety of tamales that can be enjoyed on site or taken home for holiday gatherings. There will be music and children’s activities. 1-5 p.m. Admission is free; online RSVP is required. 221 Newell Ave.
Dec. 13
The city of Helotes will present the “Journey to the North Pole” Christmas parade in Old Town Helotes. The parade route, which starts and ends at Helotes Elementary School, will be filled with lights, music and treats. 7 p.m. Admission is free. 13878 Riggs Road, Helotes
