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
Dec. 12-14
Children’s Ballet of San Antonio will perform the classic holiday ballet “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. 19-21
Alamo City Arts will present performances of the classic holiday ballet “The Nutcracker” at the Our Lady of the Lake University Thiry Auditorium. The Dec. 19 show will be a sensory-friendly performance. 7 p.m. Dec. 19; and 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 20 and 21. Tickets: $20 Dec. 19; $25-$45 Dec. 20 and 21. 411 SW 24th St.
Now through Dec. 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.
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.
Now through Dec. 27
Overtime Theater is putting on performances of “Who Murdered the Mall Santa?” a choose-your-own-adventure murder mystery comedy set in the 1980s. 8 p.m. Fri. and Sat. through Dec. 27, and 8 p.m. Dec. 18. Tickets: $20 general, $15 students, teachers, seniors and military. 4335 Vance Jackson Road.
MUSIC
Dec. 14
San Antonio Choral Society will present “From Mystery to Joy: A Choral Society and Brass Christmas,” a program featuring Cecilia McDowall’s “A Winter’s Night,” a 15-minute cantata combining several carols, and holiday songs from several other composers. 3 p.m. Tickets: $25 adults, $22 seniors, military and Texas Public Radio members, free admission for students. Our Lady of the Lake University Sacred Heart Chapel, 411 SW 24th St.
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 Dec. 28
First Baptist Church Boerne hosts “Boerne Bright,” a walk-thru display of 500,000-plus Christmas lights synchronized to classic holiday music. Visitors can also enjoy festive refreshments, a life-sized snow globe, and a mini-train ride to Bethlehem. 6-9 p.m. Fridays-Sundays through Dec. 28. Admission is free. 631 S. School St., Boerne
Now through Dec. 31
City of Windcrest is holding its annual Christmas Light Up where residents are showcasing their ornately decorated and illuminated homes throughout the holiday season. A digital map of Christmas Light Up contest winners can be found here; a hard copy of the map can be obtained between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. weekdays at the city’s fire station, 8601 Midcrown Drive.
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. 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; Alamo Plaza and Main 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 take place on Houston Street 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. 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. 11
San Antonio Botanical Garden hosts “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. 12-14
New Braunfels Renaissance Faire transports visitors to another time filled Renaissance-era music, jousting, swordfighting, artisan shopping, interactive shows, and festive food and drink. 5-10 p.m. Dec. 12, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Dec. 13, and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Dec. 14. Tickets: $12 online, $15 at gate, free for children ages 12-under. 1370 Church Hill Drive, New Braunfels
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
Dec. 13
Windcrest’s annual Ho-Ho-Ho Market will feature local vendors and artisans offering handcrafted holiday gift items, from art and home decor to jewelry, as well as food. 2-6 p.m. Admission is free. Windcrest United Methodist Church, 8101 Midcrown Drive, Windcrest
Dec. 13
San Antonio City Council District 7 office will hold a Christmas tree lighting and holiday market at Woodlawn Lake Park. There will also be an appearance by the Spurs Coyote at 7 p.m., as well as music, hot cocoa and other family friendly activities. 5:30-8 p.m. Admission is free. 501 S. Josephine Tobin Drive.
Dec. 13
San Anto Cultural Arts will present its third annual Pancho Claus holiday toy drive, featuring live music, an art auction, drawings and prizes. Unwrapped, new toy donations and monetary donations will benefit San Anto Cultural Arts’ programs, which offer various services to West Side residents and young families. 6 p.m. Admission: $15 donation more or less. Jaime’s Place, 1514 W. Commerce St.
Dec. 13
Selma residents are invited to a Christmas event at the historic Harrison house, where there will be hot cocoa, cookies and photos to enjoy with Santa Claus and Blue Santa. There also will be holiday hayrides. New, unwrapped toy donations will go to support the Selma Police Department’s Toys Not Tickets campaign. 3-6 p.m. Admission is free. 9046 Pinseeker.
Dec. 13
St. Philip’s Episcopal Church will host a Christmas market, which starts with breakfast with Santa Claus, and includes local vendors and artisans offering a range of handcrafted holiday items. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Admission is free. 1310 Pecan Valley Drive.
Dec. 13
Judson FFA will present a holiday market with vendors, food trucks and more. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Admission is free. Judson Ag Complex, 9443 Schaefer Road, Converse
Dec. 13
A holiday edition of Garden Ridge Market Days will include photo opportunities with The Grinch, live music, and children’s activities. There will also be a “Princess Holiday Walk-Thru,” featuring beloved princesses available for holiday photo opportunities. Additionally, attendees may drop off packaged toilet paper, feminine hygiene products, bars of soap, toothbrushes and toothpaste at the Randolph Area Christian Assistance Program booth to help community members in need.9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Market admission is free. Northeast Bible Church, 19185 FM 2252, Garden Ridge.
Dec. 13
Sunset Food Park and Event Space near Terrell Hills will host a Christmas Wonderland with cookies with Santa Claus, free gifts to children, a holiday bazaar and kids’ market, a holiday scavenger hunt, holiday version of Bingo, s’mores and cocoa, crafts, a bounce house, food trucks and a bar. The venue is pet friendly, too. Noon-5 p.m. Admission is free. 1916 Austin Hwy.
Dec. 13
Beacon Hill Neighborhood Association will hold its annual holiday car parade, featuring festively decorated cars, Santa Claus, the Christmas Skunk and other characters. The parade will start at the Huisache and Grant avenues and proceed around the neighborhood. Noon-1 p.m. Admission is free.
Dec. 13
Museum Reach River of Lights is a holiday celebration held along the San Antonio Riverwalk Museum Reach. Attendees will enjoy music, a holiday animal display, 100,000 pounds of snow, pictures with Santa, snow slides for all ages, food trucks and holiday shopping opportunities. 4-8 p.m. Admission is free. 550 Brooklyn Ave.
Dec. 13
Holiday Night City is a family friendly event with live music, food pop-ups, artists, vendors, drinks, and photo opportunities. 6-9 p.m. Admission is free. Texas Public Radio headquarters, 321 W. Commerce St.
Dec . 14
A community event commemorating the first night of Chanukah will take place outside the Shavano Park City Hall offices. There will be songs of gratitude, and attendees will be asked to light the lights of the menorah. 6 p.m. Admission is free. 900 Saddletree Court.
Dec. 13
Hollywood Park residents may have cookies and photos with Santa Claus starting at 10 a.m. at Voigt Center, 701 El Portal.
Dec. 14
Guadalupe Dance Co. and Academy perform “La Pastorela Folklorica,” a bilingual retelling of the nativity story that blends traditional Mexican folklorico and flamenco dance with music and theater. 3 p.m. Tickets: $17. Carver Community Cultural Center, 226 N. Hackberry St.
Dec. 14
Southwest ISD community members are invited to the school district’s holiday spectacular, which will include festival games, refreshments and vendors, a Run, Run Rudolph 5K and Reindeer Sprint, a visit with Santa, an art contest, and performances by SWISD school spirit groups. 8 a.m.-noon. Admission is free. 11914 Dragon Lane (between Southwest Elementary and Southwest High schools)
Dec. 16
City of Windcrest will have a Christmas Light Up Bike Night, when a section of the city will be designated as a bike-only area with exceptions of residents in the affected area. This will allow residents and visitors to safely view illuminated and decorated homes. Cyclists are encouraged to “light up” their bike for this event. 6 p.m. Admission is free. 8101 Midcrown Drive.
Dec. 18
A holiday block party will take place at the Quarry Village retail center, complete with pet-friendly photos with Santa with a donation to the San Antonio Food Bank, live performances, children’s activities, refreshments and discounted shopping opportunities. 5-8 p.m. Admission is free. 260 E. Basse Road.
Dec. 19
La Gran Posada is an annual tradition where attendees may join a procession around the interior of Little Flower Basilica, in a re-telling of the Holy Family’s search for Jesus’ birthplace. Afterwards, guests may enjoy hot chocolate, buñuelos, and a piñata is saved for the children. 7-9 p.m. Admission is free. 1715 N. Zarzamora St.
Dec. 20
H-E-B will present its annual Feast of Sharing, a complimentary holiday meal for local residents in need and others who may otherwise go without a traditional dinner this Christmas season. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission is free. Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, 900 E. Market St.
Dec. 20
Helotes Humane Society will hold its 17th annual Jingle Paws Classic 5K Run and Dog Walk fundraiser. Participants are encouraged to dress festively. 8-10:30 a.m. Fees: $35-$40. O.P. Schnabel Park, 9606 Bandera Road.
Dec. 20
Grinchmas Fest at the Weekend Market at Arbor Park will have Christmas lights, caroling, hot chocolate, photo opportunities with the Grinch, children’s activities, and a Best Grinch contest where the winner claims a cash prize. Attendees are encouraged to go dressed as their favorite Grinch or Whoville character. 5-9 p.m. Admission is free. 17700 San Pedro Ave.
Dec. 20
Brackenridge Park Conservancy will present Winter in the Park: A Holiday Market & Art Walk, featuring several local artisans and makers offering final last-minute shopping opportunities. Noon-5 p.m. Admission is free. Brackenridge Park Joske Pavilion, 531 Brackenridge Way.
Dec. 20-21
San Antonio Animal Care Services will host “Home for the Howlidays,” highlighted by pet adoption opportunities. All adoptions include a first round of vaccinations, and flea/tick/heartwarm prevention, as well as spay/neuter surgery and lifelong pet training support. There will also be photos with Santa, hot cocoa, games, a holiday vendor market, music, food trucks, snow, and Pawteria (Loteria). Additionally, guests will have a chance to check out a holiday-themed book and read it to shelter cats, and take a shelter dog out to enjoy the ACS campus during the event. Noon-5 p.m. Dec. 20 and 21. Admission is free. 4710 Texas Hwy. 151.
Dec. 21
Kirby residents are invited to have cookies with Santa Claus from noon-3 p.m. at the John Sterling Building, 3211 Charles Conrad, and then enjoy the city’s annual Christmas parade, which begins at 5 p.m.
Dec. 21
Heart of Texas Concert Band will present “Christmas Bells Are Ringing,” a program of classic holiday tunes performed with the Dianne Brumley Chorale, River City Ringers, and Shavonne Conroy. 3 p.m. Suggested donation: $10. Trinity Baptist Church, 319 E. Mulberry Ave.
