Below is a list of select 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. 21
Classic Theatre will present“The Frosty Follies,” a festive cabaret that showcases holiday classics performed by local artists in an intimate space. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19; 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Dec. 20; and 4 p.m. Dec. 21. Tickets start at $30. San Pedro Playhouse, 800 W. Ashby Place.
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.
Dec. 19-21
School of Ballet and Dance will perform “The Nutcracker.” 7 p.m. Dec. 19 and 20; and 4 p.m. Dec. 21. Tickets: $30. New Braunfels Civic Center, 375 S. Castell Ave.
Now through Dec. 23
San Antonio Playhouse will host performances of Disney’s “Frozen,” the stage musical inspired by the popular animated movie. Final show times are 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19, 22 and 23; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20; and 2 p.m. Dec. 21. 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. Final shows set for 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19 and 20, 3 p.m. Dec. 21, and 7 p.m. Dec. 22 and 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. Final shows will take place at 2 p.m. Dec. 20 and 23, 3 p.m. Dec. 21, and 10:30 a.m. Dec. 24. Tickets: $26.50-$33.50. 420 S. Alamo St.
MUSIC
Dec. 20-21
San Antonio Philharmonic will present Holiday Pops, a concert of favorite seasonal tunes at SeaWorld San Antonio. 1:30 p.m. Dec. 20 and 21. Admission: $35 (includes SeaWorld park entry). 10500 Sea World Drive
Dec. 21
Students and performers from San Antonio Music and Arts will present a Christmas piano concert at Rolling Oaks Mall. 1 p.m. Admission is free. 6909 N. Loop 1604 E.
Dec. 21
Confluence Park will be the place to be for a special concert that pays homage to the winter solstice. This San Antonio River Foundation co-presentation is part of the nationwide Make Music Day alliance that encourages community members to gather, sing and move in an effort to reduce stress, offer joy and create a sense of belonging. Attendees may enjoy a holiday concert performed by the San Antonio Jazz Ensemble, and holiday caroling led by Pamela Martinez and guitarist Terry Hankins. Song sheets will be available; guests may bring a blanket and hot cocoa to add to the festive atmosphere. 1-3 p.m. Admission is free. 310 W. Mitchell St.
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.
CINEMA
Dec. 19-20
Anyone can enjoy free holiday movie screenings at Tapatio Springs Hill Country Resort. A showing of “Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch Who Stole Christmas” will be held Dec. 19; “White Christmas” will be screened on Dec. 20. There will be complimentary hot cocoa, and a chance to make s’mores by the firepit. Visitors may bring a blanket or borrow one on site. 5:30-8 p.m. Admission is free. 1 Resort Way, Boerne
Dec. 20
The public is invited to showings of “Elf” and “The Muppet Christmas Carol” in front of Menger Hotel. Guests may bring their lawn chair or blanket. 6-9 p.m. Admission is free. 204 Alamo Plaza.
Dec. 23
Holiday Movies by Moonlight will present a screening of “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” Visitors may purchase concessions from Hemisfair food and beverage businesses. 6-9 p.m. Admission is free. Hemisfair Yanaguana Garden, 630 E. Nueva 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)
Now through Dec. 31
Sala Diaz is hosting, “What We Leave Behind,” an exhibit of Hilary Rochow’s ceramic works and ink drawings through which the artist investigates the complex territory between preservation, loss, memorial, and remembrance. Open by appointment. (210-275-4903)
Now through Jan. 4
San Antonio Museum of Art is hosting “Larry Bell: Improvisations,” an exhibit of the American contemporary artist’s works, which contain and reflect industrial materials and processes. The display includes floating glass cubes, collages, works on canvas, and glass sculptures that explore the optical qualities of light and surface. 200 E. Jones St.
Now through Jan. 4
Contemporary at Blue Star is hosting the 35th annual Blue Star Red Dot art show and sale fundraiser, featuring dozens of original works by local artists. Patrons may browse art works online or in person. Proceeds go to benefit Contemporary at Blue Star’s various programs and initiatives. 116 Blue Star St.
Now through Jan. 5
The DoSeum will host “You’re Invited to Birthday Cake Mountain,” an exhibit that DoSeum’s 2025 artist-in-residence Liza Fishbone created to help celebrate the children museum’s 10th anniversary. A 1,500‑square‑foot gallery is turned into a whimsical, interactive world inspired by the joy of birthdays and the wonder of all things birthday cake. Children and families may wander through a forest of candles, decorate their own birthday cakes and stroll around a radiant sunflower sun. The exhibit runs through Jan. 5. Entry by regular museum admission. 2800 Broadway St.
Now through Jan. 20
Centro Cultural Aztlan will host its annual Virgin of Guadalupe exhibition, which features different kinds of artistic representations of this secular icon created by local artists. The exhibit ends Jan. 20. 1800 Fredericksburg Road.
Now through Feb. 1
McNay Art Museum is hosting “Sandy Skoglund: Enchanting Nature,” an exhibit of the artists’ works that blend with handmade objects, found materials, and live models to create visually striking scenes. 6000 N. New Braunfels Ave.
Now through May 10
Witte Museum is hosting “Unseen Oceans,” a special visiting, multimedia exhibition that takes visitors on a journey from the sunlit surface of the sea to its mysterious depths. Guests will meet the tiniest and biggest organisms, control a virtual submersible, traverse displays of marine species that light up in brilliant hues under special lighting conditions, examine cutting-edge tools and see how scientists are using sonar, laser, robotics and AI to map the ocean floor and protect endangered ecosystems worldwide. Continues through May 10. Museum admission plus a special $6 exhibit ticket. (Reduced admission available to families receiving SNAP benefits.) 3801 Broadway St.
Now through Aug. 30
Ruby City is hosting “Sensing Meaning, Abstract Painting,” a selection of 20-plus artists’ works from the mid-20th century through today that explore the art of abstraction. The exhibition runs through Aug. 30. Admission is free. 150 Camp St.
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. 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 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:
*Travis Park, 300 E. Travis St., the Riverwalk through the central business district and Museum Reach up to Brooklyn Avenue; Alamo Plaza and Main Plaza.
*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;
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
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. 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 now through Jan. 4. Admission starts at $18. Location: Behind The Pomegranate, 1613 Hunter Road, New Braunfels.
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. 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. 18
City of Windcrest will have a Christmas Light Up Bike Night (postponed from Dec. 16), 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 a safe haven that is 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. 19
San Antonio Cultural Arts invites West Side families to bring their children ages 13-under to receive a free toy from Pancho Claus. Offerings are first-come, first-served. There will be free hot chocolate, pan dulce, and Lotería with prizes. 6-8 p.m. Admission is free. 2120 El Paso St.
Dec. 19
The Edgewood ISD Fine Arts Academy Class of 2026 will present and benefit from “Holidays Trails and Tails,” a family friendly event that includes a trail of Christmas lights, a petting zoo, and a drive-in showing of “Home Alone.” There will be refreshments available for purchase, as well as movie trivia and prizes. 5-7 p.m. Admission: $10. 607 SW 34th St.
Dec. 19
Noon Dec. 19 is the deadline for community members to drop off donations for Santa’s Workshop at Christus Children’s Hospital of San Antonio. California Closets of the Texas Hill Country organized this toy drive where donors can provide a new, unwrapped toy; all toys will go to the workshop, where parents and caregivers “shop” for free gifts for their children who are receiving care at the hospital. Anyone can drop off donations at 16914 Alamo Pkwy., Bldg 2, Suite 102, Selma.
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
San Antonio River Foundation will have a nature educational program, “Winged Wonders,” where attendees of all ages can learn about birds of prey and make nature-inspired art. Noon-3 p.m. Admission is free, but online RSVP is encouraged. Confluence Park, 310 W. Mitchell St.
Dec. 20
Holiday in the Garden is a community celebration of Christmas, Kwanzaa, and Hanukkah, featuring festive music, treats, crafts, and family-friendly activities. There will also be live reindeer, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, carolers, bubble snow, and free hot cocoa. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission is free. Hemisfair Yanaguana Garden, 630 E. Nueva St.
Dec. 20
American Legion Post JFK 485 will have a Christmas toy giveaway for Harlandale-area children up through age 12. There will also be a drawing for bicycles. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission is free. 431 Kendalia Ave.
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. 20-21
Boerne Market Days features dozens of local vendors, artists and craftspeople. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 20; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 21. Admission is free. Main Plaza, 100 N. Main St., Boerne
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
The Archdiocese of San Antonio will offer La Gran Posada, a re-telling of the Holy Family’s journey for safe haven for the birth of Jesus, begins at 6 p.m. at Milam Park, 514 W. Commerce St., and ends at San Fernando Cathedral, 115 Main Plaza. Admission is free.
Dec. 21
South Side Market Days features several local vendors and artisans offering a variety of handcrafted items. There will also be food and beverages available for purchase. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission is free. 1135 Mission Road.
Dec. 21The Market at Shavano Park will have local vendors and artisans offering opportunities to get last-minute Christmas gifts. There will also be live holiday music, baked goods, breakfast food, and coffee. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Admission is free. 900 Saddletree Court, Shavano Park
