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
Dec. 29 and 30
“Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet” brings to life Tchaikovsky’s classic holiday ballet with help from whimsical puppets and opulent costumes crafted by renowned European artisans. 3 and 7 p.m. Dec. 29 and 30. Tickets start at $43. Majestic Theatre, 224 E. Houston St.
MUSIC
Jan. 3
Texas A&M Singing Cadets will be in concert at the Alamo Heights United Methodist Church to benefit the San Antonio Aggie Moms’ Club Centennial Scholarship Fund, supporting scholarships for Texas A&M students. 7 p.m. Tickets: $20 adults, $10 students and military; free for children 5-under.
WELLNESS
Each Saturday
Wellness at The Tobin is a weekly series of fitness and exercise classes designed to nurture the body and mind. Classes are held from 10-11 a.m. Saturdays at the Will Naylor Riverwalk Plaza. Dress and equip yourselves accordingly. Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Circle.
ART
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 Jan. 22
“Reclaimed Realities” features six artists’ works, which are made of different materials, from weathered wood to textile scraps, that serve as vessels, such as shadowed altars and poetic boxes, and as reflections of daily life. The exhibit is viewable by appointment only through Jan. 22. Admission is free. Agarita Loft Gallery, 724 S. Alamo St., No. 2.
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. 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 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;
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. Dec. 31 is “All That Glitters” night when attendees may wear their brightest, most sparkly outfit to celebrate the new year (5:30-8:30 p.m.) Tickets: adults $23-$31; children ages 3-12 $18-$24; free for infants ages 0-2. 555 Funston Place.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Dec. 30
The annual Valero Alamo Bowl will pit USC vs. TCU. The main event kicks off at 8 p.m. Dec. 30 at the Alamodome, but fans and community members can enjoy a range of pregame activities, such as a Riverwalk rally at 5 p.m. Dec. 28, downtown parties Dec. 29, and tailgating and fan zone festivities on gameday.
Dec. 31
You may bring your dog to the San Antonio Zoo to enjoy a day of adventure, enrichment, and New Year’s themed fun around the zoo. The first 200 dogs through the gate will receive an exclusive San Antonio Zoo New Year’s Eve bandana while supplies last. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Included with zoo admission. 3903 N. St. Mary’s St.
Dec. 31
The DoSeum will host its annual Kids Countdown, a family friendly countdown-to-the-new-year event. The fun will include music, treats, engagement with the museum’s programming and exhibits, and a balloon drop to mark the arrival of 2026. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Tickets: $25; discount available for DoSeum members. 2800 Broadway St.
Dec. 31
Celebrate the end of 2025 and the beginning of 2026 with a party on the observation deck of the Tower of the Americas. The high-end bash will include an appetizer buffet, cash bar, a DJ, a red carpet, complimentary midnight champagne toast, and the best view of the downtown fireworks display. 9:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m. Tickets: $99. 739 E. Cesar Chavez Blvd.
Dec. 31
Universal City Public Library’s youth program will offer a New Year’s Eve countdown event, complete with music, crafts, dancing and a noon balloon drop. 11 a.m. Admission is free. 100 Northview Drive.
Dec. 31
San Antonio Parks Foundation co-presents a New Year’s Eve glow party at La Villita, including music, dancing, glowing visuals, and plenty of food and beverages for purchase. 6 p.m.-midnight. Admission is free. 418 Villita St.
Dec. 31
McKenna Children’s Museum will host a Noon Year’s Eve party where youngsters can enjoy music, crafts, treats and a countdown to the new year. 11:30 a.m. Entry included in museum admission. 801 W. San Antonio St., New Braunfels
Dec. 31
Rock the Clock New Year’s Eve party will happen at The Rock at La Cantera, the San Antonio Spurs’ community gather spot. There, revelers can enjoy music and dancing; food and drinks will be available for purchase. A fireworks show takes place at midnight. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Tickets: $25. 1 Spurs Way.
Dec. 31
Hemisfair will be the place to ring in the new year. There will be two New Year’s Eve events. The Hemisfair Kids’ Countdown is a family friendly event at Yanaguana Garden that features games, crafts, music, and a countdown to 2026 at 8 p.m. Festivities begin at 6 p.m. The Celebrate in Civic will be the city’s first NYE party to take place in Hemisfair’s Civic Park. The fun kicks off with a dance party for all ages and backgrounds, followed by DJ Helios playing all kinds of music. There will be food truck vendors, and a midnight fireworks display. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Admission is free, but RSVPs are highly encouraged. 434 S. Alamo St., 210 E. Nueva St.
Dec. 31
Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa will host a New Year’s Eve party at its Anaqua Garden Bar. General admission is free and includes access to the bar’s food and seasonal cocktail menus and music. Walk-ins are welcome and first-come, first-served. RSVP is required. VIP admission of $250 includes complimentary valet parking, party favors, champagne, and a charcuterie board. 4 p.m.-1 a.m. 555 S. Alamo St.
Dec. 31
Rosario’s ComidaMex and Bar will host a New Year’s Eve celebration where individual tickets grant access to the rooftop lounge, a midnight champagne toast, party favors, a cash bar, and midnight bites, with standing room only. Reserved tables include all of the above, plus guaranteed seating and a bottle of champagne. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Tickets start at $117. 722 S. St. Mary’s St.
Jan. 3
ModelFiesta is the longest-running annual modeling event for regional modeling enthusiasts. Attendees can see hundreds of contest-quality models, ranging from aircrafts and automobiles to military vehicles. Awards in different categories will be given out before event’s end. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission: $5. New Braunfels Civic Convention Center, 375 S. Castell Ave.
