Below is a list of select events happening 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
Nov. 21-Dec. 23
San Pedro 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.
Nov. 21 and 22
University of the Incarnate Word’s Extended Run Players will perform “Rex Dexter of Mars,” a staged version of a radio show based on a 1930s sci-fi comic book series. 7 p.m. Nov. 21 and 22. Half of ticket sales and any donations will support the UIW theatre arts scholarship fund.Tickets: $20 adults, free for UIW students, faculty and staff. Overtime Theater, 4335 Vance Jackson Road, Suite 103-4.
Nov. 22-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. A “party in the park” will be held on opening night, Nov. 22, with a DJ, themed crafts, hot chocolate and Peanuts gang photo opportunities. Show times vary. Tickets: $26.50-$33.50. 420 S. Alamo St.
Nov. 28-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
MUSIC
Nov. 21
The 26th annual Alt 2 Hunger music festival will raise funds for Saint Peter-Saint Joseph Children’s Home. There will be performances by several local alt/rock bands. Nina Diaz will close out the evening. 6:30 p.m. Admission: $5. Rah Rah Room, 6322 San Pedro Ave.
Nov. 22
Children’s Chorus of San Antonio will perform “Concert of Light,” a selection of songs that celebrate light in all of its forms, and the traditions of Hanukkah, Diwali, Kwanzaa, and Christmas. 4 p.m. Tickets: $19.98 adults, $11.98 children ages 3-11. Trinity Baptist Church, 319 E. Mulberry Ave.
Nov. 23
Heart of Texas Concert Band will present “The Grand European Tour,” a selection of classical music from Austria, Norway, France, England and Italy. 3 p.m. Admission by suggested $10 donation. University of the Incarnate Word Diane Bennack Music Center, 4301 Broadway St.
ART
Now through Nov. 30
Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center is hosting a display of altars paying tribute to Dia de los Muertos, as well as a special exhibition that celebrates the life and legacy of the late Flaco Jimenez, and his contributions to music and culture. The exhibit features rare photographs and memorabilia from community archivist Ramón Hernández. The exhibit remains open to the public through Nov. 30. Admission is free; donations are accepted. 1300 Guadalupe St.
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 May 10, 2026
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, 2026
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.
Nov. 21-Jan. 11, 2026
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.
Nov. 22
San Antonio River Foundation will present “Rooted: Indigenous Art and Stories,” a tribute to culture and connectedness. There will be creative workshops, live art-making, food, Lotería remedios magic, and a celebration of a double book release featuring author Xelena González and illustrators Adriana Garcia & Jose Sotelo Yamasaki, honoring their new books “Of the Sun” and “For a Girl Becoming.” 1-4 p.m. Admission is free. 9974 and 9798 Old Espada Road.
Nov. 22-Jan. 5, 2026
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.
CINEMA
Nov. 28 and 29
World Animal Awareness Society will present the annual Animalist Fabula Film Festival, with screenings of feature, short, animated and documentary films centered around animal advocacy. This year’s film festival will include screenings of Mye Hoang’s highly anticipated documentary, “25 Cats from Qatar,” and the acclaimed movie, “Babe.” There will also be an appearance of famed animal scientist Dr. Temple Grandin, who will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award and be present for a screening of her documentary, “Temple Grandin: An Open Door.” 10:30 a.m.-11 p.m. Nov. 28, and 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Nov. 29. Admission varies. Woodlawn Theater, 1920 Fredericksburg Road.
LITERATURE
Nov. 23
Pages for Ages bookstore will host readings and signings with authors Jayme Smith, Jordan Smith, J.W. Sweem, Alex Salinas, R. Irene Sylvan, and E.S.H. Leighton throughout the afternoon. Noon-5:30 p.m. Admission is free. 10350 Bandera Road, Suite 300.
SPECIAL EVENTS
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. 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 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.
Nov. 21
The city of New Braunfels will kick off the holiday season with a Christmas tree lighting in downtown. Activities begin with dancing and holiday music. Santa will make a grand entrance from the balcony of the Comal County Courthouse. He’ll be available to take photos. There will also be food and holiday shopping activities. 5:45-9 p.m. Admission is free. 500 Main Plaza, New Braunfels
Nov. 21 and 22
San Antonio Parks Foundation will co-present a winter carnival at Arnold Park. The event includes outdoor ice skating, carnival rides and games, holiday music and market, seasonal treats, photo opportunities and more. 3-10 p.m. Nov. 21 and 22. Admission is free; ice skating entry and rental skates: $15, carnival ride wristband: $10. 1011 Gillette Blvd.
Nov. 21-23
Centro Cultural Aztlan will host its annual Zonarte/El Mercado de Aztlan Holiday Market, featuring dozens of local artists, artisans and makers. Opening reception 6-9 p.m. Nov. 21; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Nov. 22 and 23. Admission is free. 1809 Fredericksburg Road.
Nov. 21-23
The 56th annual San Antonio Auto and Truck Show features ride-and-drives, a showdown of custom cars and trucks, a Stuff the Car challenge, and a curated exhibit of automotive masterpieces. There will also be wrestling, karaoke, pet adoptions, and children’s activities. 2-9 p.m. Nov. 21, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Nov. 22, and 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Nov. 23. Admission: $15 adults, $6 children ages 6-10, free for children ages 5-under, $8 seniors and military. Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, 900 E. Market St.
Nov. 22
JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa will present “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.
Nov. 22
The annual Alamo Heights Holiday Parade includes entries from local schools, businesses, churches and organizations. Parade participants start at Alamo Heights High School, 6900 Broadway St., and will travel down Tuxedo Avenue to the city pool, 250 Viesca Ave., where there will be refreshments and holiday festivities. 5:30 p.m. Admission is free.
Nov. 22
University of the Incarnate Word will host the 39th annual Light the Way, as millions of Christmas lights will be illuminated across the UIW campus. Opening night festival includes holiday shopping, food trucks, a lighting ceremony, performances by various student music and dance groups, and a fireworks finale. The lights will stay on through the holiday season. 3-9:30 p.m. Admission is free. Parking is not allowed on campus, but is available at designated nearby areas. 4301 Broadway St.
Nov. 22
Jingle Jolly Christmas Festival-New Braunfels will feature snow, live music from local choirs, the Elves’ Shopping Village, photos with Santa, a Best Elf Contest, holiday food and drinks, a children’s craft area, a toy donation box, and more for the whole family. Noon-6 p.m. Admission: $10 adults, $5 children; family packs available. 701 Common St., New Braunfels
Nov. 22
Boerne’s 14th annual 5K/10K Turkey Trot is a competitively timed race that starts on the west side of the Main Plaza and runs through various neighborhoods. Proceeds will benefit the Boerne Family YMCA scholarship program and community initiatives. 8 a.m. Fees begin at $25. 100 N. Main St., Boerne
Nov. 22-Jan. 4, 2026
The Gruene Ice Rink reopens. 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.; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. daily Nov. 24-Dec. 1 and Dec. 16-Jan. 4. Admission starts at $18. Location: Behind The Pomegranate, 1613 Hunter Road, New Braunfels.
Nov. 22
The San Antonio World Heritage Center will host a “Southside Pride” community workshop, led by local Ashley Mireles as part of the Harlandale public art project. Harlandale community members attend and bring their favorite digital or printed photos and memories of neighborhood gatherings, celebrations, school events, and neighborhood landmarks. Such stories and images could help shape a new public art project honoring Harlandale’s heritage. Any printed photos will be scanned on site and returned. Images should have an accompanying story. Visit https://airtable.com/appylNDJyPWvT…/paglCh81H5svpUjRI/form for details about the art project or to submit a photo online. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Admission is free. 3106 Roosevelt Ave.
Nov. 22
Corona de Vida Church will host Kids Fest, a family friendly event with games, treats, gifts, Bible stories and more. 6 p.m. Admission is free. 914 SW 37th St.
Nov. 22
San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department and San Antonio Astronomical Association will have a star party at Eisenhower Park. SAAA members will offer use of their telescopes and binoculars to peer at celestial objects, weather permitting. 6-8 p.m. Admission is free. 19399 NW Military Hwy.
Nov. 22-23
The 46th annual San Antonio Christmas Showcase offers hundreds of vendors selling a variety of handmade items, as well as festive treats, gourmet food, a winery row, photos with Santa Claus and more. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Nov. 22, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 23. Tickets: $12-$15 general admission, free for children ages 15-under; VIP admission available. Freeman Expo Halls, 3201 E. Houston St.
Nov. 28
The city of San Antonio will get the holiday season rolling with the annual H-E-B Christmas tree lighting event. Festivities begin at 4 p.m. and include live entertainment, food trucks, letters to Santa, giveaways, holiday crafts, a special visit from Santa, and more. The tree lighting ceremony starts at 6 p.m. VIA Metropolitan Transit will offer free rides to the tree lighting ceremony. Riders can tell their drivers they are heading to the tree lighting event for a complimentary ride. 4-7 p.m. Admission is free. Travis Park, 301 E. Travis St.
Nov. 28
The 44th annual Ford Holiday River Parade will take place along the San Antonio River Walk with festive floats. This year’s theme, Merry Movie Magic, features floats dedicated to the holiday season’s most iconic films. The parade starts at 6 p.m. at Lexington Avenue, and ends near Commerce and St. Mary’s streets. There are many areas along the route that are free; ticketed seating is available at the Arneson River Theater, La Villita, 418 Villita St.
Nov. 28
Pearl will host a holiday tree lighting ceremony. Festivities will begin at 3:30 p.m. with photos with Santa Claus, storybook readings by Mrs. Claus, music, creative art activations, and roaming carolers, dancing ballerinas, toy soldiers and other performers. The lighting happens at 5:45 p.m. The event ends at 7 p.m. Admission is free. 303 Pearl Pkwy.
Nov. 28 and 29
Dickens on Main is a two-day transformation of Main Street in downtown Boerne. The landscape becomes a vintage holiday wonderland complete with vendors and performers dressed in late 19th century Victorian attire. There will be music, food, holiday shopping, snow, an ice carving competition, a birds of prey demonstration, a children’s play area, live theatrical performances and readings, and more. The Christmas tree lighting takes place at 6 p.m. Nov. 28 at the Main Plaza gazebo, 100 N. Main St. Admission to the Main Street is free, but no parking on the street is allowed during event hours. Visit this link for parking and other details.
Nov. 28-30
Esperanza Peace and Justice Center will present its annual Peace Market/Mercado de Paz, where more than 30 local vendors and 20-plus artisans from Mexico will display and sell their handcrafted wares, from jewelry and attire to accessories and art, in a traditional open-air market setting. There will also be music. Refreshments will be available. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Nov. 28 and 29; noon-6 p.m. Nov. 30. Admission is free. 922 San Pedro Ave.
Nov. 29
The Christmas tree at Alamo Plaza will be lit in a special ceremony. 6-8 p.m. Admission is free. 300 Alamo Plaza.
Nov. 29
Bihl Haus Arts will host its annual holiday art market, featuring handcrafted art, jewelry, home decor and other gift items created by local artisans. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is free. 2803 Fredericksburg Road.
Nov. 29
Holiday on Jones at the San Antonio Museum of Art will be filled with opportunities to do holiday shopping with 50-plus local artists and makers. There will also be family-friendly activities, including artmaking, live performances, workshops and demonstrations by community partners, and storytelling—all inspired by SAMA’s exhibit, “Canvas to Clay: Georgia O’Keeffe and Maria Martinez to Mata Ortiz and Tonalá.” Food and beverages will be available for purchase. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is free. 200 E. Jones Ave.
Nov. 29
Celebración Musical is an event that will be filled with live Tejano, Mexican regional and country music. The day will feature a special musician’s blessing from noon-1 p.m.., where musicians are invited to receive a blessing to honor their craft and creativity. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Admission is free. 514 W. Commerce St.
Nov. 29
A cottage and craft market with dozens of area vendors and artisans will take place at Veterans Park in Marion, between Cibolo and Seguin. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission is free. 108 Huebinger St., Marion
Nov. 29 and 30
San Antonio Dance will perform Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet, “The Nutcracker,” at the Carver Community Cultural Center. 11 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Nov. 29, and 2 p.m. Nov. 30. Tickets start at $32. 226 N. Hackberry St.
Nov. 29 and 30
Holidays at Hemisfair Gift Market will feature 60-plus local vendors selling a variety of handmade gift items, such as art, jewelry and sweet treats. Noon-9 p.m. Nov. 29 and 30. Admission is free. Hemisfair Civic Park, 210 S. Alamo St.
Nov 30
The city of Converse will hold its holiday parade and tree-lighting ceremony. The parade starts at 6:30 p.m. The tree lighting takes place at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall, 402 S. Seguin Road, and includes refreshments and appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus and The Grinch. Admission is free.
Nov. 30
The city of Castle Hills will host the Lighting of the Lights, the illumination of holidays lights around The Commons park area at City Hall. Santa Claus will be on hand for the festivities. 4-6:30 p.m. Admission is free. 209 Lemonwood Drive, Castle Hills
Dec. 2
The city of Universal City will hold its Christmas tree lighting at City Hall. The event will include complimentary refreshments, while Santa Claus greets attendees. 6 p.m. Admission is free. 2150 Universal City Blvd.
