🗳️ The essentials

📚 Educational needs

• Holiday Night City | Thursday, Dec. 7 | 5-9:30 p.m. | Legacy Park, 103 W. Houston St., San Antonio | Free | Hang out with Texas Public Radio featuring live music, local market vendors, holiday treats, and Yappy Hour from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• Holiday Block Party | Thursday, Dec. 7 | 5-8 p.m. | Quarry Village, 300 E. Basse Rd., San Antonio | Free | Celebrate the 7th annual block party and enjoy a pet-friendly photo booth with Santa, wine, beer, cocoa stations, carolers, and family-friendly activities.
• Lightscape Value Night | Thursday, Dec. 7 | 5:30 p.m. | San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Pl., San Antonio | $10-$24 | Enjoy one of six discounted nights at this annual light show.
• Wine Tasting and Toy Drive | Thursday, Dec. 7 | 6-8 p.m. | Sojourn Trading Co., 244 W. Houston St., San Antonio | Free | Join Mexcor Wine Imports for a complimentary tasting + half-off bottles of wine, and bring a new toy for the holiday drop box collab with Elf Louise.

• Winter Movie Night | Friday, Dec. 8 | 5-8 p.m. | Pride Center San Antonio, 1303 McCullough Ave. #160, San Antonio | Free | Catch a showing of “Jingle Jangle” and enjoy gingerbread house making, cookies, and more.
• Stayin’ Alive: One Night of the Bee Gees | Friday, Dec. 8 | 7:30 p.m. | Charline McCombs Empire Theatre, 226 N. Saint Mary’s St., San Antonio | $16-$154 | Listen to the covers of these classics including “Night Fever,” “Jive Talkin’,” “How Deep Is Your Love,” and more.
• Live Jazz | Friday, Dec. 8 | 9 p.m.-12 a.m. | Vice Versa Coffee & Music, 123 Heiman St., San Antonio | $5 | Sip on some coffee and listen to live music at this 21+ event.
• Ugly Sweater Contest and Dance Party | Friday, Dec. 8 | 9 p.m. | Be Kind & Rewind, 115 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio | Free | Dance to 80’s, 90’s, and Y2K hits, then enter the contest for a chance to win cash + prizes.

1. Sport Hoodie: This top-seller is almost sold out.
2. The Anson performance polo: It’s rated five stars by 99% of customers.
3. The Sully quarter zip: Many of these colors match up with The Anson colors for a coordinated, layered look.

• Co-founder of Sea Island Shrimp House, Chrisanthy “Chrissy” Anthony, has died at the age of 89 from cancer. Chrissy started the company with her husband Dan and long-time friend Henry Reed. All locations are closed today as the company celebrates Chrissy’s life + legacy.

• After a few delays, University Health’s Women’s + Children’s Hospital is now open. The 14-story, 300-bed hospital began its transfer of NICU patients from University Hospital early Tuesday morning. Followed by pediatric patients + expecting mothers, and the opening of its emergency centers.

• San Antonio received a gold medal from CityHealth for passing policies to improve the health + well-being of residents by addressing wellness disparities across marginalized communities. The Alamo City is one of seven cities in the US — and the only city in Texas — to receive this recognition.

• The San Antonio Zoo announced the expansion of its savanna habitat. The plan includes a new, two-story barn for giraffes, an overnight rental lodge called the Spekboom Lodge, and an elevated walkway to combine the former elephant habitat with the existing giraffe savanna. The new savanna is set to open in 2024.

• Laika Cheesecakes and Espresso introduced three new winter cheesecake flavors to its menu. Swing by one of its two locations to try renewed + improved signature slices like the Winter Picnic, Red Velvet, and S’mores which includes a creamy melted marshmallow cheesecake.

• Brooke Rogan, owner of Brooke’s Bubble Bus, opened the company’s first brick-and-mortar location. Brooke’s Bubble Lounge is an all pink spot that serves as a happy hour, rental space, and wine tour stop. You can find them at 416 E. Main St., Wednesday to Sunday from noon to 9 p.m.

• The San Antonio Spurs are hosting their third annual Pride Night on Friday, Jan. 12 at the Frost Bank Center. Tip off is at 9 p.m. against the Charlotte Hornets and tickets start at $29. Check out the team’s other promotional nights this season.

• If you need help during the Medicare annual enrollment period, Mrs. Insurance is here to help. As a local insurance sales agent, she can find the right plan for you. Bonus: Her 1-on-1 support can help you understand your options and find the right coverage for your specific needs.*

• Step one of your dog’s wellness journey: Nom Nom. The vet nutritionist-developed meals are perfectly portioned for a vibrant, joyful life. Get 50% off your first order.*

• Yule (Thursday, Dec. 21), an ancient Germanic solstice festival. Celebrants mark the shortest day of the year and balance between light and dark.
• Hanukkah (ongoing), the Jewish Festival of Lights which begins the evening of Thursday, Dec. 7 and ends on Friday, Dec. 15.
• Kwanzaa (Tuesday, Dec. 26), a week of African American and pan-African celebration culminating in Karamu on Monday, Jan. 1.
• Lunar Bodhi Day (Thursday, Jan. 18), celebrating the Buddha’s enlightenment through acts of kindness. “Secular” Bodhi Day was celebrated on Friday, Dec. 8.