Celebrate all the holidays in San Antonio during the winter season with these events. | Photo by the City of San Antonio
San Antonio has plenty of cultures that celebrate the start of astronomical winter, the end of the year, or just the coming of cold weather by gathering with loved ones and giving thanks.
Look forward to:
Yule begins on Saturday, Dec. 21. Celebrate the shortest day of the year by attending the Renaissance Christmas Yule Fest, Dec. 20-22. Psst — entry is free with a donation to the San Antonio Food Bank.
Hanukkah (the evening of Dec. 25-evening of Jan. 2) is theJewish Festival of Lights and you can participate in the festivities at the 27th annual Chanukah on the River on Monday, Dec. 30 at the Arneson River Theater at 4 p.m.
Christmas(Wednesday, Dec. 25), a cultural and religious festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. Listen to orchestra renditions of Christmas songs like “O Holy Night” with “Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings” happening on Sunday, Dec. 22 at 8:45 p.m.
You don’t need to celebrate them all — but let’s all celebrate together.
Events
Events
Wednesday, Dec. 18
Holiday Night Markets | 5-9 p.m. | Historic Pearl | Cost of purchase | Stroll through The Historic Pearl listening to holiday tunes, sipping hot chocolate, seeing holiday light displays, and browsing local vendors.
Babe Beginner Ride Holiday Edition | 7 p.m. | HUB MRKT Bikes | Free | Decorate your bike with holiday lights, wear safety gear, and bring water to join this community group for an urban bike ride.
Thursday, Dec. 19
“The Frosty Follies” | Thursday, Dec. 19-Sunday, Dec. 22 | Times vary | San Pedro Playhouse | $35+ | Listen to jazzy renditions of “Let It Snow,” and other holiday favorites during this cabaret show.
Holiday Shopping Happy Hour | 4-7 p.m. | Son of a Sailor | Cost of purchase | Find last-minute gifts with free cocktails, deals on jewelry, live record spinning, and Mystery Secret Santa Gifts.
Friday, Dec. 20
Hot Holidays on Houston Street | 5-9 p.m. | West Houston Street & North Flores Street | $40+ | Browse a plethora of drink vendors serving up Mexican hot chocolate, ciders, tea, and other warm seasonal drinks.
“Never Too Late” | 6-9 p.m. | La Zona | Free | Walk through graffiti park and leave your mark at Colton Valentine’s first exhibition show.
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Has SATXtoday made an impact on your life this year? Did you find that life-changing concert in our Events section? Or use our City Guides to find recommendations on how to spend the perfect day with your family? Or impress your dinner guests with all the details of that new development in town?
If that was you, we couldn’t be more honored to be a part of your life. Would you be willing to show some love for our team?
The SAISD board of trustees approved a memo of understanding with the owners of the Missions Minor League Baseball team, allowing the team to move forward with their downtown baseball stadium plans. The Missions get exclusive sale rights, and SAISD receives new event space, affordable housing, land, and additional parking. (SA Report)
Transportation
The US Department of Transportation has formally approved nonstop flights between San Antonio International Airport (SAT) and Reagan Washington National Airport in Washington DC. American Airlines will be linking the two cities and has 10 business days to file its flight schedules. (SA Business Journal)
Open
Moo Deng Thai Restaurant is now open in the Beacon Hill neighborhood. The eatery is themed after the pygmy hippo viral sensation and offers traditional Thai food + drinks. (MySA)
Civic
If you’re heading downtown this weekend for holiday festivities, make sure to keep an eye out for temporary no-parking zones. These zones are permit-only and are towing enforced. For a deeper dive on downtown parking, give our guide a read.
Arts
Centro San Antonio and St. Paul Square are putting out an open call for local artists to create a 11x38 outdoor mural in the district with the title “Ole Night at St. Paul Square.” The project budget is $15,000 and applications close on Friday, Jan. 24.
Announced
Speaking of St. Paul Square. A new music festival is coming to The Espee. Sunset: The Festival at The Espee will feature a mix of San Antonio musicians as well as notable bands like Spoon, Santigold, and Band of Horses. Two-day passes go on sale tomorrow at 10 a.m.
Seasonal
If you’re looking for a last-minute gift for the car enthusiast in your life, local candle maker Down Sniff has released a limited batch of Christmas Tree Porsche Candles. Check them out.
Sports
Let’s talk about the SEC Transfer Portal opening up and what that means for the teams. Get the latest news, analysis, and insider information for the SEC with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Health
Discover the Horizon IX, where German precision meets hearing innovation. With two processors, it separates speech from noise, delivering crystal-clear sound for effortless listening. (Plus: It’s virtually invisible — and already loved by 425,000+ customers.) Find out if you qualify for a 45-day trial.*
Last call. Use the remainder of your end-of-year budget + get your business in front of thousands. For a limited time, take 25% off ads in our self-service ad portal when you use promo code “2025" at checkout.
Shop
Psst — Need a quick gift? Cloud socks are luxe, buttery-soft socks that cradle feet in plush comfort. You’re getting these for yourself, right?*
The Buy
The Buy
A puffy laptop case. It features a waterproof design, secure magnetic closure, and handy inner pocket for added storage.
Has anyone been to Yozora Japanese Kissa Restaurant? My brother-in-law sent me the restaurant and it looks delicious. In addition to serving Japanese dishes, the eatery boasts a custom-built sound system that spins vinyls throughout the day. If you’ve visited, let me know your recommendations.