Things To Do in December in San Antonio
Discover festive delights and holiday magic all around San Antonio this December!
St. Mary's University Christmas Spectacular Concert
December 1
Bill Greehey Arena fills with a wide mix of performances as the University Orchestra, Choir, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Orchestra, Theatre Arts students, and Mariachi take the stage to share music that reflects the spirit of the season. The evening shifts between calm choral passages, lively instrumental pieces, and expressive vocal moments that show the range and skill of the students involved. As families, friends, and community members gather inside the arena, the program creates a sense of connection and tradition that feels deeply tied to the campus and its celebrations.
December 1 - 22
The Holiday Cocoa Cruise carries guests along the River Walk at night, where glowing lights reflect across the water and the city feels calm and festive from the boat’s gentle path. Warm cocoa, seasonal music, and the soft movement of the river create a cozy setting that works beautifully for families, couples, and anyone who enjoys the slower side of the holidays. The ride offers a clear, uninterrupted view of the lights that hang over the river, giving the cruise a peaceful charm that feels different from seeing the display on foot.
December 2 - 4
Merry Happy Everything turns the Culinaria Event Space into a lively holiday pop up where soft lights, seasonal cocktails, and playful decor create an atmosphere that feels festive the moment you walk in. Guests move through rooms filled with cozy photo spots, creative bites, and winter-inspired drinks, all arranged to encourage mingling and easy conversation. Each evening carries its own rhythm as people gather with friends, discover new treats, and settle into the cheerful glow of the space.
December 4
Watch downtown Seguin come alive as more than seventy floats, community groups, and creative entries drift from Austin Street toward Central Park, each wrapped in lights and holiday cheer. Spectators line the sidewalks, enjoying the glow and excitement as the parade moves through town, with families gathering together to wave, take photos, and soak in the festive energy. When the parade reaches Central Park, the lights across downtown flicker on, and Santa arrives for photos under a canopy of twinkling decorations.
Vienna Light Orchestra Christmas Tour 2025
December 5
The Vienna Light Orchestra brings its Christmas concert to the Majestic Theatre on December 5, filling the historic space with candlelit glow and a rich blend of orchestral music and vocals. Musicians perform classic holiday pieces in arrangements that highlight soaring strings, warm harmonies, and gentle shifts in mood that match the season’s spirit. The soft lighting and grand setting create an experience that feels both intimate and cinematic, inviting the audience to settle in and let the music shape the evening with a sense of wonder.
Candlelight: Anime Soundtracks
December 5
The historic Josephine Theatre fills with the glow of candlelight as a string quartet performs beloved themes from anime series and films. Seats are arranged to let audience members soak in the soft light and rich, emotional melodies that evoke nostalgia, comfort, and the unique moods tied to each soundtrack. Fans gather to hear music from shows like “ONE PIECE,” “Your Name.,” “Yuri!!! On Ice,” and more rendered with warmth and precision under gentle illumination. The hush of the theatre, the flicker of candles, and the opening notes of a familiar theme combine to create an intimate, immersive concert experience.
City of Helotes Lighting of the Lights
December 5
Locals and visitors gather at City Hall as children’s choirs and the Helotes Area Community Band fill the evening air with holiday songs, creating a warm lead-in to the moment when the community joins together to switch on the Christmas tree and town lights, casting a soft glow across the plaza and giving the night a sense of shared celebration.
Holiday Disco Night at the Garden
December 5
Holiday Disco Night at the Garden invites guests to the Japanese Tea Garden in San Antonio on the evening of December 5 for an outdoor dance party under lantern light and stars, where DJ Reggie Cruz spins disco-era hits while festival lights glow across the stone walkways and koi ponds. Vendors line the garden’s entrance and lower paths as part of a holiday market, offering festive treats and handmade gifts that add warmth to the night, and a café on site serves seasonal beverages for anyone who wants a break from the dance floor. Guests move between music, lights, and mingling in a way that makes the garden feel like a hidden holiday escape inside the city’s bustle.
December 5
Movies in the Park offers a free outdoor movie experience where families and friends gather under the stars with blankets, lawn chairs, and snacks as a giant inflatable screen brings beloved films to life in local parks. The feature is How the Grinch Stole Christmas, showing at Mission County Park I, creating a cozy community night filled with laughter and holiday spirit. The open space, cool evening air, and familiar story on the big screen turn the park into an easy place to settle in and enjoy a relaxed holiday night.
December 5 - 14
Downtown San Antonio shifts into a bright holiday corridor as Houston Street fills with lights, music, food events, and a bustling market weekend featuring local vendors and seasonal activities. Visitors can wander through decorated blocks, sample festive bites, enjoy performances, and take part in community gatherings that stretch across several evenings. As people move between the market stalls and illuminated walkways, the street settles into a vibrant rhythm that feels tied to the heartbeat of the city and the excitement of the season.
16th Kwanzaa Market Festival 2025
December 6
A lively blend of music, art, food, and cultural expression fills the SBC Community Center as guests explore handcrafted goods, African-inspired clothing, and meaningful gifts created by local vendors and artisans. Drumming, dance, storytelling, and live performances move through the space and encourage visitors to linger, talk with makers, and learn about the traditions behind the celebration. The energy builds throughout the afternoon, creating a warm environment where creativity and community come together in a way that feels true to the spirit of the season.
December 6
Children and families gather on Alamo Plaza, where cowboy-clad Santa and Mrs. Claus stand in front of the historic stone church ready to greet visitors and pose for photos. The plaza hums with quiet excitement as kids share wish lists and adults snap pictures beneath festive holiday lights. In that moment, the iconic history of the site meets the cheerful magic of the season and the scene feels warm, inviting, and rooted in both tradition and holiday joy.
December 6
The Holiday Tea event offers an elegant afternoon set inside a historic venue, featuring seasonal décor, polished china, and a classic tea service built around curated blends, finger sandwiches, pastries, and holiday sweets. The program centers on a traditional approach to tea with thoughtful details that highlight the flavors and atmosphere of the season. Soft lighting, calm music, and a steady service pace create a relaxed setting that encourages conversation and gives the gathering a warm and welcoming character.
December 6 -20
Guests at the River Walk hotel can enjoy a variety of curated holiday dining and entertainment experiences, including festive breakfasts, gingerbread house decorating, brunches and dinners crafted by the hotel’s chefs, and rooftop evenings that celebrate the season. Seasonal décor, thoughtful menus, live music, and scenic River Walk views frame each event to create a holiday atmosphere that blends comfort and elegance. The schedule of offerings gives visitors and locals alike a chance to pause from the bustle, share a meal or a drink, and soak in the city’s winter charm.
December 6 & 7
The seasonal lineup from this ballet company offers audiences a chance to step into worlds of dance, music, and wonder with performances that range from magical holiday classics to whimsical storytelling. One show transforms the stage with young dancers telling a timeless winter tale full of snowflakes, nutcrackers, and sugar-sweet moments. Another invites families to journey through a festive story brought to life by child performers whose energy and emotion shine through each scene.
San Antonio Marathon & Half-Marathon
December 7
Runners can gather in downtown San Antonio to take on a course that winds through historic neighborhoods and past well-known landmarks, creating a race experience shaped by both the city’s character and the rhythm of long-distance running. Participants choose from several distances and move along a supported route with volunteers, hydration stations, and clear course markers that keep the event steady and organized. The finish area brings athletes together in a lively space where the mix of relief, celebration, and city energy forms a memorable end to the race.
City of Helotes Journey to the North Pole Christmas Parade
December 13
Helotes City Hall becomes the center of activity as families, neighbors, and visitors arrive to hear local choirs and the community band perform holiday music before the annual lighting takes place. The crowd gradually fills the lawn and walkways, creating a friendly mix of bundled-up parents, excited kids, and longtime residents catching up as dusk settles in. When the lights turn on, the scene shifts into a bright display that draws people closer to the tree and decorations, giving everyone a chance to enjoy the moment together in a setting that feels unmistakably local and welcoming.
December 13
Families can stop by the cake studio for a lighthearted holiday activity that mixes character fun with hands-on decorating. Children receive a cupcake to design with bright green frosting and themed toppings while the Grinch moves through the room, greeting visitors and posing for photos. Hot chocolate, small treats, and a letter-writing table add to the atmosphere, giving kids several ways to stay engaged. The combination of baking, play, and holiday excitement creates an easygoing event that leaves everyone with a treat to take home and a memory tied to the season.
December 14
Listeners around San Antonio and beyond can tune into Q Live One to enjoy a mix of R&B, jazz, gospel, and contemporary music that reflects the station’s commitment to soulful, grown-folk sounds. The station’s curated programming and occasional live-event tie-ins bring together music lovers who appreciate rhythm, heart, and community vibes. Whether tuning in for a mellow Sunday countdown or watching for upcoming festivals, Q Live One offers a space where listeners can connect through music rooted in warmth and shared taste.
December 20
A festive run, walk, roll, or stroll winds through Morgan's Wonderland in San Antonio offering a 1 K and a 5 K route that welcomes people of all ages and abilities, including adaptive and wheelchair divisions. Participants get a commemorative T-shirt, a special ornament, and an experience that blends holiday decorations, community spirit, and inclusive fun. The route travels through the park and nearby facilities, turning a typical race into a celebration of accessibility and togetherness under seasonal lights.
Home for the Howlidays - Pet Adoption & Holiday Market
December 20 & 21
The holiday pet-adoption and market day at Morgan’s Wonderland offers a warm chance for families to meet adoptable pets, browse seasonal crafts, and enjoy festive snacks under holiday lights. Visitors move through stalls filled with handmade goods while children greet animals waiting for forever homes, and volunteers share heartwarming stories about rescue and adoption. The mix of community spirit and holiday cheer wraps the event in a spirit of kindness and hope that leaves everyone feeling connected and uplifted.
December 23 - 28
A holiday favorite returns to the stage through a musical retelling of Buddy’s story, presented with bright visuals, upbeat songs, and a cast that leans into the comedy and feel-good moments. The production follows his search for family and belonging while keeping the light humor and cheerful tone that made the original film so recognizable. Audiences can expect a family-friendly show shaped by lively pacing, colorful design, and a warm seasonal spirit that fits comfortably into December entertainment.
Cirque Musica - Holiday Wonderland
December 28
A dazzling mix of acrobatics, aerial feats, and holiday-themed music fills the stage as performers combine circus artistry with seasonal melodies and colorful choreography. The show blends gravity-defying stunts, soaring aerial acts, and musical arrangements of classic holiday songs to create a vibrant, immersive experience. Families, friends, and all ages settle in for a performance that wraps high-energy spectacle and festive warmth into a single magical evening.
NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet
December 31
Audiences looking for a traditional holiday stage experience will find a production built around classical ballet technique, ornate costumes, and sweeping musical themes performed by an international cast. The familiar winter storyline is presented with large-scale visuals, elegant choreography, and theatrical moments designed to capture the imagination of both children and adults. The combination of refined dancing and seasonal atmosphere performs a timeless quality that fits comfortably into end-of-year traditions.
Related Articles
to Top