Full into the holiday season, it’s time to enjoy some quality family time! Take advantage of the awesome things on our list of Free in San Antonio events.
We’ve made every effort to ensure that this list is accurate and up-to-date, however, some venues/events/activities make changes without notifying us. We recommend contacting them before visiting to be 100% sure that their free offerings are still available.
Recurring Free Events in San Antonio
Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, San Fernando Cathedral, Main Plaza, 115 N. Main, 78205, at 9:00 p.m., 9:30 p.m., 10:00 p.m.
San Antonio | The Saga. This free video art installation, created by Xavier De Richemont, plays three times a night, weather permitting, on Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays on the facade of San Fernando Cathedral.
Wednesdays, 20079 Stone Oak Pkwy, Ste 3120, 78258 OR 22211 IH 10 West, Ste 1107A, 78257, 6:00 p.m.
Free weekly group run with iRun. Strollers and/or dogs welcome. Each location has a route with 3 to 5 mile turnarounds, but runners can choose any distance they want.
Fridays, The Twig Book Shop, 306 Pearl Parkway, Suite 106, 78215, 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
Miss Anastasia’s Wild and Wacky Pre-weekend Twiglet Storytime is held twice on Fridays during the summer. Enjoy a wild and wacky story time session with Miss Anastasia and make a delightful craft. All ages welcome.
Saturdays, 2602 NW Loop 1604, BLDG 1, Ste.106, 78248, 6:30 a.m.
Free weekly group run with iRun. Strollers and/or dogs welcome. Each location has a route with 3 to 5 mile turnarounds, but runners can choose any distance they want.
Free in San Antonio this December
Friday, December 1: 1 UTSA Circle, 78249, 6:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Fright Nights, Celestial Lights presented by the UTSA Department of Physics and Astronomy invites you to their monthly stargazing event “First Friday Stargazing” at the Curtis Flawn Jr. Observatory on the UTSA Main campus. Observatory telescopes will be setup on our star party deck and operated by experienced astronomers from UTSA and volunteers from the San Antonio League of Sidewalk Astronomers. This event is free and open to the public! for more information, visit astronomy.utsa.edu.
Saturday, December 2: Home Depot locations around San Antonio, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
FREE, once-a-month workshops for kids, ages 5 – 12 at participating Home Depot stores. This week, your child will build a Gingerbread House. Kids’ workshops are on a first come/first served basis. Register your child online ahead of time to make sure there is room available.
Saturday, December 2: The Alamo, 300 Alamo Plaza, 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Join the Alamo as they explore what the holiday season would have looked like on the Texas frontier! A Homemade Christmas will include period crafts for visitors of all ages, living history demos, Christmas storytelling, and more.
Schedule of Events: 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
• Holiday frontier crafts, including corn husk dolls, paper ring garlands, and paper snowflakes
• Living history demos, such as broom making, period games, weaving, and sewing
• Live music by Dennis Riedesel
10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 2:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m.
• Christmas storytelling in Cavalry Courtyard
Saturday, December 2: Phil Hardberger Park West (Urban Ecology Center), 8400 N.W. Military Highway, 78231, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Raptors of SeaWorld! Join the birds of prey team from SeaWorld as they introduce live birds. Suggested for families with elementary age and older children. A kid-friendly activity is included. No registration is required. Free to attend but a donation of $3 per person or $5 per family is appreciated.
Saturday, December 2: Autism Community Network, 4242 Woodcock Dr., 78228, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Come out for a Holiday Family Event which includes activities for kids and free admission.
Saturday, December 2: Hemisfair, 434 S Alamo St, 78205, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Work up a sweat, get fit and bust a move with a FREE Zumba class from MIX FIT SA. You’ll love this high energy dance workout.
Saturday, December 2: Hemisfair, 434 S Alamo St., 78205, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Hemisfair’s Second Saturday Art in the Park series presents free art workshops for kids ages 4-12. Each workshop features a fun, themed art activity. Please allow extra time for parking, as the workshop begins promptly at 11 am. To find us once you arrive, just follow the “Art in the Park” signs!
Saturday, December 2: Lakeshore Learning, 327 NW Loop 410, 78216, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Free craft for kids. This week kids create a Frosty Friend Bookmark.
Saturday, December 2: San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W Jones Ave., 78215, 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
The San Antonio River Authority will throw the switch on the holiday lighting of the Museum Reach. Enjoy live jazz music from the passing river barges plus Santa’s Wonderland and art activities on Brooklyn Avenue near the lock and dam. The Museum Reach Lighting is from 6 to 8 p.m. BONUS: The Museum will be open with free admission from 4 to 8 p.m.
Saturday, December 2: Main Plaza, 115 N. Main Avenue, 78205, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Silver Bells in the City presents a magical evening for the entire family! It begins with Carolers in traditional Dickens attire strolling throughout the plaza singing holiday songs. Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Batman and Spiderman will be available for personal photo opportunities. Then, at 5:30PM the Travis Park Ringers perform special holiday arrangements and don’t forget your family photo with Santa in front of the Bexar County Courthouse from 6:00PM-9:00PM
Sunday, December 3: San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones, 78215
Free admission to the San Antonio Museum of Art (10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.)
AND
Family Day See + Do: Celebrations and Inspirations! (1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.)
Explore holiday traditions from around the world through art! Craft ornaments, wrapping paper, and pop-up holiday cards inspired by celebrations represented in the museum’s collections. Kids 12 and under get free admission.
Monday, December 4: Yanaguana Gardens, 434 S Alamo St, 78205, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Budding engineers and architects, join us on the Great Lawn for free-play with the Imagination Playground Big Blue Blocks. Building and playing with Big Blue Blocks is a FREE all-ages activity!
Tuesday, December 5: Whole Foods Quarry Market, 255 E Basse Rd #130, 78209, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Join Whole Foods at the Quarry Market Cafe, the first Tuesday of every month, for the Kids Club Story Time. There will be a story, a snack and some fun activities! This monthly event is free – register here.
Tuesday, December 5: 2610 TPC Pkwy 109, 78259, 1:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Free Sno Day at Bahama Bucks! Free 12 ounce sno in any flavor – limit 1 per customer.
Tuesday, December 5: Witte Museum, 3801 Broadway, 78209, 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Free Tuesdays at the Witte with no admission.
Tuesday, December 5: San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones, 78215, 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Free admission to the San Antonio Museum of Art.
Tuesday, December 5: The Briscoe Western Art Museum, 210 W. Market Street, 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Free Tuesday Nights at the Briscoe Western Art Museum! Everyone gets in free on Tuesday nights from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. to enjoy special programs, music, and more. And, remember: during all other open days/times, the Briscoe offers free admission, year-round, to children 12 and under and to all active military and their families (up to 4 people).
Tuesday, December 5: The DoSeum, 2800 Broadway, 78209, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Free admission to The DoSeum on the first and third Tuesday of every month! Only the first 1,200 guests will be admitted so arrive early. Parking is free but limited – another good reason to be there early. Remember: no outside food allowed and umbrella strollers only inside the museum. The cafe will be open with food and drinks for sale.
PLEASE NOTE: the times have changed back to 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, December 5: Travis Park, 311 E Travis St., 78205, 7:00 p.m.
Join Slab Cinema for Movies by Moonlight. The movie is National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. Get there early for a good spot. The movie will start at dusk.
Wednesday, December 6: Cibolo Nature Center, Herff Farm, 33 Herff Rd, Boerne, TX, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
CNC: Little Explorers! Little Explorers will come for fun and adventure using their five senses to discover nature. They will listen to stories, sing songs, play games, explore the outdoors, and make crafts to take home. $5 per family. For more information, contact Stephanie Colvard at st*******@ci****.org or 830-249-4616.
Wednesday, December 6: Krispy Kreme (1117 North Loop 1604 East, 78232 | 12328 IH 10 West, 78230 | 2703 S.E. Military Dr., 78223), 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Free Family Night at Krispy Kreme: donut decorating, crafts, and games for all ages.
Friday, December 8: 100 Auditorium Circle, 78205, 8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
H-E-B Cinema on the Plaza. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets to the Plaza under the glow of the Tobin Center and enjoy The Polar Express! The plaza will open an hour before the movie starts. No outside food or drinks are allowed, but concessions will be available for purchase- including full bar service. No Pets Please.
Friday, December 8: Arneson River Theater, 418 Villita St, 78205, 7:00 p.m.
Free admission to Holly Daze Dance Performances! Enjoy holiday dance performances performed by San Antonio Parks and Recreations Dance Troupes. For information call (210) 207-3132 or go to SAParksandRec.com.
Saturday, December 9: Cibolo Nature Center, Herff Farm, 33 Herff Rd, Boerne, TX, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
FARM: Kids Club: Birds! Explore what birds do in the winter and learn what keeps our feathered friends happy by making some seed feeders you can take home for the bird friend in your own backyard! For kids from 3 to 103. $5.00 per family suggested donation. For more information, contact Stephanie Colvard at st*******@ci****.org or 830-331-8596.
Saturday, December 9: Inspire Art, 1943 N. New Braunfels, 78208, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Free Family Art Day takes place at Inspire Art every second Saturday of the month.
Saturday, December 9: Hemisfair, 434 S Alamo St., 78205, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Hemisfair’s Second Saturday Art in the Park series presents free art workshops for kids ages 4-12. Each workshop features a fun, themed art activity. Please allow extra time for parking, as the workshop begins promptly at 11 am. To find us once you arrive, just follow the “Art in the Park” signs!
Saturday, December 9: Lakeshore Learning, 327 NW Loop 410, 78216, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Free craft for kids. This week kids create a Make a Face! Frosty Mask.
Saturday, December 9: Yanaguana Garden, 434 S. Alamo St., 78205, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
A fitness experience geared for younger park guests, Youth Fitness is hosted in Yanaguana Garden every second Saturday. Great for kids and pre-teens, this FREE class will get the whole family moving!
Saturday, December 9: Arneson River Theater, 418 Villita St, 78205, 7:00 p.m.
Free admission to Holly Daze Dance Performances! Enjoy holiday dance performances performed by San Antonio Parks and Recreations Dance Troupes. For information call (210) 207-3132 or go to SAParksandRec.com.
Sunday, December 10: Institute of Texan Cultures, 801 E. Cesar Chavez Blvd., 78205, 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Free admission on the second Sunday of each month. Explore Texas Freedom Colonies through engaging family presentations, activities and more. The day will include a lecture and slideshow on Texas Freedom Colonies.
Monday, December 11: Yanaguana Gardens, 434 S Alamo St, 78205, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Budding engineers and architects, join us on the Great Lawn for free-play with the Imagination Playground Big Blue Blocks. Building and playing with Big Blue Blocks is a FREE all-ages activity!
Tuesday, December 12: Witte Museum, 3801 Broadway, 78209, 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Free Tuesdays at the Witte with no admission.
Tuesday, December 12: San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones, 78215, 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Free admission to the San Antonio Museum of Art.
Tuesday, December 12: The Briscoe Western Art Museum, 210 W. Market Street, 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Free Tuesday Nights at the Briscoe Western Art Museum! Everyone gets in free on Tuesday nights from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. to enjoy special programs, music, and more. And, remember: during all other open days/times, the Briscoe offers free admission, year-round, to children 12 and under and to all active military and their families (up to 4 people).
Tuesday, December 12: Travis Park, 311 E Travis St., 78205, 7:00 p.m.
Join Slab Cinema for Movies by Moonlight. The movie is Elf. Get there early for a good spot. The movie will start at dusk.
Wednesday, December 13: Cibolo Nature Center, Herff Farm, 33 Herff Rd, Boerne, TX, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
CNC: Little Explorers! Little Explorers will come for fun and adventure using their five senses to discover nature. They will listen to stories, sing songs, play games, explore the outdoors, and make crafts to take home. $5 per family. For more information, contact Stephanie Colvard at st*******@ci****.org or 830-249-4616.
Saturday, December 16: Yanaguana Gardens, 434 S Alamo St, 78205, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Join us on the Great Lawn for free-play with the Imagination Playground Big Blue Blocks every third Saturday. Build whatever is in YOUR imagination. All budding Engineers and Architects welcome!!
Saturday, December 16: Hemisfair, 434 S Alamo St, 78205, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Work up a sweat, get fit and bust a move with a FREE Zumba class from MIX FIT SA. You’ll love this high energy dance workout.
Saturday, December 16: Hemisfair, 434 S Alamo St., 78205, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Hemisfair’s Second Saturday Art in the Park series presents free art workshops for kids ages 4-12. Each workshop features a fun, themed art activity. Please allow extra time for parking, as the workshop begins promptly at 11 am. To find us once you arrive, just follow the “Art in the Park” signs!
Saturday, December 16: Lakeshore Learning, 327 NW Loop 410, 78216, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Free craft for kids. This week kids create a My Winter Headband.
Sunday, December 17: Trader’s Village, 9333 SW Loop 410 near Old Pearsall Road, 12:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Trader’s Village will host their fourth annual “Toys for Tots” Toy Drive. The Marines, Squirrel Squad Car Club and Traders Village will join forces to collect toys for children who would otherwise not receive a toy from Santa. Registration for the car show requires a toy for a child. The Marines will have containers available for all toys collected. Please feel free to bring a toy! The event is free, but parking is $4. Santa will be available to take photos for $5.
Monday, December 18: Yanaguana Gardens, 434 S Alamo St, 78205, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Budding engineers and architects, join us on the Great Lawn for free-play with the Imagination Playground Big Blue Blocks. Building and playing with Big Blue Blocks is a FREE all-ages activity!
Tuesday, December 19: La Quinta Inn and Suites, 1017 N Loop 1604 East, 78232, 10:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
Sponsored by British Swim School North San Antonio, this is sensory water play activity and intro to infant-toddler safety swimming and open swim. Pre-registration is required, capacity is limited.
Tuesday, December 19: Witte Museum, 3801 Broadway, 78209, 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Free Tuesdays at the Witte with no admission.
Tuesday, December 19: 115 Old Boerne Road, Bulverde, 78163, 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Get your pet’s toe nails clipped for free at Bird Dog & Cat Fish Pet Shop! (no birds please)
Tuesday, December 19: San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones, 78215, 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Free admission to the San Antonio Museum of Art.
Tuesday, December 19: The Briscoe Western Art Museum, 210 W. Market Street, 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Free Tuesday Nights at the Briscoe Western Art Museum! Everyone gets in free on Tuesday nights from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. to enjoy special programs, music, and more. And, remember: during all other open days/times, the Briscoe offers free admission, year-round, to children 12 and under and to all active military and their families (up to 4 people).
Tuesday, December 19: The DoSeum, 2800 Broadway, 78209, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Free admission to The DoSeum on the first and third Tuesday of every month! Only the first 1,200 guests will be admitted so arrive early. Parking is free but limited – another good reason to be there early. Remember: no outside food allowed and umbrella strollers only inside the museum. The cafe will be open with food and drinks for sale.
PLEASE NOTE: the times have changed back to 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, December 19: Travis Park, 311 E Travis St., 78205, 7:00 p.m.
Join Slab Cinema for Movies by Moonlight. The movie is Frozen. Get there early for a good spot. The movie will start at dusk.
Wednesday, December 20: Cibolo Nature Center, Herff Farm, 33 Herff Rd, Boerne, TX, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
CNC: Little Explorers! Little Explorers will come for fun and adventure using their five senses to discover nature. They will listen to stories, sing songs, play games, explore the outdoors, and make crafts to take home. On the 3rd Wednesday, special guest Mother Nature will be there for story time. $5 per family. For more information, contact Stephanie Colvard at st*******@ci****.org or 830-249-4616.
Wednesday, December 20: TriPoint, 3233 N St. Mary’s St., 78212, 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Student Loan Debt has topped $1.3 trillion dollars nationwide, three times the amount from a decade ago. This free My Education Solutions workshop is for graduates, students and parents to learn which forgiveness programs you qualify for.
Thursday, December 21: LA Fitness, 522 W Loop 1604 North, 78245, 10:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
Sponsored by British Swim School North San Antonio, this is sensory water play activity and intro to infant-toddler safety swimming and open swim. Pre-registration is required, capacity is limited.
Saturday, December 23: Hemisfair, 434 S Alamo St, 78205, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Join MIX FIT SA every fourth Saturday for High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), to have fun while maximizing your calorie burn. There’s no better place to work out than in the park, so get out to this FREE event and get moving!
Saturday, December 23: Hemisfair, 434 S Alamo St., 78205, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Hemisfair’s Second Saturday Art in the Park series presents free art workshops for kids ages 4-12. Each workshop features a fun, themed art activity. Please allow extra time for parking, as the workshop begins promptly at 11 am. To find us once you arrive, just follow the “Art in the Park” signs!
Saturday, December 23: Lakeshore Learning, 327 NW Loop 410, 78216, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Free craft for kids. This week kids create a Ugly Sweater Ornament.
Saturday, December 23: The Purple Chair, 2302 Gruene Lake Dr. Suite C New Braunfels, Texas 78130, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
The Purple Chair will have Santa!! Stop by, tell Santa what you would like for Christmas, bring your camera and snap a photo. This is a free event and all ages are welcome!
Monday, December 25: Yanaguana Gardens, 434 S Alamo St, 78205, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Budding engineers and architects, join us on the Great Lawn for free-play with the Imagination Playground Big Blue Blocks. Building and playing with Big Blue Blocks is a FREE all-ages activity!
Tuesday, December 26: Witte Museum, 3801 Broadway, 78209, 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Free Tuesdays at the Witte with no admission.
Tuesday, December 26: San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones, 78215, 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Free admission to the San Antonio Museum of Art.
Tuesday, December 26: The Briscoe Western Art Museum, 210 W. Market Street, 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Free Tuesday Nights at the Briscoe Western Art Museum! Everyone gets in free on Tuesday nights from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. to enjoy special programs, music, and more. And, remember: during all other open days/times, the Briscoe offers free admission, year-round, to children 12 and under and to all active military and their families (up to 4 people).
Thursday, December 28: McNay Art Museum, 6000 N. New Braunfels, 78209, 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Join the McNay Art Museum every Thursday to enjoy free general admission courtesy of H-E-B! Remember: kids and teens always get in free. The special exhibition fee will still apply at this time if you wish to experience Chuck Ramirez: All This and Heaven Too.
Saturday, December 30: Hemisfair, 434 S Alamo St., 78205, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Hemisfair’s Second Saturday Art in the Park series presents free art workshops for kids ages 4-12. Each workshop features a fun, themed art activity. Please allow extra time for parking, as the workshop begins promptly at 11 am. To find us once you arrive, just follow the “Art in the Park” signs!
Saturday, December 30: Lakeshore Learning, 327 NW Loop 410, 78216, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Free craft for kids. This week kids create a My Resolution Craft.
Saturday, December 31: Hemisfair Park, 434 South Alamo 78205, 6:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Celebrate San Antonio is the city’s official New Year’s Eve Celebration and Fireworks Extravaganza. This FREE downtown festival features three stages of live music performances, carnival games and rides, delicious festival food (gorditas, mini-tacos, barbeque and funnel cakes) and a fireworks show at midnight.
Which activity are you most looking forward to?
Did I miss something? Let me know!
Sara Phillips writes about her kids and husband, recipes, life, and activities on her blog, Sensibly Sara. She also enjoys writing reviews and hosting giveaways. Sara and her family live in San Antonio, TX.
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