Can you believe it’s only a week until Christmas?! The year has just flown by! But with all the holiday decorations and events, there’s still plenty to do. Look no further for the best free and cheap things to do in San Antonio this week! Our guide includes events across the city for every day of the week!
DAILY FUN
San Antonio Zoo Lights
San Antonio Zoo Lights is one of the city’s best places to see Christmas lights during the holidays. Each night, the Zoo transforms with two million lights and elaborate holiday displays that are sure to wow kids and adults alike. Groupon is running a 25% off deal now for a limited time!
Six Flags Holiday in the Park
Experience the magic of the holiday season with this great family event at Six Flags Fiesta Texas. There’s a variety of exciting interactive activities that perfectly capture the holiday spirit. Open select days, so check their calendar. Right now, Groupon has tickets for about 40% off!
Monday
Play & Learn – Northridge Park
What: Put on your play clothes and join the San Antonio Public Library for a story time and activities! Talk, sing, read, write, and play our way towards being ready to read! (For ages 0-5 with an accompanying adult.)
When: December 17, 10:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
Where: 821 Chevy Chase Dr., 78209
Cost: Free
Meet and Greet with The Grinch at Fresca Family Dental
What: Meet and Greet with The Grinch at Fresca Family Dental.
When: December 17, 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Where: 5835 Culebra Rd., Suite #105, 78228
Cost: Free
Tuesday
Little Explorers: Meet Santa at Cibolo Nature Center
What:Â Enjoy a special holiday edition of Little Explorers with a special guest: Santa Claus! For preschoolers and their caregivers. Today, bring your Little Explorers in for a photo with Santa and a special surprise!
When: December 18, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Where: 140 City Park Rd., Boerne, 78006
Cost: $5 per family
Polar Express Hot Cocoa Party at Artworks Art Studio
What: During Storybook Art Artworks will be reading The Polar Express! Storytime will be followed by an art project, then it’s on to winter-themed crafts, stations and hot cocoa! Build a Marshmallow Sculpture Masterpiece while sipping a warm beverage in the Artworks Party Room.
When: December 18, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Where: 1840 Nacogdoches Rd., 78209
Cost: $10 per child
December in Travis Park
What: Head on out to Travis Park for some fun! Enjoy many things including: Saint Mark’s Episcopal church choir, live holiday music, free photos with Santa, face painting, food trucks, hot chocolate, festive activities for kids and so much more! Free parking.
When: December 18, 5:00 p.m.
Where: 301 E Travis St., 78205
Cost: Free
Visit Santa and His Reindeer at MINI of San Antonio
What: Come see the new MINI San Antonio store and visit with Santa and one of his reindeer! (Santa will be inside BMW.)Â There will also be:Â Pictures with Santa, hang out with one of the reindeer, cookies and hot cocoa.
When: December 18, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Where: 15507 W IH-10, 78249
Cost: Free
Holiday at the Square
What: SA Live is taking over Market Square and transforming the area into a winter wonderland! Come out and enjoy it!
When: December 18, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Where: 514 W Commerce St., 78207
Cost: Free
Milam Park Free Outdoor Movie
What: Sponsored by City of San Antonio and Centro San Antonio, come out for The Gremlins. Bring picnics, lawn chairs and blankets.
When: December 18, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Where: 500 W Houston St., 78207
Cost: Free
Wednesday
Playdates at the San Antonio Museum of Art
What: Toddlers experience stories, gallery activities, hands-on art, movement, and music. Space is limited, first-come, first-served. Playdates are for ages 2 to 4.
When: December 19, 10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
Where: 200 West Jones Ave., 78215
Cost: Free with Museum Admission (Children 12 and under always receive free admission.)
Reading with Rudolph and Magic Reindeer Food at the Leon Valley Public Library
What: The library will bring out their big Rudolph Stuffie and read Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Afterward, you’ll be making Magic Reindeer Food to toss on your lawn.
When: December 19, 10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Where: 6425 Evers Rd., Leon Valley, 78238
Cost: Free
Cookies & Pictures with Santa at Schertz Family YMCA
What: Head out to the Schertz Family YMCA for cookies & crafts! Bring your camera for a free picture with Santa, too.
When: December 19, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Where: 621 Westchester, Schertz, 78154
Cost: Free
Posada at the Pearl
What: Inspired by the Mexican tradition of Las Posadas, join The Historic Pearl as they host the second annual traditional Posada. Experience live music, children’s crafts, piñatas, and traditional Mexican treats featuring buñuelos, tamales, and Mexican hot chocolate.
When: December 19, 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Where: 303 Pearl Pkwy., 78215
Cost: Free
Thursday
Free Camp Gladiator Community Workout
What: Come one, come all, for this free community workout! Anyone and everyone is welcome – all you need is water, a mat and a set of dumbbells.
When: December 20, 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Where: 1 Resort Way, Boerne, 78006
Cost:Â Free
Gingerbread House Build at Helton San Antonio River Nature Park
What: Get in the Holiday spirit with the San Antonio River Authority! Make and take your house built from graham crackers and sweet treats at this family-friendly event. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Space is limited – RSVP to na********@sa*****.org
When: December 20, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Where: 15662 FM 775, Floresville, 78114
Cost: Free
Holiday Night Market at The Pearl
What: Get a jump on your holiday shopping at The Historic Pearl’s Holiday Night Market! Shop farmers market and craft vendors while enjoying live music and holiday-themed activities. Traditional favorites like tamales, artisan chocolates and sweets will also be available.
When: December 20, 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Where: 303 Pearl Pkwy., 78215
Cost: Free
Friday
Milk and Cookies with the Midwives and Mrs. Claus
What: Come join Mrs. Claus for story time & enjoy some milk and cookies with the Midwives! Story will be read on the hour. Photo opportunities available. This is a come-and-go event – leave whenever your kid(s) are ready to go.
When:December 21, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Where: 7272 Wurzbach Rd., Ste 101, 78240
Cost: Free
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Christmas Town Display
What: The Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Christmas Town display has eight different holiday theme scenes that is sure to delight the whole family. See celebrity wax figures portrayed in fun holiday scenes. Come to take a selfie with Mr. Clause himself or other photo opps throughout. Come see the Ripley’s Christmas Town before it leaves on January 1st!
When: December 21, 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Where: 301 Alamo Plaza, 78205
Cost: $10 per person
Merry Movie Nights in Travis Park
What: Enjoy beautiful holiday lights and fun activities including free photos with Santa, face painting, food trucks and hot chocolate provided by Travis Park United Methodist Church.
When: December 21, 4:00 p.m.
Where: 301 E Travis St., 78205
Cost: Free
Movie Night at Guadalupe Plaza
What: Bring the family for a movie night – “The Polar Express”! This free outdoor, family-friendly event features a movie, snacks, and pre-movie entertainment this fall at Plaza Guadalupe. The movie begins at dusk. Lawn chairs and blankets are encouraged. Parking is available onsite.
When: December 21, 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Where: 1327 Guadalupe St., 78207
Cost: Free
Saturday
Home Depot Free Kids Workshop
What: This is a hands-on workshop for your child. All kids get to keep their craft, receive a free certificate of achievement, a workshop apron, and a commemorative pin while supplies last. Children must be present at the store to participate in the workshop and receive the kit, apron and pin.
When: December 22, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Where: Multiple locations across San Antonio
Cost: Free
Christmas Movie Marathon at Mammen Public Library
What: Join the Mammen public library for a Holiday Movie Event – drinks and snacks will be provided. Bring pillows and blankets to settle in and get cozy. There will also be a gift wrapping station with paper, tape, ribbon and scissors. No registration required.
When: December 22, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Where: 131 Bulverde Crossing Rd., Bulverde, 78163
Cost: Free
Holiday Wonder Express at Wonder World Cave & Park
What:Help Santa find his hardest working elves. They’ve gotten lost in the Wonder Cave! Then enjoy hot chocolate on the wonder express train ride through Whoville, music in the cave, holiday shopping and a picture with the man in red himself!Â
When:December 22, 10:00 a.m.Â
Where:1000 Prospect St., San Marcos, 78666
Cost:$8 per person
2018 Regal Holiday Classics
What:Enjoy “ELF” at Regal Theaters across San Antonio.
When:December 22, 12:00 p.m.
Where:Multiple locations across San Antonio
Cost:$5 per ticket
Sunday
Christmas Experience at River City Community Church
What: RCCC invites you to join them this holiday season for a Christmas Experience you won’t soon forget – Carols & Candlelight, featuring Fire Pits, Hot Cocoa, Christmas Lights, and an interactive LIVE nativity!
When: December 23, 9:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
Where: 16765 Lookout Rd., Selma, 78154
Cost: Free
DIY Holiday Slime at Dragon’s Lair Comics & Fantasy
What: Ready for some holiday silliness? Come get science-y at Dragon’s Lair Comics & Fantasy. We’ll be making holiday slime.
When: December 23, 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Where: 5511 W Loop 1604 N #111, 78253
Cost: $5 per family
Christmas Vacation Movie Party at Alamo Draft House Stone Oak
What: Enjoy a Movie Party with special props for the audience and special surprises that your host will be bringing into the theater throughout the event.
When: December 23, 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Where: 22806 US Hwy 281 North, 78258
Cost: $12.99 each
