Looking for some of the best free and cheap things to do in San Antonio this week? There are a ton of great holiday events in addition to the typical San Antonio fun. Check out our guide for 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 this holiday season. Each night, the Zoo turns into a winter wonderland shining bright with two million lights and elaborate displays. Groupon is running a 25% off deal now for a limited time!
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
Big Blue Blocks at Yanaguana Garden
What: Big Blue Blocks on the Great Lawn at Yanaguana Garden – the perfect play date for your little ones! Big Blue Blocks allow for creativity and use of fine motor skills besides being tons of fun.
When: December 3, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Where: 434 S. Alamo St., 78205
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 3, 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Where: 301 Alamo Plaza, 78205
Cost: $10
Christmas Tree Lighting in Leon Valley
What: Come out for a visit with Santa and the lighting of our Christmas Tree in Leon Valley! Enjoy free hot cocoa, cookies and a movie outside! Movie begins at 6:45 p.m. “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”
When: December 3, 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Where: 6427 Evers Rd., 78238
Cost: Free
Chanukah and Menorah Lighting Celebration at The Pearl
What: The San Antonio community comes together for the fourth annual Chanukah and Menorah lighting celebration which includes live music by Tera Ferna. The menorah at Pearl will be lit each evening of Chanukah, and will be located in the Shade Structure between Botika Restaurant and The Boiler House SA.
When: December 3, 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Where: 303 Pearl Pkwy., 78215
Cost: Free
Tuesday
Kids Club Story Time at Whole Foods Market
What: Join us for our Kids Club Story Time at Whole Foods! We will have a story, a snack and some fun activities.
When: December 4, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Where: Both San Antonio locations
Cost: Free
Story Time in the Book Garden at Hemisfair
What: Bring the kids out for Story Time and a fun activity! The Book Garden, a mobile library, will be out in the park, so you can take a free book, or donate any that you’re done with. It’s a free take-a-book, leave-a-book library for your family! Perfect for kids under age 4. Story Time will be in Central Games Plaza.
When: December 4, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Where: 434 S Alamo St., 78205
Cost: Free
Holiday Lighting in Travis Park
What: Spend an evening under the lights in Travis Park while you enjoy food trucks and holiday activities!
When: December 4, 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Where: 301 E Travis St., 78205
Cost: Free
HEB Family Free Night at the DoSeum
What: Brought to you by HEB, Greehey Family Foundation, and Najim Family Foundation, every first Tuesday of the Month!
Tips for making your free family night as enjoyable as possible:
– The first 1,500 guests will be admitted; please arrive early to ensure entry. When we reach capacity a sign will be posted outside.
– Parking is limited; please plan accordingly.
– No outside food allowed inside The DoSeum.
– Please limit stroller use or use umbrella strollers only inside the museum.
When: December 4, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Where: 2800 Broadway St., 78209
Cost: Free
Wednesday
Parents’ Day Out at YMCA – O.P. Schnabel Park
What: This program is for children of members ages 6 weeks to 13 years old. Children will be kept engaged and having fun while you have a piece of mind that they are being safely supervised. Activities include: craft projects, group games, story time and center play.
When: December 5, 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Where: 9606 Bandera Rd., 78250
Cost: $10 per child
Family Night at Krispy Kreme Donuts
What: Join us on the first Wednesday of every month for family fun! Doughnut Decorating & more!
When: December 5, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Where: Multiple locations across San Antonio
Cost: Free
Astronomy in the Park – Raymond Rimkus
What: SAAA members will have telescopes set up to show you various objects in the night sky. Astronomers will be setup in the large parking lot near the intersection of Cherryleaf St. and Poss Road. *This is a free event open to the public, however it is dependent on the weather so if it is cloudy or raining the event will be canceled. Check the SAAA Facebook page for updates. Note about the start time: It’s a general time – usually they meet before sunset to set up telescopes and then viewing will start as soon as conditions allow (generally about 1 hour after sunset).
When: December 5, 8:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Where: 6440 Evers Rd., 78240
Cost: Free
Thursday
Holiday Night Market at The Pearl
What: Get a jump start on your holiday shopping at 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 for purchase!
When: December 6, 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Where: 303 Pearl Pkwy., 78215
Cost: Free
H-E-B Free General Admission at the McNay Art Museum
What: Join us and enjoy free general admission courtesy of H-E-B.
When: December 6, 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Where: 6000 N New Braunfels Ave., 78209
Cost: Free
Santa’s Coming to Frost Bank
What: Join Frost Bank at their Leon Springs financial center for a little holiday cheer. There will be cookies and Santa himself, so be sure to bring the whole family—and a camera to capture those special moments.
When: December 6, 4:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Where: 23787 W IH 10, 78257
Cost: Free
Wassailfest New Braunfels
What: Wassailfest features wassail sampling, food, shopping, and entertainment. Stroll through downtown New Braunfels while sipping warm wassail and see what your local merchants have to offer for your holiday gift giving needs.
When: December 6, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Where: 500 Main Plaza, New Braunfels, 78130
Cost: Free
Friday
Little Explorers at Cibolo Nature Center
What:Enjoy a program specifically for preschoolers and their caregivers. Children can use their five senses for fun and adventure as they discover nature through stories, crafts, games, songs, and outdoor exploration. Themes Include Science Lab, Nature Art, Seeds, Seasons, and Dragonflies.
When:December 7, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Where: 140 City Park Rd., Boerne, 78006
Cost: $5 per family
Free First Friday in Downtown Pearsall
What: Bring your friends and family to enjoy Pearsall Main Street First Friday!
When: December 7, 5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Where: 215 S Ash St., Pearsall, 78061
Cost: Free
Christmas Caroling at St. Francis Nursing Home
What: Join Living Stone Kids for a night of Christmas caroling. They will be at St. Francis Nursing Home to spread the joy, peace, and love of Jesus and would love to have as many kids there as possible! Afterward we will have cookies and hot chocolate.
When: December 7, 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Where: 630 W Woodlawn Ave., 78212
Cost: Free
The Boho Market at La Villita
What: The Boho Market is a First Friday arts market at La Villita. Come out for local shopping, craft beer, live music, games and more!
When: December 7, 6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Where: 418 Villita St., 78205
Cost: Free
Movie Night at Plaza Guadalupe
What: Bring the family for a movie night at Plaza Guadalupe! This free outdoor, family-friendly event features a movie, snacks, and pre-movie entertainment this fall at Plaza Guadalupe. The movie – ‘Instructions Not Included’ – begins at 8 p.m. Lawn chairs and blankets are welcome. Parking is available onsite.
When: December 7, 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Where: 1327 Guadalupe St., 78207
Cost: Free
Saturday
Breakfast with Santa at St. Francis Episcopal
What: Come out to Breakfast with Santa at St. Francis Episcopal Church in the Parish Hall. There’ll be time to visit with Santa & Mrs. Claus, a small toy for each child, photo opportunities, crafts, games, music!
When: December 8, 8:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Where: 4242 Bluemel Rd., 78240
Cost: Free
Pancakes & Photos with Santa – East Central ISD
What: Free pancakes & orange juice with Santa. Children will meet and take a free digital picture with Santa. Free arts and crafts, too!
When: December 8, 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Where: 7173 FM 1628, 78263
Cost: Free
Breakfast with Santa at the Boerne YMCA
What:Join the Boerne YMCA for a pancake breakfast. Write letters to Santa and enjoy a story read by Santa with photos after. Make reindeer food and a little Christmas craft. Space is limited so sign up at the Welcome Center today!
When:December 8, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Where:820 Adler Rd., Boerne, 78006
Cost:Members: $5 per family | Non-Members: $15 per family
Trees of Texas – How to ID Guide
What:Join Texas Forestry Service Urban Forester, Mark Kroeze, in a guided tree identification process online. This is a great program for families with elementary children and older. There will be a free 1-gallon tree for the first 20 families attending.
When:December 8, 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Where:8400 NW Military Hwy, 78231
Cost:Free
Just for Kids: Hands On at JoAnn Craft Stores
What:Drop in and get crafty with your kids at JoAnn Craft Stores! *Supplies are limited for this event and may vary from store to store.
When:December 8, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Where:Multiple locations across San Antonio
Cost:Free
Cowboy Christmas Parade in Helotes
What:Kick up your heels with in Old Town Helotes for the Cowboy Christmas Parade! This year’s theme is: Songs of Christmas.
When:December 8, 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Where:14391 Riggs Rd., Helotes, 78023
Cost:Free
Sunday
Winter Celebrations Around the World – UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures
What: International students participating in the AYUSA Global Exchange program will have displays about major holidays in their home countries. Dressed in their native attire, they will discuss holiday traditions and other aspects of life at home and their experiences in the U.S. The institute will accept blankets toward its annual blanket drive for Communities in Schools; along with new or gently used books appropriate for grades K – 8 for SA Reads.
When: December 9, 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Where: 801 E Cesar E Chavez Blvd., 78205
Cost: Free
Holiday Artsy Barksy – Animal Defense League
What: Enjoy local art, pet related vendors, beer & wine, live music, food trucks, a coffee bar, photos with Santa, and of course pet adoptions! There will also be a holiday pet toy drive for our dogs and cats.
When: December 9, 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Where: 210 Tuleta Dr., 78212
Cost: Free
Christmasville, Texas in Castle Hills
What: Christmasville, Texas is a family-friendly event – full of seasonal fun and festivity. It is an environment where all are welcome and community relationships are fostered. This is our hometown Christmas celebration. Fee will include attractions like Santa, a snow slide, ferris wheel, chair swings, train rides, snow play areas, food and more!
When: December 9, 5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Where: 2220 NW Military Hwy., 78213
Cost: $2 per person
