Looking for some of the best free and cheap things to do in San Antonio this week? There are SO MANY 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 a holiday tradition that attracts families from all across the area. Witness the Zoo turn into a winter wonderland with over two million lights on display every night. 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!
Friday
Holidays in Bloom at the San Antonio Botanical Garden
What: Visit the Botanical Garden this holiday season and enjoy magical displays through the end of the year. Escape to nature with a stroll around the East Texas Lake and see the beauty of the changing seasons. Garlands, red ribbons and other holiday decorations welcome guests.
When: December 7, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Where: 555 Funston Place, 78209
Cost: Included with general admission
Mr. Popper’s Penguins at the Magik Theater
What: This delightful musical adaptation of Richard and Florence Atwater’s popular book will get San Antonio in the mood for chilly Christmas weather! Great for kids 5 – 10 years old.
When: December 7, 9:45 a.m.
Where: 420 S Alamo St., 78205
Cost: $15 | Children under 2 are free
Necklace Craft at the Leon Valley Public Library
What: Come out to create a necklace or bracelet. Make one for yourself or make one to give to a friend!
When: December 7, 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Where: 6425 Evers Rd., Leon Valley, 78238
Cost: Free
Merry Movie Nights in Travis Park
What: Enjoy holiday lights and activities including free photos with Santa, face painting, food trucks and hot chocolate provided by Travis Park United Methodist Church. Movie starts at dusk.
When: December 7, 4:00 p.m.
Where: 301 E Travis St., 78205
Cost: Free
Living Christmas Village in Poteet
What: Come experience the journey of Jesus Christ. A live event with adults, children and REAL animals in the roles that help to tell the story of the birth of Christ.
When: December 7, 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Where: 9199 N State Hwy 16, Poteet, 78065
Cost: Free
Holly Daze 2018 at the Arneson River Theater
What: The SA Parks and Recreation department’s pre-professional youth band ‘Take Note’ will perform seasonal favorites to get everyone in the spirit of the holidays.
When: December 7, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Where: 418 Villita St., 78205
Cost: Free
Saturday
Pictures with Santa at the Schertz Animal Hospital
What: Bring the family (with or without your pet) for a picture with Santa! You’ll receive one printed copy and the option to have the files emailed to you as well.
When: December 8, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Where: 1350 FM 78 Schertz, 78154
Cost: Free
Four Seasons Indian Market
What: The Spanish Governor’s Palace offers free museum entrance and docent-led tours at the Four Seasons Indian Market hosted in partnership with American Indians in Texas at the Spanish Colonial Mission. There will be music, food, hands on demonstrations and local vendors. The entire family is encouraged to come learn early Texas history, tour the room furnished with Spanish Colonial period pieces and be delighted with the beautifully landscaped gardens in the courtyard.
When: December 8, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Where: 105 Plaza de Armas, 78205
Cost: Free
We Rock the Spectrum – A Morning with Sensitive Santa
What:We Rock the Spectrum invites you out for a very special holiday event that provides an opportunity for children to experience a visit with Santa during the holiday season. This event avoids sounds, bright lights and over stimulation that may cause a child with sensory issues not to be receptive during a visit with Santa. Enjoy an open play, a craft project and yummy morning time treats while you wait to meet with our Sensitive Santa.
When:December 8, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Where:932 Coronado Blvd., Universal City, 78148
Cost:$12 per child | $10 for siblings
Grace Christian School Christmas Bazaar
What: Grace Christian School will have arts and crafts, jewelry, clothing, furniture, handmade soaps, and much more at the Bazaar. They will also have hay rides, a bounce house, and games. Tours of the school for interested families of children of all ages will be available. Food trucks will be on site.
When: December 8, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Where: 7760 Prue Rd., 78249
Cost: Free
Kids Club at Cibolo Nature Center
What: Get the family together and get outside to play in nature! Each month features guided outdoor activities to explore an have fun in nature. Come create memories! For ages 3 to 103.
When: December 8, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Where: 140 City Park Rd, Boerne, 78006
Cost: $5 per family
Santa’s Coming to Frost – Windcrest
What: Head over to the Frost Bank Windcrest financial center for a little holiday cheer. There will be cookies and Santa, so be sure to bring the whole family and a camera to capture those special moments.
When: December 8, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Where: 4900 Windsor Hl, Windcrest, 78239
Cost: Free
Sunday
Santa at Kohl’s
What: Use your mobile device to snap a free photo with Santa at the Kohl’s FAO Schwarz experience. Children who visit Santa will receive a free FAO Schwarz surprise.
When: December 9, All day
Where: Multiple locations across San Antonio
Cost: Free
Design a Frame at Michael’s Craft Stores
What: Make a frame for someone who lights up your world! Buy the frame, the supplies to decorate it will be provided. Age 3 and up welcome. Preregistration is not required, first come, first served. Please arrive in enough time to complete project prior to 4 pm.
When: December 9, 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Where: Multiple locations across San Antonio
Cost: Cost of the frame | Supplies provided
Story Time with Santa at Bee’s Neez
What: Santa will be reading “Twas the Night before Christmas” at 3:15 and again at 4:15. Photos available after. Hot Chocolate available for purchase for only $1.00! Bring a blanket or pillow to sit on.
When: December 9, 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Where: 20210 Stone Oak Parkway Suite 106, 78258
Cost: Free
Christmas at the Creek
What: Parents and kids will love the music, comedy sketches, and fun games. Kids can learn all about the meaning of Christmas through the senses of smell, touch, taste, hearing, and sight. Join in the jingle-jamming fun.
When: December 9, 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Where: 30395 Ralph Fair Rd., Fair Oaks Ranch, 78015
Cost: Free
Doc Watkins Big Band Holiday Classics Concert at The Pearl
What: The Pearl presents Doc Watkins and a fantastic line-up of San Antonio musicians for an evening of big band, holiday classic songs. The concert in Pearl Park features music from Doc’s newly released and much-anticipated album — Christmas in Jazz, TX.
When: December 9, 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Where: 303 Pearl Pkwy., 78215
Cost: Free
Any other things to do in San Antonio this weekend that you’re excited about? Let us know by commenting below.
