Kick off the month of December and get in the Christmas spirit with these family-friendly events.
SAN ANTONIO — As we enter the final stretch of 2024, holiday events and activities are ramping up across the Alamo City. This weekend features a free food market with Latin flare, a classic Christmas time ballet performance and a free holiday market.
Here are our top picks for the weekend ahead.
Ballet San Antonio’s “The Nutcracker”
A magical holiday tradition returns to the Tobin Center. Take a journey through the Land of Snow and Sweets for The Nutcracker presented by Ballet San Antonio.
The production features live music by the CMI Orchestra and choreography by Haley Henderson Smith and Easton Smith.
When: December 6 -8 and December 13-15 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Where: Tobin Center for the Performing Arts (100 Auditorium Circle)
Cost: Tickets prices start at $36 and can be purchased here
Folklorico Nutcracker
You can also experience the beloved Nutcracker in a unique way that blends San Antonio’s diverse traditions and unique cultures. This isn’t your ordinary Nutcracker… It’s a Texas-sized holiday celebration!
The San Antonio Philharmonic presents The Nutcracker: A Texas Folklorico Story at the Majestic Theatre featuring a performance from the San Antonio Ballet School.
The production pays homage to the timeless melodies of Tchaikovsky with a fusion of music and dance that celebrates the vibrant spirit of the city.
When: Friday, December 6 and Saturday, December 7 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Majestic Theatre (224 East Houston Street)
Cost: Tickets start at $15 and can be purchased here
Mariachi Extravaganza
A multi-day festival celebrating its 30th year in San Antonio showcases top-tier talent from school-based mariachi programs across the country.
The Mariachi Extravaganza Music Festival features the largest national mariachi group and vocal competitions for three days of highly-skilled performances.
Attendees can expect a competitive atmosphere, rich with cultural pride and tradition, plus a grand finale concert featuring competition winners and the world-renowned Mexico-city based Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan.
When: Thursday, December 5 – Saturday, December 7 from 7:30 p.m. to 10:45 p.m.
Where: Lila Cockrell Theatre (900 East Market Street)
Cost: Tickets start at $50 and can be purchased here
Sazon Latin Food Market
Enjoy a day of Latin food, music and a great time on Saturday. The Sazon Latin Food Market features food vendors representing all the best flavors from the Caribbean, Central and South America.
The free family-friendly event celebrates Latin cuisine in a fun atmosphere featuring great music and drinks.
When: Saturday, December 7 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: 13838 Jones Maltsberger Road
Cost: Free
Winterfest at The Rock
Open now until January 6, Winterfest brings a one of a kind winter wonderland experience to the Alamo City. Experience a magical festive night of holiday markets, ice skating and photo ops near a sparkling Christmas tree at Winterfest.
This free event at The Rock at La Cantera is sure to be fun for the whole family this holiday season.
When: Open daily until January 6, 2025
Where: The Rock at La Cantera (1 Spurs Way)
Cost: Free
Plus…
The delightful and heartwarming retelling of the classic children’s story, The Velveteen Rabbit.is showing at the Magik Theater until the end of the month.
Mission Concepción will host their annual Matachine Festival with dancing at the church and a celebration at the El Camino Campus on Sunday.
Finally, the Green Santa Sustainable Holiday Market promotes sustainability during the holidays with a wide range of vendors offering minimal waste gifts and decorations as well as interactive workshops. The free event takes place at Eco Centro on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.