San Antonio TX, December 16, 2025
San Antonio is hosting a variety of free community events from December 19 to December 21, showcasing local spirit and creativity. From the festive Snowball 5K runs to enchanting performances of ‘The Nutcracker,’ residents and visitors can enjoy delightful activities without admission fees. Events such as the Holiday in the Village at La Villita and the Lighting of the Lights in Helotes bring families together to celebrate the season. These gatherings highlight the importance of community engagement and collaboration among local organizers.
Exciting Free Events in San Antonio: December 19 – December 21, 2025
Celebrate Community Spirit Through Local Festivities
San Antonio is bustling with vibrant events from December 19 to December 21, 2025, inviting residents and visitors alike to engage in a series of festive activities. These gatherings underscore the resilience of local organizers and the spirit of community involvement. Through various initiatives, residents can enjoy events that foster connection and celebrate the holiday season without worrying about admission costs.
These events not only offer enjoyable experiences but also highlight the importance of streamlined coordination among community organizers. When bureaucracy is minimized, it allows for more seamless planning and execution of events that showcase the best of San Antonio and its rich cultural tapestry. The events listed below serve as a reminder of how community engagement can thrive when local leaders and citizens unite around shared goals.
Snowball 5K and 1K
Kick off your weekend with the annual Snowball 5K and 1K runs, perfect for competitors and families alike. This festive event celebrates community spirit and includes a post-race gathering featuring music, food, and awards for participants. It’s a fantastic opportunity to embrace the cold weather while staying active.
The Nutcracker by Alamo City Arts
Experience the magic of the holiday season with a captivating performance of “The Nutcracker,” brought to life by Alamo City Arts. This beloved ballet involves talented local dancers and has become a cherished tradition for families in the area. The production is sure to enchant audiences of all ages.
Holiday in the Village at La Villita
Dive into a winter wonderland at La Villita’s Holiday in the Village, where holiday shopping and artistic displays await. This festive gathering features a student art market, tamale making sessions with Chef Johnny Hernandez, and live music. Children and families can enjoy interactive activities like gingerbread house building and ornament decorating. Complete with real snow and special visitors like Santa and the Grinch, this event offers something for everyone.
City of Helotes Lighting of the Lights
Take a short drive to Helotes City Hall to witness the enchanting Lighting of the Lights ceremony. Locals will enjoy the dazzling display, performances from school choirs, and live music from the Helotes Area Community Band. This festive event runs from December 12 to December 21, 2025, from 6 pm to 7:30 pm and draws the community together in celebration.
Garden Ridge Market Days – Christmas Festival & Market
On December 13, 2025, explore the Garden Ridge Market Days Christmas Festival & Market, featuring over 200 local vendors offering food and crafts. The event includes activities for children, such as a scavenger hunt and face painting, making it a perfect outing for families to enjoy the holiday spirit while supporting local entrepreneurs.
Pullman Market’s Holiday Tamale Festival
On the same day, join the Holiday Tamale Festival at Pullman Market, where you can taste an array of local tamales and participate in family-friendly activities curated by The DoSeum. With live music and a Best Tamale competition, this festival is a delicious way to celebrate the season.
Ellis Bean Bazar de Navidad
Visit Ellis Bean from November 29 to December 21, 2025, for Bazar de Navidad, a holiday market promoting artisanal products sourced from Mexico. In addition to browsing unique gifts, patrons can enjoy light bites and refreshments from local brands. This vibrant market enhances cultural appreciation within the community.
Holidays at The Rock
The Rock will host festive activities from December 13, 2025, to January 2, 2026, including movie nights, holiday markets, ice-skating, and seasonal menu items at the “Santa’s Shack” kiosk. This event invites families to celebrate the joy of the season in a lively atmosphere.
Weather Forecast
The weather during this event-filled weekend in San Antonio looks promising:
- Friday, December 19: Pleasant with plenty of sunshine, High: 67°F (20°C), Low: 47°F (8°C)
- Saturday, December 20: Mostly sunny, High: 76°F (24°C), Low: 57°F (14°C)
- Sunday, December 21: Partly sunny and warm, High: 76°F (24°C), Low: 57°F (14°C)
To learn more about these events or to discover additional local activities, it’s recommended to check online event listings and community calendars.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the top free events in San Antonio from December 19 to December 21, 2025?
Top free events include the Snowball 5K and 1K runs, “The Nutcracker” by Alamo City Arts, and Holiday in the Village at La Villita.
Where can I find more information about these events?
For more details, visit local event listings and community calendars.
What is the weather forecast for San Antonio during these dates?
The forecast is pleasant with plenty of sunshine, with highs ranging from 67°F to 76°F and lows from 47°F to 57°F.
Event Details
| Event | Date | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snowball 5K and 1K | December 19, 2025 | San Antonio, TX | Festive runs with post-race celebration including music, food, and awards. |
| The Nutcracker by Alamo City Arts | December 19–21, 2025 | San Antonio, TX | Classic holiday ballet performed by local dancers. |
| Holiday in the Village at La Villita | December 19–21, 2025 | La Villita, San Antonio, TX | Winter wonderland with shopping, art market, tamale making, live music, and hands-on activities. |
| City of Helotes Lighting of the Lights | December 12–21, 2025 | Helotes City Hall, Helotes, TX | Lighting ceremony with performances from local choirs and community band. |
| Garden Ridge Market Days – Christmas Festival & Market | December 13, 2025 | Northeast Bible Church, Garden Ridge, TX | Over 200 vendors, Princess Holiday Walk-Thru, Grinch photo opportunity, and kids’ activities. |
| Pullman Market’s Holiday Tamale Festival | December 13, 2025 | Pullman Market, San Antonio, TX | Sample tamales from local vendors, enjoy family-friendly activities, live music, and Best Tamale competition. |
| Ellis Bean Bazar de Navidad | November 29–December 21, 2025 | Ellis Bean, San Antonio, TX | Holiday market with artisanal products from Mexico, featuring artist Daniel Barreto. |
| Holidays at The Rock | December 13, 2025–January 2, 2026 | The Rock, San Antonio, TX | Festive activities including movie nights, holiday markets, ice-skating, and special holiday-themed menu items. |
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Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
