San Antonio, December 12, 2025
This weekend, San Antonio is bursting with diverse events for the community. From the grand opening of Congo Falls at the San Antonio Zoo to the inaugural Holiday Tamale Festival, residents can enjoy a rich mix of celebrations. Historical crafts at the Alamo and vibrant performances at local theaters highlight the cultural offerings. Families can partake in festive activities at venues like LEGOLAND Discovery Center and The DoSeum, rounding out an exciting weekend filled with joy and local talent.
San Antonio’s Weekend Highlights: December 12-14, 2025
San Antonio is set to host a variety of exciting events this weekend, offering residents and visitors a range of activities to enjoy. Here’s a curated list of top happenings from December 12 to December 14, 2025.
Congo Falls Grand Opening at San Antonio Zoo
Event: Grand opening of Congo Falls, the San Antonio Zoo’s new gorilla habitat.
Date & Time: Saturday, December 13, 10:00 AM
Location: San Antonio Zoo
Details: After a 35-year absence, gorillas return to the San Antonio Zoo with the unveiling of Congo Falls. This 2-acre exhibit features a 30-foot waterfall and a 70-foot observation tower, Mays Family Silverback Peak, designed to encourage natural climbing behaviors. The zoo will celebrate with a 15-minute drone show featuring 350 luminous drones lighting up the sky at 8 p.m. on Saturday.
Holiday Tamale Festival at Pullman Market
Event: First-ever Holiday Tamale Festival.
Date & Time: Saturday, December 13, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: Pullman Market
Details: Celebrate a seasonal culinary tradition with tamale vendors, including specialty creations from the Pullman Market culinary team. Enjoy family-friendly activities from The DoSeum, music by DJ Caliente, and a tamale competition highlighting standout makers and holiday flavors. Admission is free.
Christmas at the Alamo
Event: Historical Christmas celebration.
Date & Time: Saturday, December 13, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: The Alamo
Details: Step into history and celebrate the season as early Texas settlers once did. Families can try their hand at crafts like Victorian cards, pomander balls, and yarn dolls, while living history interpreters demonstrate storytelling, caroling, blacksmithing, candy-making, and more.
Doc Watkins and His Orchestra – Christmas Spectacular
Event: Holiday jazz performance by Doc Watkins and his big band.
Date & Time: Saturday, December 13, 7:00 PM
Location: Majestic Theatre
Details: Ring in the season with San Antonio’s own Doc Watkins and his big band sound at this dazzling holiday performance. Watkins leads his orchestra through festive classics, rich arrangements, and a joyful night of timeless jazz warmth.
Super Jazz Fest 2025
Event: Jazz, Funk, and Soul concert featuring Grammy winners.
Date & Time: Sunday, December 14, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: San Antonio Marriott Riverwalk
Details: A powerhouse night of jazz hits the Riverwalk with performances by Jazz Funk Soul featuring Grammy-winner Jeff Lorber, guitarist Paul Jackson Jr., and saxophonist Everette Harp. Hosted by Jazz TV’s Cameron Smith with a special appearance by San Antonio favorite Billy Ray Sheppard, this concert promises soulful energy and world-class sound.
Holiday Bricktacular at LEGOLAND Discovery Center
Event: Holiday-themed LEGO activities and displays.
Date & Time: December 12-14, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: LEGOLAND Discovery Center San Antonio
Details: Celebrate the season brick by brick as the Discovery Center transforms into a festive LEGO wonderland. Explore MINILAND dressed in snowy holiday scenes, build heart-shaped creations for charity, meet costumed characters, and shop exclusive LEGO sets for gifting.
Big Day of Play at The DoSeum
Event: Hands-on activities for children.
Date & Time: Saturday, December 13, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: The DoSeum – San Antonio’s Museum for Kids
Details: A full day of creativity, crafts, and celebration awaits at this hands-on event for young makers. Kids can decorate cupcakes, dip candles, build their own “tamale friend,” and explore The DoSeum Express exhibit alongside an immersive birthday-themed installation. Perfect for curious minds ready to play, learn, and celebrate together.
Holidays on Houston Street – Market Weekend
Event: Festive market with local vendors.
Date & Time: December 12-14
Location: Houston Street, Downtown San Antonio
Details: Experience the magic of the season in the heart of downtown at this festive three-day market. Browse more than 50 local vendors offering handmade goods, clothing, candles, sweets, and holiday gifts. With music, lights, and seasonal cheer filling the street, it’s the perfect holiday shopping stroll.
The Children’s Nutcracker
Event: Ballet performance of “The Nutcracker” by young artists.
Date & Time: December 12-14
Location: Lila Cockrell Stage
Details: The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio presents the beloved Christmas classic, featuring breathtaking choreography, stunning scenery, and lavish costumes. Audiences can discover the artistry of San Antonio’s youth as dancers from across Bexar County come together to present a professional-level production. Arrive early to shop the pre-show holiday market.
For more information on these events and additional activities, please visit the respective event websites or contact the event organizers directly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Congo Falls at the San Antonio Zoo?
Congo Falls is a new 2-acre gorilla habitat at the San Antonio Zoo, marking the return of gorillas after a 35-year absence. The exhibit features a 30-foot waterfall and a 70-foot observation tower, Mays Family Silverback Peak, designed to encourage natural climbing behaviors. The zoo will celebrate with a 15-minute drone show featuring 350 luminous drones lighting up the sky at 8 p.m. on Saturday, December 13.
When is the Holiday Tamale Festival at Pullman Market?
The Holiday Tamale Festival at Pullman Market is scheduled for Saturday, December 13, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The free event will feature tamale vendors, including specialty creations from the Pullman Market culinary team, family-friendly activities from The DoSeum, music by DJ Caliente, and a tamale competition highlighting standout makers and holiday flavors.
What is the Children’s Nutcracker performance?
The Children’s Nutcracker is a ballet performance of “The Nutcracker” by young artists from The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio. The event features breathtaking choreography, stunning scenery, and lavish costumes, showcasing the artistry of San Antonio’s youth. Performances are scheduled from December 12 to December 14 at the Lila Cockrell Stage.
Key Features of This Weekend’s Events
| Event | Date & Time | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Congo Falls Grand Opening | Saturday, December 13, 10:00 AM | San Antonio Zoo | New 2-acre gorilla habitat with a 30-foot waterfall and 70-foot observation tower. 15-minute drone show at 8 p.m. on Saturday. |
| Holiday Tamale Festival | Saturday, December 13, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Pullman Market | First-ever festival featuring tamale vendors, family activities, and free admission. |
| Christmas at the Alamo | Saturday, December 13, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM | The Alamo | Historical crafts and activities for families, showcasing Texas history. |
| Doc Watkins and His Orchestra – Christmas Spectacular | Saturday, December 13, 7:00 PM | Majestic Theatre | Jazz holiday performance featuring festive classics from a local artist. |
| Super Jazz Fest 2025 | Sunday, December 14, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM | San Antonio Marriott Riverwalk | Jazz concert featuring Grammy winners with a special guest appearance. |
| Holiday Bricktacular | December 12-14, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | LEGOLAND Discovery Center | LEGO-themed holiday activities and festive displays. |
| Big Day of Play | Saturday, December 13, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | The DoSeum | Hands-on activities for children, focusing on creativity and fun. |
| Holidays on Houston Street | December 12-14 | Downtown San Antonio | Market featuring local vendors and holiday shopping opportunities. |
| The Children’s Nutcracker | December 12-14 | Lila Cockrell Stage | Ballet performance showcasing young talent in San Antonio. |
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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.
