Ambler at Hotel Contessa celebrates Dry January with mocktail week (1/11-17) featuring custom non-alcoholic cocktails & IPAs. Photo: Garrett Smith, used with permission.
National Mocktail Week 2026: Sip Smarter in San Antonio
National Mocktail Week takes place January 11–17, 2026, celebrating the second week of January with creative, alcohol-free beverages. The week highlights healthier choices, mindful drinking, and the growing community around non-alcoholic drinks made with fresh ingredients and thoughtful craftsmanship.
Whether you’re participating in Dry January or simply looking to cut back after the holidays, this week is the perfect opportunity to explore elevated non-alcoholic options without sacrificing flavor or experience.
Celebrate National Mocktail Week at Hotel Contessa
If you’re in San Antonio, Hotel Contessa is the place to be. The hotel’s riverfront restaurant, Ambler Kitchen + Cocktails, is celebrating National Mocktail Week with a curated selection of Ritual zero-proof mocktails and Athletic Brewing non-alcoholic beers. (Hotel Contessa, 2026)
Tai Breaker – Ritual rum, lime juice, orange juice, orgeat
🍺 Non-Alcoholic Beer ($6)
Run Wild IPA – Athletic Brewing
Free Wave IPA – Athletic Brewing
About Ambler Kitchen + Cocktails
Located inside Hotel Contessa, Ambler Kitchen + Cocktails is a top-rated River Walk restaurant and bar, ideal for lunch, dinner, coffee, or a crafted cocktail, alcohol-free or otherwise. Known for its bold personality, Ambler blends Southwestern-Mexican flavors with international influences. Expect inventive dishes like elevated Reuben sandwiches and fried pecan sticky buns. Texan at heart, but anything but traditional.
Visit Ambler at Hotel Contessa
Ambler Kitchen + Cocktails 306 W. Market St San Antonio, TX 78205 📞 (210) 298-8040
Order traditional Rosca de Reyes for Dia de los Reyes from all La Panaderia locations. Photo: La Panaderia, used with permission.
🎉 A sweet tradition returns to San Antonio as the holiday season comes to a close. As families gather to celebrate Día de los Reyes, the aroma of freshly baked Rosca de Reyes fills the air, bringing together history, culture, and community in every bite. This January 6, beloved local bakery La Panadería invites guests to continue the celebration with its beautifully crafted Rosca de Reyes, a timeless symbol of joy, generosity, and togetherness. (La Panadería, 2026)
Celebrate Día de los Reyes with La Panadería’s Rosca de Reyes
In honor of Día de los Reyes (celebrated on January 6), beloved San Antonio bakery La Panadería is pleased to offer pre-orders of Rosca de Reyes, a vibrant, round festive bread that is as rich in symbolism as it is in flavor.
One of the most cherished holidays in Latin American and Spanish cultures, Día de los Reyes honors the Three Kings who brought gifts to the baby Jesus. While the day marks the official end of the Christmas season, it also signifies a meaningful time for community, family, and delicious tradition.
Pre-Order Details
La Panadería’s Rosca de Reyes is available for pre-order now, with pickup date options between January 3 and January 6.
Pricing options include:
Family-sized Rosca de Reyes – $29
6-pack mini Rosca de Reyes – $29
Individual mini Roscas are also available in-store year-round at each La Panadería location.
As the holiday season winds down, Día de los Reyes, and the Rosca de Reyes, offer a beautiful opportunity to keep the festive spirit alive, create new memories, and honor the values of generosity, joy, and community.
About La Panadería Bakery Café
Founded in 2013 at the Quarry Farmers Market, La Panadería is a bakery and café located in San Antonio, Texas. Co-owners and brothers José and David Cáceres opened their first brick-and-mortar location in 2014 to share their cultura and love for baking with the city they call home.
With a strong commitment to quality ingredients and artisanal craftsmanship, La Panadería has become a staple in the evolution of the San Antonio culinary scene, delighting locals and visitors alike with its Mexican pastries, tortas, brunch offerings, and warm, inviting dining experience.
The celebration will include a fireworks display on its Hill Country Golf Club. Photo: Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Villas, used with permission.
New Year’s Eve in San Antonio: Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort Celebrations
Looking for New Year’s Eve celebrations in San Antonio that offer something for everyone? Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Villas is hosting one of the most versatile and festive San Antonio NYE events, featuring an adults-only party, family-friendly activities, dining experiences, and a fireworks display set in the Texas Hill Country. (Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Villas, 2025)
Located just minutes from downtown San Antonio, this newly renovated resort spans 300 scenic acres and provides an ideal getaway for locals and visitors looking to ring in the New Year in style.
Adults-Only New Year’s Eve Party in San Antonio: “Denim and Diamonds”
For couples and groups seeking a glamorous adults-only New Year’s Eve party in San Antonio, the resort’s exclusive “Denim and Diamonds” celebration delivers a high-energy night of entertainment.
Hosted in one of the resort’s upgraded ballrooms, the event includes:
Live music and a DJ
Dancing throughout the evening
A dinner buffet
An open bar
At midnight, guests gather on the Hill Country Golf Club for a champagne toast and fireworks display, making this one of the most memorable NYE events near San Antonio.
New Year’s Eve Hotel Package in San Antonio
The New Year’s Eve Celebration Packageis perfect for those wanting to stay overnight and avoid driving home after midnight. The package includes:
Overnight accommodations in a newly renovated guestroom
Admission for two to the adults-only “Denim and Diamonds” event
Single-event tickets are also available for those who want to attend the party without booking a stay.
Booking tip: Select a December 31 stay date on the resort’s website and use offer code 25NYE.
Family-Friendly New Year’s Eve Events in San Antonio
The all-ages NYE party in the Independence Ballroom features:
Kids’ activities and games
A bounce house
Indoor and outdoor entertainment
A DJ and festive atmosphere
This makes the resort a strong option for parents searching for New Year’s Eve events in San Antonio for kids.
Dining Options for New Year’s Eve in San Antonio
Guests can celebrate with food and drinks throughout the property, including:
A festive holiday buffet at Springhouse Café
Chef-driven dining at Antlers Lodge
A lively evening at Charlie’s Long Bar
Cocktails and light bites at Woodbine Bar in the hotel lobby
These dining options make Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort a one-stop destination for New Year’s Eve dining in San Antonio.
New Year’s Eve Fireworks in San Antonio
At midnight, all resort guests are invited to enjoy a spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks display over the Hill Country Golf Club—one of the most scenic NYE fireworks experiences near San Antonio.
Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Villas
Address: 9800 Hyatt Resort Dr. San Antonio, TX 78251 Phone: (210) 647-1234
About the Resort
The newly renovated Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Villas sits on the historic Rogers-Wiseman family ranch, a working Texas ranch for over a century. With 502 guest rooms, ranch-inspired design, and convenient access to San Antonio International Airport and downtown attractions, the resort blends Texas Hill Country charm with upscale comfort, making it a standout destination for New Year’s Eve getaways in San Antonio.
Celebrate New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day in San Antonio. Photo: Kimpton Santo, used with permission.
Ways to Celebrate New Year’s Eve & New Year’s Day in San Antonio
Whether you’re looking for rooftop fireworks, elegant prix-fixe dinners, or a cozy New Year’s Day recovery brunch, San Antonio offers plenty of memorable ways to ring in 2026. Here’s your guide to the city’s standout New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day celebrations.
🎆 Events at Pearl
New Year’s Eve at Pearl – Stable Hall
December 31 | 8 PM Ring in the new year with The Texases, a lively country cover band performing the final show of 2025, and the first of 2026, at the iconic Stable Hall. Tickets available here. (Pearl, 2025)
Cellar Select New Year’s Eve Dinner Featuring Eagle Rare 25
December 31 | 7 PM Hotel Emma celebrates its 10th anniversary with an exclusive NYE dining experience featuring Eagle Rare 25. Guests also receive wristbands for entry to the annual Sternewirth NYE Party. Tickets available here.
🌃 Rooftop & Skyline Celebrations
Light Up the Night: Rosario’s Rooftop New Year’s Eve Countdown
December 31 | 8:30 PM – 1:30 AM Celebrate 2026 with sweeping skyline views from Rosario’s ComidaMex & Bar’s rooftop in Southtown. Enjoy live beats by DJ Kenzo, craft cocktails, curated bites, and front-row views of the city’s New Year’s fireworks. (Rosario’s ComidaMex & Bar, 2025)
December 31 | 5 PM – 9 PM Chefs John and Elise Russ host a four-course prix-fixe dinner to close out 2025. Each guest receives a complimentary glass of champagne to toast the new year. (Clementine, 2025) Reservations recommended via OpenTable.
Jots at The Gunter Hotel: NYE Chef’s Signature Dinner
December 31 | 5 PM – 10 PM $80++ per person Includes a three-course chef-curated dinner and a glass of Duc de Chagny at Jots. (Gunter Hotel, 2025) 📍 311 N St. Mary’s St.
VIP Tables: $250 (up to 4 guests) or $500 (up to 10 guests)
Toast & Stay NYE Experience
Stay overnight and welcome 2026 in style with this special NYE hotel package.
NYE Fireworks via Private Balcony
Celebrate the new year with a direct view of the Tower of the Americas fireworks from a private balcony, perfect for out-of-town guests. (Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa, 2025)
Kimpton Santo: The NYE Skyline Stay
Celebrate, stay, and recover. This NYE hotel package includes overnight accommodations and easy access to Tenfold’s rooftop celebration—plus a relaxed New Year’s Day experience.
Step into old-world glamour with a Gold, Glitz & Glamour–themed celebration featuring DJs, roaming performers, chef-crafted bites, and a midnight countdown. Tickets here. (St. Anthony Hotel, 2025)
January 1 | 7 AM – 11 AM | $21 A comfort-forward breakfast featuring braised short ribs, pork belly, Yukon potatoes, roasted peppers, caramelized onions, and a sunny-side-up egg. 📍 The Gunter Hotel
✨ From rooftop revelry to refined dinners and restorative breakfasts, San Antonio offers something for every kind of New Year’s celebration. Cheers to 2026!
Ring in the holidays in style at the Pearl. Photo: Pearl, used with permission.
🎄 Holiday Happenings in San Antonio: Your Guide to Seasonal Events
San Antonio is buzzing with holiday cheer and this month brings a full lineup of festive markets, family-friendly celebrations, concerts, and community traditions. Whether you’re looking to snap a photo with Santa, hunt for local gifts, or savor holiday flavors, here’s everything happening around St. Paul Square and Pearl.
🎅 December 12: Santa at the Square & Holiday Market (St. Paul Square)
St. Paul Square is welcoming Santa to San Antonio for a special holiday pop-up market featuring all-local vendors. With the district fully decorated for the season, it’s the perfect chance to sip hot cocoa, shop small, and grab a festive family photo with St. Nick. (St Paul Square, 2025)
Where: Parking lot in front of 1902 — 1174 E. Commerce Street
When:5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Admission: Free // All ages
🎶December 19: Beauty + Zen Haus Night Market + Elnuh at The Espee
Ring in the season with Beauty + Zen Haus’ Holiday Night Market, your destination for last-minute gifts, handcrafted goods, festive décor, and unique local finds. After browsing the market, stick around for indie-pop artist Elnuh, performing under the stars on The Espee’s outdoor plaza stage.
Event Details
Where: St. Paul Square Courtyard + The Espee — 1174 E. Commerce Street
When:Doors & music at 7 p.m.
Admission: Free // All ages
This Friday Night Live series is part of St. Paul Square’s vision to transform the historic district into one of San Antonio’s most vibrant hubs for entertainment, culture, food, and nightlife.
Photo: St Paul Square
🎁 Holiday Season at Pearl
The holiday spirit is in full swing at Pearl, with a packed calendar of family traditions, community events, and festive fun. (Pearl, 2025)
🌮 December 13: Pullman Market Tamale Festival (Debut!)
Pullman Market is launching its first-ever Tamale Festival, a new holiday tradition celebrating San Antonio’s beloved seasonal staple.
Event Details
When:Saturday, December 13 • 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: Pullman Market – Karnes Street 221 Newell Ave, San Antonio, TX 78215
Enjoy tamales from local vendors plus specialty creations from the Pullman Market culinary team. Guests can eat on-site or purchase tamale packs to take home for holiday gatherings.
Complimentary Santa photos are available every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday through December 21. Times and locations vary — check Pearl’s Events Calendar for the latest schedule.
🛍️ Holiday Night Markets
Discover artisan gifts, warm drinks, festive lights, and local makers.
Next Market:Wednesday, December 17
🎬 Festive Movie Mondays
Enjoy holiday classics every Monday in December (except December 29). Movies begin at sunset, arrive early and bring blankets!
Presented with YJSA (Young & Jewish San Antonio), this community celebration features live music, family activities, and a ceremonial menorah lighting.
The menorah will shine nightly December 16–24 near the Boiler House Shade Structure.
🎁 Hotel Emma Holiday Perks
Hotel Emma guests enjoy exclusive seasonal offerings including:
Custom Go Rio river cruises arranged through the concierge
Free family fun includes Cowboy Santa. Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.
Saddle Up for Holiday Fun: Cowboy Christmas at the Briscoe Western Art Museum
San Antonio, TX – The Briscoe Western Art Museum is kicking off the season with its annual Cowboy Christmas, happening Sunday, December 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Families can enjoy hands-on crafts, Western-themed activities, and festive fun along the River Walk. And of course, Cowboy Santa will be greeting young cowboys, cowgirls, vaqueros and vaqueras from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.—ready for free photos and holiday wishes. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2025)
Guests are encouraged to register online in advance to help the museum prepare for crafts, supplies, and Santa visits. Full details on museum hours, parking, and admission are available online.
Free Admission on Locals Day
This year’s Cowboy Christmas lands on the Briscoe’s monthly Locals Day, meaning all Bexar County and San Antonio residents receive free general admission. Children 12 and under and active duty military members always get in free, making the Briscoe a budget-friendly holiday outing for families. Visitors from outside the area can enjoy Cowboy Christmas at no additional cost beyond regular museum admission.
Free Admission for Furloughed Federal Employees
Extended through December 7
Through Sunday, Dec. 7, furloughed federal employees impacted by the shutdown can enjoy free general admission for themselves and one guest. Just present a valid federal government photo ID at the door. This complimentary admission includes full access to Cowboy Christmas and all current exhibitions. The museum’s goal is to offer federal employees and their families a place to relax and reconnect this holiday season.
Museums for All: Making Art Accessible
Through the Museums for All program, anyone receiving SNAP or WIC benefits receives free admission with a valid program/EBT card. The Briscoe participates in Museums for All to ensure that cost is never a barrier to enjoying art, culture, and Western heritage.
Step Into History: Going to Texas: Five Centuries of Texas Maps
Cowboy Christmas attendees can also explore the Briscoe’s landmark exhibition, “Going to Texas: Five Centuries of Texas Maps.” This incredible collection traces how Texas has been imagined, mapped, and claimed for more than 500 years. Highlights include:
Rare maps from the famed Yana and Marty Davis Map Collection at the Museum of the Big Bend (Sul Ross State University, Alpine, TX)
Artworks and artifacts from the Briscoe’s own collection
Private loans that bring Texas history vividly to life
From early views of the Gulf Coast to Republic-era maps and modern highway charts, the exhibition offers something for history lovers of every age.
Special Event: Cartography Conversation – December 14
On Sunday, December 14, join Eliane and Jon Dotson of Old World Auctions for an engaging program inspired by Going to Texas. They’ll explore the stories behind centuries of maps, collectors, and the evolution of Texas on paper. The program is free with registration.
Holiday Crafts, Cowboy Santa & Western Gift Shopping
During Cowboy Christmas, families can enjoy festive drop-in holiday crafts inspired by Western traditions, creating keepsakes to take home. A Cowboy Christmas scavenger hunt will lead visitors through the museum and sculpture garden, inspiring exploration and new discoveries.
Everyone who completes the scavenger hunt receives a 10% discount at the Hendler Family Museum Store, where shoppers can find:
Western holiday décor
Jewelry
Books
Toys
Unique gifts you won’t see in regular retailers
More Ways to Visit the Briscoe for Free
The Briscoe offers several year-round programs that make visits affordable and accessible:
Locals Day: First Sunday of each month—free general admission for Bexar County and San Antonio residents.
Museums for All: Free admission with SNAP, WIC (and MAP where applicable) and an EBT card.
Bank of America Museums on Us: Free admission the first full weekend of each month for cardholders (Bank of America, Merrill Lynch, U.S. Trust).
Military & Kids: Children 12 and under are always free. Active duty members always free; families get half-price admission when visiting together. Retired and former service members receive discounted admission year-round.
Together, these programs make the Briscoe a perfect place for families looking to add a touch of Western adventure to their holiday season.
Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.
Briscoe Western Art Museum 210 W. Market St. San Antonio, TX 78205
Pearl launches a first-ever outdoor ice rink. Photo: Pearl, used with permission.
Pearl Unveils New Outdoor Ice-Skating Rink for the 2025–26 Holiday Season
SAN ANTONIO — Pearl is bringing even more magic to the holidays this year. The beloved destination announced that its anticipated mini golf experience will transform into a sparkling outdoor ice-skating rink for the 2025–26 season. (Pearl, 2025)
The rink opens Friday, November 28, 2025, and will welcome skaters through Sunday, January 4, 2026. Guests are invited to lace up their skates and enjoy a festive winter escape right in the heart of San Antonio. Make an evening of it by stopping by Pearl’s Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony from 3:30 to 7 p.m. in Pearl Park, perfect before or after some time on the ice.
A Festive Setting in the Heart of Pearl
Located next to 1100 Springs Plaza, between Stable Hall and Ladino, the seasonal rink promises twinkling lights, holiday music, and joyful memories for all ages. Tickets will be available for purchase online.
A New Tradition Kicks Off With a New Festival
The debut of Pearl’s outdoor ice rink arrives just in time for another exciting first: the Taste of Pearl Festival, happening Saturday, November 29, from 3 to 8 p.m. This property-wide celebration invites visitors to explore live music, culinary experiences, art, shopping, and more.
Guests can skate beneath the lights, then wander through a festive hub featuring:
A live DJ
Special market vendors (to be announced)
Seasonal sips from Otto’s Ice House
Participation from beloved Pearl restaurants and shops
The Taste of Pearl Festival aims to deliver a vibrant day filled with discovery, flavor, and holiday spirit.
A Message from Pearl
“The holidays are a time for gathering and joy, and Pearl is honored to be part of those traditions. The addition of a new ice-skating rink offers a beautiful way for the community to come together, celebrate, and create lasting memories in the heart of San Antonio.” — Mesha Millsap, CEO of Pearl
About Pearl
Pearl is a dynamic cultural hub in San Antonio, built around the historic former Pearl Brewery along the Museum Reach of the San Antonio River Walk. Known for its iconic plazas, chef-driven restaurants, independent shops, and lively entertainment, Pearl celebrates the creativity of the city’s chefs, artists, musicians, and makers.
The neighborhood’s architectural treasures—including the 1894 brewhouse and stable—house the MICHELIN Two-Key and AAA Five Diamond Hotel Emma, along with Stable Hall, a standout live-music venue. At the center of Pearl, Pullman Market features acclaimed culinary concepts, including two MICHELIN-starred restaurants.
Hotel Contessa is lighting up the season with a front-row parade watch party and its first-ever tree lighting on the River Terrace. Photo: Hotel Contessa, used with permission.
🎄 San Antonio Weekend Holiday Events Roundup
The holiday season is officially underway in San Antonio, and this weekend is packed with festive celebrations across the city. From tree lightings to river parades, here’s where to find the magic.
✨ Gunter Hotel Tree Lighting Ceremony
📅 Saturday, November 29 | ⏰ 2–3 p.m. 📍 205 East Houston Street, San Antonio, TX 78205
Kick off the holidays at the historic Gunter Hotel, where a dazzling 16-foot Christmas tree will take center stage in the lobby. Enjoy a special performance by the talented Kingwood High School carolers from Houston, and warm up with complimentary sweet treats and hot cocoa. It’s the perfect blend of cheer, music, and community spirit in the heart of downtown. (Gunter Hotel, 2025)
🎉 Ácenar HotMex & CoolBar: River Parade Viewing
📅 Friday, November 28 📍 146 E Houston St, San Antonio, TX 78205
Riverside Seating – $28/person Up-close views with a dedicated server for cocktail orders.
Riverfront Patio Dining – $70 minimum per person A more elevated experience complete with Ácenar’s contemporary Mexican cuisine and crafted cocktails.
Reservations are required and seating is limited. To book, call (210) 222-2362.
🌟 Hotel Contessa: Parade Watch Party & First Annual Tree Lighting
📅 Friday, November 28 | ⏰ 5–7 p.m. 📍 306 W Market St, San Antonio, TX 78205
Hotel Contessa is lighting up the season with a front-row parade watch party and its first-ever tree lighting on the River Terrace. (Hotel Contessa, 2025)
Marriage Island VIP – $85 (includes upgraded seating, complimentary beverage & valet)
Tree lighting begins at 6:30 p.m., with the parade passing by shortly after 7 p.m.
🍸 Hotel Contessa: Ford Holiday VIP Terrace Party
📅Friday, November 28 | ⏰5:30–9 p.m. Guests 21+ can upgrade their night with exclusive terrace access overlooking the River Walk. $75 per ticket includes:
Two handcrafted cocktails
Chef-inspired appetizers
Live holiday DJ
Luxury crafting station
Express massages from the Spa at Hotel Contessa
Raffle entry for a 2026 one-night stay
Note: Limited parade views from the terrace; 15% off parade seating with code VIP.
🍽️ Ambler: VIP Parade Dining Experience
📅Friday, November 28 | ⏰5–9:30 p.m. Ambler’s private dining experience includes prime parade views, a three-course dinner, valet parking, and premium drinks.
Pricing:
Table of Four – $600
Individual Tickets – $175
Kids menu available.
Whether you’re looking for a cozy tree lighting or an unforgettable River Walk parade experience, San Antonio is sparkling with ways to celebrate. Bundle up, grab some cocoa, and enjoy the start of the season! 🎅✨
On Tuesday November 11, H-E-B will distribute gift bags to veterans inside their stores. Photo: H-E-B, used with permission.
Honoring Veterans Day with Chef Nicola Blaque and H-E-B
Every year on November 11, we pause to honor Veterans Day, a time to recognize the brave men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. This day reminds us that freedom comes at a cost, and it’s an opportunity to express gratitude to those who have sacrificed to protect it. From community parades to acts of service and remembrance, Veterans Day is about acknowledging courage, resilience, and dedication that continue to inspire generations.
This year, in celebration of Veterans Day on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, James Beard-nominated chef and U.S. Army veteran Nicola Blaque invites veterans and community members to come together over good food and shared appreciation. (The Jerk Shack/Freight Fried Chicken, 2025)
Celebrate with Chef Nicola Blaque
At her award-winning San Antonio restaurants, The Jerk Shack and Freight Fried Chicken, Chef Blaque is offering a special way to honor veterans, with a comforting fried chicken plate for just $10.
The Jerk Shack will feature its island-style fried chicken paired with bold Caribbean sides like pineapple slaw and masala fries.
Freight Fried Chicken will serve its signature boneless fried chicken plate, highlighting classic Southern flavors with sides such as mac ’n cheese, seasoned fries, and fried corn.
📍 The Jerk Shack 10234 TX-151, Suite 103, San Antonio, TX 78251 🕚 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Tuesday, November 11, 2025
📍 Freight Fried Chicken 312 Pearl Pkwy, Building 6, San Antonio, TX 78215 🕙 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. on Tuesday, November 11, 2025
About Chef Nicola Blaque
Lattoia Nicola Massey, known professionally as Chef Nicola Blaque, is a proud veteran, chef, and restaurateur based in San Antonio, Texas. Her Jamaican-inspired restaurant, The Jerk Shack, quickly became a local favorite after opening in 2018, earning a Bib Gourmand designation from the Michelin Guide in 2024.
In early 2024, she expanded her culinary footprint with Freight Fried Chicken, located in the Pearl district, a restaurant that pays homage to the formerly enslaved women who sold fried chicken in post-Civil War Virginia to support themselves and their families.
H-E-B’s Ongoing Commitment to Veterans
On Veterans Day and every day, H-E-B Partners across Texas honor the sacrifices of our nation’s veterans and their families through Operation Appreciation, a companywide initiative launched in 2013. (H-E-B, 2025)
This year, H-E-B stores across the state will distribute gift bags filled with H-E-B brand items and notes of gratitude to veterans both in stores and at local nonprofits such as VFW and American Legion posts.
Through Operation Appreciation, H-E-B has contributed over $17 million to military-based nonprofits in Texas, supported employment for more than 30,000 veterans and military spouses, and even provided mortgage-free homes to severely wounded veterans.
Customers can also give back by purchasing items from the Café Ole by H-E-B Commemorative Collection, with $0.35 from every purchase donated to military nonprofits across Texas.
A Shared Moment of Gratitude
Veterans Day is more than a holiday, it’s a moment to come together as a community to say thank you. Whether through a warm meal, a handwritten note, or a simple act of kindness, every gesture helps honor those who’ve served.
This Veterans Day, celebrate courage, community, and connection, one plate at a time.
An indoor pow wow at the Yanaguana Indian Arts Festival. Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.
Celebrate Native American Heritage Month at the Yanaguana Indian Arts Festival
San Antonio, TX — The Briscoe Western Art Museuminvites the community to honor Native American Heritage Month at the Yanaguana Indian Arts Festival on Saturday, November 8, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the museum’s beautiful campus along the San Antonio River Walk. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2025)
This annual celebration is free and open to the public, offering a full day of art, music, dance, storytelling, hands-on crafts, and cultural connections for all ages. Festival admission, museum access, and all activities are included at no cost. 👉 Free registration is available online.
A Day Full of Culture, Art, and Connection
Throughout the day, guests can:
Enjoy arts and crafts for all ages
Meet and learn from Native artists and performers
Experience music, storytelling, and dance rooted in Native traditions
Explore the Briscoe’s galleries for free
Festival Highlights
Opening Blessing and Drum Circle
A spiritual blessing by United San Antonio Pow Wow, Inc., an organization dedicated to preserving and sharing Native American traditions.
A Pow Wow-style drum circle and dance demonstration by United San Antonio Pow Wow and Enemy Horse Drumming, showcasing the meaning and movement behind pow wow styles.
Storytelling and Music
Joyous Windrider and Rosie Torres bring Native stories to life through storytelling and movement.
Enjoy live music from Tim Blueflint Ramel, an award-winning flute player and member of the Bad River Band of the Lake Superior Chippewa. Ramel has shared the stage with Grammy Award–winner Mary Youngblood and will also demonstrate flute and jewelry making throughout the day.
Traditional Arts and Demonstrations
George Curtis Levi shares ledger art, a Cheyenne tradition dating back to the 1840s that uses repurposed record book pages to depict daily life. Levi, a member of the Southern Cheyenne, also has ties to the Arapaho and Oglala Lakota tribes.
Chase Kahwinhut Earles, a Caddo Nation artist, demonstrates traditional Caddo pottery techniques, reviving a centuries-old art form celebrated for its authenticity and cultural depth.
Shane Hendren, a Diné/Navajo jewelry maker and turquoise expert, showcases his intricate work and commitment to the integrity of Native craftsmanship.
Wayne TaySha Earles, a Caddo stone carver, presents cultural stonework and jewelry inspired by ancient Caddo artifacts from the Spiro Mounds in Oklahoma.
Hands-On Crafts and Family Fun
Festival guests can create their own:
Ledger art and mixed media collages
Leather medallions
Basket and loom weaving projects
Community weaving basket
Parfleche cases — traditional painted pouches made from rawhide, once used by Plains Indians for both beauty and practicality
Visitors can also browse and purchase Native artwork directly from the artists, including jewelry, pottery, beadwork, and textiles.
Honoring the Yanaguana Legacy
The festival’s name, “Yanaguana,” comes from the Payaya people, who were indigenous to the San Antonio area. It was their word for what we now know as the San Antonio River.
Held annually since the Briscoe’s opening, the Yanaguana Indian Arts Festival celebrates the vital role of Native Americans in shaping the West. It’s a day to learn, connect, and appreciate the vibrant living cultures that continue to inspire the region today.
📅 Date: Saturday, November 8 🕙 Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. 📍 Location: Briscoe Western Art Museum, San Antonio River Walk 💲 Admission: Free (including museum entry and activities) 🔗 Register: [Free event registration available online]
Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.
SA Examiner 