Twin Liquors’ entertaining guide features cocktail combo packs, gift ideas, wine pairings, and more. Photo: Twin Liquors, used with permission.
Twin Liquors is excited to announce the launch of the new Holiday Entertaining Guide designed to provide advice on hosting this holiday season. Featuring cocktail combo packs with recipes, wine pairing suggestions, gift ideas, and more, the Entertaining Guide has something for everyone. (Twin Liquors, 2021)
In addition to cocktail combo packs conveniently packaged with recipes and available for purchase, the Holiday Entertaining Guide is jam-packed with helpful information such as: a Texas timeline highlighting local brands; a Bourbon 101; an Easy Guide to Wine & Pairing; a Taxonomy of Cocktails chart for those looking to get inspired by a new cocktail; and a home bar checklist. The guide also features classic items and new releases for gifting and sharing, like Bombay Bramble Gin, Lalo Tequila, Pierre Ferrand Memorable, and A Tout de Suite Pinot Noir.
Complimentary bottle and bag gift wrap is always available in-store and online.
This holiday season, Twin Liquors is continuing to offer online ordering for in-store pickup and/or delivery in all stores. Check Twin Liquors for a location near you. Customers are able to shop through the website or the Twin Liquors app, available to download on iOS and Android app stores.
All Twin Liquors locations are open Monday – Saturday from 10a.m. to 9p.m.
Born and raised in downtown Austin, Texas, Twin Liquors began as one small store and has developed into a successful “home-grown” Texas family-owned company. Twin Liquors’ has a unique and well-respected reputation throughout the United States for having impeccable team members, outstanding customer service, conveniently located stores, extensive selections of fine wines and premium spirits from around the world, and substantial community involvement. Twin Liquors currently operates 100+ neighborhood stores from Austin to San Antonio, the Hill Country to Houston and the DFW area with their Sigel’s branded stores.
iFLY offers the gift of flight with three different packages perfect for gift giving this holiday season. Photo: iFLY Indoor Skydiving, used with permission.
This holiday season, iFLY Indoor Skydiving will celebrate with three special “Gift of Experience” packages that will run beginning through January 3, 2022 and are available for purchase online and at participating local iFLY locations. The three packages include The Exclusive Gift featuring four flights, two high flights, and two videos shared by 2 people; TheElevated Gift featuring four flights and two videos shared by 2 people; and The Essential Gift featuring two flights for 1 person. Shop online or at participating iFLY locations to save up to 27% on the only gift loved ones will remember. Online orders deliver directly to email. In store purchases also receive their choice of a free holiday gift box with their purchase. (iFLY Indoor Skydiving, 2021)
iFLY is a sports and recreation company with the mission to deliver the dream of flight. The company pioneered the body-flying “indoor skydiving” experience and is the world leader in vertical wind tunnel technology. Guests do not need to be an athlete or in the best shape of their life. iFLY’s world-class instructors are pros at making flying fun for everyone.
Each iFLY tunnel is taking the proper precautions to ensure guests enjoy their flying experience by investing in new safety measures to create new ways of keeping people safe in their buildings. In fact, iFLY’s wind tunnels have a fresh air advantage over other experiences. Advanced wind tunnel technology provides guests with clean air while flying by recirculating and refreshing the air from outside the iFLY facilities. Tested and proven, iFLY’s wind tunnels create an environment at least 10x fresher than the average store or gym when flying guests—even at slow wind speeds. As temperatures drop, this is a fun and safe activity to do indoors with your loved ones. Prices vary per iFLY location.
Austin-based iFLY Holdings, LLC, is the world leader in the design, manufacturing, sales, and operations of wind tunnel systems for indoor skydiving. The company has flown more than 9,000,000 people in a dozen countries and at sea since launching the modern vertical wind tunnel industry in 1998. iFLY has over 70 facilities operating worldwide with 32 wholly-owned in the US. iFLY supports and utilizes the safety and training guidelines set out by the International Bodyflight Association (IBA) to ensure the safety and progression of the sport of indoor skydiving. iFLY makes the dream of flight a reality by giving their customers “wings” in a safe and reliable environment.
The Children’s Nutcracker, Santa, sugarplums, and shopping come together in a magical holiday extravaganza. Photo: The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio, used with permission.
From Snow Queens and Sugarplum Fairies to dashing princes and dancing mice, Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker has been a part of family holiday traditions for decades. The enchanting tale of Clara’s beloved doll coming to life has inspired many a young dancer to take the stage and has fostered a love of the arts in not only the young, but also the young at heart. This year, the Children’s Ballet of San Antonio will take the magic to whole new level, combining this timeless classic with immersive and interactive elements, wrapping several cherished holiday traditions into one entertaining and exciting event. From a holiday market to photos with Santa and the Nutcracker cast, magical makeovers, and plenty of sweets and treats it is an unforgettable experience straight out of a sugarplum dream. With a condensed 1.5 hour performance, even the tiniest attendees will be captivated. Tickets are available on the Children’s Ballet of San Antonio website. (Children’s Ballet of San Antonio, 2021)
The Children’s Nutcracker: Friday, December 10, 7p.m. Saturday, December 11, 2p.m. Saturday, December 11, 7p.m. Holiday Market and Photos with Santa opens one hour prior to showtime.
The fun starts from the moment guests enter the theatre and find themselves in a holiday market where they can browse the extensive selection of dress-up items, including tutus and Sugarplum Fairy wands, Mouse King swords, as well as home décor including ornaments and, of course, nutcrackers. Hair and makeup stylists will be on site to offer magical makeovers transforming little ones into regal royals for a glittering good time. Key cast members from princes to queens, and fairies, along with Santa himself, will be on hand for contactless photos on a first come first served basis. Because no holiday is complete without treats, there will be plenty of holiday fare including cocoa, holiday cookies and other seasonal favorites along with hot dogs, mini-burgers, and popcorn.
Award-winning dancers and a talented array of young performers share the stage for this production filled with dazzling costumes, multimedia integrated scenery, and an interactive surprise or two for the audience members. Featuring performers ranging from internationally acclaimed classical dancers to gifted special needs artists ages 3-19, the production highlights a variety of disciplines and talents. Led by founder and former Prima Ballerina and six-time Youth America Grand Prix Outstanding Teacher Award winner Vanessa Bessler, CBSA has created a gateway for young artists interested in pursuing a professional dance career. The elite artists have had the privilege to train in some of the world’s best academies including the Royal Ballet School in London, the Bolshoi Ballet in Russia, and the School of American Ballet in New York City, to name a few. Through recognition, awards, and scholarships from the most prestigious ballet competitions and schools in the world for many of its dancers, CBSA has elevated San Antonio to the world stage, making it a strong player in the arts world.
The Lila Cockrell Theatre 200 E. Market Street San Antonio, TX 78205
Masks are required at the Lila Cockrell Theatre, hand washing stations and sanitizer are available on site to encourage a safe environment. The Children’s Ballet continues to enforce extensive safety protocols to include both virtual and limited capacity in-person rehearsals, screenings, masks, gloves, long sleeves, social distancing, and more.
Admission proceeds and holiday market profits directly benefit Children’s Ballet of San Antonio in fulfilling its mission to inspire the pursuit of excellence and prepare children for productive and creative lives through dance by offering extensive training and performance opportunities for talented children from all backgrounds. Donations from the event will benefit dance scholarships for special needs and underserved youth, as well as the transportation and organization of several hundred Title 1 school students to attend each performance. Funds also go to the production costs of theatre, costumes, lights, and special effects that allow these dancers to perform in San Antonio’s top theatres in professional productions as part of their professional level training.
Pearl to celebrate the holiday season with Posada, Chanukah Celebration, Holiday night markets, and more. Photo: Pearl, used with permission.
Pearl is excited to announce various programs and events happening on campus this holiday season. The property will begin the festivities with the installation and lighting of the Christmas tree later this month. In December, Pearl will provide guests with Holiday Night Markets, Chanukah celebration, Posada carols, and more. (Pearl, 2021)
The 2021 holiday programming is as follows:
CHRISTMAS TREE INSTALLATION & LIGHTING – November 19 Pearl will welcome a 25-foot Fraser Fir sourced from the mountains of North Carolina later this month. Following delivery, Ginger Diaz, owner of Feliz Modern POP and Rancho Diaz at Pearl, will decorate the tree, which will be officially lit on November 19. The tree will stay up in Pearl Park throughout the holidays for guests to enjoy.
CHANUKAH – December 1 from 6p.m. to 8p.m. Pearl and Young & Jewish San Antonio will gather to celebrate Chanukah with the lighting of the menorah on property as well as a special message from Rabbi Eli Block about the meaning of the holiday. Austin-based Klezmer band Mazel Tov Kocktail Hour will also perform at the lighting ceremony from 6p.m. to 8p.m. The menorah will be lit at the Pearl Shade Structure each night of Chanukah.
HOLIDAY NIGHT MARKETS – Wednesdays in December leading up to Christmas at varying times Each Wednesday in December leading up to Christmas, Pearl will host its Holiday Night Market featuring a wide variety of local vendors to help make holiday shopping easier. Guests can find unique gifts ranging from pottery and fine art to artisan chocolates and much more. Local bands and musicians will also be onsite throughout Pearl to perform festive sets. See below for specific times and dates for the Holiday Night Markets and the music performances.
December 1, 6p.m. – 8p.m. Mazel Tov Kocktail Hour Location: Near Menorah In coordination with Chanukah
December 8, 5p.m. – 8p.m. Noah Harris Location: Parkito
December 15, 5p.m. – 8p.m. Mariachi Las Coronelas Location: Gustav’s Geysers / Park
December 22, 5p.m. – 8p.m. Groupo Tan Tan Location: Parkito
HOLIDAY STROLL – December 9 from 5p.m. to 8p.m. In addition to its Holiday Night Markets, Pearl is also hosting Holiday Stroll on Thursday, December 9, a special shopping event with extended retail hours, retail and restaurant specials and live music. Guests can shop local while enjoying the sounds of San Antonio-favorite Buttercup.
POSADA – December 16 from 6p.m. to 7:30p.m. In honor of the traditional Latin American Christmas celebration, Pearl will once again host the Mission Concepcion choir for an evening of carols in Pearl Park. Since 2017, Pearl has partnered with Father David and the Mission Conception’s choir and congregation to share a message of welcoming and inclusion. The procession, representing the journey of Mary and Joseph seeking refuge, will begin at 6p.m. on December 16.
Pearl is a dynamic neighborhood built around the historic Pearl Brewery, which operated from 1883 to 1999. Located just north of downtown San Antonio on the banks of the San Antonio River, it is home to architecturally significant buildings like the brewhouse and stable—both built in 1894—and numerous plazas. Today, Pearl is home to dozens of unique culinary concepts, one-of-a-kind retail, weekend markets, residential communities, innovative office tenants, the San Antonio campus of the Culinary Institute of America, and the award-winning Hotel Emma. Pearl is a vibrant district where community gathers to play, work, and live; it is a place where things are made and celebrated with purpose and sincerity. We invite all to gather and experience the best of what San Antonio has to offer.
In time for the holidays, the Magik Theatre will be presenting Ella Enchanted. Photo: Magik Theatre
Magik Theatre will be turning the much-beloved story of Cinderella upside down when it presents ‘Ella Enchanted: The Musical’ from November 19 to December 24. This special two-act production, adapted by Karen Zacarías as a play from a children’s book by The New York Times bestselling author Gail Carson Levine, will feature music by Deborah Wicks La Puma. (Magik Theater, 2021)
In this fairytale, at birth, Ella of Frell is given the “gift” of obedience by her misguided fairy godmother. But as a teenager, strong-willed Ella chooses to reject her fate and embarks on a quest to break the curse forever. Through her adventures, Ella must outwit evil stepsisters, escape hungry ogres, and save the prince before she can claim her real voice. Ella Enchanted: The Musical emphasizes the importance of self-empowerment, perseverance in the face of insurmountable obstacles, and an eagerness to learn. In this heart-warming and powerful tale, children of all ages are encouraged to discover the power of words within their own voice.
Tickets are now on sale. Single tickets are on sale now for $25 per adult and children $20 ages 2 to 17, with discounts available for educators, military, students, and seniors. The production is recommended for ages 5 and over. Group rates are available to parties of eight or more people.
The special production, which is recommended for ages five (5) and above, runs approximately seventy-five (75) minutes including an intermission, with a five-minute question-and-answer session.
SPECIAL PERFORMANCES
Opening Day The official opening day is on Sunday, November 20 at 6p.m.
Military and First Responder Appreciation The production on Sunday, November 21 at 3p.m. will feature Military Appreciation Day, in which active or retired members of the military with an I.D. pay a discounted price of $11.50 per ticket for their entire party.
Pay What You Wish On Saturday, November 27 at 6p.m., Magik Theatre will offer one of its Pay What You Wish performances, in which tickets are available only at the door on the day of the production.
American Sign Language Interpreted Performance (ASL) At the performance on Saturday, December 11 at 2p.m., Robert Cardoza, the San Antonio theatre community’s primary sign-language interpreter, will be available for patrons who require American sign language as their primary form of communication.
“It gives our theatre company a great sense of pride for families to experience the joy and wonder of their favorite children’s book come to life, and we know this next production will not disappoint. Ella Enchanted is the perfect addition to this holiday season.” – Magik Theatre Artistic Director Anthony Runfola.
Magik Theatre is San Antonio’s professional family theatre. Founded in 1994, it has presented more than 160 main stage and touring productions for more than two (2) million children and their families. Magik Theatre’s mission is to utilize the power of theatre to create Magikal storytelling for children that Activates imagination, Grows young minds and Inspires creativity and a love of learning that is the Key to a more literate future for our community. Magik Theatre is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. For information about Magik’s COVID-19 health and safety measure, click HERE.
Celebrate the holidays with Taco Cabana’s signature favorites and give the gift of Taco Cabana to receive a free holiday appreciation gift card. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.
Now through December 31, 2021, Taco Cabana invites guests to celebrate the holiday season with its Holiday Party Pack (Holiday Taco Bar) and Holiday gift card promotion. Perfect for any holiday get-together, the party pack includes signature TC menu items perfect for large groups for just $129.99. Additionally, for every $25 spent on TC gift cards, guests will receive a free $5 Holiday Guest Appreciation gift card in return to use toward a future purchase. (Taco Cabana, 2021)
The Holiday Party Pack (Holiday Taco Bar) is available now for purchase for $129.99 and serves 10 people. TC fans will enjoy chips and queso, 10 churros, a gallon of tea, and 20 tortillas (choice of flour or corn) included in the package. As for the protein, TC guests can enjoy their choice of steak fajita, chicken fajita, or mixed fajita meat, their choice of black or refried beans, and inclusion of Mexican rice, shredded cheese, guacamole, salsa roja, pico de gallo, sour cream, and lettuce. Take the guesswork out of holiday meal preparation this holiday season by ordering the TC Holiday Party Pack online or by calling 855-4MY-TACO.
Through the end of December, TC guests will receive a free $5 Holiday Guest Appreciation gift card for every $25 spent on TC gift cards, both in-person and online at TacoCabana.com; e-gift cards are also available. The Holiday Guest Appreciation Cards can be redeemed at any Texas TC location beginning two hours after activation and will remain active until March 31, 2022.
Taco Cabana, a subsidiary of YTC Enterprises, LLC, was founded in 1978. The brand specializes in Tex-Mex-inspired food including enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, flautas, tacos, flour tortillas and a selection of made-from-scratch salsas and sauces. Restaurants feature open-display cooking, a selection of beer and tequila margaritas, patio dining, drive-thru windows, curbside pick-up and delivery. As of November 1, 2021, Taco Cabana operates 142 company-owned restaurants in Texas.
The annual Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony will benefit Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas and will feature live jazz by Nelson Rangell, Santa, Grinch, Grinchettes, and more. Photo: La Cantera Resort & Spa, used with permission.
La Cantera Resort & Spa, in partnership with Chandon, sets a fresh and jubilant tone for its annual Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony on Plaza San Saba to be held on Thursday, December 2 from 6p.m. to 9p.m. The Plaza San Saba is located just off the Resort’s main lobby. Santa and Grinch will light the tree at 7:15p.m. (La Cantera Resort & Spa, 2021)
Contemporary jazz musician and composer Nelson Rangell takes center stage at the event. Rangell is hailed as one of the most exciting and diverse performers in the genre, equally adept at soprano, alto and tenor saxophone, as well as being a genuine virtuoso on flute and piccolo.
The Grinch wants to steal hearts, so be on guard when he takes the stage with his dancing troupe – the Grinchettes, followed by Santa for the lighting of the tree.
Tickets are $5 for adults, $2 for children, with 100% of the proceeds benefitting Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas. To purchase tickets and for Holiday event details, visit La Cantera Resort & Spa online. Guests of the event will enjoy free light bites, festive cocktails, themed Holiday children’s activities, and photos with Santa.
La Cantera Resort & Spa 16641 La Cantera Parkway Plaza San Saba San Antonio, TX 78256 (210) 558-6500
Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas mission is to foster healing for grieving children and youth, their families and the community. As the sole provider of grief support programs for children through young adulthood in South Texas, Children’s Bereavement Center devotes services and resources to the bereavement needs of children from every culture and social circumstance to help them heal and move forward. The Center believes that each person’s journey through grief is unique and therefore deserving of a distinctive approach. Our goal is to help children and their caregivers understand the depth of grief, stabilize and preserve family relationships, and develop healthy coping skills after the death of a loved one.
Grinch Brunch is set for Saturday, December 4 at SweetFire Kitchen at La Cantera Resort & Spa. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Who can resist a hot Whoville feast, not the Grinch, nor Cindy Lou, what about you? Join the Grinch for green eggs and ham and maybe even roast beast at the Grinch’s Brunch Feast, 10a.m. to 3p.m., Saturday, December 4 at SweetFire Kitchen at La Cantera Resort & Spa. Feast menu includes roast beast, Who Mashed potatoes, Horton’s cereal-crusted French toast, Truffla tree pancakes, Cindy Lu fruits and Vegetables, candy cane macaroons, beezlenut splash, and so much more. (La Cantera Resort & Spa, 2021)
Grinch will be available for photos with children. Enjoy a private reading of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” narrated by the Grinch. Tickets are $48 for adults and $26 for children. Five dollars ($5) from every ticket sold benefits Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas. To make a reservation please call 210-558-2479.
SweetFire Kitchen La Cantera Resort & Spa 16641 La Cantera Parkway
Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas mission is to foster healing for grieving children and youth, their families and the community. As the sole provider of grief support programs for children through young adulthood in South Texas, Children’s Bereavement Center devotes services and resources to the bereavement needs of children from every culture and social circumstance to help them heal and move forward. The Center believes that each person’s journey through grief is unique and therefore deserving of a distinctive approach. Our goal is to help children and their caregivers understand the depth of grief, stabilize and preserve family relationships, and develop healthy coping skills after the death of a loved one.
Hiatus Spa + Retreat has several holiday spa packages perfect for holiday gift giving season. Photo: Molly Culver, used with permission.
This holiday season, award-winning Texas day spa Hiatus Spa + Retreat has created the perfect packages and offerings to give others, or yourself, a day of self-care. Spa packages this year include two-plus hours of one-of-a-kind experiences with The Merry + Bright; three of the most in-demand spa services in The Peace, Love + Joy; and an age-defying facial and restorative Body Wrap package that connects your mind and skin, Wrap You Up. In addition, guests can enjoy a special Gua Sha Glow Facial and a Yuletide spa retreat this holiday season. (Hiatus Spa + Retreat, 2021)
Holiday Spa Packages:Available November 1 – December 31
The Merry + Bright Two is better than one. Pick any two Essential Services– The Tailor-Made Facial, The One & Only Mani-Pedi, The Signature Massage, or The Body Wrap–and make a day of your getaway.
2+ hours, $179 (up to $220 value)
The Peace, Love, + Joy Our three most in-demand services —The Signature Massage, The Tailor-Made Facial and The One & Only Mani-Pedi — are bundled up and tied with a bow, for your sugar plum.
3.5 hours, $259 ($320 value)
Wrap You Up
Set the tone with our most positive service yet, The Optimist – an age-defying facial that connects your mind and skin to leave your feeling renewed and radiant. Hold on to that feeling with our essential Body Wrap – hydrating, exfoliating, and restorative from head to toe. Sure to lift your spirits this holiday season!
2+ hours, $249 ($305 value)
Face the Holidays – Gua Sha Glow Facial:Available November 16 – December 31
Sculpt, tone and lift with our Gua Sha Glow Facial. This unique treatment uses the ancient Chinese techniques of Gua Sha to increase circulation and boost overall skin health and function. Each step in this restorative facial incorporates detoxifying ingredients that will address the daily effects of stress on the skin. You will leave this facial with a sense of balance from the inside out as well as a visibly more radiant complexion. 45 minutes // $85 | $59 H-Circle
Holiday Retreat – Yuletide: Available November 29 – December 31
Embrace the Holiday season with a reviving retreat featuring an uplifting aromatic blend of Blood Orange, Cardamom, and Pine Needle. Yuletide begins with a refreshing aromatic foot soak ritual, followed by a detoxifying back and hand exfoliation with our white sage and spearmint charcoal body polish. Banish Holiday tension with a warm body butter and hot stone massage, while a comforting Holiday Old Fashioned cocktail will keep your spirits bright. 80 Minutes // Pricing: $195 | $139 H-Circle
One hundred percent of the proceeds of the Teddy Bear Brunch will go to the Children’s Bereavement Center. Photo: La Cantera Resort & Spa, used with permission.
In observance of Children’s Grief Awareness Month, La Cantera Resort & Spa is hosting the ultimate Teddy Bear Brunch experience at Signature Restaurant at La Cantera Resort & Spa on Saturday November 13 from 10a.m. to 2p.m., reservations required. Benefitting Children’s Bereavement Center, this brunch aims to educate, advocate and raise awareness about the needs of grieving children, teens, and their families by focusing on the good works of Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas. (La Cantera Resort & Spa, 2021)
For most children and adults, the Teddy Bear is a symbol of love and security, a source of comfort when they sleep and a form of protection when they are awake and feeling vulnerable. Build-A-Bear Foundation has donated 100 Teddy Bears to the Children’s Bereavement Center via the Teddy Bear Brunch. La Cantera is hoping to match that gift by asking guests to bring a brand-new Teddy Bear for donation to the Center.
Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas is so much more than a place where grieving children go to heal; it is a place of transformation. The Center serves thousands of children, caregivers, and community members through ongoing counseling, education, and support groups provided at no cost to the children and families served. Because Teddy Bears are an important part of the mission at Children’s Bereavement Center, every child starts their journey at the Center with a bear, to remind them that they are not alone in their journey through grief.
The Resort’s goal is to collect 100 Teddy Bears matching the Build-A-Bear Foundation donation for a total of 200 bears for the Center’s Holiday gift exchange with the children they serve.
One hundred percent of proceeds from the Teddy Bear Brunch will benefit Children’s Bereavement Center. Tickets are $75 for adults, $45 for children, please call Signature 210-247-0176, Tuesday through Sunday after 1p.m. to make reservations.
SA Examiner 