Christmas Day Feast at SweetFire Kitchen

sweetfiremenu — SweetFire Kitchen at La Cantera Resort & Spa is having its Christmas Day Feast on December 25. Photo: SweetFire Kitchen, used with permission.

Christmas Day is fast approaching and for those who prefer to eat out on the big day, SweetFire Kitchen at La Cantera Resort & Spa will be having a Christmas Day Feast on December 25 from 11a.m. to 8p.m. Price is $65 for adults, $26 for children 5 to 12 and free for children 4 and under. Reservations available through open table or by calling (210) 558-2479. (SweetFire Kitchen, 2018)

Christmas Day Feast Menu:
Raw Bar
Crab claws
Gulf oysters on the half shell
Old Bay Poached Gulf Shrimp
Chipotle cocktail sauce, mignonette & lemon aioli

Cheese & Charcuterie
Selection of regional cheeses
House made & locally sourced cured meats
Pickled vegetables, Dark ale grain mustard, seasonal preserves
Candied pecans & Texas wildflower honey
Assorted breads & crackers

Salad Table
Spinach & frisee, pomegranate, butternut squash, feta cheese, molasses dressing
Local greens & charred endive, walnuts, green apples, parmesan, cider vinaigrette
Broccoli, country ham, cherry tomatoes, grilled onion, house ranch

Jars
Red quinoa, fresh berries, basil, honey lemon vinaigrette
Roasted beets, goat cheese & hazelnuts
Hummus, preserved lemon pesto

Carving Station
Bourbon Glazed Turkey Breast & turkey roulade, cranberry sauce & giblet gravy
Salt & Herb Crusted Prime Rib, creamed horseradish & au jus
Porchetta, fall fruit chutney

Sides
Butternut Squash Bisque – sage cream
Traditional bread stuffing
Whipped Potatoes – garlic butter
Wild Rice Pilaf – cranberries & almonds
Root vegetable medley – maple butter
Crispy Brussel Sprouts – bacon, citrus dressing
Roasted Cauliflower Gratin

Action Station
Made to order risotto
Pork belly, bay scallop, parmesan, basil

From the bakeshop
Action station
Almond cake, flambéed cranberries & eggnog ice cream

Apple Pear crumble
Chocolate yule log, vanilla cream white chocolate
German chocolate pecan roulade
Chocolate peppermint tarts
Brown butter financier, candied oranges
Cherry chocolate cake
Raspberry lemon verrines
Citrus cheese cake
Assorted Christmas cookies
Warm sticky toffee Pudding

La Cantera Resort & Spa
16641 La Cantera Pkwy
San Antonio, TX 78256
(210) 558-6500

Holiday gift ideas from Twang

twangsalt — Twang products make fun holiday host or hostess gifts or easy stocking stuffers. Photo: Twang, used with permission.

Twang, a family owned business based in San Antonio, is rooted in the Latin tradition of adding citrus and salt to food and beer; this drink ritual can be observed on the streets of Mexico and Texas. Gift ideas for the holiday season for cocktail enthusiasts and beer drinking friends include cocktail rimming blends to beer salt. Twang brands make for fun holiday host or hostess gifts, colorful party punch or easy stocking stuffers. (Twang, 2018)

Twang-A-Rita ($3.99 per bag) is a cocktail rimming blend made of cane sugar and kosher salt. Impress guests with festive winter cocktail recipes enhanced by Twang-a-Rita. Beer Salt ($12 for a 6 count) is a citrus-flavored salt used to dress the rim of longnecks and beer mugs. Twang’s products are the perfect stocking stuffers and conversation starters at Christmas parties or Secret Santa exchanges. Various Twang brands are sold in 46 states across the country and can be purchased online, on Amazon and in stores like H-E-B and Walmart.

Recipes:
TWANG CRANBERRY MIMOSA
Yield: 1 serving

Ingredients
• Twang-A-Rita Unwind Lime
• Simple syrup
• 1-part Deep Eddy Cranberry Vodka
• 2 parts cranberry juice
• 1-part brut champagne
• ½ cup fresh cranberries

Instructions
1. Place Twang-A-Rita Unwind Lime on a small plate. Rim glasses with simple syrup then press rims into the Twang-A-Rita.
2. Pour Deep Eddy Cranberry in a champagne flute, then pour cranberry juice and top with champagne.
3. Serve immediately. Garnish with cranberries.

TWANG WINTER MARGARITA
Yield: 1 serving

Ingredients
• 4 oz. coconut milk
• 2 oz. tequila
• ½ cup ice
• 2 oz. fresh orange juice
• 1 oz. cup Triple Sec
• Twang-A-Rita Golden Roar

Instructions
1. Combine coconut milk, tequila, ice, orange juice and Triple Sec in a shaker. Blend until smooth.
2. Place Twang-A-Rita Golden Roar on a small plate. Rub a lime wedge around rims of glass and then press rims into the Twang-A-Rita.
3. Pour margarita into the glasses and enjoy.

Holiday gift ideas from Hiatus Spa + Retreat

This holiday gift giving season, Hiatus Spa + Retreat has customized holiday packages and specials to cater to that special someone. From the Merry & Bright, to the Warm & Cozy, these spa deals are perfect for anyone who loves to be pampered. (Hiatus Spa + Retreat, 2018)

The Merry & Bright
Two is better than one. Pick any two Essential Services–The Signature Massage, The Tailor Made Facial, The One & Only Mani-Pedi, The Body Glow or The Body Wrap—to make it a special day. 2 or more hours, $179 (up to $220 value)

The Mistletoe Kiss
Right place, right time. Start with a reinvigorating Monthly Retreat and after a cocktail, settle in for The Best Facial Ever. 3 hours, $319 (value, $380)

The Peace, Love, & Joy
The 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. 3.5 hours, $269 ($320 value)

Let It Glow! Let It Glow! Let It Glow!
The Body Glow, The Spotlight Massage (30 minutes) and The Sparkler Facial (60 minutes) will combine their magical powers to warm anyone up and give them a rosy glow to fight off even the chilliest winter days. 2+ hours, $239 ($290 value)

The Warm & Cozy
The Hot Stone Massage (90 minutes) is paired with The One & Only Mani-Pedi for some serious self-care, feel-good me-time. A nap and a hot toddy? Score. 3 hours, $219 ($275 value)

Hiatus also has these four unique new services available:

• The Epic Mani-Pedi: Seasonal ingredients and a handcrafted polish exfoliate hands and feet; deep hydration renews dry soles and an extra massage with hot stone. Sparkly new nails – and bubbly – are the grand finale. It’s just that. Epic. (110 minutes $140; H-Circle $109)

• The Turkish Delight: Transports guests to a Turkish hammam. Includes alternating bowls of warm water, minty suds, a full-body clay mask, a drizzle of warm body oil and a head-to-toe massage. (80 minutes $175; H-Circle $129)

• The Perfect Body Lift: Lift body and soul with this anti-aging, micro-circulating treatment focused on cellulite deposits and less-than-tone skin. Helps stimulate, lift, tighten and revitalize the contouring areas of the body. (60 minute $155; H-Circle $119)

• Brow and Lash Love:
o Brow or Lash Tint ($30 | add-on $25)
o Brow and Lash Tint ($50 | add-on $40)
o H-Circle members receive 20% off

Hiatus Spa + Retreat
312 Pearl Pkwy, Building 4, Ste 4112
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 202-3355

Family fun at Old West Christmas Light Fest

oldwestchristmasfest — The Old West Christmas Light Fest is now open until December 30. Photo: Old West Christmas Light Fest, used with permission.

Old West Christmas Light Fest brings the holidays to life with drive-thru light displays and an Old West town filled with lights, music, food and fun and now it is at all-new location, Enchanted Springs Ranch, 242 Hwy 46 W in Boerne. Guests can enjoy dazzling lights, visit Santa, snap holiday photos and play games and other family friendly activities as Christmas Light Fest celebrates five years of bringing holiday magic to San Antonio and the Hill Country. (Old West Christmas Light Fest, 2018)

The 2018 event is open from 6p.m. to 10p.m., Thursday through Sunday evening until Sunday, December 16 and EVERY night December 20 to December 29 including Christmas Eve and Christmas night.

Spread throughout a 40-building Old West town brought to life with the magic of holiday lights, activities include drive-thru light displays, walk-around lights and experiences in a recreated Old West town, featuring a walk-through light tunnel, family games, a light maze for kids, a scavenger hunt, a mechanical bull ride, trampoline bungee jumping, cookie decorating, holiday movies, face painting, ornament decorating and more. There is live music every Saturday night and Santa is at his favorite ranch to hear holiday wishes through Christmas Eve. Photos with Santa are free.

Tickets are available online and are $15 per adult and $10 per child ages four and older. Children under four are free. Tickets at the gate are $17 per adult and $12 per child (tax included). A Family 5-Pack is available online only for $49. Members of the military—active duty, guard, reserves and all retired service members—as well as first responders and their families receive a $5 discount throughout the holiday season. Guests who bring a nonperishable item to donate to the San Antonio Food Bank and receive $2 off their ticket. Season passes are also available for $45 per person. Onsite parking is free.

Old West Christmas Light Fest
Enchanted Springs Ranch (exit 540 off of I-10)
242 Hwy 46 W
Boerne, TX 78006

Holiday gift ideas from Pluckers Wing Bar

pluckerssauce — Pluckers Wing Bar’s infamous sauces are available for gift giving this holiday season. Photo: Pluckers, used with permission.

Pluckers Wing Bar recently launched their mobile application, now available on Google Play and iTunes, that allows Pluckers fans to order takeout, unlock new challenges and earn points. Just in time for the holidays, Pluckers Wing Bar is thrilled to announce that they will be running a holiday promotion through Christmas Eve on e-gift cards that can be purchased directly from the app or online, as well as physical gift cards available in-store. (Pluckers Wing Bar, 2018)

e-Gift Cards:
When a guest purchases an e-Gift card of $25 or more, 20% will be gifted to the purchaser’s Pluckers card on January 1, 2019.

Physical Gift Cards:
When a guest purchases a physical gift card of $50 or more, 10% will be gifted to the purchaser’s physical gift card on January 1, 2019.

The Pluckers’ Club card, signature rewards program and membership, can be purchased on the app for just $20 — members can enjoy a variety of rewards, including, but not limited to, free birthday meals, invitations to exclusive events, food and drink specials, and more. The Pluckers Club (Lite) is free on iTunes and Google Play and will allow users to partake in the challenges but does not include the membership perks.

Pluckers Wing Bar’s infamous sauces are perfect for gifting. Known for its famous wings served with a choice of more than 20 homemade sauces, Pluckers Wing Bar sells their most-popular sauces at all restaurants and online for $5.99 each.

Flavors include:
• Honey BBQ
• Spicy BBQ
• Baker’s Gold
• Buffalo: Hot, Medium, Mild
• Fire in the Hole

Pluckers Wing Bar is known for its famous wings served with a choice of more than 20 homemade sauces. It has the perfect combination of homemade food and atmosphere for sports fans to keep up with their favorite sports teams and games. The iconic menu includes fan favorites like Fried Pickles, Holy Macaroni – fried macaroni and cheese, the Bypass Burger topped with bacon, cheddar, grilled onions and jalapeños, and the Buffalo Chicken Sandwich – fried chicken breast tossed in wing sauce topped with a choice of ranch or blue cheese dressing. Wings are available in bone, boneless or grilled and paired with signature sauces like Buffalo, Spicy BBQ and Spicy Ranch, along with such unique flavors as Ginger Peach Sriracha, Gochujang and Spicy Mandarin.

Doc Watkins’ Big Band Holiday Classics concert at Pearl

docwatkinsconcert — Doc Watkins’ Big Band Holiday Classics Concert is this Sunday December 9 at Pearl Park. Photo: Pearl, used with permission.

Pearl is excited to present Doc Watkins’ Big Band Holiday Classics Concert this Sunday December 9 at 7:30p.m. at Pearl Park. Guests are invited to experience Watkins and a stellar line-up of San Antonio musical talent for an evening of big band holiday classic songs. The performance recreates Doc’s soon-to-be released and much anticipate album Doc Watkins Christmas in Jazz, TX. Alongside members of the San Antonio Symphony, Doc sings Silver Bells, White Christmas and other classic holiday standards. This event is free and open to the public with food and drinks available for purchase at the Bottling Department. (Pearl, 2018)

As part of the holiday programming, starting Wednesday, December 5, Pearl celebrates the tradition of Christmas Caroling with choirs from several local schools and organizations including Lamar Elementary, Hawthorne Elementary, Northwest Hills Baptist Church (Kidz Music Club), San Antonio Chamber Choir, Chantez Nouvelle and more. The dates for Christmas Caroling include December 5, 11, 12, 17 and 18. Times vary, please check Pearl’s social media and website for more information. This event is also free and open to the public.

Pearl
Pearl Parkway
San Antonio, TX 78215

Celebrate National Repeal Day on Wednesday December 5

hotelemmadrink — Celebrate National Repeal Day on Wednesday December 5 at Sternewirth at Hotel Emma. Photo: Hotel Emma, used with permission.

National Repeal Day celebrates the Repeal of Prohibition, or the end of the great experiment, and the return of legal alcohol sales. This year, Repeal Day will be observed on Wednesday December 05, 2018. The Repeal of Prohibition in the United States was accomplished with the passage of the Twenty-first Amendment to the United States Constitution on December 5, 1933. The Esquire Tavern and Hotel Emma will be holding events on Wednesday to commemorate the big day.

The Esquire Tavern is excited to invite all of San Antonio to party like it’s 1933 and celebrate the establishment’s 85th birthday at a timeless bash on Wednesday, December 5, the day recognized as ‘Repeal Day’ throughout history. To commemorate 85 years of providing downtown San Antonio with exquisite classic cocktails and delectable tavern food, the oldest bar on the Riverwalk will host an evening of revelry. Guests can expect entertainment including live music, a fortune teller, burlesque performances and plenty of the Esquire’s classic, prohibition-era cocktails like its famous Old-Fashioned. A variety of complimentary hors d’oeuvres and drinks will be shared throughout the night. Reservations are encouraged and available for both The Esquire Tavern and Downstairs at The Esquire. (The Esquire Tavern, 2018)

Special guests include Stars and Garters Burlesque accompanied by live music from The Dirty River Dixie Band. Chef Brooke Smith’s full menu will be available until 11p.m., including Esquire favorites like the Chicken Chalupitas in addition to the recently updated seasonal menu featuring new items like her savory Artichoke Dip and Grits and Grillades. The mysterious Shaman-like, ‘Brujo Jerry’ will be inhabiting Downstairs at The Esquire Tavern for the evening to share his revelatory visions of the future. Patrons are encouraged to celebrate their right to drink alcohol and visit Downstairs for the best Grower Champagne list in town, paired with house-prepared charcuterie and oysters on the half-shell. Everyone is invited. The event is from 7p.m. to midnight and the entertainment begins at 8p.m.

The Esquire Tavern
155 E. Commerce Street
San Antonio, TX 78205

Hotel Emma is hosting a National Repeal Day event at Sternewirth from 6p.m. to 10p.m. The evening will feature drink specials and Jazz Age music by award-winning artist Henry Brun. The public is invited to toast the end of prohibition and celebrate the freedom to drink and be merry this holiday season. The staff will dress the part in era-appropriate attire for an authentic Roaring Twenties feel. New features include speedier drink service courtesy of a new service bar and a new mezzanine seating area, where there is space for every reveler. The event is free and open to the public. (Hotel Emma, 2018)

The exclusive drink specials include:
• Gin Martini – Gin, Dry Vermouth, Orange Bitters $8
• House Bubbles – $8
• Aviation – Gin, Maraschino Liqueur, Crème de Violette, Lemon $9
• Sazerac – Rye, Peychauds Bitters, Absinthe $9

Sternewirth Tavern & Club Room,
136 E. Grayson St.
San Antonio TX 78215

Gingerbread house decorating parties to benefit SA YOUTH

gingerbreadhouse18 — La Cantera Resort & Spa will host Gingerbread Decorating Parties to benefit SA YOUTH. Photo: La Cantera Resort & Spa, used with permission.

La Cantera Resort & Spa is having Gingerbread Decorating Parties this month at the San Gabriel Meeting Room to benefit SA YOUTH and children and adults can both participate in this sweet event. La Cantera Resort will provide the home-made, ready to assemble house and resort Pastry Chefs will offer decorating tips while guests provide the creativity. These decorating parties are set for Thursday, December 6 from 7p.m. to 9p.m. and Saturdays, December 8, 15 and 22 from 10a.m. to 1p.m. (La Cantera Resort & Spa, 2018)

Gingerbread Houses are $50 each and may be reserved by calling (210) 558-2247 or emailing the recreation department. Ten dollars from every Gingerbread House purchased will benefit SA YOUTH. SA YOUTH’s mission is to develop the character, strengths, talents and skills of San Antonio’s high-risk urban youth through fun, safe experiences, positive learning environments and holistic programs that inspire everyone to fulfill their potential personally and in the community. More information holiday events is available online.

La Cantera Resort & Spa
San Gabriel Meeting Room
16641 La Cantera Parkway
San Antonio, TX 78256
(210) 558-6500

Horseshoe Bay Resort activities for December

horshoebayresort — Horsshoe Bay Resort has a variety of holiday activities scheduled for December. Photo: Horseshoe Bay Resort, used with permission.

Horseshoe Bay Resort is at the forefront of Texas’ luxury travel destinations, named by Condé Nast Traveller as one of the ‘Top Resorts in Texas and The Southwest.’ Just a short 90-minute drive from San Antonio, it features a variety of lakeside activities, kid-friendly amenities and dining outlets with spectacular views of Lake Lyndon B. Johnson, Horseshoe Bay Resort is the perfect place to cozy up for the holiday season and enjoy seasonal programming like a complimentary shuttle to the Marble Falls Walkway of Lights, Winter Wonderland, New Year’s Eve activities and more. (Horseshoe Bay Resort, 2018)

December events:
Charlie Brown Christmas Dinner
Friday, December 14 – Dinner begins at 7p.m.; the show begins at 8p.m.
Don’t miss a fabulous performance of a Christmas classic by the Austin Chamber Music Center. Celebrate the season with the original Charlie Brown music of Vince Guaraldi featuring pianist Michelle Schumann, bassist Utah Hamrick, drummer David Sierra and special guests plus the chance to meet Snoopy in the lobby. Reservations required.

Horseshoe Bay Resort Winter Wonderland
Saturday, December 15 from 4p.m. to 10p.m.
Take a stroll through Horseshoe Bay Resort’s Winter Wonderland. The Winter Market will feature a uniquely curated shopping selection, including Kendra Scott, Raven + Lily, Haley LeBeuf, Colores Collective and Mustard Seed Jewelry. Guests will also enjoy a Laser Light Show, the Acapella Group Vocalibre of Texas State University, photos with Santa, letters to Santa, arts and crafts, food and beverage stations, horse-drawn carriage rides and more. Guests may view pricing and updates on the resort event calendar.

Saturday, December 21
• 10a.m. to 2p.m. Gingerbread House Decorating at the Yacht Club Ballroom: bring the little ones to decorate a gingerbread house. These pre-assembled houses are made in the pastry department and all supplies and decorations are included. Reservations are required 48 hours in advance by calling 830.596.2582.
• 6p.m. to 7p.m. – Marble Falls Walkway of Lights: watch more than two million lights transform Marble Falls Lakeside Park into a Winter Wonderland. Complimentary shuttles are available for overnight guests and club members.

Sunday, December 31
• 6p.m. to 1a.m. – Kids Club New Year’s Eve: while parents dance the night away, let Horseshoe Bay Resort take care of the kids at the Kid’s Club. New Year’s Eve Kid’s Club programming includes snacks, dinner and arts and craft activities throughout the evening. Reservations are required.
• 9:30p.m. – Ring in the New Year at Horseshoe Bay Resort: folks can enjoy dancing at the Granite Ballroom with live music by The Argyles – one of the best party bands in Texas. Admission includes party favors and a champagne toast at midnight. Drink specials will be available to purchase throughout the evening.

Weekly Activities
• 11a.m. to 12p.m. – Exotic Animals featuring Birds of the Bay, where guests can take a memorable photo with the exotic birds on property; a staff member will also be on-site to share interesting bird facts and the Tortoise connection: where guests can mingle with the tortoises on-property and learn unique cool facts. Guests may also feed the tortoises a snack and take get a picture that they will never forget. Check Horseshoe Bay Resort’s website for more information.

Weekend Activities
• Thursday – Saturday; 6p.m. to 7p.m. – Marble Falls Walkway of Lights: watch more than two million lights transform Marble Falls Lakeside Park into a Winter Wonderland. Complimentary shuttles are available for overnight guests and club members.
• Friday and Saturday, 6p.m. – 7:30p.m. – S’mores by the Campfire: Enjoy complimentary S’mores on the Live Oak Lawn, surrounded by festive decor and the beautiful Texas Hill Country.

Horseshoe Bay Resort
200 Hi Circle North
Horseshoe Bay, TX 78657
(877) 611-0112

‘The Santaland Diaries’ returns to The Classic Theatre

santaland19 — John Stillwagon returns as Crumpet the Elf in ‘The Santaland Diaries’ at The Classic Theatre. Photo: Laura Tannenbaum, used with permission.

The hilarious holiday favorite ‘The Santaland Diaries’ returns to The Classic Theatre of San Antonio this week when it opens on Friday December 7. This one-man show is based on the true chronicles of NPR comic genius David Sedaris’ experience as Crumpet the Elf in Macy’s Santaland display. This cult classic riffs on a few of his odd encounters with his fellow man during the height of the holiday crunch. John Stillwagon returns as Sedaris’ not so merry alter ego Crumpet the Elf with Bart Roush directing. The show is written by David Sedaris and adapted by Joe Mantello. ‘The Santaland Diaries’ runs through Sunday December 16 with show dates on December 7, 8, 9 and 14, 15 and 16. Performances are Friday and Saturday at 11p.m. and Sunday at 7p.m. (The Classic Theatre, 2018)

Tickets are $25 for general admission and may be purchased online or by calling the box office at (210) 589-8450. Group rates are available. There will be a complimentary eggnog reception on opening night Friday December 7. Please note that ‘The Santaland Diaries’ is recommended for ages 14 and over as it contains mature content and language and the secret of Santa is exposed.

The Classic Theatre of San Antonio
1924 Fredericksburg Rd
San Antonio, TX 78201
(210) 589-8450

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Category: Holiday themed events