Tag: holiday shopping

Celebrate the Season Western-Style at the Briscoe’s Cowboy Christmas

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

Sweeten the Holidays With Macarons from Bakery Lorraine: Now Available Nationwide

Bakery Lorraine’s macarons are available for nationwide delivery. Photo: Bakery Lorraine, used with permission.

As temperatures drop and delicious pastries become the perfect addition to holiday gatherings, gift your loved ones a sweet treat from Bakery Lorraine. This San Antonio and Austin-based bakery and coffee shop offers the finest French baked goods, exceptional savory bites, and decadent macarons. (Bakery Lorraine, 2024)

Families with loved ones spread far and wide can rest easy knowing Bakery Lorraine’s macarons are available for nationwide shipping. Gift-givers can choose from a variety of flavors, including salted caramel, raspberry, Earl Grey, dreamsicle, s’mores, pistachio, dark chocolate lavender, and more. Macarons are available in assortment packs of 6 pack or 12 pack  and are handcrafted with the finest ingredients, ensuring every bite is an experience of pure indulgence. Whether gifting them to family, friends, or colleagues, these treats are sure to bring joy and add a touch of elegance to any holiday celebration.

Make this holiday season deliciously stress-free with Bakery Lorraine’s reliable nationwide pastry shipping and delicious assortment of macarons that will impress, delight, and leave a lasting impression.

September is National Honey Month, a month dedicated to creating awareness and recognizing the importance of honey bees, Bakery Lorraine has created a delightful new dessert that is perfect for honey lovers: the Honey Lemon Cup.

For just $7, this treat features layers of wildflower honey panna cotta, soaked honey lemon sponge cake, and is topped with a luscious honey cream and lemon gelee. It’s available at all San Antonio and Boerne locations throughout the month of September.

To celebrate National Honey Month, Bakery Lorraine is also showcasing a special honey display at their Pearl location, where customers can sample a variety of honey throughout the month—while supplies last. 

Bakery Lorraine’s Honey Lemon Cup. Photo: Bakery Lorraine, used with permission.

New children’s book release: ‘The Duck Who Flew to the Moon’ by Emma Brax

‘The Duck Who Flew to the Moon’ is the new children’s book by Emma Brax. Photo: YouTube

Children’s books are not only entertaining, but they can also serve as teaching tools. Who can resist books that are colorful and feature adorable characters learning valuable life lessons? Today’s new children’s book is “The Duck Who Flew to the Moon” by Emma Brax. Come along with Dani Ducklee as she learns about inner strength and the magic of friendship. Order now and embark on a journey that will soar straight into your heart. This adorable book makes the perfect holiday gift for children ages 3 -12.

Emma Brax is the acclaimed author of “The Duck Who Flew to the Moon,” a heartwarming tale that follows the adventures of Dani Ducklee, the smallest duck one could ever imagine. Do not miss out on this touching story of a little duck with a big heart. Beyond her writing, Emma is a devoted mother to three wonderful boys and cherishes every moment spent with her family. Her passion for storytelling does not stop with Dani’s adventures; she is currently working on a follow-up book that promises even more thrilling escapades for the beloved duck. (Emma Brax, 2023)

“The Duck Who Flew to the Moon” – Despite her petite size, Dani’s bravery and spirit shine through, taking readers on an unexpected journey to the stars. As she faces the challenges of the storm, she discovers the strength within herself and the magic of friendship in the most unexpected places. Whether you are looking for a bedtime story to inspire the dreams of an adventurer or a tale to share with loved ones, “The Duck Who Flew to the Moon” promises to be a cherished addition to any bookshelf.

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Hiatus Spa + Retreat’s holiday shopping specials

Hiatus Spa + Retreat has gift cards and Cyber Monday deals perfect for holiday shopping. Photo: Hiatus Spa + Retreat, used with permission.

Looking for holiday gift shopping ideas? Hiatus Spa + Retreat’s Bright + Early Gift Card sale is now live and their Cyber Monday sale is coming up. This is the perfect time to stock up on self-care gifts for your loved ones this holiday season. (Hiatus Spa + Retreat, 2021)

Bright + Early Gift Card Sale
Dates: November 15 – December 5, 2021
Offer: Buy $125 in gift cards for $99

Cyber Monday
Dates: November 28-29, 2021
Offer: 20% Off all products on eCommerce only + Free Shipping (excludes SkinCeuticals)
Online Promo Code: CYBER20

With eight locations across Texas, eight years on Inc. 500’s fastest-growing companies, and an innovative spa subscription model, Hiatus Spa + Retreat is a fresh kind of full-service spa that has changed the wellness industry. Powered by products with green ingredients and a high-touch experience, Hiatus’ personalized approach to wellness is driven by the view that regular relaxation should be an empowering part of a healthy, happy lifestyle.

iFLY Indoor Skydiving offers holiday packages

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; The Elevated 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.

Holiday shopping deals around town

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Photo: Shake Shack, used with permission.

This week, Black Friday ushers in the holiday shopping season and area businesses are offering special deals to their customers to help them get the most for their dollars. (Shake Shack, Pluckers Wing Bar, Hiatus Spa + Retreat, 2019)

In celebration of Black Friday, Shake Shack will be running a Black FryDay promotion from November 27 through December 1. Each guest (for all order modes – in-Shack, App pick-up, or delivery order) will receive a scratch-off ticket in their bag for the chance to win a prize. The scratch off area is the first gondola and all cards will be a winner. Prizes include:  Free burger with any $20+ order or free fries with any $15+ order on the Shack App, Free Delivery with any $15+ order through Grubhub or Free Shack for a year (aka a $2,500 gift card). This offer would be a great time to try one of Shake Shack’s holiday shakes: Christmas Cookie Shake, Chocolate Peppermint Shake and Coconut Snowball Shake – which are offered now through January 5.

    • Christmas Cookie Shake: Sugar cookie frozen custard, topped with whipped cream, crumbled shortbread and holiday sprinkles.
    • Chocolate Peppermint Shake: Chocolate custard, peppermint fudge sauce, topped with whipped cream and chocolate peppermint bark.
    • Coconut Snowball Shake: Vanilla custard, coconut, marshmallow, topped with whipped cream, coconut and sprinkles.

Pluckers Wing Bar will be offering $10 Pluckers Club Memberships on Black Friday and 20%-off everything via the Pluckers Shop (excluding gift cards) on Cyber Monday. Pluckers Club members enjoy a variety of rewards, including, but not limited to, free birthday meals, invitations to exclusive events, food and drink specials and more. Pluckers club membership is now available through the app on iTunes and Google Play – a treat for current and aspiring members.

Hiatus Spa + Retreat is running a special on their Bright and Early gift cards perfect for holiday gifting, stocking stuffers and to kick off the new year. Guests who purchase an online gift card valued at $125.00 get it for only $99.00. The limited time offer is valid through Friday, November 29. Hiatus Spa + Retreat is ringing in the holidays with the December monthly specials and holiday packages such as:

        • 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–and make a day of your getaway. 2 or more hours, $179 (up to $220 value)
        • The Peace, Love, & Joy: their 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, $269 ($320 value)

December Monthly Retreat: December in Manhattan
“Embrace the holiday frenzy with our take on December in Manhattan – inspired by the timeless cocktail. A gentle full-body exfoliation prepares you to be smothered in a warm masque of antioxidant-rich Black Cherries, spicy Nutmeg and luscious Bourbon Vanilla. Unwind with a deeply penetrating massage, letting the fragrant masque nurture your skin and inspire your senses. A final rinse under the Vichy shower leaves you soft, sultry and satisfied, ready to sip a heart-melting Manhattan made with housemade bourbon and Madagascar vanilla-infused cherries.” (80-minute service for $195)

Pearl announces new pop-up: Nave Coyote

navecoyote
Nave Coyote will temporarily take over the Diehlman Building at the Pearl as the new pop-up. Photo: Nave Coyote, used with permission.

Pearl is excited to present Nave Coyote, the third pop-up in the Diehlman Building. As the brainchild of designers Peter Glassford and Isabel Moncada, Nave Coyote will showcase a compilation of hand-selected contemporary designs from Guadalajara, Mexico, Moncada’s hometown. Glassford and Moncada curated a vibrant collection of fashion, jewelry, leather goods, tabletop designs, furniture and lighting items that vary from practical to extravagant. This showcase will introduce San Antonio to the booming contemporary design scene in Mexico.  (Pearl, 2019)

Designers Peter Glassford and Isabel Moncada kick-started their careers in 1990 after falling in love with the talent they found in Mexico. The duo formed Glassford Moncada in 2016, a design alliance and workshop in Guadalajara with a Tex-Mex perspective. Their pop up in the Diehlman Building will have items that were exclusively selected for the Pearl and will be available for a limited time; from Friday November 29 through Monday January 6. Business hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10a.m. to 6p.m.

Diehlman Building
200 E. Grayson Street, Suite 100
San Antonio, TX 78215

The Shops at La Cantera includes retailers once found only online

dogatlacantera
The Shops at La Cantera has had unique tenants open their doors onsite. Photo: The Shops at La Cantera, used with permission.

Patrons of The Shops at La Cantera have had a variety of new options for fitness, dining and shopping pleasures in 2019 thanks to several new tenants that opened their doors at one of Texas’ premier luxury retail destinations. Stores that were once only available as online retailers now have a brick-and-mortar presence at The Shops at La Cantera. New-to-market restaurants, retailers and health and wellness businesses made their mark here this year, further solidifying the position of The Shops as South Texas’ premier unique and upscale open-air center. This comes as The Shops approaches its 15th anniversary as an Alamo City icon. (The Shops at La Cantera, 2019)

Stores like Tecovas, formerly an online-only cowboy boot retailer, added their second physical location at The Shops in July and has been well-received by patrons. Quay Australia, a once digital native retailer of sunglasses, brought their “notoriously cool sunnies” to the property as well. The Shops will also be home to one of two American locations for high-end fashion retailer Purificación Garcia, which boasts nearly a dozen locations across Central and South America. Premium jeans maker 7 for All Mankind is another first-to-market retailer at The Shops. While Louis Vuitton has had a store inside anchor tenant Neiman Marcus for years, they expanded their presence in 2019 with a new store to display more of its luxury French handbags and accessories in the Neiman Marcus wing of The Shops. In May, California-based Restoration Hardware opened its doors to offer patrons the chance to enjoy its many lines of select furniture designs, including sections for children and babies.

Several new dining and food-related options are also new additions to The Shops, including upscale fast casual creperie Sweet Paris and another French-inspired café, Le Macaron French Pastries. In the mood for more sweets? Try unique ice cream sandwich shop The Baked Bear. In San Antonio, these culinary offerings are only available at The Shops at La Cantera.

On the health and wellness front, Orange Theory Fitness will be coming by the end of 2019. Pop-up yoga studio Half Moon Power Yoga opened earlier in 2019 and will continue to offer its healing services to patrons at their location next to Nordstrom.

As it celebrates another year of redefining destination shopping and lifestyle experience in South Texas, guests can enjoy a diverse experience that can only be found at The Shops at La Cantera this holiday season.

“Fifteen years after we opened the first phase of The Shops at La Cantera, we continue to draw exciting and innovative stores to this beautiful space. This is going to be a great holiday season to come out and see new faces, to taste new flavors and to enjoy new experiences.” – Brian Schroeder, senior general manager at The Shops at La Cantera

The Shops at La Cantera
15900 La Cantera Pkwy
San Antonio, TX 78256
(210) 582-6255

Mexican-inspired pop-up shops at Pearl this Fall

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Mi Golondrina is one of the pop-up shops at Pearl this fall. Photo: Mi Golondrina, used with permission. 

This holiday season, Pearl is welcoming Mexican-inspired pop-up shops to get guests into the holiday shopping mood. These shops will feature a variety of handcrafted collections, ranging from vintage Mexican masks to high-end artisan apparel and accessories and will available through December. (Pearl, 2018)

In conjunction with Pearl’s second annual Día de los Muertos celebration November 1 and 2, Mexico City-based artist Karima Muyaes comes to Pearl to sell and showcase her Día-themed artwork. As an internationally renowned artist and printmaker, Muyaes creates artwork with iconic imagery and characteristic style. Large format paintings, prints, paper skulls and vintage Mexican masks will be available. Muyaes’ altar/ofrenda in honor of the 43 Mexican male students who disappeared in 2014 will also be on view.

Founded in June 2013 by Cristina Lynch, Mi Golondrina works with skilled artisans to pair centuries old embroidery techniques with modern styles. Each one-of-a-kind piece in the Mi Golondrina collection is handcrafted in Mexico while the finishing details are added by their talented team in Dallas, the end result being a curated collection of high-end artisan apparel and accessories.

Artist Karima Muyaes
November 1 through November 11. Closed Monday. Open Tuesday through Sunday 10a.m. to 6p.m.

Mi Golondrina
November 23 through December 22. Closed Sunday and Monday. Open Tuesday through Saturday 11a.m. to 5p.m.

All pop-up stores will be located behind Local Coffee.

Pearl
302 Pearl Parkway Suite 110
Next to Ten Thousand Villages on Avenue A
San Antonio, TX 78215

Holiday happenings at Pearl

pearlholidays
This week Pearl has different activities planned to get visitors in the holiday spirit.  Photo: Pearl, used with permission.

This week at Pearl there are numerous holiday activities to get visitors into the holiday spirit. From the festive scenery to holiday entertainment, food specials, shopping and live music, there is something for everyone.

The featured designer brands at Popmarte this week are India Hicks, Snake Hawk Press, Mignonne Gavigan, Lambillotte, La Marée Swimwear, Uwila Warrior, Dawnson + Hellmann and Cheree Berry Paper. Popmarte is a rotating, multi-brand retail store open for a limited time through December 23.

On Tuesday, December 12 – Northwest Hills Baptist Church will be caroling at 7p.m. at Parkito.

The Holiday Night Market will take place on Thursday December 14 from 4p.m. to 8p.m. This week it features Farmers Market vendors, craft vendors, live music and holiday activities. Guests will be able to pick up tamales and other traditional goodies like chocolates and sweets and gifts including handmade soaps to artisan goat cheese and gourmet dog treats.

Holiday Canciones is set for Thursday, December 14 beginning at 6p.m. This is a a four-part music series that takes place as part of the Pearl Holiday Night Market and features popular Texas music genres with a holiday twist. This week’s ‘Blue Christmas’ showcases rising Texas blues star, Dylan Bishop with a performance of classic blues and Christmas tunes mixed with his authentic and well-groomed playing style. During the evening event, patrons can experience a special outdoor bar by Bottling Department. All female Mariachi group Las Coronelas will also perform at Parkito.

Pearl
303 Pearl Parkway
San Antonio, TX 78215