Teatro Audaz’ Season 10 Announcement Celebration will take place this Saturday. Photo: Teatro Audaz
Noche Audaz: A Season 10 Fiesta You Don’t Want to Miss 🎉
Teatro Audaz San Antonio is turning 10 years bold, and they’re celebrating the best way they know how, with familia, cultura, and a full-on fiesta. (Teatro Audaz, 2026)
Noche Audaz marks the official kickoff of their 10th Anniversary Season, Audaz X: A Decade of Familia. It’s part party, part season reveal, and part fundraiser, all coming together for one unforgettable night honoring the past ten years and looking ahead to what’s next.
📅 When & Where
Saturday, January 10 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Teatro Audaz 1310 S. Brazos St. San Antonio, TX 78207
(Yes—free parking!)
🎟 Let’s Talk Tickets
Tickets are available online, and every purchase supports Teatro Audaz and its artists.
💎 Diamante Sponsor Ticket — $50
This option is perfect if you want to go all in:
Admission to the event
Delicious food
Two free drinks
A Season 10 Vecinos sponsorship, which includes a free ticket to an upcoming show
🥈 Silver Fiesta Ticket — $25
A great way to join the celebration:
Admission to the event
Delicious food
One free drink
🎶 What’s in Store?
Expect a lively, high-energy night filled with:
Amazing food and festive drinks
Folklórico dancers from The Academy of Mexican Folk Dance
Live music and special performances
An exclusive reveal of Teatro Audaz’s Season 10 lineup
Plenty of opportunities to support meaningful, community-centered art
❤️ Why Your Support Matters
Every dollar raised goes directly toward Teatro Audaz San Antonio’s productions, educational programs, and community initiatives, helping amplify underrepresented voices on and off the stage.
This night is about more than celebrating, it’s about sustaining a theatre company that tells stories that matter.
Come celebrate. Come support. Come shine with Audaz.
About Teatro Audaz
Teatro Audaz San Antonio is dedicated to creating space for Latinx stories and voices to thrive on stage. Through bold, innovative storytelling, they work to break barriers in theatre, empower artists, and build deeper connections within the community.
At its heart, Teatro Audaz believes theatre can inspire change, spark conversation, and strengthen cultural pride, here in San Antonio and beyond.
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!
Miracle on Arciniega Pop-Up at Anaqua Garden Bar. Photo: Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa + Tay Simmons, used with permission.
Cozy Up Sundays Return to Southtown Rooftop Bar at Rosario’s 🌆
Rosario’s ComidaMex & Bar announces the return of Cozy Up Sundays at its Southtown Rooftop Bar, running now through January, every Sunday from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Each Sunday, guests are invited to embrace the brisk winter air while enjoying handcrafted cocktails and bites for just $8, all paired with sweeping panoramic views of San Antonio’s skyline. Patrons are encouraged to gather loved ones and cozy up under Rosario’s signature pink blankets for the ultimate rooftop experience.
To ensure comfort during San Antonio’s unpredictable winter weather, space heaters are placed throughout the rooftop bar. On colder evenings, the bar’s enclosed space offers a warm and inviting retreat without sacrificing the atmosphere.
Located in the heart of San Antonio, Rosario’s provides a welcoming space where guests can fully immerse themselves in the city’s rich roots and vibrant culture, making it the perfect Sunday destination.(Rosario’s ComidaMex & Bar, 2025)
📍 Address 722 S. St. Mary’s St. San Antonio, TX
More Holiday Dining & Events in San Antonio 🎄
Looking for more ways to celebrate the holidays this month? Here are some standout experiences happening around the city:
Ambler Texas Kitchen + Cocktails
Holiday Dinner on the River Walk 📅 December 24 & 25 | ⏰ 5–8 p.m.
Celebrate Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with a festive holiday menu featuring prime rib, roasted turkey, seared salmon, and decadent desserts. (Ambler Texas Kitchen + Cocktails, 2025)
Miracle on Arciniega Pop-Up at Anaqua Garden Bar 📅 Open now – Sunday, December 28
Anaqua Garden Bar transforms into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights, seasonal décor, cheerful music, and a limited-time holiday craft cocktail menu served in themed mugs. (Anaqua Garden Bar, 2025)
Guests can also enjoy:
Cozy s’mores activations
A tunnel of lights
Hourly snow showers
Now in its second year, Miracle on Arciniega serves as a festive bridge between Downtown and Southtown, making it an ideal gathering spot for locals and visitors alike.
Tenfold Rooftop 📅 Friday, December 19 – Thursday, December 25
Celebrate the season from above the city at Tenfold Rooftop’s weeklong Christmas pop-up featuring festive cocktails, elevated holiday bites, and stunning skyline views. (Tenfold Rooftop, 2025)
Jots Signature Christmas Prime Rib 📅 Monday, December 22 – Friday, December 26 💲 $29 per person | Regular menu also available
Jots Restaurant is serving a comforting holiday favorite: Signature Prime Rib with rosemary au jus, fresh horseradish cream, and smashed potatoes—perfect for a classic Christmas meal downtown. (The Gunter Hotel, 2025)
📍 Address 311 N. St. Mary’s St. San Antonio, TX 78205
The Gunter Hotel’s newest speakeasy,Bar 414, hosts live music every Thursday through Saturday in December (excluding Christmas Day). Meanwhile, the Vinyl Library sets the mood in the lobby with its “Spin the Season” holiday vinyl curation.
📍 Address 205 E. Houston St. San Antonio, TX 78205
Adventures in the Sky: Amelia’s Journey is now a permanent exhibition at The Children’s Museum of Brownsville. Photo: Children’s Museum of Brownsville, used with permission.
Adventures in the Sky: Amelia’s Journey Takes Flight in Brownsville
SAN ANTONIO — Two of Texas’s leading children’s museums, The DoSeum in San Antonio and Children’s Museum of Brownsville (CMB), are proud to announce their collaborative presentation of Adventures in the Sky: Amelia’s Journey, a high-energy, family-centered exhibition inspired by the legacy of aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart and her historic ties to Brownsville, Texas. (The DoSeum/Children’s Museum of Brownsville, 2025)
The exhibition officially opened to the public at the Children’s Museum of Brownsville during a grand opening celebration on Saturday, November 22, and is now a permanent exhibition at CMB.
A Story of Flight, Courage, and South Texas Possibility
Adventures in the Sky: Amelia’s Journey invites children to step into the story of flight through hands-on exploration, playful engineering challenges, and immersive environments that connect history to the future of STEM.
Inspired by Amelia Earhart’s fearless spirit, and a remarkable chapter of her aviation legacy linked to Brownsville, it encourages young learners to ask bold questions:
How do planes fly?
What makes someone a trailblazer?
What dreams are possible when science meets courage?
Through interactive components designed for early learners through upper elementary ages, families explore physics, aerodynamics, problem-solving, and perseverance, all anchored in a story that belongs to this region.
The Power of Two Museums, One Shared Mission
The DoSeum and the Children’s Museum of Brownsville came together with a simple belief: children thrive when communities invest in curiosity.
As exhibition collaborators, the two institutions pooled creative development, educational design support, and operational expertise to ensure a seamless, high-quality experience for South Texas families. This partnership strengthens a regional pipeline of learning, making it easier for children to encounter consistent, STEM-rich experiences whether they visit museums in San Antonio, Brownsville, or anywhere in between.
“When children see their local history reflected in exciting, hands-on experiences, it changes the way they imagine their future. This collaboration is about building bridges between cities, between institutions, and most importantly between kids and opportunity.” — Meredith Doby, Chief Creative Officer, The DoSeum
“Amelia’s Journey is a love letter to South Texas, the dreamers, the builders, and the next generation of innovators. We’re grateful to have the support of The DoSeum, for standing shoulder-to-shoulder with us to bring this exhibit to life for our community.” — Felipe Peña III, Executive Director, Children’s Museum of Brownsville
This partnership reflects a growing movement among cultural and educational institutions to share resources, expertise, and imagination, ensuring children across the region, regardless of ZIP code, can access world-class learning experiences.
A Regional Investment in Families
Along with the recent Boca Chica to Mars exhibition, the launch of Adventures in the Sky: Amelia’s Journey is part of a broader expansion of STEM learning opportunities at CMB, including major new exhibition investments exceeding $1 million.
For families in Deep South Texas, this means more chances to learn together in spaces that are safe, joyful, culturally connected, and designed specifically for children. It also means local students can experience interactive science learning that research shows supports long-term academic confidence and interest in STEM careers.
Visit the Exhibition
Children’s Museum of Brownsville 501 E. Ringgold St. Brownsville, TX
Families, school groups, and community partners are invited to visit and explore.
About the Children’s Museum of Brownsville
The Children’s Museum of Brownsville (CMB) creates innovative, playful learning environments for children ages birth to 11, serving children and families since 2005. Through exhibits, programs, and community collaborations, CMB nurtures imagination, cultural curiosity, and early STEM engagement for families across the Rio Grande Valley and Deep South Texas.
About The DoSeum
The DoSeum is San Antonio’s museum for children and a cornerstone of interactive learning. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, with roots dating back to 1995 when it first opened as the San Antonio Children’s Museum, The DoSeum has grown into one of the nation’s top children’s museums. Featuring interactive exhibits spanning science, math, art, and literacy, The DoSeum is committed to sparking curiosity and igniting imaginations for children, caregivers, and educators across the San Antonio community.
La Panadería to Celebrate Stone Oak Grand Opening on December 17. Photo: La Panadería, used with permission.
San Antonio’s food scene continues to grow, and Stone Oak residents now have a new reason to celebrate. One of the city’s most beloved bakeries, La Panadería, is officially opening its newest, and largest, location in North San Antonio. Known for its authentic Mexican pastries, fresh-baked bread, and all-day café menu, the James Beard–nominated bakery is bringing its signature flavors and community-driven atmosphere to the Stone Oak area just in time for the holidays. (La Panadería, 2025)
La Panadería Opens Its Largest Location Yet in Stone Oak
La Panadería, beloved for its authentic Mexican pastries, tortas, and all-day café fare, is officially expanding once again in San Antonio.
The bakery will celebrate the grand opening of its newest Stone Oak location on Wednesday, December 17, inviting the public to join in a festive ribbon-cutting event filled with music, special guests, and community celebration.
Grand Opening Celebration Details
📍 Location: Stone Oak 📍 Address: 1011 N. Loop 1604 E., San Antonio, TX 78232
🗓 Wednesday, December 17, 2025 ⏰ 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Event Highlights:
DJ and live festivities
UTSA Cheerleaders
Ribbon cutting at 11:30 a.m.
First look at the new space and La Panadería’s newest mascot
A Major Milestone for La Panadería
The Stone Oak opening marks La Panadería’s largest location to date, spanning an impressive 6,600 square feet and offering 100 dedicated parking spaces for guests.
This expansion represents:
💼 100 new jobs created in San Antonio
🏗 $3.5 million investment into the space
📍 The fifth La Panadería location in the city
What’s on the Menu?
Guests can expect the same crowd-favorite offerings La Panadería is known for, including:
The Stone Oak opening also introduces Don Lino, La Panadería’s very first mascot.
Don Lino is a heartfelt tribute to the generations of bakers who inspired the Cáceres family’s craft. Named after a legendary baker from the brothers’ childhood stories in Mexico City, Don Lino represents the warmth, tradition, and artistry behind every loaf of bread.
With his signature mustache and dimpled smile, Don Lino embodies:
Early-morning dedication
The scent of fresh bread
The enduring spirit of La Panadería
The Don Lino story was written by Emiliano Cáceres Manzano, son of co-founder José Cáceres. Guests can meet Don Lino for the very first time during the Stone Oak grand opening.
Jose & David Caceres + Don Lino Photo: La Panadería
Holiday Seasonal Treats & Drinks
La Panadería is also celebrating the holiday season with two festive, limited-time offerings, available at all locations:
🎄 Seasonal Specials
Horchata Cold Foam Latte | $7.50 Smooth cold brew topped with house-made horchata cold foam, infused with vanilla and cinnamon, and finished with freshly grated nutmeg.
Abuelita Chocolate Tiramisu | $11.50 A cinnamon-kissed twist on the classic tiramisu, blending espresso and mascarpone with Kahlúa and rich Abuelita Chocolate.
🗓 Available now through New Year’s 📍 Limited in-store availability
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
The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio has your ticket to a world of winter wonder. Photo: Infinite Photography SA.
The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio Brings Holiday Magic Back to the Stage
San Antonio, TX — Cherished traditions make the holidays truly special, and this year, the Children’s Ballet of San Antonio (CBSA) is once again lighting up the season with spectacular productions sure to captivate audiences of all ages. (Children’s Ballet of San Antonio, 2025)
A Beloved Holiday Classic Returns
The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio’s enchanting production of The Children’s Nutcracker returns to the iconic Lila Cockrell Theatre December 12–14. Audiences can expect breathtaking choreography, lavish costumes, and stunning scenery brought to life by some of the most talented young dancers in Bexar County.
For families seeking a magical holiday tradition, this professional-level production is one you won’t want to miss.
A Decade of Excellence in Youth Performing Arts
For more than ten years, CBSA has been a leader in youth performing arts, pairing professional training with exceptional performance opportunities. Under the guidance of acclaimed Artistic Director Vanessa Bessler, Master Ballet Teachers, and top local choreographers, CBSA dancers have earned international awards and received scholarships to prestigious institutions such as:
John Cranko School (Stuttgart Ballet, Germany)
Royal Ballet School (London)
School of American Ballet (New York City)
Rising Stars Bring ‘The Children’s Nutcracker’ to Life
CBSA’s mission to elevate young artists, including pint-sized prima ballerinas, gifted young adult dancers, and inspiring performers with special needs, is on full display in this year’s production.
Honoring Tchaikovsky’s original score and the classic Nutcracker tradition, the 90-minute performance is perfectly crafted to keep younger audiences engaged from beginning to end.
This season’s featured dancers include Daniela Quiroga, Jaida Soleman, William Bessler, Joaquin Marsh, Inez Dunne, Louise Picha, and Gigi Natho, who will perform beloved roles such as Clara, the Sugar Plum Fairy, and the Cavalier. Opulent costumes, magical sets, and exquisite choreography promise to delight both longtime fans and first-time viewers of this timeless tale.
Festive Fun Begins Before the Curtain Rises
Guests can get into the holiday spirit early with a charming pre-show holiday market featuring unique gifts and collectibles. Families can enjoy seasonal treats, take photos with Santa, meet the Sugar Plum Fairy and cast members, and enjoy joyful performances from the San Antonio Academy Wildcat’s Chorale and Mariachi Orgullo del Sur.
Event Details
The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio Presents: The Children’s Nutcracker
Note: Holiday Market and Photos with Santa and the cast open one hour prior to showtime.
Location: Lila Cockrell Theatre 200 E. Market Street San Antonio, TX 78205
About the Children’s Ballet of San Antonio
The award-winning Children’s Ballet of San Antonio is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) professional-level ballet company that showcases the city’s most talented young dancers. Performers are selected by audition or invitation, and receive extensive training and performance experience.
Mission: To inspire excellence and prepare children for creative, productive lives through dance by offering world-class training and performance opportunities to talented youth from all backgrounds.
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
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