As the last traces of Thanksgiving fade away like leftovers, the most wonderful time of the year is officially here. The top five things to do in San Antonio this weekend promises no shortage of merrymaking and festive fun. Shop artisan gifts at Kristkindlmarkt: A German Christmas Market or celebrate the season of cheer at the Reach River of Lights Kickoff. For a full list of events, visit our calendar.
Thursday, December 5
The Hip Hop Nutcracker
The classic holiday story is reimagined with a hip hop twist at the Majestic Theatre. Set to Tchaikovsky's timeless score, The Hip Hop Nutcracker is performed by a cast of all-star dancers, a DJ, and a violinist for a modern twist on this classic tale. MC Kurtis Blow, one of hip hop’s founding fathers, will open the show with a short set. Select tickets are still available.
Friday, December 6
Presa House presents "En Honor" and "First Person" opening reception
Presa House unveils two new exhibitions by San Antonio-based artists Galileo Gonzalez and Eva Marengo Sanchez. Inspired by late family members and their impact on his life, Gonzalez's “En Honor” is a collection of portraits, family photographs, and original installations that combine for a poignant reflection. Sanchez displays her signature food paintings with “First Person.” The new series of oil works includes Louisiana crawfish, a pack of H-E-B original flour tortillas, Mexican Coke, and other iconic fare. Following the opening reception, both shows will be on display through December 28.
Saturday, December 7
Beethoven Damenchor presents Kristkindlmarkt: A German Christmas Market
Make sure your holiday gifts stand out by shopping Kristkindlmarkt at Beethoven Maennerchor. Kristkindlmarkt is a traditional open-air German Christmas market featuring handcrafted gifts such as pottery, woodworking, fabric arts, holiday sweets, crafts, and more. Guests can experience an authentic Bavarian atmosphere complete with food, beverages, music, and entertainment all while knocking out that holiday shopping list. Admission is free.
San Antonio River Authority presents 10th Annual Museum Reach River of Lights Kickoff
The spirit of the season comes alive at the Museum Reach Lock & Dam. Visitors can strike a pose with Santa and Mrs. Claus, shop a selection of artisan vendors, mingle with costumed characters, and more. Additional activities like a cookie decorating workshop and a giant snow globe souvenir photoshoot promise an evening full of holiday magic. This year also marks the return of a 30-foot musical Christmas tree light show — a magical experience for all ages.
Sunday, December 8
Jonathan Van Ness: Road to Beijing Tour
Jonathan Van Ness, known for their starring roles in Emmy Award-nominated web series Gay of Thrones and the Emmy-winning reality show Queer Eye, brings their unique show to the Majestic. This unforgettable live show is part stand up/part "cirque-du-so-gay" and is based on Van Ness' lifelong desire to become an Olympic-caliber figure skater. A select number of tickets to this one-night-only event are still available.
See The Hip Hop Nutcracker, featuring an opening set by MC Kurtis Blow, this Thursday.
