With the end of the semester less than 20 days away, it is time to start thinking about your holiday bucket list. Despite most of our budgets going to gifts each holiday season, it is still important to treat ourselves and relive the moments that have always made this time of year so special. Join us as we highlight different cheap ways to celebrate the holidays.
UTSA music events
What better way to celebrate this season of appreciation than supporting UTSA’s music students? Attend one of the free holiday concerts below and experience the holiday spirit.
- “Winterlude: Lyric Theatre” —from 7:30 p.m to 9 p.m. on Nov. 27 at the UTSA Recital Hall.
- “Winterlude: Orchestra and Choirs” — 7:30 to 9 p.m. on Nov. 28 at Alamo Heights United Methodist Church.
- “Winterlude – Bands” — 7:30 to 9 p.m. on Nov. 30 at the UTSA Recital Hall.
Look at holiday lights
A tried and true way to get in the holiday spirit is to spend the night looking at Christmas lights. Paired with some hot chocolate and good company, a night like this is guaranteed to be memorable. Here are some of our picks on the best holiday lights in and around San Antonio.
- “Holiday Lights on the River Walk” — Free
- Drive through the cities of Windcrest and Alamo Heights — Free
- Johnson Cities “Lights Spectacular” — Free
- “Alamo Lights” — $5
- “Lights Alive” — Starting at $36.95 per car
- “Crumbling Castle Lights” — $40 per car
Attend a holiday market
Going to a holiday market is a great way to connect with the season while also shopping for gifts and supporting local businesses and vendors. With an art-rich city like San Antonio, there is bound to be a market that interests you. Here are some upcoming free events to visit.
- “Holiday Art Market at The Tobin Center” — 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Nov. 25 at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts.
- “Holiday Night Market” — 5 to 9 p.m. on Nov. 29, Dec. 6, 13 and 20 at the Pearl.
- “Holiday Night City Live” — 5 to 9 p.m. on Nov. 30 at Legacy Park.
- “SAMA Holiday Market” — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 9 at the San Antonio Museum of Art.
- “Holidays on Houston Street Market” — 5 to 9 p.m. on Dec. 15 through 17, next to the San Fernando Cathedral.
Watch a holiday movie
Nothing feels more like the holidays than curling up and watching a classic Christmas movie. Luckily, there are many free holiday screenings in San Antonio to bring these feelings of nostalgia alive. Bring blankets, chairs and snacks to watch these outdoor movies. Here are our picks for upcoming viewings.
- “Free Movie Mondays, A Christmas Story” — 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 27 at the Pearl.
- “Free Movie Mondays, The Polar Express” — 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 4 at the Pearl.
- “Cinema on Will’s Plaza | The Grinch” — 5:30 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 8 at Tobin Center for the Performing Arts.
- “Holiday Movies in Legacy Park: It’s a Wonderful Life” — 7 to 9:15 p.m. on Dec. 8 at Legacy Park.
- “The Santa Clause” — 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 9 at Tower of the Americas.
- “Free Movie Mondays, Home Alone” — 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 11 at the Pearl.
Enjoy the break from school and the holiday season; for more expensive ideas on things to do this holiday season, check out last week’s article on holiday happenings around San Antonio.
