An annual holiday parade and a tree lighting are among the major post-Thanksgiving events happening in San Antonio Nov. 25-30.
Nov. 25
The H-E-B Christmas tree lighting celebration will include music, refreshments, holiday crafts and other activities. H-E-B will provide free VIA bus rides to the tree lighting event as well as free ice skating to guests. 3-6:30 p.m. Free. Travis Park, 301 Travis St., San Antonio. www.facebook.com/events/1368419063962601
Nov. 25
The 41st Ford Holiday River Parade and River Lighting Ceremony features “Tastes and Traditions Around the World” as this year’s parade theme. Attendees will see holiday-decorated, illuminated floats travel down the San Antonio River and the lighting of more than 100,000 Christmas lights all along the Riverwalk. 6 p.m. Much of the Riverwalk is free for onlookers, but seating at the Arneson River Theater or nearby hotels and restaurants can be purchased prior to the event. River parade starts near the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts at Lexington Avenue; ends near the corner of Commerce and St. Mary’s streets. www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com/events/ford-holiday-river-parade
Nov. 25
Magik Theatre presents a performance of “The Velveteen Rabbit.” Attendees may pay any amount to watch this specific performance. Other presentations of “The Velveteen Rabbit” continue though Dec. 24. 2 p.m. Admission by donation. 420 S. Alamo St., San Antonio. www.magiktheatre.org
Nov. 25 and 26
Alzafar Shriners host two days of festivities: a barbecue cook-off, a holiday market and a concert featuring Kevin Fowler. Market and cook-off: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. both days; Nov. 26 concert doors open 6:30 p.m. Free admission for cook-off and holiday market; concert tickets start at $50. San Antonio Shrine Auditorium, 901 N. Loop 1604 W., San Antonio. www.alzafar.org/bbq-extravaganza
Nov. 25 and 26
The Esperanza Center hosts its 33rd International Peace Market/Mercado de Paz, featuring dozens of area artisans and vendors offering handmade artistic and cultural creations, and holiday gift items. Event organizers say the market emphasizes economic empowerment, international and cultural exchange, and social consciousness. There will also be live music and poetry readings as well as food options for shoppers. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Nov. 25 and 26. Free admission. 922 San Pedro Ave., San Antonio. www.facebook.com/events/800833917670401
Nov. 25-27
The Animalis Fabula Film Festival, featuring more than 40 movies with or about animals from around the world, will be held at the Blue Star Arts Complex. The film festival will include a red carpet ceremony, a workshop for future filmmakers and panel discussions. San Antonio’s God’s Dogs Rescue is one of seven Texas nonprofits that will benefit from ticket sales. Event times and prices vary. 1414 S. Alamo St., San Antonio. www.animalisfabula.org
Nov. 25-Dec. 18
Public Theater of San Antonio presents “A Christmas Carol, The Musical” through Dec. 18, with special activities and themes on multiple performances. 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays. $15-$45. 800 W. Ashby Place, San Antonio. www.thepublicsa.org/a-christmas-carol/
Nov. 26
The Downtown Dog Market, featuring several vendors with attire, toys, accessories, food and treats for pups, will take place along with a costume contest at Legacy Park. There will also be refreshments for humans. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free admission. 103 W. Houston St., San Antonio. www.facebook.com/events/595938752010025
Nov. 26
The University of Texas at San Antonio Alumni Association and the San Antonio Zoo will have a special activity as part of the association’s tailgate prior to the football game in which the Roadrunners face The University of Texas at El Paso. Attendees will meet special animal guests from the zoo and will have a chance to buy a membership with both the association and the zoo, and receive a prize pack, including Freetail Brewing’s Conserveza-branded beer in new commemorative UTSA cans. The tailgating event is open to anyone and will also include refreshments, TVs showing other college games, a DJ, and yard and video games. 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Adult admission: $20-$45; students and children ages 13-18: $10; free for children age 12 and under. Hoefgen parking lot near the Alamodome, 499 Hoefgen Ave., San Antonio. www.utsa.edu/alumni/membership/about-us/zoo.html
Nov. 30
Pearl hosts holiday night markets every Wednesday evening starting Nov. 30 and leading up to Christmas. Guests are invited to check out 40-plus local vendors for holiday shopping and enjoy live music. 5-9 p.m. Free admission. 303 Pearl Parkway, San Antonio. www.atpearl.com
