There are plenty of holiday festivities happening across the San Antonio area the first weekend of December, including special theatrical and dance performances and markets.

DEC. 1-18

Classic Theatre of San Antonio will perform one-man performances of Charles Dickens’ classic novel “ A Christmas Carol” Thursday-Sunday evenings Dec. 1-18. Performances will take place on the lawn of the historic Maverick Carter House. Each show begins 7:30 p.m. $24-$39. 119 Taylor St., San Antonio. www.classictheatre.org

DEC. 2

Hollywood Park Community Association invites residents to enjoy cookies and crafts with Santa Claus. Photo opportunities are also available. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. Voigt Center, 701 El Portal Drive, Hollywood Park. www.hpcatx.com



DEC. 2

North East School of the Arts students perform the musical revue, “Steppin’ Into the Holidays.” 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2; 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3; 2:30 p.m. Dec. 4. $15-$20. L.E.E. High School, 1400 Jackson Keller Road, San Antonio. www.neisd.net/nesa

DEC. 2

Contemporary at Blue Star presents recent work by MOSAIC student artists in the exhibition “With Urgency: Yesterday, Tomorrow, and Today,” beginning with a Dec. 2 opening reception and running through March 3. “With Urgency” discusses personal and societal narratives of trauma and violence towards youth, women and other marginalized groups as well as students’ everyday lives, creative identity and memory. 6-9 p.m. Free. 116 Blue Star St., San Antonio. www.contemporarysa.org


DEC. 2

The public is invited to the annual lighting of the Bexar County Courthouse and Christmas tree. The event includes treats, music by Sound Cream Airstream, photos with Santa, Mrs. Claus, Elsa and Olaf from the movie “Frozen.” There will be a chance to write letters to Santa, tour the Bexar Heritage Museum and see a screening of “Frozen.” 5-8 p.m. 100 Dolorosa St., San Antonio. 210-335-2011

DEC. 2-23

Centro San Antonio and the 80|20 Foundation present a holiday market Thursday and Friday nights at Legacy Park, San Antonio’s newest downtown park, Dec. 2-23. The market includes a rotating selection of artisan vendors, pop-up performances, DJs and prize giveaways. Free admission. 103 W. Houston St., San Antonio. www.centrosanantonio.org


DEC. 3

City of Shavano Park invites residents to City Hall and meet Santa Claus and enjoy refreshments, a snowscape and other holiday activities. 2:30-6 p.m. Free. 900 Saddletree Court, Shavano Park. 210-493-3478

DEC. 3

North Central Baptist Hospital hosts Winterfest San Antonio, including a snowscape and other children’s activities, holiday shopping, musical performances, photos with Santa Claus, a mini-carnival and refreshments. Some proceeds will benefit the local nonprofit Brighton Center, which helps kids with disabilities or delays. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $5-$10. 520 Madison Oak Drive. www.winterfestivalsa.com


DEC. 3

San Antonio Shrine Auditorium hosts its sixth annual car show and toy drive. Guests may check out a variety of classic and cars and motorcycles and bring a new unwrapped toy for ages infant to 17. All proceeds will support Christmas dinners for struggling local veterans. The event will also have vendors on-site, raffles and prizes. 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Free admission. 901 N. Loop 1604 W., San Antonio. 210-496-6334

DEC. 3

Phil Hardberger Park Conservancy will offer a nature walk, starting at the Salado Outdoor Classroom to the local land bridge. Attendees then can return to the classroom, head to nearby trails for inspiration and come back and make nature-themed ornaments that they can take home and hang on their Christmas tree. Guests are urged to wear comfortable shoes and bundle up, and stay hydrated. 8-11 a.m. Free. 8400 NW Military Hwy., San Antonio. www.philhardbergerpark.org/calendar-events/holiday-hike-ornaments


DEC. 3

Village at Stone Oak shopping center welcomes Santa Claus for an afternoon of holiday festivities, including a mini-parade, entertainment, children’s crafts and photos with St. Nick. Bring a new toy for the nonprofit Soldiers’ Angels to help benefit local young military families in need. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 22610 US 281 N., San Antonio. www.villageatstoneoak.com

DEC. 3

Spay-Neuter-Inject-Protect San Antonio will have a pet adoption event at Whole Earth Provision Co. Noon-4 p.m. Free. Alamo Quarry Market, 255 E. Basse Road, San Antonio. www.facebook.com/SNIPSAInc

DEC. 3

Alamo Metro Chorus presents a holiday show “Wishes and Wonder” featuring award-winning a cappella vocal groups performing barbershop tunes, fun family favorites and holiday treasures. Refreshments will be offered to guests. 3 p.m. $10-$30. Morgan’s Wonderland Event Center, 5223 David Edwards Drive, San Antonio. www.alamometrochorus.org

DEC. 3

Arbor Park Weekend Market will have a holiday market at Travis Park featuring special guest characters, photos with Santa, ice skating, refreshments and children’s activities. 3-9 p.m. Free admission. 301 Travis St., San Antonio. www.facebook.com/theweekendmarketatarborpark

DEC. 3

Join The Grinch for green eggs and ham and a side of roast beast at the Grinch’s Brunch Feast at SweetFire Kitchen at La Cantera Resort & Spa. The feast menu includes roast beast, Who mashed potatoes, Horton’s cereal-crusted French toast, Truffla tree pancakes, Cindy Lu fruits and vegetables, candy cane macaroons, beezlenut splash and more. The Grinch will be available for photos with children and will narrate a private reading of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” Proceeds benefit the Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $26-$48. 16641 La Cantera Parkway, San Antonio. 210-558-2479. www.LaCanteraResort.com.

DEC. 3

Known best for his animal sculptures, artist Mick Doellinger will share his inspiration and creative process in a public presentation at Briscoe Western Art Museum. Doellinger will bring sculptures for guests to explore and discuss how he creates realistic sculptures of Western wildlife. 11 a,.m.-noon. Free admission with museum admission. 210 W. Market St., San Antonio. www.briscoemuseum.org

DEC. 3

The public is invited to the Museum Reach River of Lights event that kicks off the illumination of Christmas lights along the Museum Reach of the San Antonio River. Activities include photos with Santa, food trucks, holiday vendors and more. Additionally, the San Antonio River Foundation seeks donations of unwrapped toys to benefit St. PJ’S Children’s Home. 6-9 p.m. Free. 510 Brooklyn Ave., San Antonio. www.sariverauthority.org/whats-new/events/museum-reach-river-lights-nighttime-holly-jolly-kayaking-2022

DEC. 4

San Antonio Mastersingers perform Handel’s "Messiah," an iconic musical work that traces Jesus Christ’s life. 3 p.m. $15-$60. University United Methodist Church, 5084 DeZavala Road, San Antonio. www.samastersingers.org

DEC. 4

Northside Church of Christ presents “Mingle and Jingle,” as young families with children ages birth through fifth grade can enjoy a visit with Santa Claus and refreshments. 5-7 p.m. Free. 19818 US 281 N., San Antonio. www.nscoc.org

DEC. 4

Musical Bridges Around the World will present the German vocal group the Calmus Ensemble in a holiday program, “Joy to the World.” 7 p.m. Admission is free, but registration is required. San Fernando Cathedral, 115 Main Plaza, San Antonio. www.musicalbridges.org