KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
When my husband and I started planning a family, we talked a lot about the kind of parents we hoped to be. Naturally, we looked back on our own childhoods. David had story after story about his parents—their quirks, what they cared about, who they were. But when I tried to do the same, I came up oddly blank. I could tell you what I loved as a kid, but not much about what made my own
parents’ hearts sing. I remembered that my dad had a garden when I was little, but I couldn’t say whether he enjoyed digging in the dirt, liked making things grow, or was just trying to save money on vegetables. That realization stuck with me. I didn’t want my kids to grow up seeing me as a blur in the background of their story; I wanted them to see me clearly: as someone who had favorite things, real interests, and a sense of enjoyment they could understand. I wanted them to
grow up expecting that adulthood could be full of that, too... all of the vivid experiences that make up the inner life of a regular person, especially the joys. I started using the phrase "live what you love" as a kind of parenting guidepost. Our kids are always watching, taking cues about what adulthood looks like. If all they ever see is grownups stressed, rushing, and tired, they’ll assume that’s the default. But if they also see us delighted by a song, energized by a
game, inspired by something we've learned, genuinely laughing with people we love... that’s powerful. It shows them that joy isn’t something you age out of, it’s something you grow into. The holidays are packed with tasks and to-do lists, but they’re also full of opportunities for joy. So tune your radar to what YOU love, and if you catch yourself smiling at paper snowflakes or belting out a corny carol, don’t downplay it. Let yourself have that moment. When your kids see the
joy you've just pushed into the room; it's a gift to their present and to their future.
—Debra Ross, publisher
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KidsOutAndAbout.com: Discover more. Do more. Connect more. If you like my publisher's column, you can easily scroll through past columns in the "Notes from Deb" section of our site. |
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Santa Claus is making his way to Pearl, and he can’t wait to see all of you! This is an enchanting opportunity for children and adults alike to meet the jolly figure in the iconic red suit. You’ll be able to share your heartfelt wish lists, revel in the festive spirit, and create unforgettable memories together. Don’t miss out on this delightful holiday celebration filled with laughter, joy, and a sprinkle of magic!
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Following a sold-out premiere, The Polar Express: The Musical returns to Downtown’s Empire Theatre for one weekend only: December 6-7! The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio proudly presents the return of The Polar Express: The Musical—now expanded into a dazzling 90-minute holiday spectacular set to the beloved Academy Award-nominated songs from the 2004 film.
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Immerse yourself in over 350,000 synchronized lights while listening to your favorite Christmas music & making holiday memories that last a lifetime. Join us, as we turn a sports field into a Christmas wonderland filled with light shows, kid-friendly activities, and multiple photo opportunities with your favorite characters.
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The Briscoe Western Art Museum is happy to welcome all residents of San Antonio and Bexar County to come and experience the culture and art of the West for FREE!
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The Pan African Cultural Community (PACC) invites you to join us for the 16th Annual Kwanzaa Market Festival 2025, a vibrant celebration of African heritage, culture, and community! This year's festival offers an exciting opportunity to learn more about Kwanzaa, its rich history, and the significance of its celebrations, while also supporting local businesses, cultural entrepreneurs, and local entertainment. This event is FREE and OPEN to the general public.
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Get outside for our Holiday Open House and enjoy free entry all day at Mitchell Lake Audubon Center! This free event is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season while supporting our feathered friends. Check in at our Visitor Center, where you'll find a selection of bird-friendly or nature-themed holiday gifts that make perfect presents for nature lovers. Sip on samples of our delicious bird-friendly coffee (while supplies last!) and get creative with our hands-on activities! Make a free wildflower seed paper gift tag or card to add a personal touch to your presents and craft a simple bird feeder to attract your favorite birds to your backyard.
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The annual Windcrest Light-Up is a decades-old tradition in which residents decorate their homes with elaborate displays of holiday lights. We begin celebrations with the Windcrest Dedication Tree Lighting Ceremony. This year's dedication tree theme is TBD! Celebrations continue with Candy Cane Lane and the official Light-Up Celebration Kickoff tradition with the lighting of the Light-Up Tree at City Hall and an evening event filled with, music, vendors, food, hot chocolate, and photos with Santa. The public is invited to drive along neighborhood streets to view the brightly lit house displays.
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The Johnson City Joules will be hosting Robotics Days this fall at the Science Mill! Come by to experience special robotics activities and engage with FIRST Robotics competition teams from across central Texas and guest speakers in STEM careers.
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he magic is back! Holidays on Houston Street returns for its third year, transforming Downtown San Antonio’s most historic and charming corridor into a festive wonderland. The City of San Antonio, Centro San Antonio, and Visit San Antonio are once again joining forces to transform five blocks of Houston Street, from Broadway to Legacy Park, into a captivating holiday showcase. From December 5 through December 14, visitors can stroll beneath dazzling lights, enjoy seasonal activities, and immerse themselves in holiday cheer at every turn. This year’s celebration delivers a more immersive experience, offering a full week of events leading up to the Holiday Market Weekend on December 12–14. Enjoy special events, enhanced décor, and unforgettable moments for all ages.
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The inspirational story, based on the memoir of Maria Augusta Trapp, follows an ebullient postulate who serves as governess to the seven children of the imperious Captain von Trapp, bringing music and joy to the household. But as the forces of Nazism take hold of Austria, Maria and the entire von Trapp family must make a moral decision.
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Friday Night Flick features a different movie each month! The kids get to participate in free play and enjoy popcorn, juice and candy while watching the flick on our large projected screen.
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Old West Christmas Light Fest dazzles and delights with holiday flavors, favorites, and fun! Your favorite holiday event brings the Christmas season to life with dazzling lights paired with food and family-friendly activities under the beautiful star-filled sky at Enchanted Springs Ranch.
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San Antonio offers a delightful selection of Christmas tree farms that bring the magic of the holiday season to life. Families can enjoy the cherished tradition of selecting the perfect tree while exploring picturesque landscapes and engaging in festive
activities.
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KidsOutAndAbout's 2025 holiday events list for San Antonio--ways to make the holidays special in our area for 2024. Christmas concerts, lights, trees, nativities, and more. . . plus activities for Chanukah, Kwanzaa, and New Year's Eve.
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- Light The Night Christmas Parade - East Main Street, Fredericksburg, Texas, USA, Google Maps, Friday, December 5, 2025, Parade begins at 6:30 pm
- Lighting of the Lights in Helotes - 12951 Bandera Road, Helotes, TX, USA, Google Maps, Friday, December 5, 2025, 6 – 7:30 pm
- Open House at Geneva School of Boerne - Geneva School of Boerne, 113 Cascade Caverns Road, Boerne, TX 78015,
United States, Google Maps, Friday, December 5, 2025, 8-10:30 am
- Weihnachts in Boerne: A Magical Family Tradition - Hill Country Mile Rod Run, North Main Street, Boerne, TX, USA, Google Maps, Friday, December 5, 2025 to Saturday, December 6, 2025, see website for schedule
- Westover Field of Lights - Westover Hills Church, 9340 Westover Hills Blvd, San Antonio, TX 78251, United States, Google Maps,
Friday, December 5, 2025, 7 pm
- Traders Village Christmas - 9333 Southwest Loop 410, San Antonio, TX 78242, Google
Maps, Saturday, December 6, 2025, 12:30-4:30 pm
- Holiday Lights on the River Walk - San Antonio River Walk, San Antonio, TX, USA, Google Maps, Friday, December 5, 2025, dusk to dawn
- Kinderfest - Pioneer Museum, 325 W Main St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624, United States, Google Maps, Saturday, December 6, 2025, 10 am - 3 pm
- FREE Holiday Open House - Mitchell Lake Audubon Center, 10750 Pleasanton Rd, San
Antonio, TX 78221, United States, Google Maps, Saturday, December 6, 2025, 8 am- 4 pm
- 16th KWANZAA MARKET FESTIVAL 2025: Celebrating Community and Culture - 3455 Martin Luther King Dr, San Antonio, TX 78220, United States, Google Maps, Saturday, December 6, 2025, 12 - 4 pm
- Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration - San Marcos Public Library, 625 E Hopkins St, San Marcos, TX 78666, United States, Google Maps,
Saturday, December 6, 2025, 2 pm
- Holiday Craft - Collins Garden Branch Library, North Park Boulevard, San Antonio, TX, USA, Google Maps, Sunday, December 7, 2025, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM; 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
- Cookies and Pictures with Santa - San Antonio Garden Center, North New Braunfels Avenue, San Antonio, TX, USA, Google Maps, Sunday, December 7, 2025, 1-3 pm
- Locals Day| FREE Admission for Bexar County Residents -
Briscoe Western Art Museum, 210 West Market Street, San Antonio, TX 78205, United States, Google Maps, Sunday, December 7, 2025, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Pictures with Santa - Pearl, 303 Pearl Parkway, San Antonio, TX 78215, United States, Google Maps, Sunday, December 7, 2025, varies
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Planning a kids birthday party in the San Antonio area? Here are lots of ideas for where to have it! If there is a resource that we have missed, please email us to let us know, and we'll add it
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2025's best places to take kids in San Antonio and the surrounding area: Early each summer, thousands of parents vote in the KidsOutAndAbout survey of the Top 20 Places to Take Kids. Our Top 20 results page is an annotated list of the winners, both of the
top 20 slots and of the three catgory winners.
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Here's to seizing opportunities to learn wherever they appear!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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