KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
The Christmas I was 10, my sister and I woke up at our usual ridiculously-early hour and raced downstairs to the tree. Something was different: fewer gifts than usual, no giant boxes, no bike-shaped mystery lumps. But nestled among the smaller packages were envelopes that turned out to be plane tickets to Bermuda. We were leaving that very morning, which
explained why my parents had not objected to being awakened at 5:30. Decades later, I don’t remember what else I got that year—or most years—but I remember being bundled up and giddy, heading to the airport while it was still dark. I remember pink sand, caves, and the little cakes they served at teatime. It's all still as fresh to me as the air was at Grotto Bay Beach. That trip taught me something I wouldn’t have been able to say at the time:
Presence creates the memories, not the presents. Of course, we all want our kids to have a magical holiday. But when we think back to our own childhoods, what sticks isn’t the stuff, it’s the doing. The zoo trips, the plays, the sporting events, the concerts, the hands held during the adventures. That’s why my long-time holiday mantra is “Do it, don’t dust it.” Experiences are the gifts that last the longest, especially when we do them
together. They don’t pile up in a closet; they plant themselves in our memory. So if you’re still pondering what to give the people you love this year, consider a show, a class, a day trip, a membership, a season pass. Something that says “I see you, you matter, let's do it together." Need ideas? Head to our Local Memberships & Season Passes page! It's your ticket to the perfect gift... and it's guaranteed clutter-free.
—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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I'm thrilled to announce that my new book The Eclipse Effect: How to Seize Extraordinary Moments to Build Strong Communities (co-authored with Jamie Carter) is now published and shipping across North America! It’s packed with inspiring, true stories of everyday leaders who stepped up during the 2024 eclipse to bring people together, spark change, and strengthen their communities. Told with warmth and insight, this book makes a perfect holiday gift for the visionary, organizer, or community-builder in your life. Click the graphic to order from Amazon on print or Kindle; for other ordering options (including educator and bulk orders), or to see an annotated table of contents and the introduction, head to https://theeclipseeffect.com.
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Curious how your AI know-how compares to other parents? We surveyed over 300 of you, and the results are in! The big takeaway? You aren't alone in feeling overwhelmed. While most parents have a basic grasp of the technology, over 52% feel unequipped to actually guide their kids through it. The number one thing you requested help with was "Digital Defense"—specifically, how to spot misinformation and fake news. You can read the full, fascinating report at kidsoutandabout.com/research. Ready for round two? Help us dive deeper by taking our new, quick 13-question survey here: https://forms.gle/1nTsaG384SW8cUpL7.
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Experience all the fun and learning of a DoSeum camp inspired by winter holiday themes! Campers will have the opportunity to play in interactive exhibits and take part in hands-on activities led by Educators, keeping curious minds engaged and at play all day. Spots are still available for campers ages 8–11, featuring exciting themes like outdoor exploration, Greek mythology adventures, and the art and culture of Luchador wrestling. Don't wait, sign up today!
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With The Children’s Nutcracker, CBSA’s mission to elevate pint-sized prima ballerinas, supremely talented young adult dancers, and inspiring special needs performers is on magnificent display. All the grandeur of Tchaikovsky’s original ballet score and the classic elements of The Nutcracker legacy are retained. At the same time, the 90-minute runtime is designed to enthrall younger audiences from start to finish.
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Experience and celebrate the 8 days of Chanukah in one evening. Hosted by Chabad of South Texas in partnership with the City of San Antonio Center City Development and Operations Department. This free event explores the Jewish traditions with entertainment, food, and lighting of a menorah.
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Your Boerne Retail & Restaurant Owners Association is bringing all the family fun right to you! It’s Christmas vacation! Bring the kids for a weekend full of Christmas fun! The Dickensian era was beautiful, but on this child-friendly weekend, everyone is encouraged to show off their ugly Christmas sweaters, silly Christmas pajamas, and Whoville hairdos.
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It’s time to paint! We’ll have a variety of painting activities available for kids to create a masterpiece! Take your artwork home or leave it to be displayed in the library. Wear clothes appropriate for paint. Recommended for kids 5 and older; younger kids need to be accompanied by an adult.
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The event will kick off with a speaking ceremony at 10:30 a.m., followed by free, family-friendly activities, games, crafts and more from 11:00 a.m. through 12:30 p.m.
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At the Y, we believe in a community focused on healthy living, youth development, and social responsibility. Proceeds will benefit the YMCA at O.P. Schnabel Park and the Mays Family YMCA at Potranco scholarship programs. The Y Annual Campaign helps youth, families, and individuals with financial support by providing access to YMCAs and our many programs.
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Join us to experience the holiday season through the eyes of early settlers as they lived on the Texas frontier in the mid-1800s. This family-friendly event will feature period crafts for all ages, including yarn dolls, Victorian greeting cards, and pomander balls. There will be living history demonstrations such as Christmas storytelling, carol singers, candy making, blacksmithing, leatherworking and more.
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Observers of all ages are welcome to explore the night sky and learn about constellations and the planets! Presented by the San Antonio Astronomical Association.
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Thinking about school options for your child? See what makes San Antonio Christian School stand out! Choosing the right school is a big decision. There’s no better way to know if it’s the right fit than to experience it firsthand. During your visit to SACS, you will witness the energy of our classrooms, the warmth of our community, and the impact of a Christ-centered education.
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Come to the little town of Bethlehem to hear and see the living story of Christ. There will be live animals, nativity scene & story tellers. Enjoy a bonfire, hot chocolate, games, and merchandise/food vendors selling their wares replicating the town of Bethlehem.
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Kyle Parks and Recreation Department is proud to present the 24th year of Movies in the Park! Grab a blanket and a friend for another great season of FREE movies in the park, shown on the big screen. Personal food and coolers are allowed, but please dispose of items in the trash and recycle bins available throughout our parks. Pets are allowed but must remain on leash. Movies in the Park begin at sundown, approximately 7 p.m., through the summer months, but we highly recommend arriving early as parking is limited.
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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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Take out your calendar - you have a lot of scheduling to do to fit in all the incredible Holiday Break camps taking place in and around our area! If we're missing a camp that should be on this list, please email us to let us know.
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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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- Preview Days at San Antonio Christian Academy - San Antonio Christian School - 19202 Redland Rd, San Antonio, TX 78259, December 12, 2025, see website
- Westover Field of Lights - Westover Hills Church -
9340 Westover Hills Blvd, San Antonio, TX 78251, December 12, 2025, 7 pm
- Ford
Holiday Boat Caroling 2025 - San Antonio River Walk, San Antonio, TX, December 12-14, 2025, options to launch from 5-8:45 pm slots
- Christmas In Bethlehem - Everyday Christian Fellowship - 950 Everyday Way, Cibolo, TX 78108, December 12-14, 2025, 6-8 pm
- Boerne Bright - First Baptist Church Boerne - 631 South School Street, Boerne, TX 78006, December 12-14, 2025, Fridays through Sundays,
6–9 pm
- Traders Village Christmas - Traders Village-San Antonio - 9333 Southwest Loop 410, San Antonio, TX 78242,
December 13-14, 2025, 12:30-4:30 pm
- Semmes 20th Anniversary Celebration - Semmes Branch Library,
Judson Road, San Antonio, TX, December 13, 2025, 10:30 am
- Video Gaming Club - Great Northwest Branch Library - Wellwood Street, San Antonio, TX, December 13, 2025, 5:30 pm
- Let's Create: Come & Go Art! - Guerra Branch Library - Military Drive West, San Antonio, TX, December 13, 2025, 4 pm
- Baby Time - Maverick Branch Library - Mystic Park, San Antonio, TX, December 13, 2025, 1 pm
- Snakes & Snowflakes - 798
Schertz Parkway, Schertz, TX, December 13, 2025, 12-2 pm
- Garden Ridge Market Days - Christmas Festival & Market - Northeast Bible Church - Farm to Market Road 2252, Garden Ridge, TX, December 13, 2025, 9:30 am - 2:30 pm
- Holiday Lights on the River Walk - San Antonio River Walk, San Antonio, TX, December 12-14, 2025, dusk to dawn
- Movie in the Park- Tower of the Americas -
Tower of the Americas - 739 E Cesar Chavez Blvd, San Antonio, TX 78205, December 13, 2025, movies start at sunset
- H-E-B Cinema
on Will's Plaza - The Tobin Center for the Performing Arts - 100 Auditorium Circle, San Antonio, TX 78205, December 13, 2025, 7 pm
- Homemade Christmas - The Alamo, 300 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205, December 13, 2025, 9 am - 4 pm
- 2025 Fall Star Party - San Antonio Parks & Recreation Department - Historic Old US Highway 90, San Antonio, TX, December 13, 2025, varies
- Helotes Christmas Parade - Helotes City Hall, 12951 Bandera Rd, Helotes, TX 78023, December 13, 2025, 7:30-8:30 pm
- Windcrest Light Up - City of Windcrest - 8601 Midcrown Drive, Windcrest, TX 78239, December 13, 2025, see
schedule
- Pictures with Santa - Pearl - 303 Pearl Parkway, San Antonio, TX 78215, December 12-14, 2025,
varies
- Fireworks – Russell Hill Rogers Musical Evenings - San Fernando
Cathedral, Main Plaza, San Antonio, TX, December 14, 2025, 7:00 PM
- Chanukah On The River - Chabad Center for Jewish Life & Learning - 14535 Blanco Rd, San Antonio, TX 78216, December 14, 2025, 4-6 pm
- TBE: Chanukkah in the Hill Country -
Rainbow Event Center - 25840 Interstate 10, Boerne, TX 78006, December 14, 2025, 11 am - 2 pm
- Family Painting
Party - Molly Pruitt Library - Walzem Road, San Antonio, TX, December 14, 2025, 3-4:30 pm
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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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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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