KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Wed, Dec 31: Kids' Countdown 2026 at The DoSeum
Wed, Dec 31: Noon Year's Eve
Party at Seguin Public Library
Wed, Dec 31: Celebrate SA: NYE Party and Countdown at Hemisfair Park
Sat, Jan 17: MLK Kids Event at San
Marcos Public Library
Mon, Jan 19: MLK Basketball Camp- The Factory of Champions
Mon, Jan 19: MLK School's Out Camp-
D-Bat San Antonio
Thu, Feb 12: San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo
Fri, Feb 20: Cinderella at Tobin Center for the Performing Arts
Sat, Feb 21: Snowfest and Carnival in Universal City
Sat, Feb 21: San Antonio Asian New Year Festival at Rolling Oaks Mall |
Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers: This Sunday marks the Winter Solstice—Robert Frost’s “darkest evening of the year.” It’s when we in the Northern Hemisphere most appreciate human inventiveness: We flip a switch, and light floods the room. It feels like magic, but it’s not. It’s the result of generations of curious, determined humans trying to make life better, brighter,
safer. That’s why my family celebrates Lightbulb Day every December 21. It’s our homegrown holiday honoring the inventors and problem-solvers whose insights fuel our lives. We toast our favorite technologies, learn some history, imagine the future. Past years’ MVPs include contact lenses,
antibiotics, the internet, veterinary science, and the Covid vaccine. This year’s front-runner: artificial intelligence. Last weekend, I had breakfast with a friend and her 13-year-old daughter, Lily. Lily said she loves math and science but struggles with how her teachers approach the humanities, especially writing. When I showed her how AI can help her learn in the way she learns best, her face lit up. So I went home and wrote a how-to article for Lily, her mom, and any of
you with kids in middle school or older: How Students Can Use AI to Learn to Write (Without Giving Away their Brains). AI isn’t here to think for us. It’s here to help us think more effectively with our own minds. That’s a message worth repeating, especially to our kids.
In this new AI age, the real danger isn’t the technology itself, it’s the temptation to hand our brains over to it and say, “Here, you do all the work.” So this Lightbulb Day, I’m raising an Erlenmeyer flask, not just to the great inventors of the past, but to Lily, and to every young person learning to think with tools rather than letting tools do the thinking. Because the real magic isn’t flipping the switch; it’s understanding where the current comes from, and
imagining what we’ll power with it in the 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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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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An Advent Service in the Hispanic tradition that recalls Mary’s and Joseph’s search for shelter in Bethlehem. Worshipers follow the Holy Family as they visit several innkeepers looking, unsuccessfully, for shelter. They finally find room and are welcomed into a manger. Our evening begins with a service in the Sanctuary and is followed by a fiesta with tamales, fun, music, door prizes, photo booth with Santa, and a piñata for the kids.
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Trans-Siberian Orchestra returns this holiday season with The Ghosts of Christmas Eve: The Best of TSO & More on Sunday, December 21 for two amazing shows at 3:00PM and 7:30PM!
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Step into a magical world this holiday season with The Nutcracker, a beloved family classic brought to life by Alamo City Dance Company. Journey with Clara as she embarks on a wondrous adventure through the Land of Sweets, guided by her Nutcracker Prince. This enchanting performance features dazzling choreography, stunning costumes, and the timeless score of Tchaikovsky played by Alamo City Symphony Viva, making it a must-see for audiences of all ages. Whether you’re experiencing the magic for the first time or returning as part of your holiday tradition, this production promises to fill your season with joy and wonder.
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Enjoy the magic of Traders Village at Christmas by visiting Santa & Mrs. Claus for a “Traders Village Christmas.” Santa & Mrs. Claus will be on the Main Stage under the Brown Expo weekends from 12:30 pm – 4:30 pm | Dec. 6 – Dec. 21. YES!!! You may use your own phone to take photos NO!!! You do NOT have to purchase our photo package to see Santa & Mrs. Claus! It’s Christmas…..Kids should be able to see Santa & Mrs. Claus without Mom & Dad having to ‘BUY’ their way in!
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Come one, come all, to the library's annual Polar Express Festival! Enjoy model trains from the New Braunfels Railroad Museum, readings from The Polar Express, train rides, a seasonal project with the Comal Master Gardeners (while supplies last!), a scavenger hunt, cocoa, and more! Adults can enjoy a Coffee Bar throughout the day. Take family holiday photos and help build a giant train track in our Children's Area! We'll have a very special visitor -- and a special activity just for teens, too! The Polar Express readings at 10:30am, 11am, 11:30am and 12noon. The Festival will be from 10am - 1pm. No registration required; supplies for activities are first-come, first-serve.
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Celebrate the 7th night of Hanukkah with an evening full of light, music, and community spirit at Temple Beth-El! We’ll begin by marking the end of Shabbat with a joyful Havdalah ceremony, followed by a festive dinner featuring crispy latkes, sweet sufganiyot, and all your favorite Hanukkah treats. Then, come together as a congregation to light the menorah for the seventh night of Hanukkah. Make sure you bring your own hanukkiah to shine bright at your table! Don’t forget to wear your festive Hanukkah outfits, cozy sweaters, sparkling accessories, and anything that brings extra holiday cheer!
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Do you know where the candy cane came from? Or what it symbolizes? There are a few different stories floating around, but one specific that I love to be reminded of. Let's use our hand eye coordination as we create one with our fingertips with red and white paint this week in the Wondershop.
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Morgan’s invites you to celebrate accessibility and inclusion at the Snowball 5K/1K on Saturday, December 20, 2025. The route will start at Morgan’s Wonderland make its way through Morgan’s Wonderland, around Morgan’s MAC (Multi-Assistance Center), and end back at Morgan’s Wonderland. Stroll your merry way through holiday festivities and decorations at Morgan’s Wonderland. Participants will receive a Race T-shirt and Ornament. * *Guaranteed T-Shirt Deadline for all participants is Friday, October 31st.
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Join the Science National Honor Society (SNHS) for a fun filled interactive experiment at the Molly Pruitt Library. Designed for young students and curious minds, this event will engage and create a simple experience for kids of all ages! Dive into hands-on activities and demonstrations performed by members of the SNHS, whether it's creating a model, building, mixing, or exploring reactions, each experiment will foster creativity and curiosity. Bring your friends and family for a night of fun at the Molly Pruitt Library, 6:00-7:00 PM, let's make science exciting!
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Inclusive collaboration between Alamo City Dance Company and Eva's Heroes, a non-profit that is dedicated to enriching the lives of individuals with intellectual special needs ages 14 and older. Alamo City Dance Company and Eva's Heroes participants are on stage in this heartwarming sensory friendly production. Lights and sound are adjusted.
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The famous holiday lights on the River Walk will turn on this year on November 28, 2025, at our Annual Ford Holiday River Parade and will shine brightly each night until dawn on Monday, January 13th. Our Annual Ford Holiday River Parade kicks off the holiday season and is the official televised lighting ceremony at Arneson River Theatre. Join us for this festive event Friday, November 28, 2025. We invite you to experience the spectacular display of over 100,000 lights (2,250 strings of light) draped over the towering bald cypress trees that line the River Walk. Visiting the River Walk to enjoy the spectacular holiday lights is free. The River Walk is a public park open every day of the year, 24 hours a day. Holiday lights are on the downtown portion of the River Walk.
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A San Antonio Mosaic touches on many of the 150+ nationalities and ancestries that live and work here in San Antonio. In addition to our deep Mexican and German heritage, we will be performing seasonal works that reflect the Polish, Irish, English, Italian, Puerto Rican, Spanish, Dutch, Filipino, Norwegian, Jewish, Hungarian, Chinese, French Canadian, Austrian, African, and Japanese cultures in our beloved community. We are also pleased to have the Children’s Chorus of San Antonio directed by Carolyn Cruse join us in celebrating this holiday seasonal favorite.
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- Boerne Bright - First Baptist Church Boerne - 631 South School Street, Boerne, TX 78006, Friday, December 19, 2025; Saturday, December 20, 2025; Sunday, December 21, 2025 — Fridays–Sundays, 6–9 pm
- Westover Field of Lights - Westover Hills Church - 9340 Westover Hills Blvd, San Antonio, TX 78251, Friday, December 19, 2025; Saturday, December 20, 2025 — 7 pm
- Holiday Lights on
the River Walk - San Antonio River Walk, San Antonio, TX, Friday, December 19, 2025 to Sunday, December 21, 2025 — dusk to dawn
- Science Night at the Library - Molly Pruitt Library, Walzem Road, San Antonio, TX, Friday, December 19, 2025 — 6–7 pm
- Tower Market Days - Tower of the Americas - 739 E Cesar Chavez Blvd, San Antonio, TX 78205, Saturday, December 20, 2025 — 11 am–4 pm
- Traders Village Christmas - Traders Village-San Antonio - 9333 Southwest Loop 410, San Antonio, TX 78242, Saturday, December 20, 2025;
Sunday, December 21, 2025 — 12:30–4:30 pm
- Hanukkah Havdalakkah - Temple Beth-El - Temple Beth-El, Belknap Place, San
Antonio, TX, Saturday, December 20, 2025 — 6 pm
- Holiday Interactive Movie: Home Alone - Seguin Public Library - 313 West Nolte Street, Seguin, TX 78155, Saturday, December 20, 2025 — 2–4 pm
- Polar Express Festival - Mammen Family Public Library - 131 Bulverde Crossing, Bulverde, TX 78163, Saturday, December 20, 2025 — 10 am–1 pm
- Puzzle Palz - Universal City Library - 100 Northview Drive, Universal City, TX 78148, Saturday, December 20, 2025 — 11 am–1:30 pm
- Video
Gaming Club - Great Northwest Branch Library - Great Northwest Branch Library, Wellwood Street, San Antonio, TX, Saturday, December 20, 2025 — 5:30 pm
- Let's Create: Come & Go Art! - Guerra Branch Library - Guerra Branch Library, Military Drive West, San Antonio, TX, Saturday, December 20, 2025 — 4
pm
- Baby Time - Maverick Branch Library - Maverick Branch Library, Mystic Park, San Antonio, TX, Saturday, December
20, 2025 — 1 pm
- Pictures with Santa - Pearl - 303 Pearl Parkway, San Antonio, TX 78215, Sunday, December
21, 2025 — times vary
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EXPERIENCES create memories much more than stuff does. As you're considering gifts for family and friends, consider giving the gift of a family membership to one of our local attractions. Here are local organizations that offer memberships.
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Ring in the New Year with a little help from KidsOutAndAbout! Our Big List of family-Friendly celebrations is just what you need to find ball drops, fireworks displays, NOON Year's Eve fun, activities, parties and more! If your favorite isn't on the list be
sure to send us an email and we'll add it pronto.
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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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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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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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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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