News Roundup, Dec. 2, 2025
NEWS ROUNDUP, Dec. 2, 2025
This is a season to celebrate and there’s no celebration without music.
The Kerrville-based Symphony of the Hills will present “A Time to Rejoice,” featuring Handel’s
“Messiah” and traditional carols with the Grand Symphony Chorus. In addition, the concert will include Vaughan-Williams’ “Fantasia on Greensleeves,” “Wizards in Winter,” performed by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra; White Christmas, and more. (Dec. 4 at 7 p.m.; Cailloux Theater, 910 Main, Kerrville, Texas 78028; tickets are $29-$64; call Symphony of the Hills at 830-792-7469 or email at info@symphonyofthehills.org)
The First Presbyterian Church of San Antonio presents “Miday Noels Concert Series – a seasonal Celebration of Merry Melodies and Holiday Harmonies. (Dec. 4, 11 and 18 at 12:45 p.m., in person in the sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church, with live-streamed video of the full concert at www.fpcsanantonio.org/noels 404 North Alamo, downtown)
First Baptist Church of San Antonio has an Advent Concert Series, beginning with the artistry of acclaimed French-horn player, Peter Rubins, accompanied by Seth Nelson on piano, live at the church. Rubins’ professional experience spans decades across Asia, Europe and the U.S.
(Dec. 2 at 12 p.m.; 515 McCullough, 78215, phone 210-226-0363; info@fbcsa.org)
The Agarita Chamber Ensemble + singer-songwriter Azul Barrientos and SAY Si students
will join forces for an outdoor concert inspired by change and transformation. This is an outdoor
event, so bring your own chairs. There will be local vendors and food trucks, selling to the public, starting at 12 noon; (Location: Say Si, 1310 South Brazos St., 78207, free. Ahead of the weekend concerts, catch the opportunity to gain deeper insights about the program with a special preview at The Agarita Loft and conversation about the program’s spiritual theme. (Dec. 2 at 6:30 p.m. 724 S. Alamo #2; second floor, accessible only by stairs and chairlift.)
Lights of Esperanza, Texas A&M -San Antonio enchanting annual celebration returns for its ninth year! The event blends the cherished tradition of holiday lighting with new Texas A&Mcommunity traditions.
Chamber Connexions CCX– Christmas Baroque Brilliance: “A Journey Through the Christmas Story” presented by Orchestra San Antonio and the Classical Music Institute. It includes works by Bach, Handel and George Telemann. (A Collaboration with 100A Productions. (Dec.11 at 7:30 p.m.; Alvarez Studio Theater; tickets from $19 at the Tobin box office.)
J-Darius promises a soulful Christmas with a show packed with music, nostalgia and festive spirit. (Dec. 12 at 8 p.m. at the Carver Community Cultural Center, 226 N. Hackberry, 78202)
And now, for something very different: The 31st Annual Mariachi Extravaganza. If you like mariachi music, you’ll be in heaven during three thrilling days of top talent as 1,300 Mariachi
musicians and vocalists compete for national titles in highly competitive group and vocal competitions. (Dec. 4-6, Lila Cockrell Theatre, 600 E. Market St.; tickets $30 at www.Ticketmaster.com; more info at www.MariachiMusic.com)
The magic of the holidays cannot happen without The Nutcracker Ballet. Created by Ballet San Antonio by talented choreographers and dancers, the shows are schedule for Dec. 5-7 and Dec. 12-14. At the Tobin Center. For more go to info@balletsanantonio.org
You can also celebrate the season with The Frosty Follies – a festive showcase of holiday classics performed by some of San Antonio’s most talented artists. Set in an intimate space with twinkling lights, this heartwarming production is a nice way to embrace the joy and spirit of the season. (Dec. 14 at 4 p.m.; San Pedro Playhouse; 800 W. Ashby Pl.; $20-$60; for more call 210-733-7258)
At the San Antonio Art League + Museum, you’ll enjoy The Season of Lights Art Exhibition and find affordable art for holiday gifts. The dazzling show features original works by more than 50 member artists. (San Antonio Art League+Museum is at 130 King William St.; open 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. through Dec. 20; 210-223-1140; saalm@saalm.org)
At SALA DIAZ, see “What We Leave Behind,” featuring Hilary Rochow’s work. The artist investigates the complex territory between preservation, loss, memorial and remembrance. The exhibit draws deeply from the artist’s personal history., especially her childhood visits to her German grandparents.
“San Anto- Te Amo- Running with History” is an immersive exhibition of new performance video projections, by Martin C. Rodriguez. (Dec. 4 and Dec. 5, from 7-10 p.m., with a closing reception Dec.18. This is the third edition of an ongoing series of performances involving physical interaction at iconic locations, exploring the nature of place and time. (Un Grito Gallery is at the Blue Star Arts Complex., 1420 S. Alamo St.)
Lights of Esperanza, Texas A&M-San Antonio’s annual celebration returns for its ninth year. The event blends the cherished tradition of holiday lighting with new Texas A&M San Antonio community traditions. (Dec.2, 6-8 p.m. One University Way, 78224; 210-784-1608)
At the San Antonio Museum of Art’s Kids Studio, children make ornaments inspired by the unique pottery designs of Mata Ortiz in the museum’s exhibit “Canvas to Clay,” ideal for kids under five. And if you have not seen “ENCHANTING NATURE at the McNay, make an effort to see it, before Feb 1, 2026. (The McNay is at 6000 N. New Braunfels Ave; 210-824-5368; www.mcnayart.org/)
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