A Guide to Living in San Antonio (Dec. 19th - Dec. 25th)
Hey y'all,
Cory here.
As we head into Christmas week, I wanted to let you know we’ll only be sending one newsletter next week on Thursday, December 26th. This special edition will help you plan for the rest of 2024 and wrap up the year in style.
We’ll take a little break from our usual Tuesday feature to enjoy time with family, but we’ll be back soon after.
To everyone who celebrates, Merry Christmas! I hope your holiday season is filled with joy, connection, and ample time to appreciate the people and traditions that matter most.
We’ll talk next week!
⭐️ Featured Recommendations of the Week: A Hot Chocolate Crawl
Sure, it’s not freezing cold—it’s San Antonio, after all! But who says you need a snowstorm to enjoy a delicious cup of hot chocolate? With the holidays in full swing and festive flavors everywhere, now is the perfect time to explore some of the best spots in the city serving up this comforting classic. Whether you’re looking for a treat after shopping or just an excuse to relax, this crawl has you covered.
• La Panadería Bakery Cafe (Multiple Locations)
📍 2503 Broadway St, San Antonio, TX 78215
🌟 Known for its Mexican hot chocolate infused with cinnamon, offering a rich, pan dulce-inspired flavor.
📍 1414 S Alamo St Ste 101, San Antonio, TX 78210
🌟 Don’t miss their peanut butter hot chocolate—a unique twist on the classic drink.
📍 1947 N New Braunfels Ave, San Antonio, TX 78208
🌟 Try their delicious hot chocolate topped with toasted marshmallows for an extra cozy treat.
📍 1846 Fredericksburg Rd, San Antonio, TX 78201
🌟 A local favorite for customizable Mexican hot chocolate with sweet foam or other toppings.
Take this as a chance to slow down and savor the season—no heavy coats required!
📅 This Week’s Events:
🎄 Ford Holiday Boat Caroling
When: Through December 23, 2024, evening time slots available
Where: San Antonio River Walk (Check-in: 203 S St Mary’s St)
Cost: $175–$200 per boat (up to 12 people)
Got friends or family coming into town for the holidays? Gather your group for a fun and festive evening with Ford Holiday Boat Caroling. Cruise the beautifully lit River Walk while singing along to holiday classics, creating memories and spreading cheer. Even if you don’t book a boat, you can enjoy the music and dazzling lights from the banks or nearby patios.
🎶 Tip: Book soon—spots fill up quickly during the final days.
☕ Hot Holidays on Houston Street
When: Friday, December 20, 2024, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Where: West Houston Street & North Flores Street, San Antonio, TX
Cost: $40
Sip on a curated selection of seasonal beverages, including Mexican hot chocolate, rich coffees, teas, and holiday-inspired cocktails. Pair your sips with delicious bites from La Panadería, The Beignet Stand, and other local favorites.
🎶 What to Expect:
• Live music and DJs to set the holiday vibe
• Unique gifts from local artisans at the holiday market
• A commemorative holiday mug and eight beverage-tasting tickets with each entry
🍸 Tip: Attendees 21+ can enjoy access to the cocktail area along San Pedro Creek.
🎷 Doc Watkins: A Charlie Brown Christmas
When: Tonight, December 19, 2024, 7:30 PM
Where: Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Cir, San Antonio, TX
Cost: Tickets start at $35
Enjoy the timeless charm of A Charlie Brown Christmas as Doc Watkins and his orchestra bring Vince Guaraldi’s iconic soundtrack to life. This family-friendly performance is a San Antonio holiday tradition you won’t want to miss.
🎄 Pro Tip: Doc Watkins is also the founder of Jazz, TX, located at the Historic Pearl Brewery. It’s a fantastic spot for a dinner-and-show experience. Tickets are still available for their New Year’s Eve celebration (although they are a little pricey!).
💸 (Re) Discover San Antonio with the Buy Local Savings App
Did you know about San Antonio’s Buy Local Savings App? It’s the perfect excuse to revisit some of the city’s favorite spots while saving a little extra. With discounts at a variety of local restaurants, shops, and experiences, it’s a win-win for your wallet and the community.
Here are a few participating spots and their offers:
• Sanchos Cantina & Cocina: Buy one lunch plate, get one lunch plate free.
• Curry Boys BBQ: 20% off discounted sides.
• Pete’s Tako House: 15% off your total bill.
• EET UP: Free menu item with equal value purchase.
The app is free to download, and discounts are easy to redeem—just show your phone at checkout. With dozens of participating businesses, it’s a great way to (re) discover what makes San Antonio special while supporting local entrepreneurs.
📖 One Read: Turning Vacant Lots into Food
ICYMI: Missed this on Tuesday? Dive into the inspiring potential of San Antonio’s food forest revolution in our latest article. From transforming vacant public lands into spaces for growing food to addressing food insecurity and urban heat, this piece explores innovative local models like the Tamōx Talōm Food Forest and Garcia Street Urban Farm. With the right investments and community efforts, these projects can create a greener, healthier, and more resilient San Antonio.
READ MORE HERE🗺️ Did You Know?:
💡 What is a Cultural Heritage District?
Cultural heritage districts are designated areas that celebrate and preserve a community’s unique cultural identity. San Antonio established this designation in 2005 to honor the heritage of specific corridors and the stories they tell.
Currently, San Antonio has three cultural heritage districts:
• Jefferson Heights
• Historic Highway 90 Corridor
• Hockley-Clay Cemetery
Excitingly, the Silk Road Corridor on Wurzbach Road, known for its vibrant mix of Mediterranean, South Asian, and Middle Eastern restaurants and markets, has been recommended as the city’s next cultural heritage district. With its rich diversity and global influences, this area is a living reflection of San Antonio’s evolving identity.
💭 Insight: Recognizing these districts not only preserves their cultural stories but also fosters appreciation for the diverse communities that make San Antonio a cosmopolitan city. Imagine how much we can learn—and taste!—by exploring them.
🌱Texas Nature Journal: Mealy Blue Sage
Meet Mealy Blue Sage (Salvia farinacea), a resilient Texas native that brings a burst of lavender-blue blooms to landscapes from spring through fall. Perfect for low-maintenance gardens, this hardy plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping or rocky Texas terrain.
Not only is Mealy Blue Sage a standout for its vibrant spikes of color, but it’s also a pollinator magnet, attracting butterflies, bees, and even hummingbirds. Its drought tolerance and deer resistance make it a reliable addition to any garden, especially in the Edwards Plateau and Blackland Prairie regions where it’s naturally found.
🛠️ Care Tips: This low-maintenance sage benefits from occasional pruning to maintain compact growth and bloom production. Once established, it requires minimal watering, thriving on Texas’s natural rainfall.
🌾 Design Ideas: Pair it with Blackfoot Daisy, Zexmenia, or Texas Mountain Laurel for a stunning, drought-tolerant landscape that supports pollinators year-round.
🔥 Rapid Fire Recs:
🎄 Meet the Grinch & Cindy Lou Who at Elsewhere Bar – Step into Whoville magic where the Grinch, Cindy Lou Who, Santa and Mrs. Claus are bringing holiday cheer! Enjoy Grinch-inspired bites, festive drinks, and a holiday wonderland you won’t want to miss. 🕒 Dec. 21 & Dec. 28, 2024. Learn More
🎭 Peter Pan at the Majestic Theatre – Don’t miss this limited run of the beloved high-flying musical, reimagined by playwright Larissa FastHorse with choreography by Lorin Latarro. This magical adaptation will delight audiences of all ages. Shows run December 19–22. Tickets start at $25. Buy Tickets Here
❄️ Snowball 5K & 1K at Morgan’s Wonderland – Celebrate inclusion at the annual Snowball Run this Saturday, December 21! Choose from a 1K or 5K through Morgan’s Wonderland and Morgan’s MAC, surrounded by festive decorations. Participants receive a race bib, t-shirt, ornament, and admission to Morgan’s Wonderland. The event opens at 7:00 AM, 1K at 8:30 AM, and 5K at 9:00 AM. Sign Up Here.
If you check out any of these spots or events, reply to this email and let me know what you think—I’d love to hear about your experience.
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Until next time,
-Cory
