2nd Annual Gruene Turkey Trot: 11/25
Trot off that turkey and pie with an exhilarating 5K run/walk through the historic Gruene district. Kids under 12 will have a blast as they try to chase a Turkey Mascot on a quarter-mile race through Gruene. Races begin and end in front of Gruene Hall. Registration 6:30-8am, run/walk 8:30am, chase 10am, Gruene Historic District, 1281 Gruene Rd, New Braunfels, (830) 629-5077, gruenetexas.com, comalcopsforkids.org.
Light the Way: 11/20 — 1/06
Celebrate the beginning of the holidays by watching a million twinkling lights on display at the Incarnate Word campus — perfect for a picture-worthy drive or stroll. Free, University of the Incarnate Word, 4301 Broadway.
Hecho A Mano 2010: 12/3 — 12/5
If you haven’t grown an appreciation for arts and crafts, you’d better get on it, especially in a city like San Antonio where artistic creativity seems to manifest from every corner. Perhaps a Fine Art and Craft Market can inspire you with unique, handcrafted ceramics, jewelry, woodwork, fiber, furniture, metalwork, clothing, and art, so much of which would make impressive Christmas gifts (or even a re-gift for Tia Delores next year). Don’t miss Carmen Tafolla and Ellen Riojas, authors of Tamales, Comadres, and The Meaning of Civilization, who will sign books during Friday’s opening reception. This 24-year-old tradition combines traditional and contemporary arts for a unique weekend of holiday shopping. Estrella-level members, 8-10am; general public reception $10 per person/$15 per couple 6-9pm Fri, $2 or 2 canned foods (benefits Inner City Development Food Bank), 10am-6pm Sat & 11am-6pm Sun, Guadalupe Gallery 723 S Brazos St, 78207 (210) 271-3151, guadalupeculturalarts.org.
Ford Fiesta de las Luminarias: 12/3 — 12/19
It’s that time of the year again. You know, that time when you don’t have to fear plummeting into a murky San Antonio River Walk — not with the guiding light of over 6,000 luminarias flickering ever so warmly. This tradition symbolizes the “lighting of the way” for the Holy Family. Dusk Fri, Sat, and Sun. San Antonio River Walk.
Art.i.copia: Contemporary Art for Giving: 12/11
Still debating on what to get your sister who refuses to accept gift cards or cash as a present for Christmas? Visit the Holiday Open House at the Southwest School of Art for innovative gift-giving ideas. Take advantage of the refreshments as you’re bound to become a little parched rummaging for just the right item (may even be one by a special guest artist!). 9:30am-5pm, Southwest School of Art, Ursuline Hall Gallery, 300 Augusta St, (210) 224-1848, swschool.org.
Bazar Sabado: 12/11
Experience folk art from Mexico, with exceptional pieces ranging from ethnic jewelry and clothing to nativities and small painted furniture. Get lost in the cultural treasures at this 24th Annual Folk Art Market. Remember, it is always better to give than to receive, so make sure you bring plenty of friends and family along to return the favor. $3, children 11 & under free, 10am-4pm, San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W Jones Ave, (210) 978-8100, samuseum.org.
URBAN-15’s 2010 Holiday Laser Show: 12/9 — 12/11
Want to see the holidays in a new light? Come enjoy this dazzling spectacle of choreographed light displays performed to holiday music favorites. This family-oriented show is filled with colorful 3D animations and stunning aerial displays. Multimedia artists George Cisneros and Tim Walsh created this stunning 45-minute presentation that will be sure to beam you into the holiday spirit. $4-$8, 7pm Thu, 7pm Fri, 2pm & 7pm Sat, URBAN-15, 2500 S Presa, (210) 736-1500, www.urban15.org.
ARTS San Antonio presents Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker: 12/17 — 12/19
ARTS San Antonio presents Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker with Metropolitan Classical Ballet and San Antonio Metropolitan Ballet at Municipal Auditorium. Set to the timeless score by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky, this magical tale will cast its holiday spell and transport you to a sugar land far, far away. $13.50-$54, 7:30pm Fri, 2pm & 7:30pm Sat, 2pm Sun, Municipal Auditorium, 100 Auditorium Circle, artssanantonio.com, ticketmaster.com.
