One of the greatest benefits of living in San Antonio is the variety of “things” to see and do. In fact, there are so many San Antonio attractions and events on any given weekend that it can seem overwhelming to choose just one. In this series, all pressure is off! Ten fun things to do in San Antonio will be chosen each week to make researching for the next Friday celebration, date night, or family outing a little more simple. During the holiday season, we're here to make sure your schedule is filled with plenty of activities that are sure to spread holiday cheer!
Image Courtesy of newyearseveblog.com
1. Ring in the New Year
Say “Hello!” to 2017 in downtown San Antonio with the largest New Year’s Eve celebration in the city! The festivities will include a huge fireworks extravaganza at the end of the night, carnival games, food, live music, and (of course) a festive atmosphere to welcome the New Year. The fun starts at six o’clock and goes until the countdown at midnight! You’ll have downtown views and an exciting way to ring in 2017.
When: December 31st, 6:00 PM
Where: 400 N. St. Mary’s St.
2. Hit the Live Music Scene
The new hip music spot is Jazz Texas, located at the beautiful and historic Pearl Brewery. Nestled within the cellar of the Bottling House restaurant, Jazz Texas offers live music every week. It’s the perfect setting and ambiance for a cozy couple, jazz enthusiast, or anything in between. Enjoy food, drink, and different performers throughout the evening! With room to dance, we have a feeling you’ll be returning to this secret spot as often as possible.
When: Show Times can be found here
Where: 312 Pearl Parkway, Building 6, Suite 6001
3. Play a Game!
Looking for some NYE fun for the entire family? Look no further than Dave and Busters! With special New Year’s Eve activities, prizes, and a balloon drop, you and your crew can celebrate by playing everything from Mario Kart to Pac-Man. With entry fee, you’ll have access to an appetizer buffet and dessert…plus, this event is from 5:00-8:00 pm, meaning you’ll miss the worst of the NYE traffic (and even have time for a second event afterward)!
When: December 31, 5:00-8:00 PM
Where: Dave & Buster’s at Rivercenter (849 E. Commerce St., Suite 740)
4. Flash Back to the 80s
Look forward to the New Year with a blast from the past!
The Flying Saucer will host an 80's Party, featuring a professional photo booth, champagne, drinks, and party favors will add to the festivity. Your best 80’s attire is required in order for you to dance the night away.This lighthearted party is perfect for bringing in 2017!
When: December 31, 8:00 PM
Where: The Flying Saucer (11255 Huebner Road, #212)
5. Catch an Old (or New) Film
As always, The Alamo Drafthouse makes any moviegoing experience ten times better with hand crafted cocktails, draft beers, and a delicious menu of snacks and food. This weekend, they’re featuring an old movie: Little Women in an “afternoon tea” special. If that’s not up your ally, the new movie Passengers is getting some attention for its unique storyline and big-name stars (Chris Pratt and Jennifer Lawrence). Whether you’re going for the old or the new, an afternoon at the movie theatre is the perfect way to end your time off during this holiday break.
When: Show times here
Where: Alamo Drafthouse
6. Get Fired Up
The San Antonio Spurs take on the Portland Trail Blazers with a home game at the AT&T Center! Basketball season has begun, and if you haven’t had the chance to see the Spurs play since last year, this would be a great game to attend. While Duncan is now retired, the Spurs are sure to have some talented new players (and exciting new plays) to enforce at this week’s game. Snag a ticket soon! Even if you’re stuck in the nosebleeds section, it’s always fun to yell “Go, Spurs, Go!”
When: December 30, 7:30 PM
Where: AT&T Center (1 AT&T Parkway)
7. Watch the Ball Drop with your Kids
If you have young children, you know that it’s not ideal to keep them up until midnight for a New Year’s Eve celebration. The DoSeum is offering a perfect alternative: Kids Countdown! Bring your kids to the museum and watch the ball drop at noon instead of midnight. A dance party will help to ring in the New Year, as well as fun NYE poppers and sparkling cider. The balloon will drop promptly at noon, allowing your child to experience the fun of New Year’s without the difficult wait time at night.
When: December 31, 9:00 AM-12:00 PM
Where: The DoSeum (2800 Broadway)
8. Experience New Tastes
Looking for a great restaurant to go to for NYE? Biga on the Banks is located on San Antonio’s Riverwalk and has a unique menu (crafted by Chef Bruce Auden). With menu items like the Gulf Crab Stuffed Snapper, Beef Tenderloin, and Sticky Toffee Pudding, it’s the perfect way to end your holiday fun. The atmosphere is rich, and you’ll get to enjoy the lights from the San Antonio River Walk one last time. Since it’s a holiday weekend, we recommend making a reservation to ensure that you have a great table.
Where: 203 S St. Mary’s at Market
9.Get Fit for the New Year
If you’re among the many people that have fitness at the top of their goals for 2017, kick it off in the right way with the River City 5K run downtown! The race begins right in front of the Alamo and tours much of the downtown area. You get to see all the sights and sounds of the city while running off that Christmas dinner at the same time! Additionally, there are 15 different stops during the race if you’d like to learn more about the Alamo City. Trivia, landmarks, and more await you on this unique race.
When: December 31st, 8:30 AM & January 1, 8:30 AM
Where: 300 Alamo Plaza
10. Celebrate 2017
Paramour Rooftop Bar is hosting a phenomenal NYE bash, complete with hand-crafted cocktails, appetizers, music, dancing, and more. The bar has an amazing rooftop that lends itself to spectacular views of fireworks as the ball drops downtown! Get dressed up in sequins, metallics, or any sort of cocktail attire you have. With drinks like “Forever Single”, “Six to Midnight”, and “Puddle Jumper”, you’ll want to try more than one! This posh bar gives the perfect ambiance for a chic NYE party. Meet someone new in the process…and don’t forget to countdown to midnight!
When: December 31 (all evening)
Where: 102 9th St., suite 400
