Happy second week of December! The Rivard Report has been steadily updating a holiday events guide, but all things spirited and sparkly aren’t everyone’s cup of eggnog. If you haven’t made weekend plans yet and want to keep the Christmas cheer to a minimum, we have a few suggestions for you.
The Phantom of the Opera
The classic Broadway musical about a harrowed musician living in the depths of an opera house and obsessing over a beautiful woman who dreams of being a prima donna landed in San Antonio Thursday. The touring production of The Phantom of the Opera will show five more times on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at the Majestic Theatre. Tickets range from $45 to $220 and are available here.
$5 Rock Climbing
If you’ve always wanted to try rock climbing, but didn’t know where to go, try a little place called The District on lower Broadway. On Fridays at 5 p.m., the bouldering gym charges $5 for an open gym day pass. The gym runs this deal every Friday. If you’re not interested in bouldering or rock climbing, The District also offers acroyoga, tumbling, aerial silk, calisthenics, and a weight room. Must be 18 or older.
OPEN Holiday Market
I know we said no holiday-themed events, but this one is really only holiday-themed because you can buy gifts here. You can also disregard the gift-giving season and score a bunch of cool items for yourself from 14 different local businesses selling clothing, jewelry, art, skin care products, and more. We checked out the grand opening last Friday, and it was pretty great. The market is at 231 E. Houston St. for another weekend and does not require tickets required, but come armed with money to splurge. The pop-up is open from noon to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.
Kids Tamalada
Tamales are delicious year-round, so this also doesn’t count as holiday-themed. Chef Cariño Cortez of La Familia Cortez Restaurants will teach kids how to make tamales on Saturday morning at Pico de Gallo. From 9:30-11:30 a.m., youngsters will learn the art of tamal-making, hear stories being read out loud, and snack on tamales and hot chocolate. Parents can also hang around and eat breakfast at Pico de Gallo (not included with ticket price) while waiting for their children to be equipped with this crucial life skill. Admission for one kid costs $25, but you can buy two for $40. Tickets to tamal talent are here.
Paper Cloud DIY
Create a magical work of art that lights up, maybe would looks great in your home, and definitely would look great on your Instagram feed. From 12-3 p.m. at Artpace, you’ll receive guidance on how to manipulate paper into the perfect fluffy cloud. Bring it home and keep it forever, or give it to a friend who loves glowing clouds. The workshop costs $45, and Artpace members get 10 percent off. Students can partake in light refreshments as part of the fee. Visit artpace.org to register.
