San Antonio, December 26, 2025
On Christmas Eve, Santa Claus made a special visit to infants in the neonatal intensive care unit at the University Health Women’s & Children’s Hospital in San Antonio, arriving by helicopter. This touching annual tradition aims to bring holiday cheer to families celebrating their first Christmas with newborns in the NICU. Nurse Michelle Gonzales highlighted the importance of these visits in allowing families to unite during this special time. The hospital stands out as the only facility in South Texas providing Level IV NICU care for premature infants.
San Antonio, Texas
Santa Claus Visits NICU Patients by Helicopter on Christmas Eve
On December 24, 2025, Santa Claus arrived at the University Health Women’s & Children’s Hospital in San Antonio via helicopter to visit infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). This annual tradition brought joy to families spending their first Christmas with their newborns in the NICU. Registered nurse Michelle Gonzales emphasized the significance of these visits, stating that it allows families to celebrate together during the holidays. The hospital is the only one in South Texas providing NICU Level IV care, the highest level for premature infants. The hospital’s helicopter also offers transportation for families.
San Antonio Spurs Secure Eighth Consecutive Win Against NBA’s Best
On December 25, 2025, the San Antonio Spurs extended their winning streak to eight games by defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder 117-102. De’Aaron Fox led the team with 29 points, while Victor Wembanyama contributed 19 points and 11 rebounds in 26 minutes off the bench. Guard Stephon Castle added 19 points. Despite the Thunder’s strong start to the season, the Spurs have now won three of their last six matchups against them.
City of San Antonio Announces Holiday Service Schedule
City Hall and most municipal offices in San Antonio were closed from December 24 through January 1 for the winter holidays. Public safety and emergency services remained operational. The 311 Call Center operated on Christmas Eve through New Year’s Eve from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Libraries were open from December 27 to 30. Animal Care Services’ lobby and adoption center had modified hours on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and were closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Unseasonably Warm Christmas Eve in San Antonio
On December 24, 2025, San Antonio experienced unseasonably warm temperatures, with readings approaching 80 degrees Fahrenheit by 3 p.m., more than 15 degrees above the normal for December 24. The day also featured dense morning fog, primarily along the Balcones Escarpment and Coastal Plains, which cleared before 10 a.m. Forecasters noted that southerly winds drew in moisture from the Gulf of Mexico, leading to mostly cloudy skies.
Dense Fog Advisory Issued for San Antonio Area
A Dense Fog Advisory was issued for the San Antonio area on December 24, 2025, effective from 9:26 p.m. CST until noon on December 25. The advisory warned of reduced visibility to one mile or less, making navigation difficult. Residents were advised to proceed with caution, use proper fog signals, and ensure all running lights were on.
San Antonio Holiday Shopping Outlook: Optimism for Retail
As of December 24, 2025, San Antonio’s retail sector showed optimism for the holiday shopping season, with several events and markets scheduled to attract shoppers. Notable events included the Humpday Market in New Braunfels on December 24 and the Jones Christmas Ranch in Boerne, featuring over 4 million holiday lights, running from December 23 to 31. These events aimed to boost local commerce and provide festive activities for residents and visitors.
City of San Antonio’s Christmas Trash Pickup Schedule
On December 23, 2025, the City of San Antonio announced its holiday trash pickup schedule. Garbage, recycling, and organics were collected on Christmas Eve, December 24. There were no collections on Christmas Day, December 25. Residents were advised to adhere to the adjusted schedule to ensure timely waste management during the holiday season.
First Responder Bowl Scheduled in Dallas
The 2025 First Responder Bowl is scheduled to be played on December 26, 2025, at Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas, Texas. The game will feature Florida International University (FIU) against the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). This annual college football bowl game provides an opportunity for teams to showcase their talents in a postseason setting.
San Antonio City Council Election Results
The 2025 San Antonio City Council election was held on May 3, 2025, to elect all 10 seats of the City Council. The election was nonpartisan, with winners serving four-year terms due to the passage of Proposition F in the 2024 election. The election was held alongside the mayoral election, with incumbent mayor Ron Nirenberg being term-limited.
Fiesta San Antonio Events Overview
Fiesta San Antonio is an annual event featuring over 100 activities over 17 days, organized by more than 100 local nonprofit groups and the Fiesta San Antonio Commission. The event includes major parades, cultural events, music performances, and sporting events. It is a significant cultural celebration in San Antonio, attracting thousands of visitors each year.
City of San Antonio’s Holiday Office Closure Details
City offices in San Antonio were closed from December 24, 2025, to January 1, 2026, in observance of the winter holidays. Employees had the option to use Annual Leave, Personal Leave, Compensatory Time, COSACares Leave, Incentive Leave, or Leave Without Pay for the remaining days of December 26, 29, 30, and 31. This schedule was part of the city’s fiscal year 2026 holiday plan.
Key Features of San Antonio’s Recent Events
| Event | Date | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa’s NICU Visit | December 24, 2025 | University Health Women’s & Children’s Hospital | Santa Claus visited NICU patients by helicopter, bringing holiday cheer to families. |
| Spurs vs. Thunder Game | December 25, 2025 | San Antonio | The Spurs secured their eighth consecutive win against the NBA-leading Thunder. |
| City Office Closures | December 24, 2025 – January 1, 2026 | San Antonio | City Hall and most municipal offices closed for the winter holidays; public safety services remained operational. |
| Unseasonably Warm Christmas Eve | December 24, 2025 | San Antonio | Temperatures approached 80°F, over 15 degrees above normal for the date. |
| Dense Fog Advisory | December 24-25, 2025 | San Antonio Area | Issued due to reduced visibility; residents advised to exercise caution. |
| Holiday Shopping Events | December 23-31, 2025 | San Antonio and Surrounding Areas | Various markets and events aimed to boost local retail during the holiday season. |
| First Responder Bowl | December 26, 2025 | Gerald J. Ford Stadium, Dallas, TX | College football bowl game featuring FIU vs. UTSA. |
| City Council Election | May 3, 2025 | San Antonio | All 10 City Council seats elected; winners serve four-year terms. |
| Fiesta San Antonio | April 2026 | San Antonio | Annual cultural event with over 100 activities over 17 days. |
| Holiday Office Closures | December 24, 2025 – January 1, 2026 | San Antonio | City offices closed; employees had options for leave during this period. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the schedule for city services during the holidays in San Antonio?
City Hall and most municipal offices in San Antonio were closed from December 24 through January 1 for the winter holidays. Public safety and emergency services remained operational. The 311 Call Center operated on Christmas Eve through New Year’s Eve from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Libraries were open from December 27 to 30. Animal Care Services’ lobby and adoption center had modified hours on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and were closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
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