Forget the open-air sleigh overloaded with gifts and powered by a tuckered herd of flying reindeer.

We rein in the holiday season with baby reindeer, a Christmas tree farm, hot chocolate recipes, holiday savings, tamale hotspots and recipes from your KSAT family.

This weekend in San Antonio is packed with performances, festive celebrations and more, offering something for everyone to enjoy.

A pediatrician in the San Antonio area advises parents to set rules for how and when their children use the electronics they receive from Santa.

In today's consumer headlines: Buy now, pay later services hit $991.2 million on Cyber Monday; some parents are using Santa to manage behavior despite expert caution; Mega Millions jackpot reaches $740 million.

Hundreds of volunteers worked with San Antonio firefighters on Saturday morning to wrap thousands of gifts that will soon go to kids across the city.

The griping Vatican-based movie thriller “Conclave” about picking a new pope and Stephanie Hsu starring in the dark comedy series “Laid” as a woman whose former lovers keep unexpectedly dying are some of this week’s new streaming entertainment releases.

With the holiday season in full swing, there’s plenty of festive events to attend this weekend.

Live from PINSTACK at North Rim!

This weekend, the Alamo City is filled with exciting events that will offer a variety of events of interest.

If you missed Black Friday you're in luck! The JBL Flip 6 speaker is just $74.99. Get your favorite color while supplies last.

Whether you’re diving into Black Friday shopping or kicking off the holiday season with festive events, there’s plenty to enjoy this weekend.

Where to get your 2024 photos with Santa or The Grinch.

The San Antonio Fire Department is hosting a toy drive for the 2024 holiday season.

The holiday season is still a few months away, but Toyota Field is already giving people something to be excited about come late November with the first-ever Coca-Cola Classic Christmas.

The zoo's baby sloth, Aluna, got to sit on Santa’s lap for the first time last week and the zoo posted the adorable video on its social pages.

Before heading back to the North Pole, Santa Claus stopped through Gruene to hear last-minute requests from kids.

North American military assets are keeping a sharp eye on Santa's travels.

We rein in the holiday season with baby reindeer, a Christmas tree farm, hot chocolate recipes, holiday savings, tamale hotspots and recipes from your KSAT family.

Holiday travel is expected to hit its peak right around now.

Animal Care Services is offering free photos with Santa and discounted adoptions during a holiday fair this Saturday.

The Bank of England has kept borrowing rates unchanged despite mounting worries over the state of the British economy.

Experience a unique Christmas lights display at “Lights Alive!” in Alamo Ranch.

Alzafar Shriners hosted families on Sunday for a Christmas party that included games, food, drinks and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Where to get your 2023 photos with Santa.

The Winter Wonderland light display will be open daily from 6-9 p.m. until Dec. 22.

Jill Biden has chosen a White House holiday décor that she hopes will inspire guests to feel like kids again.

Cher is obviously a superstar but even a superstar is happy to be the opening act when it comes to Santa.

Oscar winner Jamie Lee Curtis also has a busy career as a children’s author.

Thousands of travelers were stranded at U.S. airports due to an hours-long computer outage.

Did Santa bring you a new air fryer for Christmas this year?

The holiday weekend will feature hard freezes in the mornings, followed by sunny afternoons and highs above freezing.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has declared a state of emergency as wintry weather moves through the state.

With less than a week left until Christmas, Santa’s sleigh is undoubtedly getting a final tune-up. But some helpers in San Antonio are already making some Christmas wishes come true.

Today on the show, Santa’s favorite helpers join us to reign in the holiday season with baby reindeer, a Christmas tree farm, hot chocolate recipes, holiday savings, tamale hotspots and recipes from your KSAT family.

During the holidays, delivery drivers work as hard as Santa’s elves to get packages distributed on time.

A year after supply chain snags challenged toy stores to put inventory on the shelves, the new Grinch is rising costs.

For a second-grader, Autumn Threlkeld has mad elf skills.

Families of children with autism will have the chance to visit with Santa on Dec. 3.

Let's get the Elf on the Shelf to work for us this year (and hopefully every year moving forward).

During this holiday season, several groups are aiming to gather toys for the children of Uvalde. One group's focus is the survivors from rooms 111 and 112.

The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio will perform The Nutcracker this December.

As the holidays steadily approach, one way to get in the yuletide spirit is to visit JW Marriott Hill Country Resort and Spa’s holiday pop-up bar specializing in all things Santa-related.

The San Antonio Zoo’s annual Christmas celebration returns bigger and brighter than ever this November.

Director of Airports Jesus Saenz says close to 30,000 passengers are arriving or departing San Antonio International Airport every day.

SA Live’s Classic Christmas Special + Day twelve of our 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway!

Today on the show, we reveal the prize for day 7 in our 12 Days of Christmas giveaway! Plus, holiday brunch at Snooze, a light-filled night at Santa's Ranch, easy tequila holiday cocktails and more.

A man who loves to decorate for the holidays has taken the Christmas spirit to a whole new level.

We’re used to seeing Santa at the mall, or better yet, on his sleigh delivering toys to children around the world, but you don’t see Santa (let alone hundreds of him) skiing or snowboarding down a mountain.

We are warming you up + Day three of our 12 Days Of Christmas Giveaway!

Nearly two years into a global health crisis that has killed more than 5 million people, infections are again sweeping across parts of Western Europe.

Santa's Ranch is set to reopen for the holiday season on Nov. 5 in New Braunfels.

(AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)SEOUL, South Korea — South Korea has added 1,092 new coronavirus cases in a resurgence that is erasing hard-won epidemiological gains and eroding public confidence in the government’s ability to handle the outbreak. It would deliver long-sought cash to businesses and individuals and resources to vaccinate a nation confronting a frightening surge in COVID-19 cases and deaths. Preliminary data on U.S. deaths show the coronavirus pandemic contributing to a 15% or more increase in deaths over last year. ___MEXICO CITY — Mexican officials have reported a new daily high in confirmed coronavirus cases as the country awaits its first shipment of vaccine. ___WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — The Navajo Nation is reporting 151 new coronavirus cases and seven more deaths related to COVID-19.

SAN ANTONIO – A San Antonio small business owner is putting in extra hours this holiday season to spread Christmas cheer. Along with their popular Philly cheesesteaks, Gino’s Deli also offers mail service to the North Pole. The deli owner, Aleem Chaudhry, said the red mailbox is constantly overflowed with letters that include wish lists, serious questions and testimonies of resilience. I learn humor (and) humility with (the letters).”Gino’s Deli is located at 13210 Huebner Road and can be reached at 210-764-0602. RELATED: You can watch a Christmas movie with Santa Claus at Santikos theaters

With Christmas just around the corner, Santa’s littlest helpers at Baptist Health System’s NICU are ready to celebrate in style! SAN ANTONIO – With Christmas just around the corner, Santa’s littlest helpers at Baptist Health System’s NICU are ready to celebrate in style! Santa's littlest helpers are getting ready for Christmas! “From all of us at Baptist, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to these precious little ones and their families!” BHS said on its Facebook page. RELATED: NICU babies at Children’s Hospital of San Antonio dress up for their first Halloween

SAN ANTONIO – Did you know that Santa likes the Grinch? For a limited time, guests can enjoy the Santikos Santa Experience from Dec. 20-23 at four Santikos locations. Seuss’ The Grinch,” with a surprise visit from Santa at the end of the movie. Everyone in attendance is asked to ensure that there are a minimum of two seats between you and the party next to you. Santa Experience dates and locations are as follows:12/20 Mayan12/21 Cibolo12/22 Palladium12/23 Casa BlancaFor more information visit https://www.santikos.com/santaexperience/.

SAN ANTONIO – Santa helped pets in shelters in San Antonio celebrate the holidays for the fifth year in a row on Wednesday. The San Antonio Humane Society provided a holiday meal to all the shelter dogs and cats. Full Screen Full Screen 1 / 16 Santa visits pets at the San Antonio Humane Society, Dec. 16, 2020. Alexis L. Castillo, a spokesperson for the humane society, said the shelter accepted numerous items donated by Pawderosa Ranch that will benefit the shelter pets such as paper towels, blankets, toys and food. “We couldn’t ask for a better way to treat our pets and make them feel special as they await their forever homes this holiday season.”Watch a few of the pets enjoy their holiday email in the video players below:Related: Santa is coming to bring holiday cheer to shelter pets in San Antonio

SAN ANTONIO – Santa is making a list and checking it twice, but he’ll only really have treats for pets in shelters in San Antonio. According to the San Antonio Humane Society, the fifth annual “Holiday dinner by the Ranch,” is meant to spread holiday cheer to pets in the shelter. The event kicks off at 9:30 a.m. on Dec. 16 at the San Antonio Humane Society, 4804 Fredericksburg Road, and features pets ready to find their forever homes. “Shelter puppies dress up and unwrap special gifts from Santa himself,” the organization said in a statement. Related: Monolith helps dogs and cats find their forever homes, makes appearance at Animal Defense League

SAN ANTONIO – With wide eyes and joyous smiles all around, pediatric patients at Methodist Children’s Hospital got a special visit Friday from Santa and his elves. To make sure everyone was at a safe distance, Santa rappelled down the sides of the hospital and met with the kids through their windows. This socially-distanced visit from Santa and his elves really boosted the children’s holiday spirits, according to Whitlock. “It brought our spirits up a lot knowing they could see Santa, even though Santa couldn’t come in and see them. They were still able to experience this either outside their windows or on the hospital televisions,” she said.

SAN ANTONIO – Today at 1 p.m. on SA Live, holiday gnomes you can spruce up at home, hot cocoa and brunch with Santa, our 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway and more. 🎄 Look for your pics today from 1-2 p.m. on KSAT 12 & KSAT.com! Posted by SA Live on Friday, December 11, 2020There’s Elf on the Shelf and now there’s Gnome in Your Home! Check out the gift ideas below:SA Live airs weekdays at 1 p.m. on KSAT 12. Stream the show anytime from the KSAT TV app on Roku, Fire Stick, a smart TV or smartphone.

SAN ANTONIO – Santa on a face mask. If there’s a mood for 2020, it’s dumpster fire. This holiday season, you can learn how to make your own dumpster fire ornament and Santa beard mask with Abby’s Attic Sewing School. Watch the video above to learn how to make a Santa beard mask and other entertaining crafts to celebrate this dubious holiday season. Related:- Holiday party crafts and snacks- Christmas crafts for kids- Impressive holiday table settings on a budget

SAN ANTONIO – For 17 years, Home Instead Senior Care has put together the “Be a Santa to a Senior,” program which allows community members to buy a Christmas gift for someone living in an assisted living facility. “The best way is to go to beasantatoasenior.com and enter your ZIP code and it will take you right to the Amazon business sit,” Home Instead Senior Care general manager Jackie Robb said. A partnership with Amazon allowed for easy and safe ways to give gifts to the seniors. “Whatever you want to do and it makes a difference in that person’s day,” Robb said. This year the program is looking to give gets to over 450 seniors in San Antonio and surrounding areas.

’Tis the season to give, and we have a feeling this might be one of the best ways yet to do exactly that.

Moreno explains that Operation Santa has been around for years, but only in certain cities digitally. “In 1912 post master Frank Hitchcock allowed post masters and their employees and community to adopt letters, so we have continued on the tradition and it is now known as Operation Santa,” Moreno said. It allows children to write letters to Santa, and the USPS will post those letters on its Operation Santa website, where people can adopt letters and send children gifts. In the middle of the envelope write in Santa’s address: Santa Claus, 123 Elf Road, North Pole 88888. Santa letters image2.

SAN ANTONIO – Social distancing, mask mandates and time away from relatives may describe a lot of how this holiday season may go for many across the country. However, you can still get a free virtual visit from Santa with this app. A company, Portable North Pole, is giving families an opportunity to have Santa drop in, virtually, during the holiday season with a free, personalized video. There are paid services that the app offers, but if you want to get started on your free video, click here. Watch the video in the player below:Related: Santa photos are still happening at Bass Pro Shops but will look different this year

SAN ANTONIO – The United States Postal Service and its 100-year-old ‘Operation Santa’ program is the subject of a new documentary-style movie set to come out on Dec. 4. The new movie sheds light on a tradition like no other: the fulfillment of wishes from children writing to Santa. According to USPS, hundreds of thousands of letters are sent to Santa from children and families across the country every year. The agency’s Operation Santa makes it possible for individuals and organizations to adopt these letters and send responses and thoughtful gifts in Santa’s place. The movie debuts Dec. 4, the same day that letter adoption opens in the program.

SAN ANTONIO – Trouble getting into the Christmas spirit because you can’t go home or don’t have the day off? Try reading a few letters to Santa to get into the holiday spirit. Most of the letters ask for toys and games, but some kids actually ask for basic necessities or help for a loved one. Letter adoption opens on Dec. 4 and is available at USPSOperationSanta.com. To read through some of the letters, click here.

SAN ANTONIO – He’s making a list and checking it twice, gonna find out whose been naughty or nice... Santa Claus is already in town. The Christmas celebrations have officially kicked off in North San Antonio with letters to Santa, pictures with the man himself and safety measures against COVID-19. White is the special events coordinator for Bass Pro Shops San Antonio. “Santa Claus is still very happy to see them,” Santa said. RELATED: Santa photos are still happening at Bass Pro Shops but will look different this year

SAN ANTONIO – Santa Claus will still be making his visits to Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s locations, though these visits may look different than those in years past. Beginning Nov. 7 through Dec. 24, Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s will transform into Christmas villages. Johnny Morris, Bass Pro Shops founder, said that events throughout the COVID-19 pandemic have been canceled, which is why it was more important than ever to ensure some much needed Christmas cheer. Temperature Screening: All families and team members will complete temperature screening with a non-contact thermometer prior to entering Santa’s Wonderland. Magic Santa Shield: An innovative, glare-free clear protective barrier will be in place between Santa and families at all times to allow for a contactless experience.

SAN ANTONIO – UPDATE: It’s a great way to support local this Halloween - and even for Christmas if you need an elf or Santa costume. Gibson Costume Shop has been open for about 100 years in San Antonio. The shop is open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and Halloween hours will be extended for October. The shop dry cleans all of its rental costumes after each use, or you can buy new. While curbside is not available, you can go inside Gibson Costume Shop for purchases and rentals.

Meteorologist Kaiti Blake shows you how you can make your own snow at home - no matter what the temperature is outside! You’ll need:1 cup of baking soda1 cup of shaving creamsome watera bowla spoon or fork to mix withFollow these steps:1. Add the baking soda and shaving cream to the bowl2. Begin mixing the baking soda and shaving cream together with a fork or spoon3. Add a few drops of water as you’re mixing, keeping in mind that more water will make your snow more ‘clumpy’When your snow is at the desired texture, you’re all set!

SAN ANTONIO – Mike Osterhage and Buddy go on a fun-filled adventure to find Santa at North Star Mall. Buddy tells Mike about the production of “Elf The Musical” at The Public Theater of San Antonio. “Buddy embarks on a journey to discover his true identity and is determined to win over his new family. This modern day holiday classic reminds us that the best way to spread Christmas Cheer is singing loud for all to hear." “Elf The Musical” is performing at The Public Theater of San Antonio now through December 22nd.

If you’ve ever been to a holiday cookie swap, then you know just how intense and daunting they can be.

SAN ANTONIO – Elf The Musical is performing at The Public Theater of San Antonio until December 22nd. Mike Osterhage and Buddy the Elf search for Santa at North Star Mall.

In case you didn't know, 2019 is all about pressure cooking, and the Instant Pot does that and so much more. We searched the internet far and wide to find the easiest, most delicious and fun Instant Pot recipes. Instant Pot Eggs Benedict from The Foodie and The FixEggs Benedict is a breakfast staple, so the fact that you can make it in an Instant Pot is beyond wild. Instant Pot Lemon Vegetable Risotto from Lexi's Clean KitchenLook, making risotto is stressful and difficult and has sent more chefs home on "Top Chef" than probably any other dish, but cooking risotto in an Instant Pot is easy and you almost can't mess it up. Instant Pot Mac & Cheese from DelishOK, y'all, you need to get into this mac and cheese recipe.

You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen? Turns out, they're probably female.