The San Antonio Humane Society will host Canine Christmas at The Shops at La Cantera from 5:30 to 9 p.m. today outside the Food Hall. Information on pet adoptions will be available. Microchipping for $25 per pet will be offered on site, and dogs can be photographed with Santa. All pets must be on leashes. Pet calendars for the new year will be on sale. All proceeds benefit the Humane Society. Call 582-6650 for details.

Friday

Grey Forest Farmers Market seeks musicians and crafters for Friday’s fair, which will be the final Grey Forest Farmers Market this season. The fair will be held 2 to 6 p.m. at 18249 Sherwood Trail, Grey Forest. For more details, call (210) 695-9184.

A unique multi-generational dance performance of Northwest Vista College students will be held on Friday at the Watson Center for the Performing Arts at St. Philip’s College. The performance, titled Work it on Out: Dance Narratives and Fantasies, is a community dance project that pairs college students with senior citizens. The show premieres at 7 p.m. and is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Jayne King at Northwest Vista College at 348-2225 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .  

Saturday

Join a staff interpreter on a hiking adventure through Government Canyon State Natural Area. Learn about its mission, history, and the many stories that relate to the land and its significance for the Edwards Aquifer and San Antonio. Be prepared for a full day and about six to eight miles of hiking. Bring lots of questions, plenty of water (no less than one liter per person), a sack lunch and sturdy footwear. The event is scheduled 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday and no pets will be allowed. This program is by reservation only, group size limited to 12 and participants must be 12 years of age or older. Reservations are accepted by e-mail only, at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , until noon on Friday. Be certain to include complete name, phone number(s) and e-mail contact information for each reservation. The event is subject to cancellation; entry fees apply plus a special, non-refundable program fee of $4 per person; payable upon entry to GCSNA. Call 688-9055; ext 292, for more details.

The San Antonio Public Library’s newest branch, the John Igo Branch Library, will have its grand opening Saturday at 13330 Kyle Seale Parkway, inside Loop 1604 near the 7900 block of W. Hausman Road. At approximately 17,000 square feet, the new branch library will be the largest in the San Antonio system. Library services are free to residents of Bexar County, and any Bexar County resident can obtain a library card at no charge. For information on how to get a library card, call 207-2500 or visit the library Web page at www.sanantonio.gov/library.  

Monday

Government Canyon Natural Area is accepting reservations beginning noon Monday for a Dec. 21 event, “How Did Native Americans Celebrate Special Occasions?” Take a guided hike to a Burned Rock Midden with Site Naturalist Carl Green and Ranger Brian Davis-Brothers. Learn how the Native Americans used local plants for cooking and celebrating. Open to ages 12 and older; rocky terrain; group size limited; wear sturdy shoes and weather appropriate clothing; bring at least a quart of water and a snack. Event will be 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 21. Meet at the Visitor Center by the rainwater harvesting tower. Reservations required. For reservations, e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Include title and date of event, your name, age if under 18, e-mail address and telephone number for each reservation. Subject to cancellation. Call 688-9055, ext 285, for details.

Helotes officials and the Helotes Area Merchants and Business Association invite residents to celebrate the season at City Hall on Monday at 6:30 p.m. HAMBA will serve hot chocolate or cider and hand out bags of candy to the children. Planned activities include caroling and a visit from Santa.

Government Canyon Natural Area is accepting reservations beginning noon Monday for a Dec. 22 event, Holiday Habitat Hike. Hike to the protected habitat area of Government Canyon with members of the volunteer Trail Patrol. Open to ages 14 and older who are physically able to hike 12 to 13 miles over broken, rocky terrain with a good portion of elevation gain and loss; group size limited; dress in layers appropriate to the weather and wear sturdy hiking shoes or boots; bring at least three liters of water per person, snacks, lunch, sunscreen, hat, and raingear. The event will be 8:15 a.m. to 3 p.m. Meet at the Visitors Center by the rainwater harvesting tower. Reservations are required. For reservations, e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Include title and date of event, your name, age if under 18, e-mail address and telephone number for each reservation. Subject to cancellation. Call 688-9055, ext. 286, for details.

Dec. 14

Alamo City Republican Women

must have reservations by Dec. 14 for those wishing to hear Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, who will address the membership at its Christmas luncheon 11 a.m. Dec. 18 at Oak Hills Country Club, Fredericksburg and Callaghan roads. Costs: $20 reservations, $25 at door.

To RSVP, call Barbara at 342-5482, or Carolyn at 493-6210 and This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it by Dec. 14.

Dec. 19

Shepherd of the Hills Music Ministry presents “The Glory of Christmas” on Dec. 19 at 7 p.m.

The free concert will feature adult and children’s choirs, instrumental ensembles and hand bells.

The church is located at 6914 Wurzbach Road between Babcock and Evers (near USAA and the Medical Center).Admission is free.