Want to know the best way to celebrate the holiday season in San Antonio? You’re in luck, because San Antonio bursts at the seams with holiday spirit, and there are many Christmas events in San Antonio to enjoy.
Whether you want to hit up the River Walk, get some shopping done or find an activity the whole family will love, San Antonio is the place to be over the holidays.
Your Guide To Christmas Events In San Antonio
San Antonio is a lively city all year long, but it radiates fun and festivity during the holiday season.
Homemade Christmas at the Alamo
On Saturday, December 13, the Alamo is hosting a free Christmas event that will transport you back in time. Homemade Christmas showcases what it was like to celebrate the holidays as an early settler on the Texas frontier in the mid-1800s.
The whole family can enjoy Christmas-themed crafts, storytelling, living history demonstrations, caroling, candymaking, leatherworking, blacksmithing and more.
Zoo Lights at the San Antonio Zoo
Celebrate the season with your favorite zoo animals at Zoo Lights. Every year, the San Antonio Zoo extends its weekend hours from November to January so that you can take in its dazzling light displays that make the entire zoo sparkle.
The event includes Santa meet and greets, animal encounters, holiday treats, music, and, of course, thousands of sparkling lights. All ages will love seeing the San Antonio zoo looking its best.
Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Fiesta Texas
Six Flags Fiesta Texas is a blast all year long, but it transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season. From the giant Christmas tree to decorate rides, no square inch of the park is left untouched.
Head to Six Flags during the holiday season to enjoy Christmas shows, festive limited-time attractions, lights and a meet and greet with Santa Claus.
The perfect way to make the most of the Christmas season in San Antonio is by decking out your own home in Christmas lights. Contact ABC for professional Christmas light installation so you can spend more time enjoying these holiday events.
San Antonio River Walk Events During the Holidays
The River Walk draws tons of tourists to San Antonio every year, and for good reason. It’s a magical setting full of history, culture, good food and entertainment, and it only gets better over the holiday season.
Ford Holiday River Parade
Every year from late November to early January, the San Antonio River Walk is lit with millions of dazzling Christmas lights to enjoy throughout the holiday season. The best way to kick off the festivities is with the Ford Holiday River Parade, which takes place on the day after Thanksgiving. This year, it will be on Friday, November 28.
The parade features decked-out Christmas-themed boats, live music and fun performances. The Christmas lights shine even brighter reflected off the river, and your favorite river walk landmarks have never looked better.
This year’s theme is “Merry Movie Magic,” and each boat will represent a beloved holiday film. The parade will also feature a special guest, Buddy the Elf, who will Grand Marshal the parade before starring in Elf the Musical at the Majestic Theater in December.
The parade begins at the Arneson River Theatre, and you can purchase reserved seats for the best view. You can also take in the parade from restaurants along the river walk, such as Casa Rio and Boudro’s Texas Bistro.
Ford Fiesta de las Luminarias
Each year, the San Antonio River Walk is decorated with luminaries that line the river and cast a beautiful glow over the water. Luminaries, which are small, sand-filled bags with candles in them, are a beautiful Mexican tradition that honors San Antonio’s cultural identity and heritage.
San Antonio residents can get the best view of the luminaries on weekday evenings when the crowds are lighter.
Holiday Artisan Show
Get in the Christmas spirit and get all your shopping done at the same time at the Holiday Artisan Show on the river walk. Over forty vendors set up booths along the river walk to sell artisan goods like artwork, pottery, jewelry, woodwork, beadwork and other unique handmade items.
The date for this year’s holiday artisan show has yet to be announced, but it typically takes place in early December.
Why is San Antonio in December So Special?
San Antonio in December is a cherished time by both locals and tourists. The city sparkles under the Christmas lights, there are tons of fun holiday activities to participate in and the mild weather means that outdoor activities are still enjoyable.
One of the most beloved events in San Antonio in December is the Valero Alamo Bowl, which has been played in the Alamodome every year since 1993. It’s a big day for San Antonians and college football fans who flock to the city to watch the game.
Another thing that makes San Antonio in December special is all of the holiday events. For example, you can enjoy Christmas shows like The Nutcracker at San Antonio Ballet or Elf the Musical at the Majestic Theater.
San Antonio is one of the most decked-out cities in the country over the holidays, and there are tons of great places to see incredible Christmas light displays. From the Old West Christmas Light Fest to Christmas at the Cavern, you’ll see the city sparkle everywhere you go.
Want to create your own winter wonderland? ABC can help with professional Christmas light installations. Leave it up to the professional to install lights along your eaves, driveway, walkways and throughout your shrubs and trees.
Family-Friendly Christmas Activities in San Antonio
Want to get the whole family in the Christmas spirit? Luckily, San Antonio has great options.
SeaWorld San Antonio Christmas Celebration
Take the whole family to SeaWorld for a festive night they’ll never forget. Every year, the theme park puts on the biggest light show in Texas. Millions of Christmas lights shine across SeaWorld’s 250-acre park.
The event includes live mariachi music, holiday-themed shows, meet and greets with Santa and even a reindeer sighting.
Holiday Bricktacular
Head to the famous LEGOLAND Discovery Center to see an impressive mini winter wonderland made entirely out of Legos. The MINILAND display includes classic holiday scenes and characters that the whole family will love.
The events also include meet and greets, shopping, and other fun activities. It runs throughout the holiday season until early January, and tickets can be purchased online.
Bring Your Winter Wonderland to Life With ABC
Few cities can outdo San Antonio when it comes to Christmas cheer. The city is decked out with sparkling lights, and the Christmas activity options are endless. Want to join in on the holiday fun? Turn your home into your own winter wonderland this year.
ABC can help with professional Christmas light installation. Leave the heavy lifting up to the pros so you can sit back and enjoy the season.
