San Antonio will be hosting wonderful holiday events including, what they hope will become a yearly family tradition. The holidays in San Antonio are unlike any other city. Locals and visitors enjoy many cherished events and activities to welcome the holiday season.
All New for 2023, embrace the magic of the holiday season in downtown San Antonio, with a new and enchanting tradition, San Antonio Holidays on Houston Street. Downtown San Antonio is transforming into a winter wonderland, igniting the hearts of residents and visitors alike with the spirit of the season. You'll recapture the cherished memories of Christmases past while creating new holiday traditions that will warm your heart for years to come. San Antonio Holidays on Houston Street is set to make its debut on November 24 and will twinkle its way into your hearts until January 2. The historic and charming promenades of downtown will serve as the perfect backdrop for this festive extravaganza, spanning over five blocks of Houston Street, from Legacy Park all the way to the beloved Alamo. The streets will come alive with the warm glow of a thousand twinkling lights and oversized holiday decorations. As you stroll along this wondrous path, you'll be delighted by the captivating performances of entertainers and a myriad of themed offerings from the local restaurants, shops, and cherished partners. Stay tuned for more exciting activities to be unveiled, including a delightful weekend market at the Alamo from December 15 to 17. It will transport you to a charming European Christkindl market, where you'll experience the joy of the season like never before.
The Ford Holiday River Parade and Lighting Ceremony is a San Antonio favorite. Twenty-eight holiday-decorated barges will float through the San Antonio River Walk, ushering in the holiday season with the Nutcracker as its Grand Marshal. Thousands of multi-colored lights will transform the River Walk into an enchanting wonderland. Visitors can enjoy holiday lights on the River Walk November 24, 2023 – January 8, 2023. Two other holiday traditions returning to the River Walk in December are the Ford Fiesta de las Luminarias (December 2-17), where the Mexican traditional of small, sand-filled bags with candles line the banks of the River Walk, and Ford Holiday Boat Caroling (November 30- December 23, 2023).
San Antonio's theme parks add an extra dose of magic to the holiday season, providing visitors with enchanting holiday attractions that blend thrill and festive cheer. SeaWorld San Antonio, for instance, hosts the annual "SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration," where the park is transformed into a winter wonderland with millions of lights, festive shows, and the chance to meet Santa Claus. Families can enjoy special holiday-themed performances featuring beloved characters and even witness the mesmerizing spectacle of the SeaWorld San Antonio Christmas Tree of Lights. Over at Six Flags Fiesta Texas, the park dazzles with its "Holiday in the Park" extravaganza, featuring an array of holiday lights, seasonal entertainment, and thrilling rides adorned with festive decorations. Both parks offer a unique blend of roller coaster thrills and holiday enchantment, making San Antonio's theme parks a must-visit destination for families seeking a perfect blend of excitement and festive spirit during the holiday season.
This year’s San Antonio Zoo Lights will host live music and parades daily. Explore the zoo under thousands of environmentally friendly lights and amazing displays and more. Lights, Carols, Santa & S’mores at Natural Bridge Caverns is coming back. Visitors will enjoy a trail of lights, AMAZE’n reindeer roundup, story time with Mrs. Claus, park access, games, a campfire and more. More information will be available soon. In honor of the 10th anniversary of the Christmas at the Caverns, Natural Bridge Caverns is extending the season of celebration another week with the addition of a series of Live Underground Concerts and more through December 30th.
Lightscape at the San Antonio Botanical Garden is returning for its third year with new displays from Nov. 17, 2023 – Jan. 1, 2024. The 38-acre botanical garden turned into a playground of intricate holiday light installations that dazzles guests of all ages. And the Ice skating Rink at Travis Park will be open from November 17, 2023 until January 15, 2024. Due to its popularity, The Rotary Ice Rink is now nearly 5,000 square feet, offering more space to skate and have fun.