San Antonio Holiday Celebration Guide
If there’s one thing San Antonio has in abundance, it’s holiday festivities! There are so many ways to spend this holiday season, so we’ve made a guide of our top 10 favorite things to do in and around San Antonio. We have activities for the young and old, families and friends, the adventurous and the calm.
Six Flags & Sea World San Antonio has the unique advantage of having not one, but two theme parks! Both Six Flags and SeaWorld host a spectacular Christmas celebration complete with lights, rides, music, and fireworks. It’s thrilling fun for everyone.
San Antonio “Zoo Lights” San Antonio Zoo hosts a magical, immersive holiday experience that boasts 12 different ‘realms,’ each with a different theme. From a lakeside show, to the starry safari, to the water wonderland, there’s entertainment for the whole family! Find more information at https://sazoo.org/zoo-events/zoo-lights/
San Antonio Botanical Gardens “Lightscape” This holiday season, San Antonio Botanical Gardens is home to the global visual arts sensation, “Lightscape.” This immersive light installation sprawls throughout the Botanical Garden’s 38 acres creating a 1-mile, outdoor, walking journey. The trail features awe-inspiring installations like a field of Texas bluebonnets and a cathedral archway with 100,000 lights. For tickets and more information visit this website.
Ice Skating at Travis Park A more recent Alamo City holiday tradition is the Travis Park Ice Skating rink! Opened in 2019, the rink will be open until January 17th. Tickets are purchased in advance at $14, which covers admission and skate rental. Whether you’re a season skater, or a novice, Travis Park is the place to be this holiday season! Purchase your tickets at http://rotaryicerink.com/
Holiday Night Markets at the Pearl Is there anything more romantic than an evening stroll through The Pearl during the Holidays? Well, every Thursday evening beginning at 5:30 PM The Pearl is hosting farmers market vendors, artisans vendors, and live music for “Holiday Nights at the Pearl!” The best part? It’s free! So grab your friends, family or significant other, and go find some goodies for that one family member who you still haven’t gotten a present for. Find out more information here.
Old West Christmas Light Fest at Enchanted Springs Ranch Have you ever wanted to experience an Old Western town during Christmas time? Well, want no more! Located just 20 minutes outside of northern San Antonio, the Old West Christmas Light Fest brings over 40 authentic old buildings to life with lights, music, food, an indoor shopping market, and entertainment! A truly wondrous spectacle, you can find more information at https://christmaslightfest.com/
Bandera Farmer’s Market “Christmas Shopping Bonanza” The Bandera Farmers market is a women and veteran owned, certified Texas Farmers Market that takes place off of 1604 and Bandera every Saturday and Sunday. This year, they’re hosting a Christmas Shopping Bonanza from December 14th-17th! Kids have the chance to meet Santa and get their photo taken professionally, while parents shop for gifts. Find more information at https://www.banderamarket.com/
The Nutcracker, presented by Alamo City Arts Of course, any fan of the arts would argue that no holiday season is complete without a trip to the theater! This year Alamo City Arts returns to the live-stage with a production of The Nutcracker premiering this weekend and carrying on to the next. The show will take place first at the historic Arneson River Theater and then at the Mcallister Theater. Families can begin their night with a stroll through the Riverwalk and end with a magnificent outdoor production. Tickets are available for purchase and more information can be found at https://www.alamocityperformingartsassociation.com/the-nutcracker.html
Christmas at the Caverns Natural Bridge Caverns celebrates Christmas like no other! You can sing your favorite carols in the caverns, wander through a 5000 square foot maze, or take a stroll through their 1/3 mile trail of lights. From the 18th-23rd of December, you can book your ticket at https://naturalbridgecaverns.com/christmas/
Elf Acres This San Antonio spot offers a 1 mile drive through light show and sing along, plus a Christmas village with Santa, food, drinks, additional lights shows, and more! Tickets vary from $30-$35 depending on peak days, and can be purchased through January 2nd at https://www.elfacres.com/