4 Ways to Celebrate the Holidays in San Antonio
This south-central Texas city brims with yuletide attractions and activities.
By Patricia Harrison
San Antonio, a Texas city known for its rich history, Tex-Mex cuisine and thriving arts scene, sparkles from late November through early January (literally). That’s when famous attractions such as the River Walk are blanketed in twinkling lights and the events calendar is packed with holiday celebrations. If you’re visiting the Alamo City during the festive season, consider adding these activities to your agenda.
Hit the parks.
During the holiday season, San Antonio’s most popular theme parks transform into winter wonderlands—without the cold and snow. At the SeaWorld Christmas Celebration, you can see what’s celebrated as the “largest lighting display in Texas” and mingle with characters such as Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and the crew from “Sesame Street” at parades and shows (November 10, 2023–January 2, 2024). Or get tickets to Holiday in The Park at Six Flags Fiesta Texas, which includes a musical Nativity show, yuletide train ride, and tons of mouthwatering seasonal treats such as tres leches funnel cake, warm cinnamon bread, and hot chocolate (November 18–December 31, 2023).
San Antonio River Walk with Holiday Lights
Enjoy the festivities on the River Walk.
From November 24, 2023–January 7, 2024, the cypress trees that line San Antonio’s iconic River Walk are illuminated with more than 2,000 strings of light. If you visit on certain weekends in December, you can also catch the Ford Fiesta de las Luminarias, when the banks of the San Antonio River are lined with candlelit luminarias (lanterns made with brown paper bags weighted down with sand). See them from the water on a river shuttle, which are also dressed in their holiday best. Or better yet, opt for a boat caroling experience, which includes songbooks and music to sing along to while you float down the waterway with your crew.
Pick up some tamales.
San Antonio has many tasty food staples, including puffy tacos, chilaquiles—and tamales, which are in particularly high demand over the holidays. Tamales, masa steamed in a corn husk with shredded meats, beans and cheese or other fillings, are sold by many family-owned purveyors, many of whom specialize in the dish. Get a dozen from Adelita Tamales & Tortilla Factory, which has been in business for nearly 80 years and offers renditions stuffed with pork, chicken and bean and jalapeño. Or head to SA Tamale Boy, a takeout-only business that makes more than a dozen flavors of the specialty, including classic pork and barbecue brisket. Note: Tamales are very popular in San Antonio during the holiday season, so be sure to order them as far in advance as you can.
Stairway to La Villita
Go holiday shopping.
The city has no shortage of places to pick up gifts for all your favorite people. Look for handcrafts, jewelry, housewares, and other goods at La Villita, an artisan village on the banks of the San Antonio River with more than 25 boutiques and galleries. Or go by Historic Market Square, where you can stroll dozens of shops stocked with products celebrating the culture of Mexico and the Southwest, from leather goods to treats and candies (don’t miss the pecan pralines at Mi Tierra Cafe and Bakery). If you’re seeking brand-name items, venture to San Marcos Premium Outlets, located about 47 miles north of San Antonio. The shopping destination has over 145 stores, including Prada, Coach Outlet and Lululemon.
San Antonio River Walk Hotels
Aiden by Best Western @ San Antonio Riverwalk
The spacious rooms at this contemporary all-suite hotel in St. Paul’s Square are decked out with coveted amenities, including rain head showers, refrigerator-freezer combos and workstations with ergonomic desk chairs that cater to business and leisure travelers enjoying a multi-day stay in San Antonio.
Canopy by Hilton San Antonio Riverwalk
Four-legged travelers are welcome at the pet-friendly Canopy by Hilton, which is located a half mile away from The Alamo and La Villita Historic Arts Village. Dine alfresco at the hotel’s restaurant, Domingo, which serves South Texas–inspired cuisine and tequila-infused cocktails on the River Walk.
Element San Antonio Riverwalk
Guests rave about the complimentary buffet breakfast and fitness center with Peloton bikes at the Element, whose rooms are designed to be more like residences than guestrooms (they have full kitchens). Revel in views of downtown at the on-site rooftop bar, 1 Watson, while you sip cocktails such as the fruity, vodka-forward Pretty As Peach.
Book these hotels, and more, using the TSA rate code in the GDS. Non-GDS users can book these hotels using tripXpress.
Banner photo: San Antonio River Walk with Holiday Lights
