Whether you're new to San Antonio and looking to get the scoop on local holiday traditions or a longtime resident eager to spice up your seasonal celebrations, anyone can benefit from finding out all the ways to partake in holiday cheer here.
We rounded up 25 seasonal festivals, events and activities that San Antonians keep coming back to year after year.
25 San Antonio holiday traditions you have to try at least once to call yourself a local
By San Antonio Current Staff on Thu, Nov 16, 2023 at 4:39 pm
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Jaime Monzon
Catch the Ford Holiday River Parade
Watching the brightly illuminated barges of the Ford Holiday River Parade — which is held on the Friday after Thanksgiving each year — light up the River Walk is a great way to kick off a season full of cheer. This year’s parade theme is “Holiday Stories."
Watching the brightly illuminated barges of the Ford Holiday River Parade — which is held on the Friday after Thanksgiving each year — light up the River Walk is a great way to kick off a season full of cheer. This year’s parade theme is “Holiday Stories."
Jason McEachern
See Trans-Siberian Orchestra play
Perfect for San Antonians who like their Christmas music on the metal side, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra rolls into town every year to put on a holiday show fitted out with pyrotechnics. The rock group’s tour, dubbed The Ghosts of Christmas Eve: The Best of TSO and More, lands at the Frost Bank Center on Dec. 9.
Perfect for San Antonians who like their Christmas music on the metal side, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra rolls into town every year to put on a holiday show fitted out with pyrotechnics. The rock group’s tour, dubbed The Ghosts of Christmas Eve: The Best of TSO and More, lands at the Frost Bank Center on Dec. 9.
Courtesy Photo / Pearl
Visit Pearl’s Chanukah Village
Pearl’s ninth annual Chanukah celebration will include a nightly menorah lighting from Dec. 7-15. On Dec. 13, Pearl will present a Chanukah Village in partnership with Young & Jewish San Antonio. The event, which coincides with one of Pearl’s Holiday Night Markets, will feature live music and children’s activities as well as that evening’s menorah lighting.
Pearl’s ninth annual Chanukah celebration will include a nightly menorah lighting from Dec. 7-15. On Dec. 13, Pearl will present a Chanukah Village in partnership with Young & Jewish San Antonio. The event, which coincides with one of Pearl’s Holiday Night Markets, will feature live music and children’s activities as well as that evening’s menorah lighting.
Courtesy Photo / San Antonio River Authority
Kayak the illuminated San Antonio River
If you're feeling outdoorsy, partake in the recently-established holiday tradition of Holly Jolly Kayaking, where attendees can view the Museum Reach's River of Lights display from the water. This year, the event takes place on Dec. 2 and it’s $15 to reserve a kayak, or free if you bring your own.
If you're feeling outdoorsy, partake in the recently-established holiday tradition of Holly Jolly Kayaking, where attendees can view the Museum Reach's River of Lights display from the water. This year, the event takes place on Dec. 2 and it’s $15 to reserve a kayak, or free if you bring your own.
Courtesy Photo / University of the Incarnate Word
Attend Incarnate Word's Light the Way Festival
The University of the Incarnate Word doesn't just string countless colorful lights all over its campus. The school also holds an annual Light the Way fest to celebrate turning them all on. This year’s celebration takes place on Nov. 18.
The University of the Incarnate Word doesn't just string countless colorful lights all over its campus. The school also holds an annual Light the Way fest to celebrate turning them all on. This year’s celebration takes place on Nov. 18.
Courtesy Photo / City of San Antonio Center City Development & Operations
Go ice skating at Travis Park
It doesn't take long to become a tradition in San Antonio. Although it only debuted in 2019, the Rotary Ice Rink at downtown's Travis Park has already become a must for many residents. The rink will be open from Nov. 17-Jan. 15, 2024 this year.
It doesn't take long to become a tradition in San Antonio. Although it only debuted in 2019, the Rotary Ice Rink at downtown's Travis Park has already become a must for many residents. The rink will be open from Nov. 17-Jan. 15, 2024 this year.
Courtesy Photo / Visit San Antonio
Carol in style on the San Antonio River
Forget going door-to-door— from Nov. 30-Dec. 23, carolers can hop on a river barge and spread the holiday spirit on the San Antonio River Walk. Reservations can be made on an individual basis, or for an entire boat.
Forget going door-to-door— from Nov. 30-Dec. 23, carolers can hop on a river barge and spread the holiday spirit on the San Antonio River Walk. Reservations can be made on an individual basis, or for an entire boat.
J. Repak
Head up to Boerne for Dickens on Main
On Thanksgiving weekend each year, Boerne transforms into a Victorian wonderland with Dickens on Main. The event kicks off four weekends of Yuletide shopping and fun, which wrap up with Kinder Fest Dec. 15-17. Wander back in time and enjoy the fun.
On Thanksgiving weekend each year, Boerne transforms into a Victorian wonderland with Dickens on Main. The event kicks off four weekends of Yuletide shopping and fun, which wrap up with Kinder Fest Dec. 15-17. Wander back in time and enjoy the fun.
Courtesy Photo / The Esquire Tavern
Visit a craft cocktail bar for a holiday libation
San Antonio's had an explosion in craft cocktail bars, and some local restaurants and bars also put together holiday pop-ups featuring lively decor and festive drinks, like the Esquire Tavern's Miracle on Commerce Street. So now’s the time to drop the Bud Light, call up a date and savor some amazing seasonal cocktails.
San Antonio's had an explosion in craft cocktail bars, and some local restaurants and bars also put together holiday pop-ups featuring lively decor and festive drinks, like the Esquire Tavern's Miracle on Commerce Street. So now’s the time to drop the Bud Light, call up a date and savor some amazing seasonal cocktails.
Courtesy Photo / San Antonio Museum of Art
Shop at a local makers market
It's great to spend your money with local creators instead of at a big box store. Markets pop up all over town during this time of year, including the Tobin Center’s Holiday Art Market, Esperanza Center’s Mercado De Paz, SAMA’s Holiday Museum Market and more.
It's great to spend your money with local creators instead of at a big box store. Markets pop up all over town during this time of year, including the Tobin Center’s Holiday Art Market, Esperanza Center’s Mercado De Paz, SAMA’s Holiday Museum Market and more.
Marty Sohl Photography
Watch the Nutcracker
The Nutcracker is a can’t-miss holiday tradition, whether you keep it classy with Ballet San Antonio’s production at the Tobin Center, catch a charming show by the Children’s Ballet of San Antonio at Lila Cockrell Theatre, or check Alamo City Arts’ take on the Tchaikovsky classic.
The Nutcracker is a can’t-miss holiday tradition, whether you keep it classy with Ballet San Antonio’s production at the Tobin Center, catch a charming show by the Children’s Ballet of San Antonio at Lila Cockrell Theatre, or check Alamo City Arts’ take on the Tchaikovsky classic.
Shutterstock / Marcos Castillo
Stock up on holiday tamales
There's no culinary delight that captures SA holiday tradition like tamales. There’s tons of spots offering tasty tamales across town, including Delicious Tamales and Tamale Boy.
There's no culinary delight that captures SA holiday tradition like tamales. There’s tons of spots offering tasty tamales across town, including Delicious Tamales and Tamale Boy.
Courtesy Photo / City of San Antonio Center City Development & Operations
Watch the tree lighting at Travis Park
An annual tradition, the lighting of the 50-foot christmas tree in Travis Park brings crowds every year to celebrate the start of the holiday season.
An annual tradition, the lighting of the 50-foot christmas tree in Travis Park brings crowds every year to celebrate the start of the holiday season.
Shutterstock / Kevin Seagrave
Stroll the River Walk to look at the lights
You don't have to be a tourist to wander the River Walk and take in the lights. It's romantic, and your out-of-town guests will expect a tour. While the lights will be on every night from November 24-January 7, you can also catch fun events like the Ford Fiesta de las Luminarias on select weekends.
You don't have to be a tourist to wander the River Walk and take in the lights. It's romantic, and your out-of-town guests will expect a tour. While the lights will be on every night from November 24-January 7, you can also catch fun events like the Ford Fiesta de las Luminarias on select weekends.
Courtesy Photo / Chabad Center for Jewish Life & Learning
Watch the lighting of the menorah on the River Walk
Head down to the Arneson River Theatre for the annual Chanukah on the River festival, presented by the Chabad Center for Jewish Life & Learning, on Dec. 10.
Head down to the Arneson River Theatre for the annual Chanukah on the River festival, presented by the Chabad Center for Jewish Life & Learning, on Dec. 10.
Courtesy Photo / Pearl
Visit a Pearl Holiday Night Market
The Pearl puts on a night market in the four Wednesdays running up to Christmas, featuring live music, carolers, and over 60 local vendors. Grab something to eat, enjoy the live music and indulge in some laid-back Christmas shopping.
The Pearl puts on a night market in the four Wednesdays running up to Christmas, featuring live music, carolers, and over 60 local vendors. Grab something to eat, enjoy the live music and indulge in some laid-back Christmas shopping.
Courtesy Photo / Tobin Center for the Performing Arts
Jazz up Christmas with Doc Watkins
Catch a holiday show by local jazz bandleader Doc Watkins and enjoy swinging Yuletide classics, including the infectious music from the band’s album, A Tribute to A Charlie Brown Christmas. This year, Doc Watkins and His Orchestra will bring the Charlie Brown Christmas show back to the Tobin Center on Dec. 22.
Catch a holiday show by local jazz bandleader Doc Watkins and enjoy swinging Yuletide classics, including the infectious music from the band’s album, A Tribute to A Charlie Brown Christmas. This year, Doc Watkins and His Orchestra will bring the Charlie Brown Christmas show back to the Tobin Center on Dec. 22.
Photo via Unsplash / Jacob Thomas
Throw a tamalada
No, this isn't one for beginners, but if you're serious about having a Puro San Antonio Christmas, invite the relatives over to make your own tamales. Just be ready for your Tia to tell you exactly how it should be done.
No, this isn't one for beginners, but if you're serious about having a Puro San Antonio Christmas, invite the relatives over to make your own tamales. Just be ready for your Tia to tell you exactly how it should be done.
Courtesy Photo / Carver Community Cultural Center
See Las Nuevas Tamaleras
If you're not ready to host a tamalada, the next best thing may be watching Las Nuevas Tamaleras, the long-running holiday comedy written by San Antonio playwright Alicia Mena. Tickets are on sale now, and the production runs from Nov. 30-Dec. 3 at the Carver Community Cultural Center.
If you're not ready to host a tamalada, the next best thing may be watching Las Nuevas Tamaleras, the long-running holiday comedy written by San Antonio playwright Alicia Mena. Tickets are on sale now, and the production runs from Nov. 30-Dec. 3 at the Carver Community Cultural Center.
Courtesy Photo / Natural Bridge Caverns
Listen to underground caroling
Natural Bridge Caverns’ Christmas at the Caverns is a popular way to celebrate the holidays. Guests will find holiday lights scattered about the grounds as well as fun activities like caroling in the caverns, story time with Mrs. Claus and a maze to find Santa’s reindeer.
Natural Bridge Caverns’ Christmas at the Caverns is a popular way to celebrate the holidays. Guests will find holiday lights scattered about the grounds as well as fun activities like caroling in the caverns, story time with Mrs. Claus and a maze to find Santa’s reindeer.
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