14 Festive Things to Do on a Holiday Weekend in San Antonio
Experience the magic of Christmas in San Antonio with twinkling River Walk lights, festive markets, elaborate pop-ups, and holiday events perfect for a weekend getaway.
From thousands of twinkling lights along the River Walk to Christmas markets and cultural fests, San Antonio shows off its special brand of charm during the holiday season.
I was invited by Visit San Antonio to spend a girls weekend in the city for the launch of the Holidays on Houston event and market, and we packed in as much festive fun as we possibly could! We sipped drinks at an ice bar, tasted our way through the Market Square and Pearl districts, dined and floated along the river under the lights, and browsed for gifts at pop-up markets and my favorite little shopping village, La Villita.
San Antonio is such a well-rounded destination for a weekend getaway any time of the year, but the holiday season definitely adds a little extra magic. Whether you’re planning a cozy getaway, a girls trip, or a family holiday adventure, these seasonal experiences capture the magic of San Antonio in December.
Keep reading for some of the best San Antonio holiday attractions, markets, and shows to add to your trip and check out this seasonal event calendar for even more things to do!
River Walk Christmas Lights
San Antonio’s River Walk is pure magic during the holiday season, with thousands of twinkling lights draped over the trees and bridges. One of the most charming ways to soak it all in is by booking a Holiday Boat Caroling cruise, available in mid-December, during which you’ll float along the river singing Christmas tunes.
If you’d rather turn the night into a full experience, dinner cruises offer front-row views of the lights paired with warm, cozy plates. We went on one of these gourmet boat rides during our holiday trip to San Antonio and it was such a fun experience!
Holidays on Houston Street and Holiday Market
Holidays on Houston Street brings two weekends of festive fun to downtown San Antonio, culminating in a European-style Christmas market. The event kicks off with a 5K and Fun Run followed by A Taste of Holidays on Houston Street on the first weekend.
The second weekend is all about the Holidays on Houston Street Market, filled with artisan vendors, festive food stalls, and plenty of twinkling lights. It’s a fun place to browse for unique gifts, handcrafted ornaments, and locally made treats you won’t find anywhere else.
The market also has live entertainment, making it feel like a seasonal street party. We got to attend the inaugural event a couple of years ago, and this is definitely one I’d return to again!
Holiday Sights and Festive Nights Trolley Tour
The Holiday Sights and Festive Nights Trolley Tour is one of the most relaxing ways to take in San Antonio’s best Christmas lights without any navigating or parking hassles. You’ll hop aboard a vintage-style trolley and cruise past major holiday displays, historic neighborhoods, and festive landmarks, seeing some 100,000 lights along the way.
I actually haven’t done this one yet, but it’s on my list for the next time I spend the holidays in San Antonio!
Holidays at Hemisfair Park
Hemisfair Park, home to the Tower of the Americas, turns into a cheerful holiday hub, with plenty of family-friendly fun and festive events throughout the season. One of the biggest draws is Skate the City, where an outdoor rink brings winter vibes to sunny San Antonio.
They also show classic Christmas flicks under the stars during the Holiday Movies by Moonlight series and host weekend holiday markets in December. Between the lights, activities, and food options nearby, it’s an easy stop for a holiday outing that doesn’t require a lot of planning.
Classic Christmas at Toyota Field
Toyota Field in San Antonio transforms into a lively holiday land during Classic Christmas, complete with lights, theme nights, and family-friendly entertainment. There’s an ice-skating rink, snow tubing, festive displays, visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus, and plenty of photo-ready backdrops.
It’s a big, bright, joyful event that feels kind of like a holiday fair. If you want an activity that works well for groups or families, this is a great option!
Holiday in the Village at La Villita
La Villita is charming any time of year, but December brings a special kind of sparkle. Throughout the season, you can browse local artisan stores for pottery, jewelry, holiday decor, and handmade gifts.
In mid-December, Holiday in the Village adds even more festive flair with a weekend full of entertainment, treats, and cultural touches that celebrate San Antonio’s heritage. You can expect activities like tamale making demos, gingerbread house building, and ornament decorating. It’s one of the most atmospheric spots to shop small during the season!
Holiday Shows and Concerts
San Antonio’s performing arts scene goes all-in for the holidays, offering a lineup that ranges from classic to cultural. You’ll find festive stagings of “A Christmas Carol” and beloved productions of “The Nutcracker,” including a unique twist with the “Folklorico Nutcracker,” which blends ballet with traditional Mexican dance.
Whether you prefer timeless holiday stories or something with a local flair, the city’s theaters deliver plenty of festive options. It’s a great excuse to dress up and enjoy a cozy night indoors.
La Gran Tamalada Festival at Market Square
La Gran Tamalada is a celebration of one of San Antonio’s most cherished holiday traditions: making and sharing tamales. Held in historic Market Square, the festival blends cooking demonstrations, cultural storytelling, dance, music, and delicious bites from food booths.
It’s festive, flavorful, and deeply rooted in the city's Mexican heritage. If you want a holiday experience that feels authentically San Antonio, this one belongs on your list. And if you aren’t in town for the fest, you can still stop by Market Square to eat and shop (pop into Mi Tierra Cafe & Bakery for elaborate Christmas lights year-round).
TubaMeister Christmas Concert
The annual TubaMeister Christmas Concert is one of the city’s most charming and delightfully quirky holiday traditions. Dozens of tuba, euphonium, and horn players come together to perform Christmas classics in a cheerful outdoor setting along the River Walk at the Arneson River Theatre (just outside La Villita).
This was one of my favorite San Antonio holiday activities that we actually just stumbled upon during our weekend stay. It’s a one-time only show each year, so be sure to check the date before you go!
Alamo Holidays
The Alamo in San Antonio becomes especially magical in December thanks to two major holiday events. Christmas at the Alamo in mid December is an old-timey Texas tribute, featuring period activities (think candy making demos and yarn doll crafts), carol singing, costumed characters, and beautifully decorated grounds that highlight the landmark’s historic character.
Later in the month, the Lights of Tribute luminaries lights up the plaza with glowing candles. You can join in by purchasing a tribute to memorialize a loved one.
Hill Country Christmas
My favorite parts were the ice tubing slides, singing reindeer displays, and spiked hot cocoa at a special holiday themed bar.
The Light Park at San Antonio Missions Ballpark
The San Antonio Missions Ballpark gets a glow-up during the holidays at The Light Park, a drive-through wonderland filled with tunnels of lights, glowing installations, and synchronized music. Because you enjoy the show from your car, it’s a cozy option on chilly nights or when you want a low-effort holiday activity.
Holiday Pop-Ups
San Antonio’s holiday pop-up bars are full of personality and make for memorable nights out. At Margaritaville, the Christmas Island Holiday Bar leans into tropical-meets-Christmas nostalgia with themed drinks and over-the-top decor. Sippin’ Santa at Hugman’s Oasis brings tiki-holiday vibes with cocktails served in the cutest themed vessels. Meanwhile, the Christmas Clubhouse at Be Kind & Rewind offers a vintage twist with festive cocktails and a retro holiday soundtrack.
The seasonal bar scene in San Antonio is fun, photogenic, and ideal for a festive night with friends. There always seems to be something new popping up, so refresh your options before your holiday weekend in San Antonio!
Holiday Hotel at the Omni
The hotel has on-site dining, a courtyard pool, and spa access at a sister hotel just across the river (Mokara Spa). During our stay, they had a beautiful lobby Christmas tree and a huge gingerbread display. They also now have a pop-up bar called Blitzen’s, which is decked out in tinsel and offers themed drinks like “Naughty or Spice” and “Mistletoe Martini.”
Holiday Weekend in San Antonio
A holiday trip to San Antonio can be as relaxing, festive, or adventurous as you want it to be. With twinkling light trails, cultural celebrations, markets, concerts, and more, the city blends timeless traditions with its own vibrant personality.
Whether you come for the Holidays on Houston Market weekend to shop and snack or throughout December for festive vibes and dazzling lights along the River Walk, you’ll find plenty of ways to make the season feel special.
