Celebrate the Holidays on Houston Street

Published on December 11, 2024

SAN ANTONIO (December 11, 2024) – Set against the backdrop of one of the city’s most historic and charming streets, Holidays on Houston Streetbrings nostalgic, holiday fun to  downtown San Antonio throughout the holiday season with festive lights, family-friendly events, a holiday market, Fun Run, and other activations. The City of San Antonio, Centro San Antonio and Visit San Antonio have once again come together to bring extra holiday sparkle to five blocks of Houston Street, from Broadway to Legacy Park, through January 2.

Here are some is highlights from Holidays on Houston Street: 

• Holidays on Houston Cocktail Crawl,This self-guided tour runs through January 1: 
  Enjoy signature holiday-themed libations at your favorite bars and restaurants on Houston Street through a self-guided bar crawl; just visit any participating bar and pick up a Cocktail Crawl map to get started.
• Holidays on Houston Street Market, Friday, December 13 – Sunday, December 15:
  Experience a holiday market featuring 50 carefully curated vendors, including artisan crafts, delectable treats, candles, and clothing by local artists. Enjoy carolers, festive photo ops, and holiday lights in the sky as you explore the holiday magic that downtown San Antonio has to offer.
• Holiday Drone Lights in the Sky, Friday, December 13 – Saturday, December 14:
  The night sky will be illuminated with a special Holiday Lights in the Sky drone show. Views can be seen at 7, 8, and 9 p.m. from Legacy Park all the way down Houston Street to the Alamo.
• Holidays on Houston Fun Run, Tuesday, December 17, 5 p.m.:
  The City of San Antonio presents the Holidays on Houston Fun Run. The Fun Run will start and finish at Travis Park, beginning at 6:30 p.m. and showcasing holiday lights on Houston Street. The race will be followed by an after-party at Travis Park, with activities beginning at 5 p.m., including live music, food, ice skating, games, giveaways, and a free concert by The Spazmatics at 7 p.m. Enjoy Downtown Tuesday free parking from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. in City-owned parking facilities. More information and registration.
• San Antonio Coffee Festival presents Hot Holidays on Houston, Rescheduled to Friday, December 20, 5-9 p.m.:
  The San Antonio Coffee Festival introduces Hot Holidays on Houston Street, a new evening event celebrating the season’s favorite sips and treats. Houston Street in downtown San Antonio will be buzzing with holiday cheer as attendees stroll along Houston Street from the historic Alameda Theater to the vibrant Frost Bank Promenade, enjoying holiday lights and sampling a curated collection of seasonal drinks.

In addition to the three presenting sponsors, Holidays on Houston Street is made possible by generous support from First Day Foundation, GrayStreet Partners, Chama Gaúcha and Ridgemont Properties, CPS Energy, Landry's and Go Rio Cruises, McCombs Foundation, Old Town Trolley, Pape Dawson Engineers, Power of Preservation Foundation, CE Group, UTSA, USAA, 300 Main and Downtown West, as well as Zachry Construction, Frost Bank, Hyatt Regency and Grand Hyatt, Gensler, VIA, Guido Companies, Marriott, San Antonio River Association, and Silver Eagle Beverages.

For a full list of Holidays on Houston Street happenings, more details, and access to ticketed events, visit the Holidays on Houston Street website.

Plan Ahead

Downtown can get very busy during the holidays, so make a plan.Visitors are strongly encouraged to arrive early to avoid disruptions caused by traffic and construction projects. Consider using public transportation, ride-share services, taxis, biking, or walking.Plan to leave early and consult a navigation app, such as Google Maps or Waze,to find the best route to your destination.For more information about parking and event-related activities, visit the City’s Know Before You Go Downtown website.

Visitor Parking

For easy, convenient, and affordable parking, visit the City’s SAPark website. Our parking map provides a full list of City-owned garages and lots. Note that event parking rates (up to $15 at City parking facilities) will be in effect at some parking facilities during busy event weekends.

The St. Mary’s Garage (205 E. Travis St.) and the City Tower Garage (60 N. Flores St.) are located just steps from the River Walk and Houston Street, and they generally have many parking spots. Downtown Tuesday offers free parking on Tuesdays from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. in City-owned parking facilities, and City Tower Sundays offers free parking on Sundays from 7 a.m. to midnight at the City Tower Garage (60 N. Flores St.).