Celebrate the holidays in downtown San Antonio

Set against the backdrop of one of the city’s most historic and charming streets, San Antonio Holidays on Houston Street runs through January 2. The City of San Antonio, Centro San Antonio and Visit San Antonio have partnered to bring more holiday sparkle to five blocks of Houston Street, from Legacy Park to the Alamo. 

Featured events:

• Holidays on Houston Cocktail Crawl, This self-guided tour runs through January 1
• Holidays on Houston Street Market, Friday, December 13 – Sunday, December 15
• Holidays on Houston Fun Run, Tuesday, December 17, 5-9 p.m.
• San Antonio Coffee Festival presents Hot Holidays on Houston, Rescheduled to Friday, December 20, 5-9 p.m.

Location: 418 Villita St,
San Antonio, TX 78205
Directions

La Villita Market Days

Every Saturday, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.; free

La Villita Market Days transforms Maverick Plaza into a vibrant, open-air marketplace featuring local artisans, craftspeople, and food vendors. Visitors will enjoy unique arts and crafts, cooking demonstrations, guest artists at work on their craft, live music and performing dance troupes. For more information, visit the La Villita website.

La Villita Holiday in the Village

Saturday, December 14, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.; free

La Villita Historic Arts Village hosts their annual Holiday in the Village, featuring unique hand-crafted items, art, and jewelry created by local artists and artisans. There is something for everyone on your gift list! Enjoy holiday food, live music, theater performances, kids’ corner with Santa, cuddling goats, ‘real snow’, and more. For more information, visit the La Villita website.

Carols by Candlelight

Sunday, December 15, 5-8:30 p.m.; free

Share in the Christmas spirit with the annual Carols by Candlelight hosted by Mission Point Christian Church. This free concert will highlight some of your favorite seasonal carols at the Arneson River Theatre. For more information, visit the La Villita website.

TubaMeisters Christmas Concert

Saturday, December 21, 12 p.m.; free

Local favorites, the TubaMeisters, present their annual Christmas concert at the Arneson River Theatre featuring holiday tunes played by tuba, euphonium, and baritone horn players. For more information, visit the TubaMeister’s website. 

Ricos River Rally

Thursday, December 26, 5 p.m.; free

The San Antonio River Walk plays host to college football’s most unique pep rally to celebrate the Valero Alamo Bowl. While the head coaches, team captains, and cheerleaders take part in a spirited pep rally at the Arneson River Theatre on the River Walk, the school bands and the rest of the players excite the crowd by making a grand entrance on river cruisers. For more information, visit the event website.

Chanukah on the River

Monday, December 30, 4-6 p.m.; free

In celebration of Chanukah, the Chabad Center for Jewish Life and Learning hosts their annual Chanukah on the River event. This event will feature local entertainers, food, and a lighting of a menorah at the Arneson River Theatre. For more information, visit the event website. 

Celebrate SA: San Antonio's Official New Year’s Eve Celebration

Tuesday, December 31, 6 p.m. – 12 a.m.; free

Ring in the new year at Celebrate SA, the City’s official New Year’s Eve celebration in downtown produced by the San Antonio Parks Foundation and the City of San Antonio. Enjoy live music, carnival rides, food and drinks, and a fireworks show at midnight. For more information, visit the event website.

Location: 514 W. Commerce Street
San Antonio, TX 78207
Directions

La Gran Tamalada

Saturday, December 14 and Sunday, December 15, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; free

La Gran Tamalada is an annual cultural tradition at Historic Market Square hosted by La Familia Cortez Restaurants. At this family-friendly event, learn the history and traditions of tamales, enjoy storytelling, take photos with Pancho Claus, and Abuelita hot chocolate sampling and giveaways, and listen to live music. For more information, visit the Market Square event page.

Holiday Crafts: Paint a Wreath

Saturday, December 21, 1-2:30 p.m.; free

Kids 12 and under are invited to unleash their creativity and design a festive wooden wreath to take home. All materials will be provided. For more information, visit Facebook event page. Seating is limited; sign up online.

Holiday Night Market

Saturday, December 21 and Sunday, December 22, 4-7 p.m.; free

Celebrate the season and support local store owners at the Market Square Holiday Night Market. Browse 100+ local shops and vendors, offering unique gifts, handmade crafts, and delicious treats. Enjoy festive decor, live music, and holiday cheer in a family-friendly atmosphere. For more information, visit the Market Square event page.

Market Square Weekend Programming

Every weekend in December, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; free

Enjoy music, working artists, and food booths at Market Square every weekend. For more information, visit the Market Square event page.

Location: 301 E. Travis St.,
San Antonio, TX 78205
Directions

Rotary Ice Rink at Travis Park

Open through January 5, 2025; rink is ticketed

The Rotary Ice Rink, presented by Valero, returns to Travis Park in downtown San Antonio. For more information, including hours of operation, pricing, and specials, visit RotaryIceRink.com.

H-E-B Christmas Tree

Enjoy a spectacular holiday light display every eveningthrough January 7. Adorned with more than 10,000 lights and custom-made ornaments, thetree is H-E-B’s gift to the city. Travis Park is decorated with holiday lights across the park. For more information, visit the Travis Park website.

Choose Joy! Holiday Yoga with Mobile Om

Tuesday, December 10, 2024, 6 p.m.; free

Unroll your mat in the heart of downtown San Antonio for a JOY-ful and festive yoga flow beneath the twinkling holiday lights at Travis Park. Free parking after 5 p.m. in the St. Mary’s Garage for Downtown Tuesday. For more information, visit the Facebook event page.

Eat & Play in Travis Park

Friday, December 13, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.; free

Every second Friday of the month, enjoy a variety of food trucks, music, and activities during lunchtime at Travis Park. For more information, follow @satxfoodtrucks on Instagram.

Location: in front of the Majestic Theatre, 224 E. Houston Street

Thursday, December 19, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Make your way to Houston Street for food trucks and music in front of the Majestic Theatre. For more information, follow @satxfoodtrucks on Instagram.