72 Hours in San Antonio for the Annual Ford Holiday River Parade

Make your holiday adventure last from check-in to lights out by staying at one of San Antonio’s hotels that go big for the Christmas season.

Need a little inspiration? The Westin Riverwalk, San Antonio, decks its halls with festive décor and sweet holiday treats, while Signia by Hilton La Cantera invites you to lace up your skates for its Jingle Bell Roll roller-skating events.

For families looking to add even more sparkle, JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa transforms into a winter wonderland with ICE! Featuring Frosty the Snowman.

Lunch

Next to the iconic Aztec Theatre, you’ll find Big Aztec Corner Bar, a local favorite that serves up flavor from morning to night.

Stop in for an early pick-me-up from Pulp Coffee or fuel up for the afternoon with a Big Dog Gourmet Hotdog, made with USDA Prime Akaushi Beef.

By evening, this hidden gem transforms into a lively hangout with local brews and handcrafted cocktails, so be sure to come back when the sun goes down for a relaxed night out.

Visit Santa at the Pearl

Get into the holiday spirit with a visit to The Pearl, one of San Antonio’s most festive destinations. Along with incredible restaurants like Best Quality Daughter, Freight Fried Chicken, and Brasserie Mon Chou Chou, you’ll find twinkling lights, family-friendly fun, and even a chance to see Santa in person from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

It’s the perfect spot to grab a bite, explore the shops, and make lasting holiday memories before parade night begins.

Dinner and the 44^th Annual Ford Holiday River Parade on the River Walk

Did you know that most restaurants along the downtown portion of the River Walk offer dinner and ticket packages for River Walk parades?

Hard Rock Café San Antonio, Cavalier at InterContinental San Antonio, Dorrego’s at Hotel Valencia, and Zocca at The Westin Riverwalk are just a few options you have, but be sure to check out your favorite River Walk restaurant – they likely are serving up incredible parade viewing experiences!

This year, even some hotels are getting in on the VIP viewing experience. Hotel Contessa is offering VIP seating options that include hot coca and holiday treats to spice up your parade viewing experience!

Now that you have the best seat in the house for the 44^th Annual Ford Holiday River Parade, get ready for illuminated floats and 200,000 sparkling lights reflecting off the San Antonio River.

This year’s theme, Merry Movie Magic, brings your favorite holiday films to life as the city counts down to the official lighting of the San Antonio River Walk!

Breakfast

It’s the most important meal of the day, fuel up at Corinne San Antonio, located at the Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa, where you can fuel up on modern American breakfast options like Banana Pancakes, a Spinach & Mushroom Egg White Omelet, and more!

Celebrate Small Business Saturday at Local Art Markets

At the San Antonio Museum of Art, you’ll find Holiday on Jones, where you can enjoy a day of shopping, artmaking, and family fun.

Browse gifts from more than 50 local artists and makers, then enjoy free museum admission for everyone as part of Family Day!  You’ll also be treated to live performances, storytelling, workshops, and even hands-on art sessions led by world-renowned Mata Ortiz artists Héctor Gallegos and Laura Bugarini!

Plus! Don’t miss the chance to explore the special exhibition Canvas to Clay: Georgia O’Keeffe & Maria Martinez to Mata Ortiz & Tonalá while you’re there.

Keep the festive momentum going at the Holiday Art Market at the Tobin Center. This free outdoor market features over 50 artisan vendors offering everything from home décor and gourmet treats to handcrafted gifts and accessories.

Families can enjoy live holiday music, pop-up performances, photos with Santa, reindeer lawn games, and festive food and drinks throughout the day!

Lunch Break

No visit to San Antonio is complete without a taste of true Texas barbecue, and Pinkerton’s Barbecue delivers in delicious style. This award-winning spot is celebrated for its slow-smoked meats, family recipes, and classic Texas hospitality.

Walk it off when you’re done! Enjoy the beauty of Legacy Park, located right outside Pinkerton’s, or take a stroll over to Travis Park to see the city’s Christmas tree!

Catch a Wintery Show

Talent shines in San Antonio, and you picked the perfect time to catch a show that captures the warm, fuzzy feeling everyone loves this time of year!

Over at the Magik Theatre, Charlie Brown, Linus, Snoopy, and the rest of your Peanuts friends bring A Charlie Brown Christmas to life! Saturday’s special performance includes a “pay what you wish” option as well as a “live audio description” performance with real-time narration of scenes, movements, costumes, and more via wireless headsets.

San Pedro Playhouse welcomes you to enjoy  Disney’s Frozen,  where breathtaking sets and talented performers invite you to Arendelle. The only question you need to answer is, “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?”

Bonus: This is your last weekend to catch Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at the Majestic Theatre. Bring the family to enjoy this timeless classic and take in the beauty of San Antonio’s beloved historic venue.

Late-Night Festive Fun

The holiday pop-up bars have arrived!

End your night with holly jolly 21+ fun at the Sippin Santa experience at Hugman’s Oasis, where festive holiday cocktails and a very merry ambiance are on the menu. Be sure to make your reservations in advance, reservations are for a maximum of 1.5 hours and group sizes are limited to 8 guests to ensure availability and access for everyone!

Over at the Esquire Tavern, you can check out Miracle on Commerce Street, an immersive, festive experience. Just like Sippin Santa, the maximum group size is 8 guests, and reservations are limited to 1.5 hours to ensure access for everyone during peak hours. Reservations must be booked online and open up 14 days in advance.

Get a Taste of the City’s Historic Past

Can’t decide between breakfast or brunch? No need to choose between the two at the Colonial Room at the Historic Menger Hotel.

Breakfast is served from 6:30 – 11:00 am on Sundays, or hang out for Brunch from 12:00 – 3:00 PM!

Enjoy Adventures at The Shops at Rivercenter

You may know that The Shops at Rivercenter is a great place for shopping finds, but did you know that there is a lot more to do here than just shop?

Enjoy climbing adventures at LiggettVille Adventure Center before splitting your afternoon between exploring underwater creatures at SEA LIFE San Antonio and building your favorite creations at LEGOLAND Discovery Center.

Last-Round Eats

Great news! Since you’re already at The Shops at Rivercenter, you don’t have to travel far for last-round bites before departing the Alamo City.

Yard House serves up an extensive menu with options for everyone, while you’re sure to find your tropical favorites at Margaritaville. Slow down the pace and enjoy a feast at Fogo de Chao or sneak in a final round of mini-golf before heading to the onsite bar & grill at Holey Moley!

If your weekend in San Antonio leaves you wanting more, stick around and keep the holiday magic going. San Antonio shines all season long with twinkling lights, festive events, and experiences that capture the city’s joyful spirit.

The holiday lights along the San Antonio River Walk continue to glow every night through the first week of January, setting the perfect backdrop for an evening stroll or a family boat ride under the stars.

And all across the city, you’ll find seasonal markets, cultural celebrations, and family-friendly events that make the Alamo City sparkle well into the new year.

Wherever your plans take you, San Antonio invites you to stay a little longer, savor the sights, and make every moment of the season shine.