UPDATED 12/12/23: This blog has been updated to reflect new dates for the Holidays on Houston Street Market and Holiday Lights in the Sky Show. Due to expected inclement weather, previously scheduled activities for December 15, 2023, are now postponed. See below for updated information.
The spirit of the holiday season comes alive in downtown San Antonio with the launch of San Antonio Holidays on Houston Street! This brand-new event is sure to become a time-honored holiday tradition for residents and visitors alike.
Join us for festive events throughout the holiday season, from November 24, 2023, through January 2, 2024, where over five blocks of Houston Street, spanning from Legacy Park through the Alamo, will light up with lights, decor, entertainment, and specially-themed offerings from local restaurants and shops along the way.
If you're a fan of holiday magic, a San Antonio Holiday getaway must be in your future. The nostalgia of San Antonio holidays will unfold under the soft glow of Houston Street lampposts, recalling memories of Christmas past and inspiring the making of new holiday memories for all.
Now, let’s take an imaginary walk down this iconic downtown stretch to get acquainted with a few of the many events you'll experience this holiday season.
A Taste of Holidays on Houston Street
December 12, 2023
Dig into the flavors of the holiday season at A Taste of Holidays on Houston Street where Houston Street's diverse culinary scene unites at a block-long table of flavors. Enjoy dinner under the holiday lights in the heart of San Antonio. Get your tickets for this special event today!
Holidays on Houston Street Market
***Due to expected inclement weather, Holidays on Houston Street Market and Holiday Lights in the Sky activities previously scheduled for December 15, 2023 have been postponed. Updated event dates may be found below.***
December 16-17, 2023
San Antonio's take on a holiday market arrives December 16-17, 2023! Holidays on Houston Street Market invites you to enjoy curated artisan crafts, delicious holiday eats, photo ops, the sounds of carolers, and the beauty of downtown San Antonio!
Holiday Lights in the Sky
December 16, 2023
Look up! You may see Santa and your favorite holiday images at Holiday Lights in the Sky! On December 16 from 6:30-9:00 p.m. catch a 15-minute holiday-themed light show that replays every 30 minutes!
The Alamo Happenings
Alamo Lights
Select Dates November 24, 2023 - January 2, 2024
Walk the historic grounds of the Alamo lit with festive lights at Alamo Lights. Always a favorite of locals and residents alike, be sure to plan ahead and reserve your tickets today. Children ages 3 and under are free.
Homemade Christmas
December 2, 2023
Travel back in time at the Alamo for a Homemade Christmas, where you'll find historic arts & crafts and caroling. Take a look at how Texans prepared for Christmas in the mid-1800s! Event is free and open to the public.
Cowboy Santa at the Alamo
December 15, 2023
Free and open to the public, Cowboy Santa at the Alamo is ready to greet you and take photos from 3:00-7:00 p.m. on December 15, 2023!
Travis Park Happenings
Travis Park welcomes you to partake in festive celebrations, including an ice skating rink and Christmas tree lighting! Follow the bright star on the Christmas tree to these great events!
Christmas Tree Lighting
Photo Courtesy of Centro San Antonio
Lighting Happens November 24, 2023 | Tree stays lit nightly through the holiday season
Head to Travis Park the day after Thanksgiving for an afternoon and evening filled with holiday joy that leads up to the H-E-B Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.
Festivities begin at 4 p.m. and include food trucks, entertainment, the opportunity to write letters to Santa, an appearance from Santa himself, a movie screening of "The Grinch" and of course, the Christmas tree lighting!
Rotary Ice Rink At Travis Park
Select Dates Through January 15, 2024
The Rotary Ice Rink at Travis Park is running now through January 15, 2024, and offers an incredible ice skating experience in the heart of the Alamo City! This one proves to be an annual favorite and for the safety of everyone, all visits must be reserved in advance. Walk-up purchases are not advised and may not receive entry at time of arrival.
San Antonio River Walk Happenings
The list of things to do on the River Walk this holiday season is never-ending! In addition to strolling our beautiful River Walk under the twinkling holiday lights, which are officially lit the day after Thanksgiving and stay lit through the beginning of the New Year, be sure to check out these upcoming events!
Ford Holiday Boat Caroling
November 20-December 23, 2023
Combine your favorite holiday carols, an unbeatable festive ambiance that captures the spirit of the Alamo City, and the calm river flow along the downtown portion of the San Antonio River Walk, and you have a perfect evening of Ford Holiday Boat Caroling. Carol on a private barge with some of your closest friends and loved ones, or find patio seating at your favorite riverside restaurant and enjoy the carolers as they drift by!
42nd Annual Ford Holiday River Parade
Friday, November 24, 2023
It's time for the 42nd Annual Ford Holiday River Parade, and this year's theme is "Holiday Stories." Get your tickets now and join us for the official countdown of the River Walk lighting, catch Santa, and see if you can find your favorite holiday story aboard one of our many barges floating along the parade route!
Ford Fiesta de las Luminarias
Weekends December 2-17, 2023
A part of traditional Mexican culture, a "luminaria" is a candle set in a small bag and the River Walk lights up with them each weekend from December 2-17, 2023 at our Ford Fiesta de las Luminarias. Experience the glow from above with thousands and holiday lights twinkling from trees and the glow from below with luminarias lining the banks of the River Walk along the downtown portion.
River Walk Holiday Artisan Show
December 8-10, 2023
If you're looking for a one-of-a-kind present for that special someone this holiday season, don't be surprised if you find it at the River Walk Holiday Artisan Show! Local vendors will be onsite at the River Walk showcasing their handmade arts, crafts, textiles, woodwork, and more!
And Much More!
There is so much happening at San Antonio Holidays on Houston Street, we couldn't list it all! Head over to our Holidays on Houston Street page now for a complete calendar of events an much more!
Set against the backdrop of one of the city’s most historic and charming areas, San Antonio Holidays on Houston Street arrived November 24 through January 2.