Popular experiences keep locals and visitors engaged with new installations and plenty of holiday cheer
SAN ANTONIO (November 21, 2022)— The holidays in San Antonio are unlike any other city. Locals and visitors enjoy many cherished events and activities to welcome the holiday season. To kick off the festivities, Visit San Antonio launched its annual 2022 Holiday Offers, with a total of 45 offers from hotels, restaurants and attractions. The offers include 20% off holiday shows at the Tobin Center and specially curated experiences of the Ford Holiday River Parade and Lighting Ceremony at some of San Antonio’s iconic eateries on the River Walk. Unique dining experiences curated by some of San Antonio’s popular hotels are also included.
The Ford Holiday River Parade and Lighting Ceremony is a San Antonio favorite. 27 holiday-decorated barges will float through the San Antonio River Walk, ushering in the holiday season with the Grinch as its Grand Marshal. Thousands of multi-colored lights will transform the River Walk into an enchanting wonderland. Visitors can enjoy holiday lights on the River Walk November 25, 2022 – January 9, 2023. Two other holiday traditions returning to the River Walk in December are the Ford Fiesta de las Luminarias (December 2-18), where the Mexican traditional of small, sand-filled bags with candles line the banks of the River Walk, and Ford Holiday Boat Caroling (December 1-23, 2022).
More experiences holidaymakers do not want to miss this season:
Lightscape at the San Antonio Botanical Garden – returning for its second year with new displays after an amazing 2021. Now through January 8, 2023, the 38-acre botanical garden turned into a playground of intricate holiday light installations that dazzles guests of all ages.
Rotary Ice Rink at Travis Park – Ice skating at Travis Park is now open and looking a little bigger than last year. Due to its popularity, The Rotary Ice Rink is now nearly 5,000 square feet, offering more space to skate and have fun. The rink will be open until January 16, 2023.
Pearl – Every Wednesday in December, The Pearl hosts Holiday Night Markets. More than 40 local vendors will participate in the market for visitors to do holiday shopping and enjoy live music.
The Alamo – The grounds at the Alamo will light up at night for the holiday season. Travelers and locals enjoy taking photos under the Alamo Lights and in front of the Christmas tree as an illuminated Alamo graces the background. This event will run November 25 – January 2, 2023.
Natural Bridge Caverns – Lights, Carols, Santa & S’mores kicks off December 3 at Natural Bridge Caverns. Visitors will enjoy a trail of lights, AMAZE’n reindeer roundup, story time with Mrs. Claus, park access, games, a campfire and more.
Wonderland Christmas – The holiday magic will grace Morgan’s Wonderland, the world’s only ultra-accessible theme park, on November 25 and continuing on select evenings in December for Wonderland Christmas. Those with physical and cognitive special needs receive free admission.
SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration – Texas’ biggest Christmas celebration returns with O Wondrous Night, a new musical/theatrical show, and a new party zone-themed Snowman Jam. At SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration, guests also will enjoy some of the park favorites, such as the Sesame Street Christmas Parade and strolling through Christmas Market to visit Santa. This celebration will run on select days from November to January.
Six Flags Fiesta Texas – Catch an award-winning nativity show or stroll down candy cane lane at Holiday in the Park at Fiesta Texas now through January 1, 2023. Kids will enjoy meeting their favorite Looney Tunes characters and taking in the beautiful lights throughout the park.
Briscoe Western Art Museum – Don’t forget cowboy boots when heading down to Briscoe’s Cowboy Christmas on December 4. This free event is fun for all families to explore the museum and take photos with Cowboy Claus.
San Antonio Zoo – This year’s Zoo Lights is powered by CPS Energy and will host live music and parades daily now through January 1, 2023. Explore the zoo under thousands of environmentally friendly lights and amazing displays and more.
For more information on holiday events, go to VisitSanAntonio.com/holidays.