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    12 Holiday Events in the San Antonio Area

    If you’re stationed at Joint Base San Antonio or traveling to the San Antonio area over the holidays, start planning your calendar now. With all the events and attractions, the Alamo City may just overwhelm you with all the things to see, do, and taste. 

    All of the following activities and events are in San Antonio or a short drive away. Of course, we can’t cover all the holiday happenings in the San Antonio area, but you can start with these 12 events to get you into the holiday spirit. Your very own 12 Days of Christmas, Texas style!

    *Before heading out, double check info and dates. 

    people walking on plaza in front of buildings and Christmas lights with text overlaid 12 Holiday Events in San Antonio

    1) Holiday Lights on the San Antonio River Walk

    November 30, 2024 - January 12, 2025

    It’s not the holidays without a visit to the River Walk. A tradition since 1975, you’ll be treated to a spectacular light display of over 100,000 lights. Enjoy dinner at one of the Riverwalk restaurants and cafes, stroll along the walkway, and take in the beautiful sights from downtown to the Pearl District one mile north. 

    Holiday lights on the San Antonio River Walk in TexasPhoto from Canva

    2) Christmas at the Caverns

    Dates throughout December 2024

    Not your typical Christmas! At Natural Bridge Caverns, you’ll hear carols echoing through the vast caverns, listen to live music, visit with Santa Claus, enjoy an expanded trail of lights, and find your way through a 5,000-square-foot "Reindeer Roundup" outdoor maze. There's even an ice skating rink!

    3) San Antonio Botanical Garden "Illuminate"

    November 29, 2024 to January 1, 2025

    Tianyu Arts & Culture presents Illuminate, a dazzling exhibition featuring hundreds of handcrafted lanterns. This exhibition merges art, nature, and culture in a celebration of light. Explore sculptures and captivating scenes with the entire family.

    Food and drink are available for purchase. This event sells out at times, so it's recommended to buy tickets online before you go. 

    4) Old West Christmas Light Fest at Enchanted Springs Ranch

    November 29 to December 1, December 6 to 8, and daily from December 13 to 23, 2024, operating from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

    A few miles outside San Antonio in the Hill Country, visit the Old West Christmas Light Fest in Boerne.

    Enjoy a festive holiday experience with a variety of activities:

    • Light displays: Millions of twinkling lights illuminate the rustic Old West town.
    • Live music: Holiday tunes performed by musicians each night.
    • Santa Claus: Meet Santa every evening for free photo opportunities.
    • Food and drinks: Savor holiday treats from food trucks and snack stands, with options for adults as well.

    Other activities:

    • Laser Tag in the Lights (additional cost)
    • Mechanical Bull Rides (additional cost)
    • Children's Scavenger Hunt
    • Petting zoo
    • Face painting
    • Cookie decorating for children

    Purchase tickets online, with discounts for military and first responders.

    5) The South Pole Holiday Lights Drive-Through

    November 22, 2024 to January 4, 2025

    Located on Loop 1604 and Judson Road, bring the whole family for this drive-through light experience, which features traditional light displays as well as the latest technology. Tune into the special holiday playlist to enhance the journey. 

    christmas lights and decorations strung over riverPhoto from Canva

    6) Holidays on Houston Street

    November 29, 2024 to January 2, 2025

    Now in its second year, San Antonio's Holidays on Houston Street transforms over five blocks of Houston Street, from Legacy Park to the Alamo, with holiday lights, decorations, and special offerings from local businesses.

    Some highlights: 400,000 mini-LED lights, curated artisan crafts, and candles and clothing by local artists. On December 7, the San Antonio Coffee Festival presents an evening event featuring warm seasonal beverages, holiday lights, and festive fun.

    7) Gruene, Texas, Holiday Events

    Events from November 16, 2024 to January 5, 2025

    Just about thirty minutes north of San Antonio lies the historic town of Gruene. November and December are packed with festive events, like the Gruene town lighting, Gruene Ice Rink, the Annual Pony Express Ride, and Gruene Market Days. And don’t miss Cowboy Kringle!

    8) Ford Fiesta de las Luminarias

    December 6-9, December 13-15, and December 20-22, 2024

    The Fiesta de las Luminarias takes place along the River Walk, where the riverbank comes alive with two thousand luminarias each night in an enchanting display. These traditional Mexican lanterns add a touch of magic to the holiday season. 

    9) The Alamo Lights of Tribute

    December 23 to December 25, 2024

    The Lights of Tribute at the Alamo provides an opportunity to honor or remember your loved ones during the holiday season. Luminarias will be displayed in front of the Alamo Church. For a donation of $10 or more to the Remember the Alamo Foundation, purchase a luminaria in honor or memory of an individual.

    The Alamo Plaza Live Cam provides a way to view the luminarias online for those unable to visit in person.

    10) Holiday Events at the Tobin Center

    November through December, 2024

    Visit the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts this holiday season, and you'll find concerts, ballet, and a Holiday Art Market. Other events and performers slated for 2024 include The Nutcracker Ballet, Christmas Baroque Brilliance, Merry-Achi Christmas, The Illusionists, and more.

    Check out these holiday markets near military bases.

    mother and daughter at Christmas marketPhoto from Canva

    11) Six Flags Holiday in the Park

    Select dates, November 23 to December 23, 2024

    Holiday in the Park is back! Six Flags Fiesta Texas will don its winter apparel and feature millions of lights, holiday entertainment and shows, the Holiday Express Train, and themed holiday zones.

    12) SeaWorld San Antonio Christmas Celebration

    November 14, 2024 to January 5, 2025

    This Christmas, SeaWorld San Antonio becomes a winter wonderland with dazzling lights, festive shows, and themed areas. Enjoy attractions like the Sesame Street Christmas Parade, meet Santa Claus, and indulge in holiday foods and beverages. Enjoy Christmas Carols from the Merry Mariachis, take a photo with the Nutcracker Stilt Walkers, and enjoy the variety of pathway shows like Rudolph’s Misfit Brass Band.

    Making a military move to San Antonio? Download MilitaryByOwner's free guide to your military life at Joint Base San Antonio. 

    Military Family Guide to Joint Base San Antonio

    Jen McDonald

    Author

    Jen McDonald

    Jen McDonald is the Content Editor for MilitaryByOwner Advertising. She's an experienced editor and the award-winning author of the books YOU ARE NOT ALONE: ENCOURAGEMENT FOR THE HEART OF A MILITARY SPOUSE and MILSPOUSE MATTERS: SHARING STRENGTH THROUGH OUR STORIES. Jen is the host of the Milspouse Matters podcast, and has written hundreds of articles and essays which have been published in other books and numerous publications. She was a military spouse for 30 years and is the mom of four, including one son in the military. One of her happiest roles now is being a grandmother. She and her veteran Air Force husband have been stationed all around the world from Europe to the Pacific and won’t count how many houses they’ve lived in because that would be too depressing. Her passion is encouraging young military spouses and regularly sharing about topics like military life, parenting, homeschooling...and now grandparenting! See more from Jen at her site, Jen McDonald and find her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram , and Pinterest.

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