The holiday season is here and events across the city are going all out to get San Antonians in the holiday spirit.
From holiday markets to ice skating and ballet performances — there are so many ways to celebrate the holidays this year.
SeaWorld San Antonio
Check out one of Texas’ largest Christmas light displays at SeaWorld San Antonio, where guests can listen to carols sung by the Merry Mariachis and have dinner with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
The celebrations start at 1 p.m. every day the park is open. Watch a retelling of the nativity scene from the perspective of the animals present called “O’ Wondrous Night” and visit the 15 themed areas of the park, including Snowman Village and Christmas Cove, a 1950s-inspired wonderland.
The festivities are included in admission to the park, which can be purchased here.
SeaWorld San Antonio’s Christmas Celebration
Thursday, Nov. 13 – Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026
10500 SeaWorld Drive, San Antonio, TX 78251
San Antonio Zoo
The annual Zoo Lights celebrations are back in full swing, powered by CPS Energy. Families are welcome to enjoy hot cocoa while they roam the Zoo Lights realms, which debuts its Enchanted Tree, Lights on the Lawn, and Cathedral Tunnel areas this year. Guests can participate in various daily activities, such as Pick-a-Present and Santa photos at the zoo’s Beastro restaurant. The zoo glows with Christmas lights every evening when it gets dark.
Admission to the light show and daily activities are included in admission to the park, which can be purchased here. Santa photos can be purchased separately here.
San Antonio Zoo Lights
Sunday, Nov. 15 – Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026
3903 North St. Mary’s Street, San Antonio, TX 78212
Pearl
Support local organizations like Haven for Hope and the San Antonio Food Bank and international causes like Water for Good with Pearl’s Light the World Giving Machine.
The Giving Machine is a custom vending machine that lets users donate items ranging from $5 to $200 in value. Those interested can donate meals, vaccines, a beehive or even a goat to those who need it this holiday season. The Giving Machine will be open for use until Sunday, Dec. 7.
Pearl will host the Young and Jewish San Antonio’s 11th Chanukah Celebration from 5:30 to 8:30 on Dec. 16. The menorah will light up Pearl every night from Dec. 16 through Dec. 24 near the Boiler House shade structure.
Classic Christmas movies will be screened at sunset every Monday through Dec. 22. The movies being screened, starting Dec. 1, are “Home Alone”, “The Grinch” (2018), “Elf” and “The Polar Express.”
Complimentary photos with Santa will be available every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday now through Dec. 21.
Holiday night markets will light up Pearl every Wednesday until Dec. 17 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Pullman Market will debut its first tamale festival featuring specialty tamales from the Pullman team, a Best Tamale competition and family activities curated by the DoSeum. The festival takes place from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Dec. 13 at Pullman Market. Attendees can RSVP for free here.
Other businesses at Pearl will feature seasonal perks and food and drink, such as Hotel Emma’s exclusive Go Rio river cruises and holiday cocktails, like an “Apri-Caught Santa” and “That’s That Me Espresso” at Park Bar.
Holiday celebrations at Pearl
Monday, Nov. 17 – Wednesday, Dec. 17
303 Pearl Parkway, San Antonio, TX 78215
Six Flags Fiesta Texas
Check out Six Flags Fiesta Texas’ hundreds of trees and millions of lights set up for this year’s holiday season. The amusement park has several shows lined up for the season, such as A Christmas Carol and The Majesty of Christmas, a retelling of the nativity scene featuring live animals.
The park will host a nightly tree lighting ceremony to kick off its evening events, like its Holiday Illuminations light show. Seasonal food and drinks will be sold with 20 new additions to the menu.
Six Flags Fiesta Texas’ Holiday in the Park
Saturday, Nov. 22 – Tuesday, Dec. 23
17000 IH-10 West, San Antonio, TX 78257
Holidays at Hemisfair
For the first time since its construction, Hemisfair’s Civic Park will host several events throughout the holiday season, as well as an ice skating rink surrounded by local food vendors.
From noon to 9 p.m. every weekend from Saturday, Nov. 29 through Sunday, Dec. 21, local businesses will set up in the park for its Holiday Gift Markets.
Holiday in the Garden, an event featuring interactive crafts, music and activities for all ages celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 20 at Yanaguana Garden.
A historic home lighting ceremony will light up East Nueva Street from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 29.
The park will also host free holiday movie nights at 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. every Tuesday from Dec. 2 through Dec. 23.
Holidays at Hemisfair
Friday, Nov. 28 – Saturday, Jan. 3
600 Hemisfair Plaza Way, San Antonio, TX 78202
Santa at the Witte
Santa Claus will be at the Witte’s Naylor Family Dinosaur Gallery from 10 a.m. to noon for photos every Saturday through Dec. 20. Visitors can take photos with Santa and dinosaurs on their own personal devices for free with general admission to the museum.
The Witte Museum
Saturday, Dec. 6 through Saturday, Dec. 20 from 10 a.m. to noon.
3801 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209
LEGOLAND
Guests are welcome to build new memories at LEGOLAND’s MINILAND Winter Wonderland this holiday season. Visit LEGO Santa and build seasonal snowflake and gingerbread house sets.
Visitors are also encouraged to participate in LEGO’s Build to Give campaign, in which participants build a brick heart and post it on social media. LEGO will donate a brick set to a child in need for each post made.
At 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, kids can have milk and cookies with LEGO Gingerbread Man. Tickets to the event include milk and cookies, a LEGO set, and admission to the Discovery Center.
LEGOLAND’s Holiday Bricktacular
Saturday, Nov. 22 – Wednesday, Dec. 24
849 East Commerce Street, Suite 910, San Antonio, TX 78205
The Magik Theatre
Watch the stage adaptation of a Christmas classic at the historic children’s theatre. With special nights for pay-what-you-wish, ASL-interpreted, and military and first responder appreciation performances, everyone can enjoy this timeless show.
Tickets and more information are available on the Magik Theatre’s website.
The Magik Theatre’s A Charlie Brown Christmas
Saturday, Nov. 22 – Wednesday, Dec. 24
420 South Alamo Street, San Antonio, TX 78205
Miracle holiday pop-up bars
The Miracle holiday cocktail bars make a return at the Esquire Tavern and Hugman’s Oasis this holiday season. Their themed cups and punny drinks — like the Chrismapolitan and Silent Nightcap Shot — are back in town just in time to warm up visitors.
The two different locations offer different experiences, with Miracle serving traditional Christmas-themed drinks while Sippin’ Santa serves beach-themed holiday cocktails. Specific hours are available on Miracle and Sippin’ Santa’s websites.
Miracle on Commerce St. (The Esquire Tavern)
Monday, Nov. 24 – Wednesday, Dec. 31
155 East Commerce Street. San Antonio, TX 78205
Sippin’ Santa at Hugman’s Oasis (Hugman’s Oasis)
Saturday, Nov. 29 – Wednesday Dec. 31
135 East Commerce Street, San Antonio, TX 78205
The Esperanza Peace and Justice Center
The Esperanza Peace and Justice Center’s 36th annual International Peace Market continues a tradition of cultural resistance and community engagement by providing an open-air market alternative to Black Friday.
The market will present live music from local performers, as well as food vendors. Visitors will be able to check out more than 60 local and international artists and artisans at the market.
Admission is free to the public.
The International Peace Market
Friday, Nov. 28 and Saturday, Nov. 29 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 30 from noon to 6 p.m.
922 San Pedro Avenue, San Antonio, TX 78212
Coca-Cola’s Classic Christmas
Ice skate a path of holiday cheer and take photos with Santa Claus at Toyota Field this holiday season at Coca-Cola’s Classic Christmas. The field will glow with light sculptures and a sparkling trail called “Memory Lane.” Mrs. Claus will read stories, a Coca-Cola truck bar will travel the field, and country music will flood the space during one of many themed nights.
Tickets and more information are available on the event website.
Coca-Cola’s Classic Christmas
Friday, Nov. 28 – Sunday, Dec. 28
5106 David Edwards Drive, San Antonio, TX 78233
The Ojeda Foundation’s Tamalada
Join former Rey Feo Richard Ojeda as he teaches a class on how to make his mother’s tamale recipe for the Christmas season. Every participant gets to take home the two dozen they make.
Entry is $100 with proceeds going toward student scholarships, charitable initiatives and non-profit organizations in San Antonio. Guests are asked to bring an unwrapped gift to donate for children at Haven for Hope.
The Ojeda Foundation’s Tamalada
Monday, Dec. 1 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
4431 Horizon Hill Boulevard, San Antonio, TX 78229
The Tobin Center
On Saturday, Nov. 29 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Tobin Center is also hosting a holiday art market, featuring a mechanical reindeer, lawn games and over 50 artisan vendors. The market is free to attend and guests are welcome to purchase food, drink and gifts from local vendors at the market.
Visit the Tobin Center for its holiday programming, including performances of the Nutcracker and a performance of a Merry-achi Christmas.
Tickets are available on the Tobin Center’s website.
The Tobin Center’s Christmas shows
Friday, Dec. 5 through Sunday, Dec. 28
100 Auditorium Circle, San Antonio, TX 78205
The Majestic Theatre
The Majestic Theatre has a line-up of holiday shows available for the season. From a ballet performance of the Polar Express to a performance from the Vienna Light Orchestra, there are many shows available throughout the month.
Tickets are available on the Majestic Theatre’s website.
The Majestic Theatre’s holiday shows
Saturday, Dec. 6 to Tuesday, Dec. 30
224 East Houston Street, San Antonio, TX 78205
Kwanzaa Market Festival
All are welcome to the Pan-African Cultural Community’s 16th annual Kwanzaa Market Festival, featuring live music, cultural foods and local African- and African-American-owned businesses. The event will also have hands-on workshops, storytelling sessions, children’s crafts and interactive performances to teach guests about the history and culture of Kwanzaa.
The event is free to the public, and guests are encouraged to donate to support the Pan-African Cultural Community. More information about the event and the holiday can be found here.
Kwanzaa Market Festival
Saturday, Dec. 6 from noon – 4 p.m.
3310 East Commerce Street San Antonio, TX 78220
Cowboy Christmas at the Briscoe Western Art Museum
The Briscoe Western Art Museum welcomes Cowboy Santa on Dec. 7. The event falls on the last day admission will be free for furloughed federal employees and the museum’s monthly locals day, where admission is free for Bexar County residents.
Hands-on holiday crafts, a 12 Days of Christmas scavenger hunt and photos with Cowboy Santa are included with admission, free for children 12 and under and active duty military members.
Guests are encouraged to register in advance on the Briscoe’s website.
Cowboy Christmas at the Briscoe Western Art Museum
Sunday, Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
210 West Market Street, San Antonio, TX 78205
Morgan’s Wonderland
The annual Snowball Run, Walk, Roll, Stroll event is set to start at 7 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 20 at Morgan’s Wonderland. Participants can sign up for a 1K and are encouraged to go at their own pace.
Those looking for a more intense race can join one of four divisions for the 5K: running, adaptive, wheelchair or duo.
The path comes across various festivities and decorations around the park and the park will offer a t-shirt and ornament to participants. Those looking to participate in the 1K or 5K can sign up on the Morgan’s Wonderland website.
Morgan’s Wonderland Snowball 5K and 1K
Saturday, Dec. 20 at 7 a.m.
5223 David Edwards Drive, San Antonio, TX 78233
URBAN-15
URBAN-15 will present a laser show at the Edgewood Theatre of Performing Arts, featuring the performance group’s dance and drum ensemble. The laser show will only be presented for one day with two performances.
The show is free to the public, and guests are encouraged to RSVP on URBAN-15’s website to secure a seat.
URBAN-15’s Holiday Laser Show
Sunday, Dec. 21 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.
402 Lance Street, San Antonio, TX 78237
Chanukah on the River
Chabad SA is hosting its 28th annual Chanukah on the River celebration at the Arneson River Theater, featuring community leaders and dignitaries, kosher concessions and a live concert from Israeli musician Noam Buksila.
Visitors interested in boarding the 3:30 p.m. Chanukah boat ride must be registered. The 9-foot menorah lighting and concert start at 4 p.m. and is free to the public.
Chanukah on the River
Sunday, Dec. 21 at 3:30 p.m.
Arneson River Theater, 418 Villita Street, San Antonio, TX 78205
Ruby City
Ruby City will present Music in the Park, its outdoor concert series in collaboration with KRTU 91.7 FM, Trinity University’s jazz radio station. The free event will also feature contemporary art and an immersive real-time media installation by digital media artist Diego Chavez on the Ruby City plaza. Austin-based jazz band NORI will perform from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Dec. 12 at Ruby City.
Guests are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs and the park will offer light refreshments while supplies last.
Ruby City’s Music in the Park
Friday, Dec. 12 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
150 Camp St, San Antonio, TX 78204
Carver Community Cultural Center
San Antonio community member and R&B artist J-Darius and the Experience is set to take the Jo Long Theatre stage at 8 p.m. on Dec. 12 at the Carver Community Cultural Center as part of the Center’s “A Soulful Christmas” show. Tickets to the family-friendly show are available here.
Jo Long Theatre
Friday, Dec. 12 at 8 p.m.
226 N Hackberry, San Antonio, TX 78202
Santa’s Ranch
Drive through over a mile of animated Christmas lights while munching on some homemade kettle corn and sipping a cup of hot chocolate at Santa’s Ranch in New Braunfels. It’s open every night of the season, including holidays.
Ticket pricing and directions are available on the Santa’s Ranch website.
Santa’s Ranch
Saturday, Nov. 1 – Sunday, Jan. 4
9561 I-35, New Braunfels, TX 78130
Holiday eats and treats
Various hotels and businesses around San Antonio are offering special seasonal food and drink for this festive time of year.
Bakery Lorraine
Pre-order your favorite Christmas pies and treats at any Bakery Lorraine locations, including holiday macarons, garlic and herb rolls, and Bûche de Noël. The last day to pre-order is Saturday, Dec. 20.
Bakery Lorraine
Until Saturday, Dec. 20
306 Pearl Pkwy Ste 110, San Antonio, TX 78215
7338 Louis Pasteur Dr Ste 201, San Antonio, TX 78229
17503 La Cantera Pkwy, San Antonio, TX 78257
Plaza San Antonio Hotel and Spa
Anaqua Garden Bar will transform to Miracle on Arciniega, serving seasonal drinks like the “Sleigh All Day” and “Naught But Nice.” The bar will also offer s’mores, a tunnel of lights and an hourly snow shower.
Miracle on Arciniega (Anaqua Garden Bar)
Until Sunday, Dec. 28
555 S Alamo Street, San Antonio, TX 78205
Kimpton Santo
Dean’s Steak and Seafood will offer a beef wellington for Christmas Day only, and the Tenfold Rooftop will offer The Tenth Noel: A Rooftop Christmas Affair. The Tenth Noel is a pop-up experience featuring holiday cocktails and food with a skyline view.
Kimpton Santo
Friday, Dec. 19 through Thursday, Dec. 25
413 S Alamo Street, San Antonio, TX 78205
The Gunter Hotel
Jots Restaurant will serve a signature prime rib for the Christmas holiday and Pairs Baguette will offer seasonal pastries and drinks at the hotel, such as a cinnamon sugar mini churro croissant and a peppermint mocha latte. The Gunter Hotel’s speakeasy Bar 414 will host live music every Thursday through Saturday in December, except for Christmas Day.
Jots Signature
Monday, Dec. 22 through Friday, Dec. 26
311 North St. Mary’s Street, San Antonio, TX 78205
Paris Baguette
Until supplies last
205 East Houston Street, San Antonio, TX 78205
Bar 414
8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4 through Sunday, Dec. 28
205 East Houston Street, San Antonio, TX 78205
The St. Anthony Hotel
Enjoy a festive family experience at The St. Anthony Hotel’s Afternoon Tea with Santa. Guests should bring their own phones and cameras to take photos with Santa. Tickets to the three different curated afternoon tea experiences are available here.
St. Anthony Hotel
Saturday, Dec. 20 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
300 E. Travis Street, San Antonio, TX 78205
