Why You Should Spend This Christmas in San Antonio, Texas

While it’s up for debate whether everything truly is bigger in Texas, one thing’s for sure: Christmas celebrations in San Antonio are big, bold and bright this year. While the annual holiday river parade along the city’s iconic river walk has already kicked off the festive season, you can still find plenty of fun here through the New Year.

The river walk is lit in holiday lights through Jan. 5. Through Dec. 22, on weekend evenings, the river walk is also lit with luminaries for the Fiesta de las Luminarias. Boat caroling additionally takes place on the river walk nightly from 6 p.m. through Dec. 23.

At Historic Market Square, the annual La Gran Tamalada on Dec. 15 will satisfy your cravings for Christmas tamales. A holiday market will likewise set up shop on Houston Street, Dec. 13–15, with artisan booths, carolers, photo ops and more. A Holiday Fun Run and 5K is scheduled to take place Dec. 17, also as part of the Holidays on Houston series of events.

Elsewhere throughout the area, you can find Christmas light displays in full force at San Antonio Zoo, SeaWorld, San Antonio Botanical Garden and Six Flags.