Riverwalk & SeaWorld Holiday Events

Planning to spend Christmas in San Antonio, Texas? You are in for a magical experience!

San Antonio is famous for its beautiful Riverwalk, historic Missions, and vibrant culture.

During the holiday season, the city also hosts some of the best Christmas lights in Texas as well as stunning decorations and fun-filled activities.

Also Read: 24 Best Christmas Destinations in Texas

San Antonio in December is romantic and beautiful.

The city has many incredible events that will get you into the holiday spirit including San Antonio Riverwalk Christmas lights, numerous drive through San Antonio Christmas lights 2022 such as the Light Park, Christmas at the Caverns, and more.

This Texan city makes Christmas feel like a year-round celebration!

Here are some of the best things to do while spending Christmas in San Antonio.

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Christmas in San Antonio River walk

San Antonio’s River walk is an epicenter of festive cheer and Christmas spirit.

Located in Downtown San Antonio, the river walk is visited by millions of visitors every holiday season.

Here are the famous Christmas events on San Antonio’s River Walk.

Also Read: Best Things to do for Christmas in Dallas

See the spectacular holiday lights on the River Walk

The San Antonio River Walk is one of the best places to spend Christmas in Texas.

During the holiday season, the river walk is home to the famous holiday lights known as the ‘San Antonio Riverwalk lights’.

Over 100,000 lights light up the trees, bridges, and buildings on the riverwalk.

The City of San Antonio is responsible for the Downtown section lights while the San Antonio River Authority extends the lights to the Pearl District and the Museum Reach of the Riverwalk.

Even the boats are lit up for the holidays.

San Antonio Riverwalk in Christmas is a truly magical and incredible sight.

The river walk lights continue even a few days beyond the New Year, making the entire holiday season a perfect time to visit San Antonio River walk.

There are two main areas to see holiday lights on the Riverwalk: The Arneson River Theatre stretch near La Mansion Del Rio hotel, and the river walk near the famed Aztec Theatre.

Visitors of all ages enjoy strolling along the San Antonio river and admiring one of the most beautiful Christmas lights display in Texas.

Be sure to carry a camera to take San Antonio Riverwalk at Christmas pictures for postcards.

Also Read: Best Places to Visit in Texas in winter

Attend the Ford Holiday River Parade

This is one Christmas event in San Antonio that locals as well as visitors most look forward to during the holiday season.

This spectacular one hour parade on the San Antonio River walk features beautifully decorated and illuminated floats, costumed people, celebrities, and music.

The parade usually takes place the day after Thanksgiving.

The parade route begins near the Arneson Theatre and ends near Biga on the Banks restaurant.

This is one of the most popular Christmas events in San Antonio, so make sure to buy tickets in advance or get there early to reserve a good free spot!

Enjoy the Fiesta de Las Luminarias

One of the best known Christmas traditions on the River Walk San Antonio is the Fiesta de Las Luminarias event.

As part of the event – luminarias – paper lantern bags with a candle inside – are lit along the river walk at dusk.

The centuries-old Mexican tradition is symbolically held to guide the Holy Family to Bethlehem.

During the event you can also see boats filled with carolers and take a photo with the graceful lanterns placed by the bridges and fountains of the Riverwalk.

The event occurs on three weekends in December and is a special treat for visitors to the San Antonio River Walk.

It is amongst the most looked forward of all San Antonio Christmas events.

Take the holiday cruises down the San Antonio River

Several cruises take off from the Riverwalk including narrated boat trips and lunch as well as dinner cruises.

During the holiday season, you can enjoy Christmas dinner cruise on the river barges.

Enjoy an amazing traditional dinner while you admire the Christmas spirit on the river walk.

The cruise is also one of the best ways to see the lights display in San Antonio at Christmas.

Other cruises operated by Go Rio Cruises include Downtown Lights Cruise and the Pearl District Lights Cruise which takes visitors around the Museum Reach.

Enjoy holiday shopping on the Riverwalk

The San Antonio Riverwalk is home to several brands, malls, boutique stores, and even stalls selling right on the river walk.

During the holiday season, you can do some shopping of your own as well as buy unique gifts for the loved ones.

You can buy everything from ornaments, holiday garlands to locally made dishes and other unique souvenirs.

Christmas shopping on the San Antonio Riverwalk is a popular activity during the holidays.

Christmas in San Antonio Riverwalk is Hallmark picture-perfect and gorgeous!

Other Christmas Events in San Antonio, TX

Besides the river walk Christmas lights, many other holiday events take place throughout the city.

You can enjoy thrill rides, live music, markets, and more in the city.

Here are our favorite Christmas things to do in San Antonio

Celebrate Christmas at San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

San Antonio’s five famous Missions are home to some of the world’s most beautiful churches, which are also popular among visitors during the holidays.

The five missions – Mission Concepcion, The Alamo, San Jose, San Juan, and Espada- form a UNESCO World Heritage site known as ‘San Antonio Missions’.

These historic buildings are connected by trails along the river walk extension known as the Mission Reach, which make for amazing strolls during the holidays.

During San Antonio Christmas celebrations, these missions come alive with traditional events such as Las Posadas procession, plays, Mariachi masses, and more.

Walking the Mission Trail during Christmas is one of our favorite things to do in San Antonio in winter.

Attend La Gran Posada at San Fernando Cathedral

San Fernando cathedral is the church in San Antonio with light show that dazzles all visitors.

Apart from the daily laser show, the church hosts La Gran Posada event during the holidays.

The event commemorates the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem in search of a safe place to give birth to the baby Jesus.

La Gran Posada includes a special mass, followed by a procession through the streets of downtown San Antonio.

The procession ends at the Cathedral, where participants enjoy traditional Mexican food and music.

La Gran Posada is followed by pinata party for kids.

Take kids to see the SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration

SeaWorld San Antonio is home to the amazing holiday-themed event, the Christmas Celebration.

During the event, visitors can enjoy Christmas shows, lights display, meet Santa Claus, hot chocolate, Christmas carols, as well as festive foods.

The event also features fireworks, winter-themed parades, and more.

This is a hit with families during winter in San Antonio.

Visit the San Antonio Botanical Garden for Christmas festivities

The famous San Antonio Botanical Garden turns into a wonderland during Christmas with its festive lights and holiday events.

During Lightscape Christmas event in San Antonio, visitors can walk down a mile long trail and see beautiful themed light displays such as Texas bluebonnets, arched tunnel of lights, and more.

The garden’s beautiful San Antonio Christmas lights are sure to take your breath away during the holidays.

San Antonio December weather can be quite chilly and even get close to freezing, so remember to dress warmly.

Enjoy Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Fiesta

One of the best things to do in San Antonio in December for adventure lovers.

Six Flags Fiesta Texas theme park is another popular destination for Christmas events in San Antonio.

The event features a winter wonderland theme and includes various holiday-themed activities such as photo with Santa, magical thrill rides, s’mores and hot chocolate, and more.

Visitors can also listen to live music while basking in the beauty of the lights display in the park.

Attend Zoo Lights! at San Antonio Zoo

San Antonio’s famous zoo remains open during the winter nights and is the place to be for family fun.

The zoo is decorated with millions of lights, colorful LED displays, and decorations for kids to enjoy.

The event also includes a Lakeside light show and meeting Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus.

The zoo lights are one of the top things to do in San Antonio for Christmas with kids.

Spend San Antonio Christmas underground at the caverns

Looking for a unique experience this holiday season?

Visit the Natural Bridge Caverns for their holiday festivities!

You will be able to listen to Christmas carols in the caves, enjoy a Christmas maze, as well as see the holiday lights just a short distance away from San Antonio.

This is a really amazing event and often ranks top of Christmas activities in San Antonio, TX.

Enjoy the delicious Tamales in the city

Did you know that delicious hot tamales is a unique Christmas tradition in San Antonio?

The Christmas season coincides with the tamale season and there are several places in the city that serve the amazing tamales throughout winter.

Some of the best spots to try pork, chicken, and even veggie tamales in San Antonio include Delia’s, Martinez, and Mimi’s.

Want to make your own tamale? You will also find several tamale making classes in San Antonio during the holiday season.

This is one of the unique holiday events in San Antonio, Texas at Christmas time.

Take a Stroll Down Henry B Gonzalez Convention Centre

During the holidays, San Antonio’s Henry B Gonzalez Convention Centre is one of the best places to spend Christmas in Texas.

The venue is decked out with beautiful decorations, lights, and festive displays for everyone to enjoy.

Even if you don’t have a convention inside the building during your trip to San Antonio, it’s still worth a visit.

Shop at the holiday artisan market at Pearl

San Antonio’s Pearl District is home to many boutique stores and artisan stalls.

During Christmas season, a large holiday market is held at the Pearl where you can shop local, buy presents for your loved ones, and even enjoy some food from the popular food trucks that ply the area around Christmas time.

Watch Holiday Movies at a drive in theater

Christmas movies are an integral part of holiday celebrations around the world, with children gathering around the television to watch their favorites on TV every year.

You can also watch many of these movies on a bigger screen at San Antonio’s The Drive-In at Fiesta Texas, just outside the gates of Six Flags theme park.

Catch a free movie in the city

Visitors can also watch free holiday movies such as The Polar Express and How The Grinch Stole Christmas while enjoying s’mores and hot chocolate at several spots in the city.

Popular venues include Will’s Plaza on the Riverwalk and the Mission Marquee Plaza.

Watch The Nutcracker Ballet

Ballet San Antonio, which is the official ballet company of San Antonio, hosts several performances of The Nutcracker during Christmas.

The story of The Nutcracker is wonderfully choreographed and a company nearby live music by the San Antonio Symphony.

The performance by San Antonio Youth Ballet is a must-watch for families visiting San Antonio during the holidays.

See the plays at Tobin Center

Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, which is located in downtown San Antonio, plays host to a variety of plays and musicals.

During the holiday season, it hosts several productions including classics such as A Christmas Carol.

The beautifully renovated theater is a favorite with visitors to enjoy local productions of hit Broadway plays.

Take a ride on Santa’s railroad Wonderland

This Christmas train ride arranged by the Texas Transportation Museum in San Antonio is a hit with kids as well as families.

Kids can ride the beautifully decorated train and meet Santa Claus himself at the North Pole.

The entire Museum and the historic Depot is beautifully decorated for the event and has many photo ops.

Also Read: Best beaches near San Antonio, Texas

Ice skate at Travis Park

Travis Park is the city’s largest public park.

It hosts the city’s Christmas tree and is home to several holiday events.

The Rotary Ice Rink is also located in Travis Park and is a hit with families.

Attend the Christmas events at San Antonio museums

The many museums in San Antonio host a variety of holiday-themed events.

From the Briscoe Western Art Museum and San Antonio Museum of Art to the Doseum, you will find festive events for all groups.

The museums are great to spend a fun and educational Texan Christmas in the Alamo City.

Enjoy Christmas at the University of the Incarnate Word

Wondering what are the best things to do in San Antonio December 2022?

University of the Incarnate Word, the largest Catholic University in Texas, hosts the popular ‘Light the Way’ Christmas festival every year.

The Christmas event activities include a tour of the campus, lights display, food trucks, and meeting Santa Claus.

Besides these other holiday events such as the Valero Alamo Bowl, pop up Christmas markets, festivals, and more.

San Antonio, Texas weather in December

December weather in San Antonio can vary quite a bit.

The weather is usually cool and dry, with a high average temperature in San Antonio in December of 67 degrees and an average low of 47 degrees.

December is also one of the driest months of the year.

However, the city can also experience cold snaps, with temperatures dipping below freezing on occasion.

When does San Antonio decorate for Christmas?

Christmas San Antonio Riverwalk decorations begin early, with lights and decorations appearing in last week of November around Thanksgiving.

Some holiday events begin the week before Thanksgiving and can be enjoyed without crowds if you’re an early bird.

San Antonio is amazing to visit during Christmas and should definitely be on your bucket list.

Plan a trip to San Antonio in December 2022 to enjoy everything the Alamo city has to offer.

We hope you liked our guide to the Christmas season in San Antonio, Texas.

What is your favorite thing to do for Christmas in San Antonio 2022? Let us know below!