Events

Holidays Downtown

Southern Living Magazine recently ranked San Antonio the top destination in the South for the holidays, and downtown San Antonio is a big reason why! From established traditions like the Ford Holiday River Parade to new ones like the Pearl's Tamale Festival, there is something for everyone downtown.

Ford Holiday River Parade

At 7:00 p.m. on the Friday following Thanksgiving, the switch is thrown and approximately 122,000 twinkling lights form a magical canopy over San Antonio's River Walk. The lights shine brightly every evening through January 1. The lighting ceremony is the offi Fcial kickoff to the Paseo Del Rio Holiday Festivities. Tickets are sold through the Paseo Del Rio Association at (210) 227-4262. For over 20 years, the spectacular one-hour parade along San Antonio's River Walk features decorated, illuminated floats with celebrities, bands and lavishly-costumed participants.

Also, don't miss the Paseo Del Rio's Arts & Crafts Festival Dec 10-12th, where local and regional artists, craftsmen, and jewelers offer holiday gift items for that special someone. Located along the River Walk Extension near the Chamber of Commerce.


Main Plaza: Silver Bells in the City

December 4, 2010, 5:30-8:30pm

Main Plaza Conservancy presents the 3rd Annual Silver Bells in the City on Saturday, December 4, 2010 from 5:30 - 8 p.m. featuring a live concert performance of The Nutcracker Suite from The Invincible Czars at 6:45 p.m., a beautiful 25 ft. Christmas tree decorated by local artist David Zamora Casas, and photo opportunities with Santa from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Bring your camera and the entire family for a joyous urban holiday event.


Silver Bells is free and open to the public. Free weekend parking available at Frost Bank street level lots located at Flores & Houston Streets and Flores & Travis Streets.


Happy Howl-i-days from Grand Hyatt: Santa Paws returns December

Tongues and tails will be wagging during our annual Story time with Santa Paws taking place on Thursday, December 2nd / Wednesday, December 8th / Wednesday, December 15th at 10 a.m. The Grand Hyatt San Antonio invites the public to bring their children (two legged & four legged) as Santa Paws reads from a number of pet themed holiday "tails". Learn more>



River of Lights


December 11, 2010 from 6-8pm on Brooklyn Ave near the lock and dam

Enjoy the sounds of Inergee on the San Antonio River Foundation stage while the children play and create goodies to take home. Kids will also have a blast at the petting zoo. And before you leave, don't forget to take a family photo near the oversized sleigh. Oh, and did we mention the winter wonderland? Yes, there will be snow in Texas!

Enjoy delicious festival food from Saweets Cupcakes, Violet Talk Fudge, Candy's Burgers, Guillermo's and more!

When the festival ends, take a stroll or ride a water taxi along the Museum Reach "River of Lights" and enjoy soothing holiday music. Experience the river illuminated with festive holiday colors. Environmentally friendly halide lamps will glow in the River, fiber optic lighting will highlight the water features and energy efficient LED lights will hug the lamp posts.

Learn more>


1st Annual Tamales! At the Pearl
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Saturday, December 11, Noon to 7pm at the Pearl
Celebrate all things tamale. Dozens of tamales, from traditional to dessert, plus storytellers, dancing, live music and a spectacular fireworks display.
Learn more>


Bazar Sabado

Saturday, December 11, 10 am to 4 pm

Great Hall and River Landing. Admission is $3, children 11 and under free.

Grab your friends and family and join us for what will be another spectacular day of unique treasures such as ethnic jewelry, small painted furniture, nativities, clothing, textiles and decorative pieces for your home. You'll find great gifts for you, your friends and your family!

Learn more>


Southwest School of Art | Art.i.copia!
Saturday, December 11th | 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Ursuline Hall Gallery , Ursuline Campus

For one day only, on Saturday December 11th, the Southwest School of Art’s Gallery Shop will overflow with an Art.i.copia of unusual and tempting gifts. There, shoppers will find artful, contemporary objects, enjoy holiday refreshments, and not worry about parking (which is free and plentiful).

Learn more>



Holiday Laser Spectacular at the new Lila Cockrell Theater

In honor of the 2010 holiday season and the opening of the newly renovated Lila Cockrell
Theatre, the City of San Antonio invites everyone to experience Paramount’s Christmas Laser Spectacular! The event will feature choreographed lights and lasers set to popular Christmas music. The production consists of lasers, moving lights, and a multitude of Christmas lights, all choreographed to upbeat holiday tunes. With the aid of computer technology, the lights are
perfectly in sync with the music. Best of all, it is free, while supplies last! For more information call:  (800) 884-3663









Holidays on Houston Street

Step up to street level on Houston Street for more holiday fun - for kids and kids at heart, as the San Antonio Children's Museum teams up with HEB, Bohanan's, and Downtown Alliance for activities on Houston Street.

Starting at Alamo Plaza near the HEB Tree, HEB will be sponsoring balloon making elves and face painting from 5 - 7 pm on Dec 16^th in Alamo Plaza by the tree.

As you make your way West down Houston Street, The San Antonio Children's Museum will be having a FREE Kid's Night, staying open later (from 5pm - 7pm). Kids' are free with a paying adult, Adult admission is $7ea, and parking at the Houston Street Garage is only $1 with museum parking validation between 5pm-7pm! Families can participate in festive art activities and enjoy a special holiday performance by the Magik Theatre. Stop by and purchase a toy or $30 gift membership in the Museum's new gift shop - Your Downtown Toy Store! Additionally, they will be offering complimentary gift wrapping services for items purchased in the gift shop, and for this evening only, they will also wrap items purchased from fellow businesses along Houston Street for a small donation.

Traveling further down Houston Street will take you to the Houston Street Courtyard, with the #2 Steak house in Texas on one side and the beautiful Majestic Theater across the street. In the courtyard, kids will find a holiday cookies, hot chocolate and apple cider, and "kids at heart" can enjoy seasonal "adult" beverages from the Bar at Bohanan's.

Learn more>