One of the greatest benefits of living in San Antonio is the variety of “things” to see and do. In fact, there are so many San Antonio attractions and events on any given weekend that it can seem overwhelming to choose just one. In this series, all pressure is off! Ten fun things to do in San Antonio will be chosen each week to make researching for the next Friday celebration, date night, or family outing a little more simple. Specifically, during this time, we’re here to make your holiday season more exciting with plenty of activities that are sure to spread holiday cheer!
1. Experience the Holiday River Parade
Image Courtesy of the San Antonio Riverwalk
Kick off the holiday season San-Antonio-style with a fun experience downtown on the beloved River Walk! The annual Ford Holiday River Parade is this weekend is the perfect opportunity to put you and your family in the spirit. Watch the parade as different boats are completely decorated for Christmas. See Santa, his helpers, reindeer, and more as you watch comfortably from a seat. You can choose to eat in one of the restaurants along the river for a fantastic meal and an outstanding seat. It’s best to get your tickets online for this one, and we recommend you get them quickly, as this is an event that does sell out!
When: November 25 @6:00 PM-9:00 PM
Where: 2 ½ mile route along the downtown River Walk
2. Learn New History
The Institute of Texan Cultures is taking the time to show off student work that is representative of multiple cultures and heritage. The students of Comal ISD created pieces of art in a multi-media exhibit. Each piece of art celebrates the child’s history and heritage of where they come from. It’s an interactive display that truly emphasizes the history of Comal County. Attend and you’ll get to see the individual, unique pieces that correlate with a child’s identity. This rare opportunity is a great event for the entire family to partake in. Don’t miss out!
When: This weekend, during Institute hours
Where: UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures (801 E. Cesar E. Chavez Blvd.)
3. See the Lights!
Image Courtesy of San Antonio Christmas Lights Fest
After Thanksgiving, it’s time to kick off the season celebrations with the Christmas Light Fest at Don Strange Ranch. The ranch embodies “Hill Country” style and features many different light displays that promise to dazzle and delight visitors. Typically, the ranch is only open for private events; however, this is the yearly event in which Don Strange staff opens the gates to allow the public to experience the fun and beauty of the light fest! Located just outside of San Antonio, you’ll want to make the twenty-minute drive to enjoy the dazzling and spectacular lights at the Don Strange historic ranch.
When: November 24-December 31 @6PM-10PM
Where: Don Strange Ranch (103 Waring Welfare Road)
4. Go to the Museum for Free!
The San Antonio Museum of Art is offering a day of free admission for everyone! If Thanksgiving wore you out with the cooking, or if you are hoping to avoid the black Friday crowd, head over to the museum where you’re sure to find plenty of exhibits to keep you busy and entertained! This is a great activity to bring kids to so that they can run around and get educated by one of the museum staff members, especially since this is their time away from school! Take advantage of the free admission and get there early for a fun day of learning.
When: November 25, museum hours
Where: San Antonio Museum of Art (200 W Jones Avenue)
5. Kick Off Christmas!
Image Courtesy of Dickens on Main
What better way to kick off Christmas than with a Hill Country Christmas event all through Main Street? Head to Boerne and experience the 17th Annual Dickens on Main celebration and enjoy excellent shopping, Christmas decorations, food trucks, ice sculpting, caroling, dancing, performances, and even snow! Take a moment to get a picture with Santa and find all of your holiday gifts! The entire street is transformed into a winter wonderland and will instantly put you in the mood for the holidays. This extravaganza goes on all weekend long!
When: November 25-26 @4PM-10PM
Where: Boerne’s Hill Country Mile (Main St.)
6. Celebrate Thanksgiving!
Looking for a way to celebrate Thanksgiving? Howl at the Moon is offering special drinks and a Thanksgiving buffet on Wednesday and Friday so that you can essentially have TWO Thanksgivings! The drink specials will run the entire time, and the buffet is complimentary with payment of the $5 cover charge. Come out to socialize and meet new people before you spend the actual day of Thanksgiving with family. It’s a celebration!
When: November 25 @7PM-2AM
Where: Howl at the Moon (111 W. Crockett St.)
7. See a Classic Ballet
Last week, we showcased The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio in The Nutcracker. This week, it’s the San Antonio Ballet at The Tobin Center. The Nutcracker is a holiday staple and many people make an effort to see the classic ballet every November/December. If you’ve never seen it before, grab a ticket for this memorable ballet! Acoustics at the Tobin promise a dazzling show with phenomenal music the entire time. You’ll love the story of Clara and her nutcracker and it just might become a tradition for you too!
When: November 25-December 4, times here
Where: 100 Auditorium Circle
8. Get Ready for Hockey!
Hockey season is in full force here in town! Join the San Antonio Rampage as they battle against the Texas stars for a home game at the AT&T Center. The fun atmosphere, lively crowd, and heightened action of the game will have you hooked on hockey! While it is a long season, there aren’t bountiful amounts of home games. So come while you can...before it is too late!
When: November 25 @7:30PM
Where: AT&T Center (One AT&T Circle)
9. Sea the World
Sea World offers a Christmas Celebration with the state’s largest display of lights…5 million! Deck the halls and join in for a spirited celebration as Sea World transforms itself into water, winter wonderland! Santa, reindeer, food, lights, music, and many more surprises await you and your family during this exciting event. If you can’t make it out to Sea World this weekend, no worries! The celebration goes on until January 1st, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the festivities.
When: November 26, park hours
Where: Sea World San Antonio (10500 Sea World Drive)
10. Grab a Drink after Thanksgiving
Tired of cooking and entertaining? Let yourself be entertained at the St. Anthony’s hotel restaurant and bar Rebelle. This newly remodeled hotel and bar offers an extravagant feel with crystal chandeliers, rich colors, velvet sofas, and mood lighting. The unique menu promises to delight your taste buds in ways that you didn’t know were possible. Cocktails like lust, envy, and greed help to contribute to the overall hotel vibe and menu items such as quail, gnocchi, and octopus offer a unique experience. If you’ve got out of town guests, this is the perfect spot to take them for an intimate dinner or cocktail on your time off. Book a table now!
When: Weekend, 5PM-11PM
Where: 300 East Travis St.
