‘Tis the season for holiday fun! However you may choose to celebrate this season, make time to check out these fun, FREE holiday events near you! There’s truly something for everyone.
Hemisfair’s Holiday in the Garden bridges all holiday traditions, including Christmas, Kwanzaa, and Hanukkah, creating an inclusive and diverse celebration for all. See Santa and his reindeer, create holiday crafts, enjoy food and beverages, and finish your holiday shopping at the Hemisfair Holiday Gift Market.
When: Saturday, December 10, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
(Holiday Gift Market also open December 11, from 10 a.m to 4 p.m.)
Where: Hemisfair Yanaguana Garden434 S. Alamo St., San Antonio, 78205
Celebrate community and culture at the 13th Kwanzaa Market Festival, a free family-friendly event hosted by the San Antonio African American Community Archive & Museum (SAAACAM). Shop gifts and goods from Black-owned small businesses and entrepreneurs, including culturally enriching products, handmade items, African-inspired clothing and accessories, and items for Kwanzaa celebration, while learning more about the history of the holiday and how it’s celebrated.
When: Saturday, December 10, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: 3455 Martin Luther King Drive
It wouldn’t be Christmas in San Antonio without a trip to the River Walk to enjoy the spectacular holiday lights. Over 100,000 lights drape over the towering cypress trees that line the downtown portion of the River Walk, a sight to be seen. Visit during Ford Fiesta de las Luminarias and enjoy the lights overhead, the luminarias along the banks of the river, and tunes drifting from the Ford Holiday Boat Caroling.
When: Weekends, December 2-18
Where: San Antonio River Walk (downtown)
Experience the magic and beauty of Christmas at the Holiday Night Markets at The Pearl, open Wednesdays in December. Enjoy music and carolers, explore The Market, and shop local vendors selling art, goods, and food. Take in the lights along the Museum Reach for a perfect holiday outing.
When: Wednesday, December 14 & 21, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: The Pearl
It doesn’t snow often here in the Alamo City, but there is a 100% chance of snow flurries and yeti sightings at the Yeti It Snow Thursdays at Travis Park, a free, family-friendly event and part of the ‘Tis the Season: Travis Park Holiday Events Presented by Centro San Antonio. Don’t miss “snow,” pop-up performances, seasonal giveaways, and more. Check out the ‘Tis the Season theme days featuring free holiday movies, live music, food trucks, visits from Santa, and more throughout the month of December. Snow, Santa, and Yetis…oh my!
When: Thursdays in December, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Where: Travis Park
The annual Windcrest Light Up is a decades-old tradition, in which Windcrest neighborhood residents decorate their homes with elaborate displays of holiday lights. Thousands of San Antonians come to see the free lighting event every year. The beautiful light displays also double as a contest for the residents of Windcrest for best decoration. This year’s theme is “Fiesta de Navidad.” You can pick up a map, for a donation to benefit the Windcrest Volunteer Fire Association, at the Fire Administration Office at 8601 Midcrown Dr. 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday.
When: December 3-31 beginning at dusk each evening
Where: You can pick up a map, for a donation to benefit the Windcrest Volunteer Fire Association, at the Fire Administration Office at 8601 Midcrown Dr. 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday
Enjoy all things Christmas and the sights and flavors of old Mexico at Historic Market Square’s Holiday at the Square, including pictures with Santa, live music, working artists, food booths, and more! A favorite of locals and tourists for generations, over 100 locally owned businesses provide a unique market place experience.
When: December 16-18 and 24 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Pictures with Santa on December 16 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. only)
Where: Historic Market Square
Every member of your family, of all ages and abilities, is sure to enjoy Accessible Holiday Fun: A Wonderland Christmas, a free event at Morgan’s Wonderland. Make memories and take in special holiday shows, a nightly Christmas tree lighting in front of Sensory Village, pictures with Santa, Christmas Carolers, and more as the park transforms into a winter wonderland! Grab some hot cocoa and warm cookies as you prepare to explore the park and enjoy this fully inclusive holiday experience for the whole family.
When: December 9-10, 16-17, and 18-23 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Morgan’s Wonderland
From our Community First family to yours, warmest wishes and happy holidays !