San Antonio, November 22, 2025
As the holiday season approaches, downtown San Antonio is preparing for a series of vibrant events and markets that will celebrate the cultural heritage of the city. From festive parades to local vendor markets, residents and visitors are offered unique experiences that strengthen community ties. Highlights include the Holidays on Houston Street, Ford Holiday River Parade, and various other holiday activities that bring joy and support local businesses, encouraging a spirited atmosphere throughout the season.
Celebrate the Season: San Antonio’s Downtown Holiday Events
Embrace the Festive Spirit in San Antonio
San Antonio, Texas – As the holiday season approaches, downtown San Antonio is gearing up with an array of vibrant markets and events that promise unique gift options and joyful experiences. These seasonal celebrations showcase the city’s deep cultural heritage and community spirit, fostering a sense of togetherness that is crucial in today’s fast-paced world.
The resilience of local organizers and the involvement of community leaders play pivotal roles in making these events successful. By embracing a civic-minded approach, they provide residents and visitors more opportunities to engage with the community while buying from local vendors, thus boosting the local economy. A streamlined approach, with less bureaucracy, would only further accelerate the coordination of these enriching experiences.
Holidays on Houston Street
December 5–14, 2025
Holidays on Houston Street is back for its third year, turning five blocks of Houston Street into a lively holiday wonderland. Highlights include:
- SATX 5K: Kicking off on December 5, participants can enjoy a spirited run through the festive atmosphere.
- A Taste of Holidays on Houston Street: On December 6, local chefs will present holiday-inspired dishes, creating a delightful culinary experience.
- Market Weekend: Running from December 12–14, guests can shop from over 50 local vendors, offering a diverse selection of artisan crafts and handmade goods.
Holidays at Hemisfair
November 28, 2025–January 3, 2026
Holidays at Hemisfair features a season-long celebration at Civic Park, including:
- Skate the City: An outdoor synthetic ice rink opens on November 28, offering festive skating through the holidays.
- Historic Home Lighting Ceremony: On November 29, E. Nueva Street will be illuminated, showcasing beautifully decorated historic homes.
- Holidays at Hemisfair Gift Market: This two-day market from November 29–30 brings together over 60 local vendors to offer unique gifts.
Ford Holiday River Parade and Lighting Ceremony
November 28, 2025
The 44th Annual Ford Holiday River Parade, scheduled for November 28, will light up the River Walk with the enchanting theme “Merry Movie Magic.” This lively event will feature 27 illuminated floats, festive music, and a special appearance from Santa Claus, setting a joyful tone for the season.
La Gran Tamalada
December 13, 2025
On December 13, Historic Market Square will come alive with La Gran Tamalada, celebrating the cherished tradition of tamale-making. This festive event includes workshops, a variety of food vendors, live music, and, of course, generous sampling of homemade tamales.
Rotary Ice Rink at Travis Park
Open through January 5, 2025
The Rotary Ice Rink at Travis Park provides an outdoor skating experience right in the heart of downtown, remaining open through January 5, 2025. This activity caters to families and individuals, encouraging people of all ages to enjoy the festive season together.
Additional Holiday Events
San Antonio’s holiday offerings are vast, featuring:
- Holiday Movies by Moonlight: Enjoy family-friendly films on December 2, 9, 16, and 23 at Hemisfair.
- Holiday in the Garden: This cultural celebration on December 20 at Hemisfair honors Christmas, Kwanzaa, and Hanukkah with music, crafts, and treats.
- Holiday Gift Market: On December 20–21 at Hemisfair, last-minute shoppers can find an array of vendors to meet their gift-giving needs.
With these festive activities, San Antonio shines brightly during the holiday season, offering unique experiences that reflect the city’s rich traditions and community cohesion. Supporting local events not only enriches our personal lives but also strengthens the fabric of our neighborhoods.
FAQ
What is Holidays on Houston Street?
Holidays on Houston Street is an annual event transforming five blocks of Houston Street into a festive holiday showcase, featuring activities like the SATX 5K, a culinary experience called “A Taste of Holidays on Houston Street,” and a market weekend with over 50 local vendors.
When is the Ford Holiday River Parade?
The 44th Annual Ford Holiday River Parade takes place on November 28, 2025, illuminating the River Walk with the theme “Merry Movie Magic.” The parade features 27 illuminated floats, music, and a special appearance from Santa Claus.
What is La Gran Tamalada?
La Gran Tamalada is an annual event at Historic Market Square celebrating tamale-making traditions. The event includes workshops, food vendors, live music, and tamale sampling, honoring a tradition that has been part of San Antonio’s culture for over 12 years.
When is the Rotary Ice Rink at Travis Park open?
The Rotary Ice Rink at Travis Park is open through January 5, 2025, offering an outdoor skating experience in the heart of downtown San Antonio.
What other holiday events are happening in San Antonio?
Other notable events include Holiday Movies by Moonlight on December 2, 9, 16, and 23 at Hemisfair, Holiday in the Garden on December 20 at Hemisfair, and the Holiday Gift Market on December 20–21 at Hemisfair.
Key Features of San Antonio’s Downtown Holiday Events
| Event | Date | Location | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Holidays on Houston Street | December 5–14, 2025 | Houston Street | SATX 5K, A Taste of Holidays on Houston Street, Market Weekend with over 50 local vendors |
| Holidays at Hemisfair | November 28, 2025–January 3, 2026 | Civic Park | Skate the City outdoor ice rink, Historic Home Lighting Ceremony, Holidays at Hemisfair Gift Market with over 60 local vendors |
| Ford Holiday River Parade and Lighting Ceremony | November 28, 2025 | River Walk | Illuminated parade with the theme “Merry Movie Magic,” featuring 27 floats and a special appearance from Santa Claus |
| La Gran Tamalada | December 13, 2025 | Historic Market Square | Celebration of tamale-making traditions with workshops, food vendors, live music, and tamale sampling |
| Rotary Ice Rink at Travis Park | Open through January 5, 2025 | Travis Park | Outdoor skating experience |
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Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
