With the holidays around the corner chances are you’re looking for ways to get in the Christmas spirit. Especially in south Texas where we don’t get snow and it’s cold for maybe 2 hours a day but there are plenty of things in and around San Antonio that will fill you with Christmas cheer.

See the Lights on the River Walk

There’s nothing more magical than seeing twinkling lights. So what better way than to book a Go Rio Cruise to tour the river. It’s a fun and unique way to experience them- or you could take a quick stroll. Either way, you have your options to view these gorgeous lights.

Enjoy the Ice Skating Rink at Travis Park

Bless the person who had the marvelous idea to add an ice skating rink in the heart of Downtown San Antonio. You’ll be able to pay for access to the ice and they rent skates too! The tickets are for 90 min increments and you can check out the tree at the park too! Basically, all the family fun you can think of.

Stroll the San Antonio Zoo After Hours

See the zoo from a different angle this winter by checking out at night. You’ll see the zoo lit up by thousands of lights, get to see their awesome light show and grab some snacks! They have a train ride and the Kiddie Park is now included!

Light the Menorah for Chanukah at the Pearl

I love celebrating Chanukah with friends and have fond memories. It’ll overlap with Christmas this year so why not get your holiday week started earlier and celebrate with new friends at the Pearl. There will be Kosher food for sale too!

Catch a Christmas Movie

Bundle up for this one guys and bring all the warm drinks. Slab Cinema is here to take care of all your holiday movie needs all for free- of course! Bring lawn chairs, blankets, and all the treats to fully make this an event!

Party on Main Street

This one includes about a 40-minute drive up into the Hill Country to Boerne. At Dickens on Main, you’ll enjoy a holiday party filled with music, food, and the best holiday activities to get your holiday started.

Stroll through the Lights at UIW

UIW undergoes a complete holiday transformation and Light the Way is something you absolutely cannot miss. It’s completely free and it’s such an iconic tradition to add to your holiday activities.

Check Out the Tree at the Menger Hotel

If you haven’t seen the tree at the Menger Hotel downtown then you’re missing out! She makes for a great holiday Christmas card. Go in the morning and take advantage of their breakfast buffet too for the full experience.

Join the Kwanzaa Celebration

Take part in the 10th anniversary of the Kwanzaa Market Festival. This year’s theme is the 7 Kwanzaa Principles.

See the Lights in Windcrest

If anything is sure to get you in the Holiday Spirit it’s the lights in this small town. Almost every house is dressed to the nines in Christmas apparel. Get that Spotify playlist ready and be prepared to cruise around.

Run the City

Be ready to run the city in the Rock-n-Roll Marathon if you’re up for a challenge. If you’re better suited for the sidelines- go and cheer the brave souls running it.

Get Your Panza Ready for Some Tamales

It’s officially tamal season and if you’re ready to partake in this tradition of the tamalada then make your way down to the Historic Market Square. La Gran Tamalada will not only teach you how to make tamales but you’ll also be able to purchase some.

Dance with the Sugar Plum Fairies

Well, you can’t actually dance with them but you can enjoy watching the Nutcracker performed by Ballet San Antonio.

Enjoy Las Posadas at the Pearl

If you’ve never been to Mexico around the holidays now is your chance to have a peek into the 9-day celebration that leads up to Noche Buena. I grew up celebrating this when I’d visit Mexico so you should def check it out! It’s only for one night.

Say Cheers with these Holiday Drinking Spots

Here are some places to drink since you’re officially feeling festive. The Shuck Shack has turned into the Santa Shack, it’s filled with a great menu of holiday drinks and treats. The Jet Setter downtown has temporarily been taken over by the Miracle Pop-up. Barbaro, too, has released its holiday menu! Check out Toro Kitchen + Bar (Stone Oak location only), Sternwirth, Still Golden and follow along Dorcol’s Kinsman Rakia’s Brandy Alexander Tour for more boozy fun. (my pal @drinking.in.sa helped me with these).

Visit the Tree at the Historic Pearl

I love seeing how people decorate their trees and this year Feliz Modern got the honor to decorate the tree located at the park in the Pearl. This makes for quality IG content so check it out.

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Hopefully, you’re not Scrooge anymore after doing some of these activities. As always be sure to follow my San Antonio Instagram @sanantoniolovelist to keep up with the latest things that are happening in SA.

16 Holiday Activities to Enjoy in San Antonio Now That You're Officially Feeling Festive