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Celebrate the Holidays in Downtown San Antonio
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The City of San Antonio invites the community to celebrate the holidays in downtown San Antonio.
While enjoying La Villita and Market Square events, don’t forget to stop inside their stores to shop for one-of-a-kind holiday gifts!
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Holiday Lights on the River Walk
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| November 28, 2025 - January 11, 2026 (dusk); FREE
We invite you to experience the spectacular display of over 200,000 lights draped over the towering bald cypress trees that line the River Walk. Visiting the River Walk to enjoy the spectacular holiday lights is free. The River Walk is a public park and is open every day of the year, 24-hours a day.
More Information
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| H-E-B Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Friday, November 28, 4-7 p.m., tree lighting ceremony at 6 p.m.; FREE
Location: Travis Park, 301 E. Travis St.
Kick off the holiday festivities at the Annual H-E-B Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Travis Park. Festivities begin at 4 p.m. and include live entertainment, food trucks, letters to Santa, giveaways, holiday crafts, a special visit from Santa, and much more. The tree lighting ceremony begins at 6 p.m. VIA Metropolitan Transit is offering free rides to the tree lighting ceremony. Riders can tell their drivers they are heading to the tree lighting event for a complimentary ride. Nearby affordable parking is available in the City-owned St. Mary’s Garage, 205 E. Travis St.
More Information
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| Travis Park Christmas Tree Farm
November 28 (evening) – December 23
Location: Travis Park, 301 E. Travis St.
Find the perfect Christmas tree at Travis Park’s Christmas tree farm! Travis Park is bringing holiday cheer to downtown San Antonio with a festive Christmas tree lot, presented in partnership with Centro and Holiday Hills Christmas Trees. Visitors can browse and purchase fresh-cut Christmas trees, garlands, and wreaths, perfect for adding seasonal charm to homes and businesses. Delivery is available.
More Information
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La Villita Historic Arts Village Events
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Give the Gift of Local Artistry This Holiday Season at La Villita Historic Arts Village!
Located in the heart of downtown, La Villita offers over 15 unique boutiques, art galleries, and dining experiences. Give local this holiday season! Shop handcrafted gifts and festive finds at La Villita, where every purchase supports San Antonio’s small, independent businesses.
La Villita Website
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| Dancing in the Dark: 80s Neon Dance Party
Saturday, November 22, 5-8 p.m.; FREE
Location: La Villita Historic Arts Village, Maverick Plaza, 418 Villita St.
Looking for a fun, free way to kick-off the Thanksgiving holiday week? Join us for an 80s themed neon dance party with music provided by DJ AM Project and neon bubbles provided by Big Time Bubbles. Come a little early to grab a bite or a beverage from onsite restaurants.
More Information
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| Ford Holiday River Parade
Friday, November 28, 6 p.m.; ticketed event
Location: La Villita Historic Arts Village, Arneson River Theatre, 418 Villita St.
The 44th Annual Ford Holiday River Parade is a San Antonio tradition that offers a spectacular one-hour parade along the San Antonio River Walk. This year’s theme, Merry Movie Magic, features floats dedicated to the holiday season’s most iconic films. This ticketed parade begins at 6 p.m. at the Tobin Center and arrives later in other areas (check map). It is broadcast live at 7:05 p.m. at the Arneson River Theatre.
More Information
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Historic Market Square Events
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Unwrap Culture & Creativity At Historic Market Square This Holiday Season!
Step into the heart of San Antonio’s culture and community with over 100 locally owned shops. From handcrafted leather goods and traditional apparel to unique cultural treasures, Historic Market Square is your one-stop destination for unique holiday gifts that support local small businesses.
Market Square Website
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| Celebración Musical
Saturday, November 29, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; FREE
Location: Historic Market Square, 514 W. Commerce St.
Celebrate the joy of music at Celebración Musical, an event dedicated to musicians and music lovers. Join us for a day of live music, delicious Mexican food, artisan vendors, and traditional dance. Musicians are invited to receive a special blessing to honor their craft and creativity from noon to 1:30 p.m.
More Information
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| Blessing of the Animals
Sunday, November 30, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; FREE
Location: Historic Market Square, 514 W. Commerce St.
Celebrate the love and joy our furry friends bring to our lives at the Blessing of the Animals! This special event is all about cats, dogs, and other animal companions, featuring a day filled with blessings, fun, and festivities. Bring your pet to enjoy a memorable experience. The event features a special blessing for pets from noon to 1:30 p.m., and a pet and owner look-alike contest.
More Information
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| Market Square Weekends: Live Performances, Local Eats & Art in Action
Every weekend in November, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; FREE
Location: Historic Market Square, 514 W. Commerce St.
Enjoy music, working artists, and food booths at Market Square every weekend!
More Information
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| The Pass at Market Square
Open daily 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; FREE
Location: 612 W. Commerce St.
The Pass at Market Square is a recreation area located at the IH-35 elevated highway underpass between Dolorosa and Commerce streets. It features a family-friendly recreation area that includes a basketball court, ping pong tables, swing chairs and tables, murals, and more.
More Information
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Holidays on Houston Street
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| Downtown San Antonio will sparkle this holiday season with the return of Holidays on Houston Street, San Antonio's new downtown tradition. This year’s celebration is bigger, brighter, and more immersive than ever! From special events and dazzling décor to magical moments designed for all ages, downtown comes alive with holiday cheer you won’t want to miss.
Featured events:
- 2025 SATX 5K Presented by Holidays on Houston Street, Friday, December 5, 7 p.m.
- A Taste of Holidays on Houston Street, Saturday, December 6, 6 p.m.
- Holidays on Houston Street Market, Friday, December 12 – Sunday, December 14
More Information
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| Join thousands of runners for the inaugural San Antonio Marathon, Half Marathon, and SATX 5K, happening December 5-7! This exciting new race weekend features scenic routes through historic neighborhoods, a two-day Health & Fitness Expo, and a lively finish line celebration with music, food, and fun – perfect for runners of all levels looking to challenge themselves or simply enjoy a festive weekend in San Antonio.
More Information & Registration
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| Downtown can get busy, so make a plan! Friday, November 28 will be especially busy. Visitors are strongly encouraged to plan ahead and arrive early to downtown events to avoid expected disruptions related to traffic and construction projects.
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Leave Early and Plan Ahead – Expect heavy traffic on busy event weekends. Plan to leave early and be sure to consult a navigation app, such as Google Maps or Waze, to find the best route to your destination.
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Take Public Transportation – Find nearby VIA Metropolitan Transit routes by visiting Google Maps and selecting the public transport option. VIA also offers its Link ride-sharing service for $1.30 a ride within its downtown service area zone and Park & Ride for certain large events. For more details, visit VIA’s website.
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Use Ride Share or Taxis – Using these services avoids traffic congestion and keeps you and those around you safe from traffic accidents.
Know Before You Go Downtown Website
Downtown Street Closure Website
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| We've got your spot!
The City of San Antonio offers convenient and affordable parking at its parking garages and lots. The St. Mary’s Garage (205 E. Travis St.) and the City Tower Garage (60 N. Flores St.) are located just steps from the River Walk, Houston Street and Travis Park, and they generally have many public parking spaces available. Note that event parking rates (up to $15 at City parking facilities) may be in effect at some parking facilities during busy event weekends.
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A map showing a full list of City-owned garages and lots can be found on the City’s SAPark website.
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Downtown Tuesday offers free parking at city-operated parking garages, parking lots and parking meters every Tuesday evening from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.
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City Tower Sundays offers free parking on Sundays from 7 a.m. to midnight in the City Tower Garage (60 N. Flores St.).
Parking Map
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Click map to enlarge.
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Visit our downtown partner websites to view a list of their upcoming events.
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Celebrate the Holiday Season at Main Plaza
Visit Main Plaza this holiday season for a wide variety of festive, family-friendly holiday events, including their 15th Annual Noche Buena and tree lighting ceremony on December 6 and their Holiday Market on December 13.
More Information
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VIA Link Downtown
Getting around downtown is now easier with VIA Link! VIA Downtown Link is an on-demand ride-sharing service that's only $1.30 per trip. VIA Downtown Link is your affordable, convenient way to explore all of downtown!
More Information
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Centro de Artes Gallery
Centro de Artes Gallery, located at Historic Market Square, is an institution dedicated to telling the story of the Latino experience in the U.S. with a focus on South Texas through local and regional art, history and culture, and a commitment to showcase the transnational experience of Latinos in the U.S. Learn more about current exhibitions.
More Information
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Visit San Antonio App
Plan your perfect San Antonio getaway (or stay-cation!) with the Visit San Antonio App! Download the app now to check the best the Alamo city has to offer. Explore top attractions, events and things to do.
More Information
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