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Focus on Downtown December 2024

Downtown Traffic & Parking Updates - Know Before You Go!

Know Before You Go Downtown Holidays

Downtown can get busy during the holidays, so make a plan. There are numerous street closures in the downtown area as well as the potential for heavy traffic with many large events taking place throughout the holiday season. Take public transportation, ride-share, taxis, bike, walk, or consult Google Maps or Waze before you leave. Visit the City’s Know Before You Go Downtown website for helpful resources and parking information.

If you choose to drive, give yourself plenty of time and plan where you will park in advance. Check out the City's SAPark website for easy, convenient, and affordable parking! 

Know Before You Go Downtown

City Parking Map

Downtown Holiday Events

Holiday Lights on the River Walk

River Walk Holiday Lights
Photo courtesy of Visit San Antonio

On through January 13, 2025, 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

San Antonio Holidays on Houston Street

Holidays on Houston Street

Through January 2, 2025

Downtown San Antonio sparkles this holiday season with Holidays on Houston Street! Visit over five blocks of Houston Street, from Legacy Park to the Alamo, where you'll be greeted with the magic of twinkling lights and large, festive decorations, entertainers, and special offerings from restaurants, shops, and partners. 

More Information

Holidays on Houston Cocktail Crawl

Holidays on Houston Cocktail Crawl

This self-guided tour runs through January 1

Join us on Houston Street throughout the month of December for the Holidays on Houston Cocktail Crawl! Enjoy signature holiday-themed libations at your favorite bars and restaurants on Houston Street through a self-guided bar crawl; just visit any participating bar and pick up a Cocktail Crawl map to get started!

Event Information

Holidays on Houston Street Market

Holidays on Houston Market

Friday, December 13 - Sunday, December 15
Houston Street between Jefferson and the Alamo

Experience a holiday market featuring carefully curated artisan crafts, delectable treats, candles, and clothing by local artists. Enjoy carolers, festive photo ops, and holiday lights in the sky as you explore all of the holiday magic that downtown San Antonio has to offer!

Event Information

Holidays on Houston Fun Run & 5K

Holidays on Houston Fun Run

Tuesday, December 17, registration required

The City of San Antonio presents the second annual Holidays on Houston Fun Run! Holidays on Houston brings nostalgic, holiday fun to historic downtown San Antonio throughout the holiday season with festive lights, family-friendly events, a holiday market, outdoor movies, and other activations. The Fun Run will showcase holiday lights on Houston Street.  

Event Information

San Antonio Coffee Festival Presents Hot Holidays on Houston Street

Hot Holidays on Houston Street Coffee Festival

Rescheduled to Friday, December 20, 5-9 p.m., purchase tickets

The San Antonio Coffee Festival introduces Hot Holidays on Houston Street, a new evening event celebrating the season’s favorite sips and treats. Houston Street in downtown San Antonio will be buzzing with holiday cheer attendees stroll along Houston Street from the historic Alameda Theater to the vibrant Frost Bank Promenade, enjoying holiday lights and sampling a curated collection of seasonal drinks.

Purchase Tickets

Travis Park Events

Rotary Ice Rink at Travis Park

Rotary Ice Rink at Travis Park

Open through January 5, 2025

The Rotary Ice Rink, presented by Valero, is back through January 5, 2025! Visit the coolest place in town and enjoy the festivities in Travis Park.

More Information

H-E-B Christmas Tree at Travis Park

Travis Park H-E-B Christmas Tree
Photo Credit: H-E-B Newsroom

Enjoy a spectacular holiday light display every evening through January 7, 2025

Adorned with more than 10,000 lights and custom-made ornaments, the tree is H-E-B’s gift to the city. Travis Park is decorated with holiday lights across the park. Affordable, nearby parking is available in the St. Mary's Garage, 205 E. Travis St.

More Information

Choose Joy! Holiday Yoga with Mobile Om

Travis Park Yoga

Tuesday, December 10, 6 p.m., FREE

Unroll your mat in the heart of downtown San Antonio for a JOY-ful and festive yoga flow beneath the twinkling holiday lights at Travis Park. Free parking after 5 p.m. in the St. Mary’s Garage for Downtown Tuesday.

Event Information

Market Square Events

Gran Tamalada

Market Square Gran Tamalada

Saturday, December 14 and Sunday, December 15, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., FREE

Join us at La Gran Tamalada for a cultural tradition at Historic Market Square hosted by La Familia Cortez Restaurant! At this family-friendly event, learn the history and traditions of tamales, enjoy storytelling, take photos with Pancho Claus, and Abuelita hot chocolate sampling and giveaways, and listen to live music!

Event Information

Holiday Crafts: Paint a Wreath

Market Square Paint a Wreath

Saturday, December 21, 1-2:30 p.m., FREE

Kids 12 and under are invited to unleash their creativity and design a festive wooden wreath to take home. All materials will be provided. Seating is limited; sign up online.

Event Information

Sign Up Online

Holiday Night Market

Market Square Holiday Banner

Saturday, December 21 and Sunday, December 22, 4-7 p.m., FREE

Celebrate the season and support local store owners at the Market Square Holiday Night Market. Browse 100+ local shops and vendors, offering unique gifts, handmade crafts, and delicious treats. Enjoy festive decor, live music, and holiday cheer in a family-friendly atmosphere.

Event Information

Market Square Weekend Programming

weekends at MS

Every Weekend in December; 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., FREE

Enjoy music, working artists, and food booths at Market Square every weekend! 

Event Information

The Pass at Market Square

The Pass at Market Square

Open daily from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., FREE

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. The Pass is free and open to the public daily from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Paid parking is available nearby in the Market Square Lot, 612 W. Commerce St. Guests can reserve sports equipment by contacting the Market Square Team at 210-207-8600.

The Pass at Market Square 

La Villita Events

La Villita Market Days

La Villita Market Days

Every Saturday, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., FREE

La Villita Market Days transforms Maverick Plaza into a vibrant, open-air marketplace featuring local artisans, craftspeople, and food vendors. Visitors to this free event will enjoy unique arts and crafts, cooking demonstrations, guest artists at work on their craft, live music and performing dance troupes. 

Event Information

Holiday in the Village

La Villita Holiday in the Village

Saturday, December 14, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m., FREE

You are invited to the annual Holiday in the Village for unique hand-crafted items, art, and jewelry created by local artists and artisans. There is something for everyone on your gift list! Enjoy holiday food options, live music, theater performances, gingerbread house workshop, cookie decorating, face painting, kids’ zone, letters to Santa, and more!

Event Information

Carols by Candlelight

Sunday, December 15, 5-8:30 p.m., FREE

Share in the Christmas spirit with the annual Carols by Candlelight hosted by Mission Point Christian Church. This free concert will highlight some of your favorite seasonal carols at the Arneson River Theatre.

Event Information

TubaMeister Holiday Concert

TubaMeister Holiday Concert
Photo Credit: Claudia Pegues Barlow 

Saturday, December 21, 12-1 p.m., FREE

Local favorites, the TubaMeisters, present their annual Christmas concert at the Arneson River Theatre featuring holiday tunes played by tuba, euphonium, and baritone horn players.

Event Information

Ricos River Rally

Ricos River Rally

Thursday, December 26, 5 p.m., FREE

The San Antonio River Walk plays host to college football’s most unique pep rally to celebrate the Valero Alamo Bowl. While the head coaches, team captains, and cheerleaders take part in a spirited pep rally at the Arneson River Theatre on the River Walk, the school bands and the rest of the players excite the crowd by making a grand entrance on river cruisers. 

Event Information

Chanukah on the River

Monday, December 30, 4-6 p.m., FREE

In celebration of Chanukah, the Chabad Center for Jewish Life and Learning hosts their annual Chanukah on the River event. This event will feature local entertainers, food and a lighting of a menorah at the Arneson River Theatre.

Event Information

Celebrate SA: San Antonio's Official New Year's Eve Celebration

Celebrate SA New Year's Eve Celebration

Tuesday, December 31, 6 p.m. - 12 a.m., FREE

Ring in the new year at Celebrate SA, the City’s official New Year’s Eve celebration in downtown produced by the San Antonio Parks Foundation and the City of San Antonio. Enjoy live music, carnival rides, food and drinks, and a fireworks show at midnight!

Event Information

Downtown Events

Rock 'n' Roll Running Series San Antonio

Rock 'n' Roll Marathon

Saturday, December 7 and Sunday, December 8
Registration required
View course maps

This December, immerse yourself in a vibrant and proud city with more than 300 years of history, and get a firsthand view of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Explore San Antonio's holiday magic, vibrant cultures, fresh new attractions, and one-of-a-kind food.

More Information

Street Closures

Noche Buena at Main Plaza

Main Plaza Noche Buena

Saturday, December 7, 4-9 p.m., FREE
Main Plaza, 115 N. Main Ave.

The Main Plaza Conservancy hosts its 14th Annual Noche Buena at Main Plaza, an enchanting evening at the Heart of the City™. Enjoy sweet treats, warm drinks, and the spirit of the season. Kids will get free hot chocolate and a free Christmas ornament decoration activity at the Main Plaza Conservancy booth while supplies last.

Event Information

Holiday Movies by Moonlight at Hemisfair

Hemisfair Holiday Movies by Moonlight

Tuesday, December 10 & 17, 6-9 p.m., FREE
Hemisfair Civic Park, 210 S. Alamo St.

Enjoy festive holiday movies during Holiday Movies By Moonlight at Hemisfair! Downtown Tuesday free parking is available after 5 p.m. at the S. Alamo St. Surface Lot (418 S. Alamo St.) and the Martinez St. Surface Lot (309 Martinez St.).

Event Information

Lunch Break on Houston Street

Lunch Break on Houston Street

Thursday, December 19, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Make your way to Houston Street for food trucks and music in front of the Majestic Theatre!

Event Information

Shop Small

La Villita Ad

New finds await at La Villita Historic Arts Village!

Located in the heart of downtown, La Villita offers over 15 unique boutiques, art galleries, and dining experiences. 

La Villita Website

Market Square Ad

Find everything you need at Historic Market Square!

With over 100 locally owned shops, you’ll find cultural curios, artifacts, hand-crafted leather goods, and a diverse collection of traditional apparel at Historic Market Square.

Market Square Website

Visit Centro de Artes at Historic Market Square!

Rolando Briseno Centro de Artes Exhibit

"Dining with Rolando Briseño: A 50 Year Retrospective" exhibit on display through February 9, 2025
FREE


The first retrospective devoted to 
Rolando Briseño and his prolific career dating back to 1966. Curated by Ruben Cordova, the exhibition features 75 work grouped into ten thematic sections featuring drawings, lithographs, paintings, photographs, and work in the public art space. The unifying focus of the exhibition is food – from the literal (tablescapes and dining habits) to the metaphorical (cultural mixing and the structure of the universe).

Centro de Artes Gallery, located in Historic Market Square, 101 S. Santa Rosa Ave.

Exhibit Information

More downtown events & updates

Visit San Antonio

centro logo

main plaza

San Antonio River Walk

The Alamo Logo

Hemisfair Logo

downtown in the news

1

Texas Public Radio

City of San Antonio offers downtown parking tips with the approach of the busy holiday season

2

KTSA

Downtown offering numerous ways to enjoy Christmas

3

KENS 5

Travis Park ice rink returns to downtown San Antonio this season

4

KSAT

Things to do in December

5

SATX Today

What to know about Holidays on Houston Street

On the move header

Sign up for downtown street closure notices by subscribing to
our newsletter. View a complete list of street closures.

Downtown Street Closure Website

VIA Link

Getting around downtown is now easier with VIA Link! It’s only $1.30 per ride in its newest downtown zone.

More Information

Downtown Parking Map

Visit our map to check rates, directions, accessibility, and EV charging stations at City of San Antonio public parking garages & lots near you.

Parking Map Link

Downtown Tuesday offers FREE parking in city-operated meters, lots, and garages, on Tuesdays from 5 p.m. - 2 a.m.

Note: Free parking is suspended in the Houston Street Garage on Majestic Theatre show nights. With the exception of major Broadway shows and sold-out performances, free parking is available on most Majestic Theatre show nights in the nearby St. Mary’s Garage, 205 E. Travis St.

(Some exclusions apply. Please check the Downtown Tuesday website for more information.)
 

Downtown Tuesday Website

City Tower Sundays

Free Parking at City Tower on Sundays!

City Tower Sundays offers free parking on Sundays from 7 a.m. to midnight at the City Tower Garage located at 60 N. Flores St. Entrances to the garage are on Main Street and Flores Street. For directions, please view our parking map. For more information and additional affordable parking opportunities, visit our SAPark website.

(City Tower Garage Only)
 

City Tower Sunday Website

 

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