Travel Tales
San Antonio Sparkles During the Holidays
San Antonio is clearly one of the stars of Texas. It blends history with modern attractions, one-of-a-kind events, and some of the best restaurants in the state. This is a must-visit city, but especially during Christmas. So, pack your bags for some big holiday fun. Here are a few of my top picks.
Holidays on Houston Street Market is a new Christmas festival back for the second year. This is San Antonio’s rendition of a European Christmas Market, and it arrives December 13-15, 2024. Last year, I attended the very first Holidays on Houston Street Market, which was fabulous! We enjoyed curated artisan crafts, delicious holiday food and drinks, Christmas Carolers' music, and strolling entertainers. San Antonio was sparkling with thousands of twinkling Christmas lights and festive decorations. This unique Christmas event covers over five blocks of Houston Street all the way to the Alamo. It could not be more beautiful with all the holiday festivities' sights, smells, and sounds.
You don’t need to go to Europe to see the Christmas markets; you can have the same experience but much closer heading south to San Antonio. Here are all the details for this special weekend:
December 13-15, 2024: San Antonio Holidays on Houston Street.
- Visitors and residents will step into a charming market right in the heart of Downtown San Antonio at the Holidays on Houston Street Market, where around 30 vendors will offer a curated selection of gifts, including artisan crafts, delectable treats, candles and locally made clothing.
- The Houston Street Experiential Lounge will elevate the market experience. Here, visitors can enjoy delicious holiday food and drinks while also picking up experience-based gifts from various San Antonio attractions.
- Holiday Lights in the Sky will captivate everyone as multiple-minute drone shows, choreographed to holiday music, light up the evening sky. The shows will take place every day this weekend at 7:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m., and 9:00 p.m.
While in downtown San Antonio, be sure to stop by the historic San Fernando Cathedral. This beautiful cathedral is one of the oldest in Texas and the oldest continuously operating cathedral in the United States. It is a major part of the city’s religious and cultural heritage. Every evening, you can experience an awe-inspiring video art projection called “The Saga,” which shares the story of the land, people, battles, water, the development of San Antonio, the Lone Star State, and United States history. This 24-minute journey of artistic projection covers 7,000 square feet, which is the entire majestic façade of the San Fernando Cathedral. The Saga will fill your senses and imagination with music, light, color, and visual narration. It is free and runs every half hour.
Of course, the legendary San Antonio River Walk is always special and absolutely magical during the holidays. This famous landmark is iconic and features vibrant culture, captivating history, and endless charm. At Christmas, a spectacular display of over 100,000 colorful lights hangs throughout the massive cypress trees that line the River Walk. There are countless shops, cafes, and restaurant options along the bank of the River Walk. Or you can try a dinner cruise as we did with Go Rio. It's now one of our favorite and most memorable dining experiences.
The Omni La Mansion del Rio Hotel is a perfect place to stay in downtown San Antonio during the holidays. It’s nestled along the historic River Walk and blends Spanish colonial architecture and European style for an unforgettable retreat. Ideally situated, you can easily explore all of San Antonio’s extensive range of tourist attractions. The Spanish Colonial style offers distinctive charm with beamed ceilings, exposed brick walls, marble baths, and modern conveniences. Our room featured a balcony with sweeping views of the River Walk, while others offer views of the pool and lush courtyard. The hotel’s luxury guest rooms and suites celebrate the romance and history of the River Walk in picturesque San Antonio.
What a great way to celebrate and kick off the Christmas holidays! Pack your excitement and prepare for an experience that will leave you breathless. San Antonio is your passport to an unforgettable holiday experience.
Visit San Antonio, Texas | The Best San Antonio Experiences
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