Christmas and the Holidays are here, and San Antonio is coming alive with music, lights, and celebrations! This holiday season is the most wonderful, colorful, and creative time of the year! My favorite Christmas memories were those made right here in San Antonio! The Holidays are a time for enjoying family traditions and cultivating new rituals with loved ones and friends. What I love most about this beautiful season is the music and food, helping others, and genuinely remembering the meaning of these significant days. I have created a spectacular list of Christmas events to enjoy with your family and friends.
I still go every year! “Holiday Lights on the Riverwalk” never fails to bring me joy, and the Spirit of Christmas shines bright all around me. Over 100,000 multicolored twinkling lights adorn the towering bald cypress trees and bridges along the waterway, transforming it into a winter wonderland. Locals and visitors can casually stroll up and down the river enjoying the carolers in their lit-up barges while eating delicious food, sharing wine, and reveling in camaraderie at a few favorite spots: Boudro’s, Biga, or On the Bend Oyster Bar. From November 30 through December 23rd, groups can hop on a river barge and sing their hearts out as they wind down the San Antonio River, enjoying an authentic holiday caroling experience. A Riverwalk Christmas is truly magical! www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com November 24, 2023 – January 7, 2024
Latin Grammy nominees Jose Hernandez and his world-renowned Mariachi Sol de Mexico bring “Merry-achi Christmas” to the Tobin Center on December 21. The Mariachis will perform the most fun & joyful Christmas and Latino music for young and old fans! www.tobin center.org
Santa’s Railroad Wonderland is an extravaganza of Christmas joy, including train rides! They decorate every area of the museum, from the historic depot, the trains, the garden railroad, and everything else in between. Grab some hot chocolate and the kids! Santa will be visiting from the North Pole; snow is predicted this year!! www.texastransportationmuseum.org December 2,3,9,10,16,17.
The beloved family tradition is back at the Majestic Theatre: The Nutcracker! A Magical Christmas Ballet is about a girl’s Christmas adventure with a nutcracker doll who becomes a prince in the Land of Sweets. Be transported by the magic of jaw-dropping acrobatics, larger-than-life puppets, and stunning handcrafted costumes! www.theatresanantonio.org December 8-9
Sarah Brightman-A Christmas Symphony at the Majestic Theatre is the world’s biggest selling soprano and legendary Grammy Award nominated artist. Accompanied by orchestra, choir, and special guests, this magical holiday show will feature Sarah performing her holiday classics and greatest hits. “A voice so angelic sounding it literally takes you to a higher power.” www.theatresanantonio.org December 23
The Heart of Texas Concert Band presents “A Crystal Christmas,” accompanied by the Dianne Brumley Chorale and The River City Ringers at Trinity Baptist Church on December 17th. Dr. Mark Rogers is the founding conductor of the 80-piece volunteer community band, the Heart of Texas Concert Band, which has performed over 140 free concerts in the San Antonio area. The San Antonio Report considers it the “Best kept musical secret in town!” heartoftexasconcertband.org December 17th
Lace up your ice skates and head to the coolest place in town, the Rotary Ice Rink at Travis Park in downtown San Antonio. Nearly 200,000 people have enjoyed this 5,000-square-foot ice rink that will be opening the Friday before Thanksgiving. This is the city’s most welcoming, playful, and prosperous place! www.rotaryicerink.com November 17, 2023 – January 15, 2024
Here are some of the best places to see Christmas lights in San Antonio. It is truly one of the best Christmas towns in Texas!
San Antonio Zoo Lights is a great place to visit during the holidays. The Zoo Lights event features over two million dazzling lights, festive music, and whimsical displays. You can walk through the illuminated zoo and see the animals in a new light! www.sazoo.org November 18 to December 31st.
Seaworld’s Christmas is the largest Holiday Celebration of Lights in Texas. The winter wonderland of millions of twinkling lights, Christmas shows, festive foods, and thrilling rides down snow hills is a blast for the whole family! www.seaworld.com November 9, 2023 to January 2, 2024
Visit nearby Boerne for Christmas on the Ranch. Don Strange Ranch is known for its month-long holiday light show. The Ranch boasts over 4 million twinkling lights, and visitors drive through dozens of impressive movable displays. www.donstrange.com November 27 to December 24
The Christmas season is a time of joy, love, and giving. It’s a time to cherish the company of loved ones, reflect on the year that has passed, and look forward to the new year with hope and optimism!
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from all of us at RE Newsline!
