10 Holiday Traditions in San Antonio

Guest blogger: Sara Rose, a passionate writer and linguist with a tea obsession.

San Antonio never fails to provide events filled with joy and cheer during the holidays. This year is no different. Here are ten ways you can celebrate the holiday in San Antonio.

Enjoy an evening at the theatre

The 3rd annual Magik Theatre production of A Charlie Brown Christmas is taking place this year at the Empire Theatre from December 23rd through the 30th, and the Majestic Theatre is hosting Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker on the 26th and 27th. Share some fond memories and relive these holiday classic this Christmas.

Majestic Theatre Tickets: https://www.ticketmaster.com/venue/475256

Empire Theatre Tickets: https://www.ticketmaster.com/venue/475421

Help your kids put on a show

The Magik Performing Arts Center (MPAC) has holiday workshops this year for kids ages 5-11. Whether it’s holiday comedy or imagining and exploring winter scenes, beginning and intermediate actors will find something to enjoy. Workshops are on December 27th, 28th, and 29th from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the MPAC, space is limited.

http://www.magiktheatre.org/classes-camps/mini-camps/

Spend an evening at the San Antonio Zoo

Through December 31st, the San Antonio zoo is hosting another year of Zoo Lights. The lights come on at 5:00 PM, bringing holiday cheer to guests and animals alike. There will be ice skating at Polar Point, camel rides, and cookies with Mrs. Claus! The bright lights of the season are prominently featured in the light installment on Reindeer Row and at the Lakeside Lightshow, beginning at 6:00 PM. Bring family or friends on a festive night-walk through the zoo.  

Enjoy a walk outdoors

Check out Holidays in Bloom at the San Antonio Botanical Gardens for a peaceful afternoon outdoors. Bright ribbons and other holiday decorations line the walk, and getting in touch with nature is a perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit. Holiday decorations will be up through December 31st.

Get hyped for the Alamo Bowl

This year’s 25th annual Alamo Bowl is December 28th, but the party starts early. For those whose seasonal celebrations involve sports, Rudy’s Bar-B-Q will be holding a pep rally on December 26th at the Arneson River Theatre, complete with live performances beginning at 2:55 PM and the official pep rally at 5:00 PM. Then, don’t miss the game starting at 8:00 PM, as TCU takes on Stanford!

Take a stroll down the San Antonio Riverwalk

For almost 50 years, the Riverwalk has featured seasonal lights to celebrate the holidays. The walk features 122,000 lights which brighten up the path from 5:30 PM to 6:30 AM through January 7th, on the Downtown portion of the Riverwalk. The walk could be a nice addition to a holiday date or a family dinner. Boat rides are also available via GO RIO River Cruises.

Celebrate Christmas with Sea World

SeaWorld has decked its halls for the holiday season with 250 acres of lights around the park. There are designated selfie spots for making memories, and opportunities to meet or dine with Rudolph and Friends or even Santa and Mrs. Claus.  The holiday event will continue through January 2nd.

Join the holiday fun at Six Flags San Antonio

Six Flags is hosting Holiday in the Park. The character meet-and-greets will feature holiday scarves and the Rockville Christmas Tree, which will be lit until January 7th.  The park will also have a fireworks display at 10:00 PM on December 31st in celebration of the New Year. The park will feature light displays and live performances. Don’t forget the S’mores fire pits and holiday funnel cakes.

Countdown to the New Year at the DoSeum

For kids of all ages, the DoSeum is hosting a New Year’s event on December 31st from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. This Safari-themed countdown will feature exciting events including a scavenger hunt and face-painting. The main event will be the New Years Countdown, featuring a ball drop at noon to “ROAR” in the New Year.

Celebrate the start of San Antonio’s Tricentennial

Start the 300th year of San Antonio with friends and family in San Antonio’s Downtown on December 31st beginning at 4:00 PM. The festival grounds and Downtown will feature “[r]oaming performers, interactive art installations, projections on buildings, imaginative lighting and festive decorations,” and an outdoor concert with free general admission featuring live music from performers like REO Speedwagon, Sam Riggs, Pat Benatar, and Selena tribute band Bidi Bidi Banda. The finale for the event will be a midnight fireworks show set to music composed in honor of San Antonio’s Tricentennial.