If you are looking to get out of town for this year’s Christmas season, Texas has so many great cities you can visit. San Antonio is among the most interesting.
San Antonio is a major city located in south central Texas. It is home to the Alamo, an 18th century Spanish monument preserved as a museum. Its Riverwalk lines the San Antonio River and is full of shops and cafes. As an added bonus, temperatures rarely get into the freezing range making it the perfect escape from the cold.
If you are thinking of visiting San Antonio this Christmas, there are so many things to see and do. Here are a few you will want to check out.
Sea World Christmas Celebration
San Antonio is fortunate enough to have its own Sea World location. Guests can visit to ride the rides, enjoy the entertainment and get an up-close look at the animals.
Sea World is especially fun to visit at Christmas time. The Park is lit up from mid-November through early January. It transforms into a watery winter wonderland with seasonal shows, festive foods, visits from Santa and more.
Six Flags Fiesta Texas Holiday in the Park
The city is also home to its very own Six Flags. The Park has a variety of rides including thrill rides, family rides, kids rides, water rides and more. It also hosts fantastic shows and has terrific shops and restaurants.
During the Christmas season, the park is illuminated with millions of twinkling lights. Guests can enjoy holiday performances and visits from Santa. They can ride on the Holiday Express Train through Fiesta Texas while checking out whimsical Yuletide scenes. Sing along and take photos with the animated caroling family, the Singing Saps as they perform all the holiday classics.
One show you won’t want to miss is the Majesty of Christmas. This holiday spectacular features a reenactment of the Nativity scene including musical performances by Mary and Joseph and a manger surrounded by live animals.
Christmas at the Caverns
The Natural Bridge Caverns are a natural attraction buried beneath the earth’s surface. Visitors can check out the structures formed by single drops of water over time. There are several tours available as well as surface attractions like climbing trails, rope courses, mazes and eating and shopping.
The Caverns host a Christmas at the Caverns experience that takes place on select dates in December. It includes:
Caroling in the Caverns: Guests can take the 75-minute three quarter mile trek to check out the choirs and professional singers performing seasonal tunes that echo throughout the cavern.
Christmas Village: Hill Country Town is transformed into a wonderland of lights that fill visitors with the magic of the season. Take a picture beneath the 30 foot fully decorated tree, shop for special gifts, indulge in treats and enjoy a musical light show.
Country Christmas Hayride: The hayride takes riders through a historic Texas Hill Country ranch filled with Christmas scenes and light displays. The ride starts at Christmas Village and ends at a campfire where guests can enjoy hot chocolate and s’mores.
AMAZEn Reindeer Roundup: Participants will have to find Santa’s reindeer, so they are ready for Christmas Eve. The search will take them through a maze decorated with lights and holiday banners.
Canopy Challenge and Zip Lines: These three activities provide an outdoor adventure experience that is even more special at Christmas time when they are lit up for the season. The first is the Canopy Explorer where participants will have 30 minutes to grapple their way to the top of a four tier, 47 obstacle adventure course. There is also a Canopy Kids Course for younger children. Then check out the zip line that will take you above Texas Hill County for elevated view of the Christmas Village below.
Valero Alamo Bowl
This football game typically takes place just after Christmas at the Alamodome in San Antonio. Sports lovers will not want to miss out.
Holiday Lights on the River Walk
The River Walk is a public park that lines the San Antonio River. From mid-November to mid-February, it’s decked out with over 100,000 lights that drape over the bald cypress trees that run along the walk. The lights are a gift from the San Antonio River Walk Association and the City of San Antonio and are completely free to enjoy.
There are many events that are part of Holiday Lights on the River Walk. One is the Ford Fiesta de las Luminarias. This century old tradition takes place weekends in December. Visitors can walk along guided by more than 2000 luminarias; traditional Mexican Christmas lanterns the feature a candle set inside a small bag.
Ford Holiday Boat Caroling is also part of the Holiday Lights Experience. Boats float along the river carrying different groups including students, church and nonprofit workers, civic workers and more. The public is invited to stroll by the river or sit at a local café while enjoying the seasonal carols.
Holiday Shopping
San Antonio is a fantastic destination for holiday shopping. If you are working on your gift list, here are some centers you will want to visit:
- The Shops at La Cantera
- La Villita Historic Arts Village
- Market Square
- North Star Mall
- Shops at Rivercenter
- SAS Shoe Factory and General Store
- The Alley on Bitters
San Antonio is a great city to see and be seen during the holiday season. There are so many events and attractions to enjoy. Which of these activities will you be experiencing when you visit?
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