Growing up in Michigan where it feels like Christmas because of snow and cold weather always made it easier for me to celebrate Christmas. I mean putting up my Christmas tree here in San Antonio doesn’t really scream Christmas to me. But did you know there are so many things to do in and around San Antonio that really put you in the Christmas spirit? After losing my best friend this year, I rallied my friends and told them we needed to do all the things. We found these 25 festive San Antonio Christmas Ideas. Follow along on my Instagram to see how many of them we were able to go do.

1. Zoo Lights 

My first job out of college was working for the San Antonio Zoo. I will always have a special place in my heart for this amazing zoo. Did you know I got married at the San Antonio Zoo? That’s right, so as I said, it will always have a special place in my heart. Back when I worked there we didn’t do Zoo Lights, but I sure wish we would have, I would have been completely involved in it. This is one of my #1 things to do during the holidays, and I highly recommend this festive event.

For more information like times and ticket prices, check out this link – Zoo Lights.

2. Ice Skating In San Antonio

I have been ice skating ever since I was a little kid. Growing up on a lake in Michigan allowed me to just walk down the hill and shovel the snow off of a square on the ice. I had my own skates and could go have fun anytime I wanted. Though I will say, it’s not like riding a bike. As you get older, the ability to skate around that ice is not as easy as it use to be. 

There are 2 Locations in San Antonio where you can ice skate. I’ve only skated at one of them, and the skating rink at Travis Park only happens during the holidays. Click on the links for times and prices.

Ice & Golf Center at Northwoods – 17530 Henderson Pass, San Antonio, TX 78232 

Rotary Ice Rink at Travis Park – 300 E Travis St, San Antonio, TX 78205

3. Holiday Lights On The San Antonio Riverwalk

Ok, so I won’t lie, I don’t go to the San Antonio Riverwalk as much as I should. Traffic and I don’t get along, and I live a good 20 – 30 minutes from downtown. But when the Christmas lights go on at the Riverwalk, I do make the trek downtown to see them. They are so beautiful, and the festive feel of strolling the riverwalk and enjoying all the Christmas feels really helps get you in the holiday spirit.

The Holiday lights on the Riverwalk begin the day after Thanksgiving and go until January 9th this year. There is no cost, but I do recommend either taking a ride service or carpooling with friends as parking can get pricy downtown.

4. Dickens On Main In Boerne Texas

I was asked to create some fun crafts for Dickens on Main in Boerne Texas a few years ago. When I lived in Boerne over 20 years ago, I didn’t even know this event existed, maybe it didn’t. But this is definitely a must-attend event for the holidays.

Unfortunately, the Dickens On Main event is already over for 2022, it was November 25th and 26th, but this is definitely one to add for next year. For more information about Dickens On Main, please check out the website. 

5. The Hill Country Mile In Boerne Texas

Speaking of Boerne Texas, my gal pals and I love to head out to Boerne for the holidays. We are actually having our Christmas lunch in Boerne this year, and strolling down the “Hill Country Mile“ and visiting all the beautiful shops will definitely put you in the holiday spirit. There are many events throughout the month of December like Weihnachts Weekend and A Toast to Olde Town, be sure to check out the website for all of the event dates and times.

6. Shopping and Wine in Fredericksburg 

The Hill Country in Texas has so much to offer, especially around the holidays. Another favorite place of mine to visit during the Christmas season is Fredericksburg, TX. The shopping and wine are enough to bring anyone to this beautiful town during the year, but during the holidays, you really feel like you have stepped back into a German town with all the decorations and yummy food. They have many festivals and events just like the other small towns around San Antonio. For more information, check out these links. Christmas In Fredericksburg Events and More.

7. Christmas Lights In Windcrest

The Windcrest area of San Antonio has always been known as the neighborhood to drive through during Christmas. Some of the residents have even won contests for their Holiday Light Creations. Be prepared to wait in line in your car, and pack your patience, this is not a quick drive. Grab some hot chocolate and enjoy this San Antonio family tradition. Check out this article on the Windcrest neighborhood lights.

8. Ratama Park – Holiday Light Park

I have never driven through this event, though I have driven by it many times. The website says it is open every night, so it definitely hat to be included in the 25 festive San Antonio Christmas ideas for this holiday season. The price for entry isn’t horrible at only $39 for the whole car. They also have add-ons like munchies, light wants, and fun glasses. For more information check out the link at The Light Park.

 

9. Christmas In Blanco Texas

Blanco Texas is pretty close to where I live. It might be a 30-minute drive in bad traffic. I like to visit this beautiful town quite often, but this was the first time I went during Christmas. If you read my post about Blanco TX, then you know we love the BBQ there, but what is their Christmas like? I can’t wait to head out there on the 17th of December to check out the Lighted Holiday Parade.

Related – Blanco Texas Road Trip

10. Christmas In Lampasas Texas 

I drive through Lampasas Texas every time I head north. Located right off of HWY 281, it’s always a great place to stop for something to eat, and to get gas. But I had no idea this Texas town had so much to offer especially around the holidays. Click on their website for a list with dates for the Lampasas Texas holiday events.

11. Natural Bridge Christmas at the Caverns 

Natural Bridge Caverns and Wildlife Ranch have always been great places to get out and explore. I was invited to check out their Christmas in the Caverns this year, and wow, just wow.

We were given a 4 pack of the Jingle All The Way package which included all these amazing experiences:

• the caroling in the cavern tour,
• access to the grounds and our walking trail of lights,
• access to our Twisted Trails Ropes and Zip Rail course,
• and our maze where you have to find Santa’s lost reindeer! 

12. Finding The Best Tamales

This was more a labor of love. You see growing up in Michigan, we barely had a place that served tacos. But I had never heard of tamales. These yummy corn treats of goodness were introduced to me the first year I lived in San Antonio, and oh my gosh, I was addicted instantly. Even though I have a few friends that own some of the most amazing restaurants in San Antonio, and they all make wonderful tamales, I wanted to make sure I wasn’t missing out. So I set out to find the best tamales in San Antonio. I will continue to add to this list and I hope you get out there and find your favorite holiday food.

Los Barrios/La Hacienda 

Las Palapas

Delicious Tamales

Delia’s

13. Lightscape at Botanical Gardens

If you are looking for one of the most beautiful places to see Christmas lights, head over to the Lightscape at the San Antonio Botanical Gardens. The Lightscape event is spectacular. From November 11th – January 8th the Botanical Garden exhibits over one million lights and displays. There is also festive food, s’mores, and drinks. And if you have time, stop by one of my favorite chef friends’ restaurants Jarden by Jason Dady. Also, be sure to plan ahead, there will be a line, and entries happen every 15 minutes. For all the times and prices click on their website above.

14. Six Flags Holiday in the Park

My first visit to Six Flags Fiesta Texas was the grand opening where we rode the “Rattler” before all the safety changes were made. I continued to visit Six Flags with my son once he was old enough. Now that I am an empty nester, I don’t get to visit this amazing amusement park as much as I would like to. But when it’s Christmas at Fiesta Texas, you have to go. They don’t disappoint with their decorations, food, amazing shows, and sleigh rides. For all the information, including times and ticket prices, check out their website.

15. Enchanted Springs Ranch Old West Christmas Light Fest

Located in Boerne Texas is one of the most fun holiday attractions. Old West Christmas Light Fest is an outdoor festival filled with family-friendly activities and entertainment. From photos with Santa Claus to food, drink, live music, and more. Click on the website for dates and times, and of course cost and more information on this amazing Christmas time attraction.

16. Johnson City Texas Christmas

Johnson City Texas is one of those towns that most people just drive through and don’t even realize how much it has to offer. There are wineries, bars, restaurants, and a few cute shops that are must-go-to places. We love to drive out there on a Saturday for lunch and a great time. Known as the Twinkliest Town In Texas, Johnson City really light things up for Christmas. The Courthouse alone has over a million lights and can be seen from space. Check out their website for more information.

17. Holidays in Gruene Texas

Gruene Texas used to be known as the place to go for some down-home live music at Gruene Hall. Well, it’s still known as that, but it also has so much more to offer. There are shops, wineries, and amazing restaurants to check out. Not to mention one of my favorite wineries The Grapevine.

18. Jolli Holiday Painting

Getting the girls together and heading over to Painting With A Twist is a perfect way to celebrate the holidays. You can even bring your own wine to drink while you paint. They have numerous paintings and dates to choose from throughout the whole month of December. Just click on the link above for all the information.

19. Ho Ho Holiday Pottery Event At Throwin Gold Ceramics

A dear friend of mine shared this fun family event with me. Her brother and his wife own Throwin Gold Ceramics on Gulfdale and they are hosting the Ho Ho Holiday Pottery Event.