San Antonio Launches New Holiday Tradition for 2023

San Antonio is ushering in this holiday season with a new event–Holidays on Houston Street— that is destined to become a heartwarming tradition.

Holidays on Houston Street kicked off Thanksgiving weekend creating a flurry of fun for visitors with more than five blocks festooned with twinkling lights and adorned with larger-than-life decorations. From Legacy Park to the Alamo, there will be strolling entertainment coupled with special offerings from restaurants, shops and services throughout the holiday season.

The inaugural event recalls memories of Christmas past with a charming European Christkindlmarket taking place December 15-17. A Taste of Holidays on Houston, taking place December 12, features a multi-faceted culinary scene with a block-long communal table of flavors where participants can enjoy dinner under the holiday lights.

Other holiday happenings include:

Rotary Ice Rink at Travis Park will be open through January 15.

Legacy Park will be the backdrop for watching outdoor holiday movies every Friday night in December. Bring a chair, blanket and loved ones (including leashed pets).

Alamo Lights take place after hours through January 2 on the grounds of the historic Alamo with festive lights that illuminate the gardens coupled with an array of holiday décor.

Holiday lights along the famed River Walk will remain on from dusk to dawn through January 7. More than 100,000 lights are draped from the towering bald cypress trees that line this San Antonio landmark.

Lightscape returns to San Antonio Botanical Garden for a third year and will take place on select evenings through January 1. The outdoor illuminated trail includes stunning holiday installations from around the globe set to seasonal music along an enchanting one-mile winding path.

The centuries-old Historic Market Square will feature an array of holiday activities on weekends, including the Blessing of the Animals on December 2.

The San Antonio Zoo will be transformed into a winter wonderland with Zoo Lights. Taking place through December 31, guests can embark on a joyous journey aboard the Polar Express featuring songs of the season. There’s also the Cowboy’s Yuletide Trail featuring thousands of twinkling lights and a magical atmosphere. There’s also the Polar Playgroundfor the young and the young at heart.

Jingle all the way to the Holiday Night Markets, taking place on select nights at the historic Pearl District. More than 60 local vendors and artisans are available to browse and shop with holiday carols and visits with Santa.