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Free Holiday Events in Downtown San Antonio
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Celebrate the holidays in downtown San Antonio! Enjoy free, family-friendly events, and shop for one-of-a-kind holiday gifts for loved ones while supporting local small businesses at Market Square and La Villita.
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Holiday Lights on the River Walk
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| Through January 11, 2026 (dusk); FREE
We invite you to experience the spectacular display of over 200,000 lights draped over the towering bald cypress trees that line the River Walk. Visiting the River Walk to enjoy the spectacular holiday lights is free. The River Walk is a public park and is open every day of the year, 24-hours a day.
More Information
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La Villita Historic Arts Village Events
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Give the Gift of Local Artistry This Holiday Season at La Villita Historic Arts Village!
Located in the heart of downtown, La Villita offers over 15 unique boutiques, art galleries, and dining experiences. Give local this holiday season! Shop handcrafted gifts and festive finds at La Villita, where every purchase supports San Antonio’s small, independent businesses.
La Villita Website
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| Holiday in the Village
December 12-14: 2-4 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Saturday; 2-4 p.m. Sunday; FREE
Location: La Villita Historic Arts Village, Maverick Plaza, 418 Villita St.
Celebrate the holiday season at the 2nd Annual Holiday in the Village at La Villita, a free, family-friendly event transforming Maverick Plaza into a winter wonderland. Guests can explore life-sized Alsatian-style holiday structures created by St. Philip’s College students, meet Santa by his giant sleigh amid falling snow, and enjoy festive activities including cookie decorating, tamale-making with Chef Johnny Hernandez, piñata workshops, and a gingerbread competition featuring student culinary teams. The event also features a holiday market, seasonal treats, hot cocoa, and live performances throughout the historic village.
More Information
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| TubaMeisters Christmas Concert
Saturday, December 20, 12 p.m.; FREE
Location: La Villita Historic Arts Village, Arneson River Theatre, 418 Villita St.
Local favorites, the TubaMeisters, present their annual Christmas concert at the Arneson River Theatre featuring holiday tunes played by tuba, euphonium, and baritone horn players.
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| Chanukah on the River
Sunday, December 21, 3:30 p.m.; FREE
Location: La Villita Historic Arts Village, Arneson River Theatre, 418 Villita St.
In celebration of Chanukah, the Chabad Center for Jewish Life and Learning hosts their annual Chanukah on the River event. This event will feature local entertainers, food, and a lighting of a menorah at the Arneson River Theatre.
More Information
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| Ricos River Rally
Sunday, December 28, 5 p.m.; FREE
Location: La Villita Historic Arts Village, Arneson River Theatre, 418 Villita St.
The San Antonio River Walk plays host to college football’s most unique pep rally to celebrate the Valero Alamo Bowl. While the head coaches, team captains, and cheerleaders take part in a spirited pep rally at the Arneson River Theatre on the River Walk, the school bands and the rest of the players excite the crowd by making a grand entrance on river cruisers.
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| Celebrate SA: San Antonio's Official New Year's Eve Celebration
Wednesday, December 31, 6 p.m. - midnight; FREE
Location: La Villita Historic Arts Village, 418 Villita St.
Ring in the new year at Celebrate SA, the City’s official New Year’s Eve celebration in downtown produced by the San Antonio Parks Foundation and the City. Enjoy live music, carnival rides, food and drinks, and a fireworks show at midnight.
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Historic Market Square Events
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Unwrap Culture & Creativity At Historic Market Square This Holiday Season!
Step into the heart of San Antonio’s culture and community with over 100 locally owned shops. From handcrafted leather goods and traditional apparel to unique cultural treasures, Historic Market Square is your one-stop destination for unique holiday gifts that support local small businesses.
Market Square Website
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| La Gran Tamalada
Saturday, December 13 & Sunday December 14, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; FREE
Location: Historic Market Square, 514 W. Commerce St.
La Gran Tamalada is an annual cultural tradition at Historic Market Square hosted by La Familia Cortez Restaurants. At this family-friendly event, learn the history and traditions of tamales, enjoy storytelling, take photos with Pancho Claus, and listen to live music.
More Information
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| Market Square Weekends: Live Performances, Local Eats & Art in Action
Every weekend in December, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; FREE
Location: Historic Market Square, 514 W. Commerce St.
Enjoy music, working artists, and food booths at Market Square every weekend!
More Information
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| The Pass at Market Square
Open daily 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; FREE
Location: 612 W. Commerce St.
The Pass at Market Square is a recreation area located at the IH-35 elevated highway underpass between Dolorosa and Commerce streets. It features a family-friendly recreation area that includes a basketball court, ping pong tables, swing chairs and tables, murals, and more.
More Information
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| H-E-B Christmas Tree
Through January 6, 2026; FREE
Location: Travis Park, 301 E. Travis St.
Enjoy a spectacular holiday light display every evening through January 6. Adorned with more than 10,000 lights and custom-made ornaments, the 50-foot tree is H-E-B’s gift to the city. Nearby affordable parking is available in the City-owned St. Mary’s Garage, 205 E. Travis St.
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| Travis Park Christmas Tree Farm
Open through December 23
Location: Travis Park, 301 E. Travis St.
Find the perfect Christmas tree at Travis Park’s Christmas tree farm! Travis Park is bringing holiday cheer to downtown San Antonio with a festive Christmas tree lot, presented in partnership with Centro and Holiday Hills Christmas Trees. Visitors can browse and purchase fresh-cut Christmas trees, garlands, and wreaths, perfect for adding seasonal charm to homes and businesses. Delivery is available.
More Information
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Holidays on Houston Street
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| Downtown San Antonio sparkles this holiday season with the return of Holidays on Houston Street, San Antonio's new downtown tradition. This year’s celebration is bigger, brighter, and more immersive than ever! From special events and dazzling décor to magical moments designed for all ages, downtown comes alive with holiday cheer.
Featured event:
- Holidays on Houston Street Market, Friday, December 12 – Sunday, December 14
More Information
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| Downtown can get busy, so make a plan! Visitors are strongly encouraged to plan ahead and arrive early to downtown events to avoid expected disruptions related to traffic and construction projects.
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Leave Early and Plan Ahead – Expect heavy traffic on busy event weekends. Plan to leave early and be sure to consult a navigation app, such as Google Maps or Waze, to find the best route to your destination.
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Take Public Transportation – Find nearby VIA Metropolitan Transit routes by visiting Google Maps and selecting the public transport option. VIA also offers its Link ride-sharing service for $1.30 a ride within its downtown service area zone and Park & Ride for certain large events. For more details, visit VIA’s website.
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Use Ride Share or Taxis – Using these services avoids traffic congestion and keeps you and those around you safe from traffic accidents.
Know Before You Go Downtown Website
Downtown Street Closure Website
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| We've got your spot!
The City of San Antonio offers convenient and affordable parking at its parking garages and lots. The St. Mary’s Garage (205 E. Travis St.) and the City Tower Garage (60 N. Flores St.) are located just steps from the River Walk, Houston Street and Travis Park, and they generally have many public parking spaces available. Note that event parking rates (up to $15 at City parking facilities) may be in effect at some parking facilities during busy event weekends.
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A map showing a full list of City-owned garages and lots can be found on the City’s SAPark website.
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Downtown Tuesday offers free parking at city-operated parking garages, parking lots and parking meters every Tuesday evening from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.
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City Tower Sundays offers free parking on Sundays from 7 a.m. to midnight in the City Tower Garage (60 N. Flores St.).
Parking Map
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Click map to enlarge.
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Visit our downtown partner websites to view a list of their upcoming events.
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Share Your Thoughts on the River Walk
The City of San Antonio wants to know what you think about the River Walk. Your feedback will help us make it even better in the future. The survey takes less than four minutes and is open until 5 p.m. on Jan. 31, 2026.
Take the Survey
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VIA Link Downtown
Getting around downtown is now easier with VIA Link! VIA Downtown Link is an on-demand ride-sharing service that's only $1.30 per trip. VIA Downtown Link is your affordable, convenient way to explore all of downtown!
More Information
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Centro de Artes Gallery
Centro de Artes Gallery, located at Historic Market Square, is an institution dedicated to telling the story of the Latino experience in the U.S. with a focus on South Texas through local and regional art, history and culture, and a commitment to showcase the transnational experience of Latinos in the U.S. Learn more about current exhibitions.
More Information
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Visit San Antonio App
Plan your perfect San Antonio getaway (or stay-cation!) with the Visit San Antonio App! Download the app now to check the best the Alamo city has to offer. Explore top attractions, events and things to do.
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