'Tis the season for holiday shopping.
It can be challenge for many people to find that one-of-a-kind gift for that special person. But San Antonio's holiday markets are filled with unique "puro San Antonio” gift ideas.
The city also offers several holiday-themed events for people to enjoy, and they may offer some additional inspiration to shoppers trying to find that truly unique and perfect gift item.
Through Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025
Event: Holidays on Houston Street
Host: Houston Street from Legacy Park to the Alamo
Where: Several events will take place in downtown San Antonio along Houston Street.
Activities: There will be twinkling lights, large, festive decorations, entertainers, and special offerings from restaurants, shops, and partners.
Featured events include:
- Holidays on Houston Cocktail Crawl, through Jan. 1, visit website for cocktail times.
Cost: Free
Time: Varies by each event
Through Jan. 5, 2025
Event: The Rotary Ice Rink and Holiday Festival
Host: The Rotary Ice Rink
Where: Travis Park
Activities: Skate with a Purpose. Proceeds from the Ice Rink support programs for scholarships, playground builds and fighting food insecurity. Santa will visit on Sundays from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. (except Dec. 1).
Cost: Attendees can purchase tickets on the website.
Time: Availability dependent on ticket purchase.
Through Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025
Event: River Walk Holiday Lights
Host: River Walk
Where: San Antonio River Walk
Activities: The holiday lights on the River Walk will turn on this year on Nov. 29, at our Annual Ford Holiday River Parade and will shine brightly each night until dawn on Monday, Jan. 13.
Cost: Free
Time: See Annual Ford Holiday River Parade
Past Events
Friday, Nov. 22
Event: 28th Annual ZonArte Holiday Market
Host: Centro Cultural Aztlan
Where: 1800 Fredericksburg Road, Suite 103
Activities: A wide range of artisans from San Antonio and across Texas will display their unique handmade gifts, original prints, paintings, sculptures, furniture jewelry, and textiles.
Cost: Free
Time: Opening reception is on Friday at 10 a.m. It continues Saturday, Nov. 23, and Sunday, Nov. 24, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 23
Event: Fredericksburg German Christmas Market at the Shops at La Cantera
Host: The Shops at La Cantera
Where: 5900 La Cantera Pkwy, Suite 6698
Activities: The German-inspired Christmas Market is curated by the Fredericksburg Convention and Visitor Bureau. The German market features handcrafted gifts, specialty items, and Hill Country wineries from a mix of Fredericksburg merchants.
Cost: Free
Time: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Event: 38th Annual Light the Way Holiday Festival
Host: University of the Incarnate Word
Where: 4301 Broadway
Activities: Features live music, food trucks, shopping, children's activities, a meet and greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and 1 million twinkling lights across campus and fireworks display.
Cost: Free
Time: 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 23 to Sunday, Nov. 24
Event: 45th Annual San Antonio Christmas Showcase
Host: Freeman Coliseum Expo Hall
Where: 3201 E. Houston Street
Activities: Features more than 400 craft vendors, restaurants, small businesses, and decor specialists, offering a vibrant mix of gifts, food, and entertainment.
Cost: Kids ages 16 and under attend for free, Adults can purchase tickets online at www.christmasshowcase.com.
Time: Saturday, Nov. 23, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 24, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 28
Event: Quince Años San Antonio Food Bank Turkey Trot
Host: San Antonio Food Bank
Where: Commander’s House at H-E-B Arsenal at 622 S. Flores St.
Activities: This 5K Run & Walk Thanksgiving tradition is celebrating its quinceañera (15 years). Every registration provides a turkey for a family facing hunger this holiday season.
Cost: Learn more about the event at the San Antonio Food Bank.
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Friday, Nov. 29
Event: Ford Holiday River Parade
Host: The Riverwalk
Where: This parade begins at the Tobin Center.
Activities: This San Antonio tradition offers a spectacular one-hour parade along the San Antonio River Walk. This year’s theme is Toy Box Adventures. It is broadcast live at 7:05 p.m. at the Arneson River Theatre.
Cost: Purchase tickets on the River Walk website.
Time: 6 p.m.
Event: H-E-B Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Host: H-E-B
Where: Travis Park located at 301 E Travis St.
Activities: Festivities include live entertainment, food trucks, letters to Santa, giveaways, holiday crafts, a special visit from Santa, and a movie screening of “Home Alone 2.” The tree lighting ceremony begins at 6 p.m. and is followed by the movie screening at 7 p.m.
Cost: Free
Time: 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 29, to Sunday, Dec. 1
Event: 35th International Peace Market • Mercado de Paz
Host: The Esperanza Peace and Justice Center
Where: 922 San Pedro Ave.
Activities: Nearly 80 local and international artists and artisans showcasing their handcrafted products. Hourly raffle for a chance to win beautiful prizes from our vendors. Live music by local performers including Alyson Alonzo, Conjunto Heritage Taller, Grupo Tan Tan and Panfilo's Güera.
Cost: Free
Time: Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sun. from noon to 6 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 30
Event: The Tobin’s 10th Anniversary Holiday Art Market
Host: Tobin Center for the Performing Arts
Where: 100 Auditorium Circle
Activities: More than 100 artisan vendors, pop-up performances, photos with Santa Claus, reindeer lawn games, food and drinks.
Cost: Free
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Event: Holiday Market and Family Fun
Host: San Antonio Museum of Art (SAMA)
Where: The Luby Courtyard
Activities: More than 50 local artists offer gift ideas. Activities include artmaking, live music, and storytelling. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Featuring live music from Jorge and Nicole from 10 a.m. to noon. and The Dirty River Jazz Band from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Children’s story time with Magik Theatre is at 1 p.m.
Cost: Free
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Event: Celebración Musical
Host: Historic Market Square
Where: 514 W. Commerce St.
Activities: Musicians are invited to receive a special blessing to honor their craft and creativity. There will also be live performances from local musicians and mariachi bands, a Ballet Folkloric performance of traditional Mexican folk dance, celebrating Mexican culture, food & artisan vendors offering handcrafted items, jewelry, and art, and Mexican food. The Christmas Tree Lighting will take place from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Cost: Free
Time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 1
Event: Blessing of the Animals
Host: Historic Market Square
Where: 514 W. Commerce St.
Activities: This special event is all about cats, dogs, and other furry companions and features live music & entertainment, food & artisan vendors, pet & owner look-alike contest. Bring your pet. The animal blessing ceremony will take place at 1 p.m.
Cost: Free
Time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 2
Event: St. Mary’s University Christmas Spectacular
Host: Department of Music at St. Mary's University
Where: St. Mary's University at the Bill Greehey Arena
Activities: St. Mary’s University Christmas Spectacular features the St. Mary’s Orchestra, Choir, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Orchestra and Mariachi. There will be performances of classic carols and beloved holiday favorites.
Cost: Free
Time: 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 3
Event: 9th Annual Lights of Esperanza
Host: Texas A&M University-San Antonio
Where: One University Way
Activities: Holiday market with 20 vendors, a light show, musical entertainment, rides, an ice sculptor, Santa's mailbox, photo opportunities, and food trucks
Cost: Free
Time: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 5 - Saturday, Dec. 7
Event: Holiday Book Market
Host: The Book Cellar, the bookshop under the Central Library
Where: 600 Soledad
Activities: Features homemade items, Christmas treats, hot drinks, activities for children, and books.
Cost: Free
Time: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday, December 7
Event: 14th Annual Noche Buena | Tree Lighting, Caroling, & Santa Claus
Host: Main Plaza Conservancy
Where: Main Plaza - the Heart of the City
Activities: Festivities include holiday shopping with SA Local Market, Christmas carols by the Children’s Chorus of San Antonio, Youth Bands from Music on Magnolia, Holiday Standards by Henry Brun & his trio, the H-E-B Tree Lighting and Santa will be ready to hear all the kids’ wishes.
Cost: Free
Time: 4 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Event: 10th Anniversary Bike Build
Host: Earn A Bike
Where: Westside Family YMCA located at 2900 Ruiz St.
Activities: Celebrating 10 years of health education, safe and inclusive cycling, and sustainability with vendors, music food, beverages, and bike rides.
Cost: Free
Time: 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Event: 19th Annual Winterfest San Antonio
Host: North Central Baptist Hospital
Where: 520 Madison Oak Dr.
Activities: Features 80,000 pounds of snow straight from the North Pole, performances by local schools and performance groups, photos with Santa, carnival, kids activities, holiday shopping from our local artisans, food and drinks
Cost: Admission $5 (admission only) or for $10 attendees receive an all-access pass (includes a photo with Santa, all-day carnival rides, snow slide rides) A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Brighton Center, a nonprofit that serves children in San Antonio with disabilities and developmental delays.
Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 8
Event: Hecho a Mano: A Holiday Artisan Market
Host: Guadalupe Latino Bookstore
Where: 1300 Guadalupe Street
Activities: Shop for handmade Christmas gifts. Attendees can also visit the Guadalupe Latino Bookstore to shop through its unique selection of cultural books and gift shop items. The bookstore is open Tuesday -Saturday from 10am-4pm.
Cost: Free
Time: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 11
Event: San Antonio Food Bank distributes food to older adults in need
Host: : The San Antonio Food Bank and City of San Antonio
Where: 6157 N.W. Loop 410
Activities: San Antonio Food Bank truck arrival at Doris Griffin Senior Center.
Cost: Free
Time: The trucks are scheduled to arrive between 9:15 and 9:30 a.m.
Friday, Dec. 13
Event: SA Local Market
Host: Texas Public Radio
Where: TPR Headquarters located at 321 W. Commerce St.
Activities: This market is part of TPR’s Holiday Night City. Mariachi Las Alteñas + Los Gatos 512 will perform.
Cost: Free
Time: 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 5 - Saturday, Dec. 14
Event: Cookies with Santa
Host: Frost Bank Financial Centers
Where: Several Frost Bank Financial Centers in San Antonio, including:
- Alamo Heights Financial Center
- Alamo Ranch Financial Center
- Boerne Financial Center
- Medical Financial Center
- North Frost Financial Center
- Stone Ridge Financial Center
- Vista View Financial Center
- WW White Financial Center
Activities: Frost Bank invites families in the San Antonio-area to join participating financial centers to enjoy some holiday cookies with Santa Claus throughout the month of December. Families are encouraged to bring a camera so their kids can pose for pictures with St. Nick.
Cost: Free
Time: Varies by participating locations
Saturday, Dec. 14
Event: Breakfast with Santa
Host: Vibrant Works
Where: 310 Eads Avenue
Activities: Wear your favorite PJs and join in for a pancake and sausage breakfast. There will be crafts, games, music, pictures taken with Santa and let him know what your holiday wishes are. This event is open to children with vision loss and their families, Vibrant Works employees and their children, local professionals in visual impairment and special education, and their families, as well as volunteers.
Cost: Free
Time: 9 a.m. to Noon
Event: Santa’s Firefighter Toy Drive Wrap Party
Host: San Antonio Fire Department
Where: Fire Training Academy 300 S Callaghan Rd.
Activities: Join the San Antonio community for the SAFD “wrap party” where hundreds of volunteers come together at the SAFD Training Academy to wrap all the donated toys. Volunteers must bring their own wrapping paper and tape. Come early for breakfast.
Cost: Free
Time: 9 a.m. - Noon
Event: San Antonio Feral Cat Coalition Holiday Bazaar
Host: San Antonio Feral Cat Coalition
Where: Harmony Hills Cabana Club at 339 Fantasia Drive
Activities: The annual fundraiser includes holiday music, holiday shopping and refreshments while you shop for cat-themed items for purchase for the cat-lover. Proceeds will benefit SAFCC's Community Cat Adoption Program.
Cost: Free
Time: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Event: La Villita Holiday in the Village
Host: La Villita Holiday
Where: La Villita Historic Arts Village
Activities: Includes unique hand-crafted items, art, and jewelry created by local artists and artisans. Attendees can enjoy holiday food options, live music, theater performances, gingerbread house workshop, cookie decorating, Kids Corner with Santa, cuddling goats, snow globe and “real snow.”
Cost: Free
Time: 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Event: Home for the Howlidays Adoption Fair and Holiday Market
Host: City of San Antonio Animal Care Services
Where: 4710 State HWY 151
Activities: Free Polaroid photos with Santa, pet adoptions, hot cocoa station, winter photo ops, family "reindeer" games, holiday vendor market, live music & food trucks, and Pawteria.
Early access includes:
- A Fast Pass to Santa photos
- Early entry to the event
Cost: Sign up for early access for $25
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Event: SoFlo Holiday Market
Host: SoFlo Market
Where: 1344 S. Flores
Activities: 80 artists and makers offer their unique handmade creations, local homegrown products, and special vintage finds. Plus, enjoy savory gourmet food from local food trucks.
Cost: Free
Time: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Event: Green Santa Sustainable Holiday Market
Host: Eco Centro
Where: 1802 N Main Ave.
Activities: Includes an educational resource fair with hands-on activities for kids of all ages, presentations that cover dressing for success, readings by local authors, and a food truck with a menu of sustainable offerings.
Cost: Free
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Event: Museum Reach River of Lights 2024
Host: San Antonio River Lock & Dam
Where: 550 Brooklyn Ave
Activities: Live music performances, snow play area with slide and snow, 30 ft. tall Christmas tree with lights, lights within and along the river
Cost: Free
Time: 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Event: Magik Theatre’s Second Annual Holiday Hop
Host: Magik Theatre
Where: 420 South Alamo at Hemisfair
Activities: Writing a letter to Santa, fun crafts, photo opportunities, carolers. Plus, participate in the toy drive by donating new toys, stuffed animals, books, or girls’ makeup to benefit Hope Hits Harder.
Cost: Visit the Magik Theatre’s website for information.
Time: 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 15
Event: Santa Paws Dog Photo and Adoption Event
Host: Down on Grayson
Where: 303 East Grayson
Activities: Features Santa at Down on Grayon’s patio. Guests should bring their own cell phones or cameras to capture their dog photos. Santa asks that all dogs be on leashes and though he loves cats and other animals, they are not invited to this event. All dogs must have current rabies vaccination.
Cost: $10 per reservation. Online registration is recommended as walk ups are available for limited time slots only.
Time: 11am - 4pm
Event: Carols by Candlelight
Host: Mission Point Christian Church
Where: Arneson River Theatre located at 418 Villita St.
Activities: The free concert will highlight some of your favorite seasonal carols
Cost: Free
Time: 5 - 8:30 p.m.
Event: Deck the Paws
Host: San Antonio Botanical Garden
Where: 555 Funston Pl.
Activities: Families and their four-legged friends will enjoy holiday blooms, specialty canine vendors, and a Doggy Dress-Up contest with prizes. There will be a free pup cup, complimentary beverage, live entertainment, and photos with Santa. Dogs must remain leashed.
Cost: This event is Included with admission or Garden membership.
Time: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 10 & Tuesday, Dec. 17
Event: Sensory-Friendly Zoo & Holiday Magic
Host: San Antonio Zoo
Where: 3903 N. Saint Mary's St.
Activities: Features a range of accommodations designed for all individuals, including those with sensory sensitivities. Children with sensory issues can enjoy the zoo during the day as well as the Zoo Lights in the evening. There’s quieter music, limited flashing lights, and additional quiet areas, creating a more comfortable environment for those seeking a sensory-friendly experience. Meet the holiday characters, engage in awe-inspiring animal
Cost: Sensory-Friendly hours are free for members and included with Standard Admission.
Time: 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 17
Event: Clarity Child Guidance Center’s Giving Trees
Host: Clarity Child Guidance Center
Where: 8535 Tom Slick Dr.
Activities: Volunteers from the Central Park Lions Club and Clarity staff will wrap hundreds of presents for our young patients to enjoy Christmas morning. Another gift-wrapping session will be held Wednesday morning; if you are interested; contact Jeanne at jca@jeannebiz.com. The public is invited to visit CCGC’s Amazon Holiday Wish List. Those wishing to donate to Clarity CGC can donate online at www.claritycgc.org/give-now/.
Cost: Free
Time: 9 a.m. to noon
Wednesday, Dec. 18
Event: Fort Sam Houston brings holiday cheer to Pershing Elementary
Host: Pershing Elementary
Where: 600 Sandmeyer St.
Activities: In a long-time tradition, the Pershing Elementary students submitted a gift wish list to the SAISD military partners last November. The U.S. Army North at Fort Sam Houston is providing the gifts listed from each students’ list.
Cost: Free
Time: 10 a.m.
Thursday, Dec. 19
Event: Sensory Friendly Night
Host: Classic Christmas San Antonio
Where: Toyota Field located at 5106 David Edwards Dr.
Activities: Classic Christmas is lowering the volume and capacity so that families can enjoy Classic Christmas in a more relaxed setting. Attendance is limited to ensure a calm and magical experience for everyone, making it perfect for those with autism, Sensory Processing Disorder, or any special needs, along with their families and caregivers.
Cost: Visit the website online for ticket info.
Time: 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 20:
Event: Pancho Claus
Host: San Anto Cultural Arts
Where: 2120 El Paso
Activities: Families can snap photos with Pancho Claus, enjoy a special toy giveaway (ages 0-13 and first come, first serve), savor hot chocolate and pan dulce.
Cost: Free
Time: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Event: Second Holiday Concert
Host: Japanese Tea Garden
Where: 3853 N St Mary's St.
Activities: A 90-minute performance by Stella Cole. Expect soulful holiday classics and jazz standards. Stella Cole, known for her viral performances and more than 1.6 million social media followers.
Cost: Purchase tickets at saparks.org.
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 21
Event: Christmas Disco Extravaganza Holiday Celebration
Host: Disco Heaven at Woodlawn Pointe
Where: 702 Donaldson Ave.
Activities: It's the last Disco dance of 2024. Dance to your favorite songs of the '70s & '80s and celebrate DJ Pete Rendon's birthday.
Cost: $10.00
Time: 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 22
Event: URBAN-15's 19th Annual Holiday Holiday Laser Show
Host: Our Lady of The Lake University
Where: Our Lady of The Lake University's Mabee Gymnasium, located within the University Wellness and Activities Center, 411 SW 24th St.
Activities: Features two shows on one day. A multimedia spectacular of technology artforms with choreographed laser beams, colorful 3-D animation and light effects set to traditional holiday favorites and original electronic compositions.
Cost: Reserved for free here.
Time: 3 p.m. & 7 p.m.
Through Dec. 18:
Event: Toy Drive for San Anto Cultural Arts Pancho Claus
Host: San Anto Cultural Arts
Where:
Drop-off locations include:
Jamie’s Place
Maestro Entrepreneur Center
The Lonesome Rose
Barrio Barista
Shotgun Coffee Shop
Oh Yeah Cakes
Chifladas
Activities: Donate new, unwrapped toys for children ages 0–13. Every gift helps brighten the holidays for a child in need. Accepting stuffed animals, cars, dolls, art supplies.
Cost: Making an unforgettable holiday season for a child.
Time: Contact San Anto Cultural Arts for questions at admin@sananto.org.
Through Wednesday, Dec. 18
Event: Pearl Tree Installation + Holiday Night Markets
Host: Historic Pearl
Where: The Historic Pearl
Activities: The Pearl will have unique local makers, and one-of-a-kind holiday finds. The Christmas tree will light up the day after Thanksgiving.
Cost: Free
Time: Every Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
