A Guide to Living in San Antonio (Dec. 5th - Dec. 11th)
Hey y'all,
Cory here.
The holiday season rolls on in San Antonio, and the city is absolutely buzzing with festive lights, magical events, and plenty of ways to soak in the spirit of the season.
Here’s your curated list of timeless and timely recommendations to help you make the most of this magical time in SA.
I hope you enjoy!
⭐️ Featured Recommendations of the Week:
🎄 Where to See Christmas Lights in San Antonio
🥤 Coca-Cola’s Classic Christmas at Toyota Field
When: November 22 – December 29 (Check the calendar for specific dates)
Where: Toyota Field, San Antonio
Step into a world of holiday magic at Coca-Cola’s Classic Christmas. Crafted by the creators of the renowned World’s Largest Christmas Light Maze, this immersive event offers dazzling light displays, and plenty festive activities
✨ Pro Tip: Tickets are required, and popular dates sell out quickly. This looks perfect for families.
🚌 Holiday Sights & Festive Nights Trolley Tour
When: November 30, 2024 – January 5, 2025 (No tours on December 13 or 17)
Where: Starting and ending at Travis Park, 301 E Travis St, San Antonio
Duration: 45 minutes
Climb aboard a festively decorated trolley for a 45-minute ride through the heart of downtown San Antonio, filled with dazzling lights, classic holiday carols, and holiday cheer. Complimentary holiday glasses are included!
The tour starts and ends at Travis Park, home to the city’s Christmas tree, ice skating rink, and a lineup of holiday vendor stands.
🎟️ Reservations required: Tickets start at $24.50 for adults and $16 for kids (ages 3–12). Lap children under 2 are free. Space is limited, so be sure to book in advance.
🌊 Prefer to See the Lights from the River?
If you’d rather enjoy the holiday lights by water, head to the River Walk, where over 100,000 lights illuminate the towering bald cypress trees lining the downtown portion of the river. This dazzling display can be enjoyed nightly from November 29, 2024 – January 12, 2025.
✨ For an enhanced experience, consider a Go Rio boat tour. Learn More About Go Rio Cruises
🚦 Lights Alive – A Dazzling Drive-Thru Christmas Event
When: Nightly through the holiday season
Where: 5931 Roft Road, San Antonio, TX
If you’re up for a short drive from central San Antonio, Lights Alive offers a mesmerizing 1-mile drive-thru experience featuring musically synchronized light displays. After the drive, enjoy the Winter Wonderland Park-n-Play, complete with gourmet holiday treats like Candy Cane Cotton Candy, photo ops with Santa, and even escape room challenges if you're into that.
Tickets: Visit Lights Alive for ticket info and details.
🚗 Light Up Celebration in Windcrest
When: Saturday, December 7, 2024, at 5:30 PM
Where: City Hall, 8601 Midcrown Dr., Windcrest, TX
Checkout Windcrest’s Light-Up Celebration is a cherished tradition that transforms this San Antonio neighborhood into a magical winter wonderland. This evening event kicks off with the lighting of the Light-Up Tree at City Hall.
Take the time to stroll or drive through Windcrest’s decorated neighborhoods to see dazzling light displays and participate in the Light-Up Contest, where residents compete in categories like “Best Use of Lights” and “Most Welcoming.”
✨ Pro Tip: For the best experience, check out the Windcrest Light-Up Map, available for a small donation benefiting local nonprofits.
Learn More About the Celebration
📅 This Week’s Events:
🎵 30th Annual Mariachi Extravaganza
The 30th Annual Mariachi Extravaganza is a multi-day festival featuring breathtaking performances, competitions, and workshops that celebrate the beauty and history of mariachi music.
📅 When: December 5–7, 2024
📍 Where: Lila Cockrell Theatre, 200 E Market St, San Antonio, TX
Highlights include:
• The National Vocal Competition, showcasing talented performers from elementary to university levels.
• The National Group Competition, featuring the best mariachi groups from across the country.
• A grand concert with Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán, often referred to as the world’s best mariachi ensemble.
✨ Why Go? Whether you’re a longtime mariachi fan or new to the music, this event is a chance to witness incredible talent and celebrate San Antonio’s rich cultural heritage.
🎟️ Tickets: Buy Tickets Here
🍽️ (Re)Discover Something New:
Recently, Forbes highlighted 10 restaurants proving San Antonio is a bona fide culinary destination, and I’ve personally dined at 8 out of the 10! How many have you tried? Here’s the full list of featured spots:
1. Best Quality Daughter – Located in The Pearl, this vibrant restaurant offers bold Chinese-American flavors with standout dishes like Korean Corn Cheese Spring Rolls and Thai Cashew Chicken.
2. Cullum’s Attaboy – A charming brunch-only spot serving French-inspired plates like Truffled Eggs and Toast in a warm, inclusive setting.
3. Freight Fried Chicken – Perfecting classic fried chicken with dairy- and gluten-free recipes inspired by rich history, served at The Food Hall at Bottling Department.
4. Clementine – A neighborhood gem in Castle Hills serving seasonal, elevated dishes like housemade pastas and indulgent desserts by James Beard finalist Chef John Russ.
5. Pullman Market – A foodie’s paradise at The Pearl, this expansive space offers everything from Sonoran-style tortillas to a dessert-only tasting experience.
6. Pharm Table – A Southtown staple with a focus on health-conscious, globally inspired dishes like Thai Zucchini Bowls and Peruvian Ceviche.
7. Liberty Bar – A San Antonio institution since 1985, known for hearty comfort food like Lamb Burgers and one of the city’s best house margaritas.
8. Curry Boys BBQ – A creative fusion of Southeast Asian curries and Texas barbecue, with hits like the Brisket Smoke Show and The Missing Link.
9. Mi Tierra Cafe y Panaderia – A beloved Tex-Mex spot with colorful décor, friendly service, and staples like cheesy enchiladas and menudo since 1941.
10. Kimpton Santo Hotel Dining – Home to spots like Dean’s Steak & Seafood and the Tenfold Rooftop Bar, offering everything from Japanese A5 Wagyu to breathtaking sunset views.
📍 Learn more: Forbes 10 Best Restaurants in San Antonio
Which ones are your favorites? Or which are you adding to your list?
📖 One Read: Honoring the Legacy of St. James AMEC
The St. James AMEC Culture Crossing is more than just a historical site; it’s a vibrant piece of San Antonio’s heritage. Dating back to 1867, this site celebrates the first African Methodist Episcopal Church in San Antonio, which became a vital center for the Black community during the Reconstruction Era. Enhancements to the site, slated for completion in February 2025, will include public art by Gordon Huether, quilt-inspired designs, and poetry by San Antonio Poet Laureate Emeritus Andrea “Vocab” Sanderson.
READ MORE HERE🐦⬛ Did You Know?:
On December 9, 1977, students at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) selected the Roadrunner as their school mascot in a campus-wide vote. The speedy roadrunner, known for its quick agility (and made famous by its cartoon counterpart), narrowly beat out the armadillo, earning its place as the university’s symbol of school pride.
The celebration included a spirited ceremony with a UTSA band performance and a bonfire to mark the decision. While no other universities at the time had a roadrunner mascot, a high school in New Mexico already held that honor. It wasn’t until 2011 that UTSA’s Roadrunners football team would take the field, bringing the mascot to life for sports fans.
What do you think—did the students make the right call
📚 Source: San Antonio 365: On This Day in History by Martin Davies and Yvette D. Benavides
🌱Texas Nature Journal: Illuminate at the San Antonio Botanical Garden
While we usually focus on Texas Native Plants, this week’s Illuminate exhibit at the San Antonio Botanical Garden is a perfect reminder of how art and nature come together to inspire awe. This event invites you to wander through a dazzling, illuminated trail featuring larger-than-life sculptures, intricate designs, and breathtaking scenes—all a celebration of light, nature, and culture.
The glowing displays transform the garden’s natural landscape, offering a new perspective on the beauty of this cherished space. My family and I, with our little ones in tow, will certainly be going.
📅 When: Nightly from November 29, 2024 – January 12, 2025, with entry times every 30 minutes from 5:30–8:30 PM.
📍 Where: San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Place, San Antonio, TX
🔥 Rapid Fire Recs:
🍷 A Sommelier’s Guide to Our Favorite Wines – Expand your palate with an expert-led wine class at High Street Wine Co. at The Pearl. Limited spots are available, so book now to snag your seat! December 5th, 6:30 PM. Learn More
🎭 The Nutcracker – Experience the holiday magic with Ballet San Antonio’s enchanting performance of The Nutcracker at the Tobin Center. December 6–15, 2024 (Multiple showtimes available) Learn More & Get Tickets
🛍️ Pearl Holiday Night Market – Explore this vibrant market while enjoying the beautifully lit Christmas tree and seasonal decorations at the Pearl. December 11 & 18, 2024, 5–9 PM. Learn More
If you check out any of these spots or events, reply to this email and let me know what you think—I’d love to hear about your experience.
Also, if you're enjoying this newsletter, please share it with a friend.
Lastly, if you, your business, or your organization want to sponsor our Ensemble Texas newsletters, hit "reply" to start a conversation or email sponsor@ensembletexas.com.
Until next time,
-Cory
