🦃 A Guide to Thanksgiving Weekend in San Antonio
With Thanksgiving weekend here, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate in San Antonio. This guide has everything you need to plan a memorable weekend. Whether you’re hosting out-of-town guests, looking for family-friendly fun, or just excited to dive into the holiday season, we’ve got you covered.
Check it out, share it with friends, and let us know what you’re most excited about!
Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃
🦃 A Thanksgiving Tradition
45th Annual Raul Jimenez Thanksgiving Dinner
Founded in 1979 by Raul Jimenez to ensure no one spends the holiday alone, the event now welcomes thousands each year to the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center.
Doors open at 9 a.m., followed by an all-faith worship service at 10 a.m. Guests are treated to a traditional Thanksgiving meal, complete with live entertainment and dancing, from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
The dinner is a testament to the generosity and spirit of San Antonio, made possible by countless volunteers who prepare, serve, and welcome attendees.
📍 Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, 900 E. Market St.
📅 Thursday, Nov. 28 | 9 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
🎟️ Free and open to all.
⭐️ Special Holiday Performances This Weekend
Ford Holiday River Parade and River Lighting Ceremony
Kick off the holidays at the 43rd Annual Ford Holiday River Parade and River Lighting Ceremony. This tradition transforms the River Walk into a dazzling display of lights, music, and festive floats, creating a magical experience for all ages.
This year’s theme, “Toy Box Adventures,” celebrates holiday nostalgia with beautifully decorated floats featuring favorite toys from years past. Grand Marshal Tobin Center for the Performing Arts Board Chair Phil D. Green will help ring in the season, beginning at 6:00 p.m.
At 7:00 p.m., witness the official lighting of the Downtown River Walk, featuring over 100,000 twinkling lights that will brighten the night through January 12, 2025. With a 2.5-mile parade route, music, and holiday cheer filling the air, this event is the perfect way to start the festive season with friends and family.
📍 Downtown San Antonio River Walk
📅 Friday, November 29 | 6:00–9:00 p.m.
🎟️ Learn More and View Tickets Here (If you'd like to go, buy your tickets quick! I just bought my family's this morning and spots were going fast!)
H-E-B Christmas Tree Lighting at Travis Park
Starting at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, November 29, this free event features festive activities, music, and plenty of cheer!
At 6:00 p.m., with a little help from a special jolly guest, the park will come to life as the 40-foot Christmas tree is illuminated, officially kicking off the holiday season in downtown San Antonio.
📍 Travis Park, 301 E. Travis St.
📅 Friday, November 29 | 4:00–6:00 p.m.
🎟️ Free and open to the public.
🛍️ Shopping Local & Holiday Markets
Holiday Art Market at the Tobin Center
From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, November 30, this free event is a festive celebration of local artistry and holiday cheer.
The market features over 100 unique artisan vendors offering handcrafted items, including home decor, gourmet treats, gifts, and more. There’s something for everyone on your list! Additional highlights include:
✨ Free gift for the first 200 guests
✨ Pop-up performances
✨ All-day photos with Santa
✨ Reindeer (lawn) games
📍 Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Cir.
📅 Saturday, November 30 | 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
🎟️ Free and open to the public.
Annual Black Friday Market at Brick at Blue Star
This Black Friday, skip the big-box stores and support local at SA Local’s Annual Black Friday Market. Held at the vibrant Brick at Blue Star, this market showcases some of San Antonio’s best artisans, makers, and small businesses.
📍 Brick at Blue Star, 108 Blue Star
📅 Friday, November 29 | 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
🎟️ Free and open to the public.
Pullman Market: A Local Alternative for Black Friday
For another more meaningful and local Black Friday experience, head to Pullman Market at the Pearl District. Known for its strong connection to regional producers and its focus on quality, Pullman Market offers a variety of unique experiences that turn shopping into a celebration of community.
Inside, you’ll find:
✨ A specialty grocer featuring Texas-sourced ingredients
✨ A whole animal butcher and sourdough bakery
✨ Quick-service eateries and four distinct restaurants
✨ A curated selection of chef supplies
It’s the perfect spot to shop small, support local, and savor the best of San Antonio.
📍 Pullman Market, 221 Newell Ave, San Antonio, TX 78215
⏰ Friday Hours: 8:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
🔗 Visit Pullman Market to learn more.
🎭 Shows to See this Weekend
A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story
Experience a fresh take on the timeless holiday classic at the San Pedro Playhouse with A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story. Running this Friday, November 29, to December 22, this production transforms Charles Dickens’ iconic tale into an inclusive celebration of the holiday spirit, integrating American Sign Language (ASL) throughout the performance.
📍 San Pedro Playhouse, 800 W. Ashby Pl.
📅 November 29 – December 22, 2024
The Velveteen Rabbit
The Velveteen Rabbit at the Magik Theatre brings the beloved children’s classic to life on stage. Adapted by Michelle Hoppe-Long, this heartwarming tale follows the adventures of a toy rabbit who discovers the true meaning of love and what it means to become “real.”
This production is perfect for kids aged 5 and up, offering an inspiring story filled with wonder and holiday cheer. Special performances include sensory-friendly options, American Sign Language interpretation, and even a “Pay What You Wish” performance to make it accessible for all.
📍 Magik Theatre, 420 S. Alamo St.
📅 November 23 – December 29, 2024
❤️ Family-Friendly Activities
Cowboy Christmas at the Briscoe Western Art Museum
Celebrate the holiday season, Western style, at the Briscoe Western Art Museum’s annual Cowboy Christmas. Held on the museum’s monthly “Locals Day,” this festive event offers free admission and a day packed with family fun.
Bring the kids to meet Cowboy Santa and snap a photo, or take part in Cowboy Crafts for a creative holiday experience. A special scavenger hunt will lead you through the museum’s fantastic collection, and a stroll through the McNutt Sculpture Garden provides a scenic way to enjoy the River Walk in all its holiday beauty.
📍 Briscoe Western Art Museum, 210 W. Market St.
📅 Sunday, December 1 | Cowboy Crafts: 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m., Cowboy Santa: 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
🎟️ Free and open to the public.
Zoo Lights at the San Antonio Zoo
From November 16 to December 31, the San Antonio Zoo transforms into a winter wonderland with miles of dazzling lights, festive displays, and holiday fun.
Highlights include:
✨ Lakeside Lightshow over Big Lake
✨ Themed areas like Candy Lane and Cowboy’s Christmas Trail
✨ Holiday treats, s’mores, and hot cocoa
✨ Photos with Santa!
📍 San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St.
📅 November 16–December 31 | 11:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
🎟️ Included with standard admission; free for members.
🔗 Learn more about Zoo Lights here.
Rotary Ice Rink at Travis Park
The Rotary Ice Rink is open all weekend long, this downtown favorite offers a magical skating experience under the stars.
✨ Skate with a Purpose: Proceeds support scholarships, playground builds, and food security programs through the Rotary Club.
✨ Thanksgiving Weekend Hours:
• Friday, November 29: 12:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.
• Saturday, November 30: 10:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
• Sunday, December 1: 12:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
📍 Travis Park, 301 E. Travis St.
ICE! at JW Marriott Hill Country
Opening this Thanksgiving weekend, ICE! at the JW Marriott Hill Country brings the whimsical world of How the Grinch Stole Christmas! to life. Stroll through colorful sculptures of 10 beloved scenes, carved from over 2 million pounds of ice, and experience the magic of Who-ville.
✨ Highlights include:
• Two-story ice slides
• The Grinch’s towering lair
• No time limits—enjoy this immersive experience at your leisure
📍 JW Marriott Hill Country, 23808 Resort Pkwy, San Antonio, TX 78261
📅 Opening November 29 | Runs through January 5
🍻 San Antonio’s Holiday Pop-Ups Open this Weekend!
These holiday pop-ups offer everything from themed cocktails to immersive decorations—perfect for kicking off the season with style. For something more informal, like a drink and a snack at a bar check out this list and grab your friends and family to toast to the most wonderful time of the year! 🎄✨🍹
Grinchmas Meets Wonderland at Elsewhere
Step into a whimsical winter escape at Elsewhere Garden Bar & Kitchen, blending Grinch-inspired mischief with magical holiday decor. Open since November 25, this is your go-to spot for festive drinks and cozy vibes.
📍 103 E. Jones Ave.
Miracle at Esquire Tavern
The Esquire’s downstairs transforms into a winter wonderland with Miracle, a Christmas cocktail pop-up featuring creative drinks better than any fruitcake. Running November 29–December 31, reservations are highly recommended.
📍 155 E. Commerce St.
The Christmas Clubhouse at Be Kind & Rewind
Decked out in over-the-top holiday decor, Be Kind & Rewind offers themed drinks, photo ops, and holiday dance parties in the heart of downtown. Open through January 8, it’s perfect for a festive night out throughout the whole holiday season.
📍 115 Alamo Plaza
The Holiday Hideaway at Chicken N Pickle
Featuring new igloo spaces for groups of eight, Chicken N Pickle brings cozy holiday vibes with themed cocktails, music, and Hallmark movies. Book your spot online to enjoy this one-of-a-kind experience.
📍 5215 UTSA Blvd.
Sippin’ Santa at Hugman’s Oasis
Get merry and tiki at Hugman’s Oasis with Sippin’ Santa, a holiday cocktail pop-up featuring tropical festive drinks. Open daily from November 29–December 31.
📍 135 E. Commerce St.
Blitzen’s Bar at Omni La Mansion del Rio
Located at the Omni on the River Walk, Blitzen’s Bar is a holiday haven offering festive cocktails in a cozy, glowing atmosphere. Stop by for a true taste of the season.
📍 112 College St.
