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How to Spend Christmas in San Antonio, Texas

Christmas in San Antonio, Texas is a magical time! From the giant decorations (everything’s bigger in Texas) to the lights adorning the famous River Walk, the city is alight in Christmas spirit. These are the best things to do during Christmas in San Antonio.

After three years of spending Christmas in San Antonio, my family and I pretty much have this whole Christmas-in-Texas thing down. Here’s how to have an amazing Christmas in the Alamo City: 

Christmas in San Antonio at the Alamo

Top Things to Do on Christmas in San Antonio

1. Visit The Alamo

The Alamo

What’s a trip to San Antonio without visiting the Alamo? A pivotal point in the Texas Revolution, the defeat at the Alamo and Santa Ana’s cruelty inspired many to join the Texian Army, later leading to the Texians defeating Mexico and ending the revolution just a month later.

The museum offers a 45 minute audio tour of the mission grounds that brings the Battle of the Alamo to life.

Just keep in mind that the Alamo is closed Christmas Day, so then you’ll have to be content with just seeing the outside of it.

2. Segway Through the City

Segway tours are one of my family’s favorite tours. Always fun and exciting, a segway tour of San Antonio will on an amazing ride while also giving you plenty of historical information about the city.

This tour will give you a whole new view of the Alamo, the River Walk, the Tower of the Americas, and more! And our tour ended with a wide open space to race and play!

3. Take a River Cruise

San Antonio River Cruise

You should, of course, spend plenty of time walking the River Walk, but you should also take a cruise down the river. There are river cruises that run at all hours of the day and well into the night around Christmas time because they know they give the best view of all the lights (all 133,620 feet of light strands).

The tours last about 35 minutes, all of which are filled with history and trivia. Lines can get incredibly long, especially at night. We’ve waited in line for a night tour once, because you might as well do it once, but after that we have only taken day tours, which are best done in the morning as they are less crowded so you get more space on the boat and it feels more relaxed.

The tours run on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

4. Do Some Last Minute Christmas Shopping

San Antonio Christmas Tree

I’m always up for a shopping trip, and there are some good sales around Christmas. The Shops at Rivercenter is located on the River Walk and has over 100 retailers as well as a movie theater.

Just outside of the city center is Market Square and El Mercado, the largest Mexican market in the US. Here you can find locally owned shops and stalls and buy last minute gifts of handmade pottery, jewelry, clothes, and other works of art.

La Villita Historic Arts Village, one of San Antonio’s first neighborhoods, is located just off of the River Walk and also has shops of local art, clothing, and antiques.

5. Marvel at San Fernando Cathedral

San Fernando Cathedral, San Antonio, Texas

San Fernando Cathedral is one of the oldest cathedrals in the US and is at the heart of Catholic religious life in San Antonio.

The beautiful Gothic Revival style of the church seen today is the result of an 1868 renovation project led by architect Francois Giraud. An 1889 report claims a tomb inside the cathedral contains the remains of three Alamo heroes, though many historians believe this is certainly not the case.

The church is open for visitors throughout the day.

6. Take a Carriage Ride Through the City

Carriage Ride in San Antonio

You can feel like royalty in a lights-covered Cinderella carriage or a more traditional open-style carriage. You can find carriages lined up around Alamo Plaza and hop on for a ride. These carriages will take you through the best spots to see the holiday lights.

And while most drivers are content to leave you to sit back and enjoy the ride, they’re all also very knowledgeable about the city, so ask them questions! That’s how we found out how they put up all these lights (just a few people, some cranes, and light strands with weights on the end; they set up for months and turn it all up after Thanksgiving!).

Your Christmas in San Antonio

Maybe you can’t do it all in one Christmas (we certainly didn’t; this is compiled over 3 years), but any one of these activities is a great way to spend time with your family and see what this beautiful city has to offer.

Top San Antonio Tours

With so much to see, San Antonio can be overwhelming for any first-time traveler. To take some of the stress out of planning your visit, opt for a guided tour! Check out this list of the top San Antonio tours to help you make the most of your time in this Texas city.

Where to Stay in San Antonio

Find the perfect place to rest your head on your visit to San Antonio, from the top rated accommodations to unique stays you can’t get anywhere else.

More Things to Do in San Antonio

Discover more of what San Antonio, Texas has to offer with these itineraries:


Ready to visit San Antonio, Texas? Plan your trip with these tips.


Cheers!

Paige

How to Spend Christmas in San Antonio, Texas

Have you spent Christmas in San Antonio, Texas? Let me know in the comments!

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