Welcome to San Antonio's Holidays on Houston Street

It’s a Holly Jolly Time When You Spend the Holidays on Houston Street

Santa Claus is coming to town, and he’s headed straight for Houston Street! Holidays on Houston Street is one of the most anticipated San Antonio holiday events of the season. Not only does the street come alive with the holiday spirit (and plenty of twinkling lights), but there are also festive events that bring the community together. Here’s what you can expect during the 2024 - 2025 Holidays on Houston Street celebration.

Holidays on Houston Street

November 29, 2024 - January 2, 2025

Holidays on Houston Street is back for its second year with even more holiday cheer! This event is quickly becoming a San Antonio holiday-time tradition. Set along one of the oldest and most historic streets in the city, Holidays on Houston Street looks to the nostalgia of Christmas’s past while embracing the vibrant future.

Over five blocks stretching from the Alamo to Legacy Park turn into a winter wonderland.  Locals, tourists, and carolers alike are greeted with the magic of over 400,000 lights illuminating the trees, creating a vibrant canopy to guide the way. Along the street, you’ll find festive decorations, entertainers, and plenty of holiday cheers coming from the shops and restaurants.

The street comes alive with holiday magic every night, but on select days, there is even more holly jolly fun to be had! Check out the Holidays on Houston Street Event Calendar for a complete list of events.

Here are just a few of the great events you can expect:

Rotary Ice Rink at Travis Park

November 15, 2024 - January 5, 2025

Always a holiday favorite, The Rotary Ice Rink returns to Travis Park in downtown San Antonio. For a safe and enjoyable experience, the ice rink welcomes a limited number of skaters every 30 minutes. Pro Tip: Visitors are encouraged to reserve their timed tickets in advance online to secure their spot. Walk-up ticket availability is not guaranteed, but guests can scan a QR code on-site to check for open times and purchase tickets on their smartphones if space allows.

Taste of Houston Street Community Dinner

December 3, 2024

There’s a seat for everyone at the Taste of Houston Street Community Dinner. And we mean that literally! For this one-of-a-kind holiday feast, the block between Navarro and North St. Mary’s Street hosts a block-long communal table. You don’t have to worry about getting someone from the other side of the block to pass the stuffing down. This event is catered by the diverse offerings of Houston Street restaurants and bars. Now, this is what a holiday dinner is all about! 

Holidays on Houston Street Market

December 13 - 15, 2024

Shop for everyone on your holiday list at the Holidays on Houston Street Market. This market lines the street from Jefferson Street all the way to the Alamo. As you stroll under the holiday lights, you’ll find spirited local vendors selling curated artisan crafts, delectable treats, candles, and clothing. There will also be a few carolers and festive photo ops!

Holiday Lights in the Sky

December 13-14, 2024

San Antonio’s night sky comes alive with a dazzling drone light show, visible at 7 pm, 8 pm, and 9 pm, stretching from Legacy Park to Houston Street and the Alamo!

Homemade Christmas at the Alamo

December 14, 2024

Experience the holiday season as Texas’s early settlers did on the mid-1800s frontier! This family-friendly event invites guests to enjoy hands-on period crafts like yarn doll-making, Victorian greeting cards, and fragrant pomander balls. Transport back in time with living demonstrations, from Christmas storytelling and carol singers to candy making, blacksmithing, leatherworking, and more!

Holidays on Houston Fun Run & 5K

December 17, 2024

Ready to go dashing through the snow? Well, we think it's nicer (and warmer) to go on the Holidays at Houston Fun Run & 5K, illuminated by the twinkling holiday lights. The fun run starts at Travis Park and ends with a festive after party featuring live music, food, ice skating, games, giveaways, and more. It will end with a performance by The Spazmatics for a grand finale!

Hot Holidays on Houston Street (Coffee Fest)

December 20, 2024

This festive evening event invites visitors to stroll along Houston Street, from the historic Alameda Theater to Frost Bank Promenade, sampling holiday-inspired drinks and seasonal treats. With tastings from local vendors like Hernán, Dos Perros Coffee, and Pulp Coffee Roasters, plus treats from local favorites like La Panadería, guests can sip and savor while enjoying holiday lights, live music, and unique gifts from local artisans. Limited tickets are available, including commemorative holiday mug and beverage samples!