Ring in the holiday season: it’s here, y’all! You won’t want to miss one minute of the free, fabulous, family-friendly holiday fun happening in the Alamo City this year. Check back often as we’ll continue to add cheap and free holiday events in San Antonio as we find them.
This year is obviously a bit different with everything going on, so the list will look a bit different. There are fewer events overall, but some fun ones that are drive thru, socially distant, virtual, and more. We urge you to double check and make sure in-person events are still going on before attending! And we’ll be adding to this list as more becomes available!
THE BEST HOLIDAY EVENTS IN SAN ANTONIO FOR 2020
TOP PICKS
Presented by Whataburger, San Antonio Zoo Lights allows you to see the Zoo in a whole new light… pun intended! From now until December 31, you can visit the zoo after hours when the animals tuck in for a breathtaking experience. Stroll through the lights, sip on hot cocoa, eat s’mores, and even decorate cookies with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
And right now, you can get 27% off tickets for Zoo Lights! See our full guide for more information.
Old West Christmas Lights Fest
What could be better than two million holiday lights? How about an entire town? To make even more Christmas dreams come true, Christmas Light Fest is bringing the holiday event everyone knows and loves to a new location, Enchanted Springs Ranch in Boerne. The beautiful 86-acre ranch is home to a true Texas Old West town, featuring more than 40 buildings brought to life in a holiday wonderland.
Activities include face painting, cookie decorating, a light maze for littles, a scavenger hunt, ornament decorating and holiday games to create twinkling memories – perfect for the kids!
Tickets purchased online are $15 . Children under 6 are free. Military members/first responders and their families can get a $5 discount. Group rates available as well. Lights run through Christmas.
Editor’s Note: Coming from out of town? Don’t miss our guide to unique hotels in Boerne, TX.
OTHER FREE & CHEAP HOLIDAY EVENTS IN SAN ANTONIO AND SURROUNDING AREAS
December 5: Westlake Shopping Center Farmers Insurance, San Antonio, TX 78245, 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Samantha Martinez of Farmer’s Insurance is doing free Santa photos for families in pajamas! The even will feature a bicycle giveaway, and is said to be “Covid Safe.” Get your free tickets here to reserve your spot, as space may be limited to meet social distancing requirements.
December 4-6: San Antonio Riverwalk, dusk
Ford Fiesta de las Luminaries: Experience the Holiday serenity of the River Walk as you stroll along the lush banks of the San Antonio River guided by more than 2,000 Luminaries. Warmly glowing candles in sand-filled bags line the walkways to symbolically mark the “lighting of the way” for the Holy Family. This century’s old tradition begins at dusk Friday, Saturday & Sunday only.
December 9-10, St. Helena’s Episcopal Church, Boerne, TX 78006, 6:00 p.m.
Head out to Boerne for the Drive Through Bethlehem. This is a recreation of the town of Bethlehem, camels and all, leading up to the story of the birth of Jesus.
December 11 Old Town Helotes Christmas with Santa 6 pm – 9 pm
In old town Helotes, you can take your kids for free pictures with Santa – just bring your own camera. Local small businesses will be open late for the festivities!
December 12 Holiday Market at the Pearl, 9 am – 1 pm
Local artists, makers, farmers, and more will set up to sell their Christmas goodies. Do your holiday shopping while supporting local businesses, get some good food, and enjoy the weather!
Have an event that’s free, family-friendly, and not listed? Let us know in the comments:
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King William Association Holiday Home Tour & Fair
Saturday, December 3, 2016
FREE Holiday Fair: 10:00 am- 5:00 pm
Home Tour: 11:00 am-5:00 pm
Join the Festivities as KWA Prepares to Celebrate its 50 Year Anniversary!
KWA is “Kicking-Off” its 50th Anniversary with a Holiday Home Tour & Fair. In a nod to past years when the Home Tour & Fair were held on the same day, we are adding a Fair to this year’s biennial tour of seven King William Historic homes.
The Holiday Fair will take place around the gazebo in King William Park on Turner and King William Streets. The hours are from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. In addition to art & craft vendors, food, beverages, fun activities, Santa, and live entertainment, KWA will be selling collectible holiday ornaments and a 50th Anniversary commemorative medal and T-shirts. The Fair is Free to attend, while the home tour has an admission fee.
The seven residences on the Home Tour will be conveniently located near the fair. Tour includes: Oge House, Noble Inns-209 Washington; 112 King William; SA Art League and Museum- 130 King William; 202 King William; 203 King William; 208 King William; and Villa Finale Museum and Gardens- 401 King William Pre-sale ($15) tickets for the Home Tour and Food/Beverage Tickets for Holiday Fair are available to purchase here and day of event ($20) tickets will be available for the tour. The Home Tour starts at 11 am and ends at 5 pm.