Things to Do in San Antonio on Christmas Day

Things to Do in San Antonio on Christmas Day

Things to Do in San Antonio on Christmas Day

Free

Christmas Lights

Holiday Eats

Festive Activities


On the hunt for things to do in San Antonio on Christmas day? While many businesses may be closed, the city still offers plenty of festive cheer.  Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Riverwalk, transformed into a magical wonderland with thousands of twinkling lights. Experience the dazzling drive-thru light show at Santa’s Ranch in New Braunfels. Indulge in a festive Christmas Brunch at the San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter. Or, celebrate the season with a splash at Splashway Water Park, which offers exciting activities like the Lighted Christmas River Float. 


Editor’s Note: Our staff works hard to bring you the most up-to-date information. However, all information in the article below is subject to change. Please verify with the organizers before making plans to head out.

In case you are wondering about the choice of listings in this article, here is how we come up with our recommendations.

Also, check out our post on San Antonio Restaurants Open on Christmas Eve, Things to Do on Christmas Week, and San Antonio Restaurants Open on Christmas Day!


Free Things to Do in San Antonio on Christmas Day

Monte Vista Christmas Lights

things to do on christmas day in san antonio

Image credit: Monte Vista Historical Association

 Take a free and festive drive or stroll through the historic Monte Vista neighborhood on Christmas Day. Discover a winter wonderland of dazzling Christmas light displays that illuminate this charming district.


Winterfest

San Antonio families, prepare your appetites! WinterFest offers a delicious culinary journey with something to satisfy every craving. And don’t forget to keep an eye out for Santa Claus!


Riverwalk Christmas Lights

Thousands of twinkling lights illuminate the riverbanks, transforming the San Antonio River Walk into a magical winter wonderland. You can enjoy festive activities such as boat caroling, a dazzling luminaria display, an artisan market, and enchanting holiday boat cruises among other things to do in San Antonio of Christmas day.


Deerfield Holiday Lights

things to do in san antonio on christmas day

Image credit: San Antonio Things To Do

While officially the lights turn on at dusk, many residents illuminate their displays earlier. Weekdays offer a less crowded experience compared to weekends. Please note: there are no public restrooms in the neighborhood.


Things to Do in San Antonio TX on Christmas – Christmas Lights

San Antonio Zoo Lights

The San Antonio Zoo Lights is a magical holiday event transforming the zoo into a winter wonderland. Millions of twinkling lights illuminate pathways, trees, and animal exhibits, creating a breathtaking spectacle. Enjoy a festive train ride, a stunning lakeside light show, themed areas like Fiesta Plaza and Candy Lane, holiday treats, and photos with Santa Claus.


Santa’s Ranch

This dazzling display features millions of twinkling lights, animated displays, and festive tunes that will create unforgettable Christmas memories. Enjoy warm hot chocolate and delicious kettle corn as you wind through over a mile of illuminated country roads at one of the most festive things to do in San Antonio on Christmas day.

  • When: Friday, November 1, 2024 – Saturday, January 4, 2025
  • Where9561 I-35, New Braunfels, TX 78130
  • How Much: $37 per vehicle (one entry) | $74 per vehicle (unlimited entries)

Lights Alive!

This holiday season, experience a captivating display of millions of lights synchronized to music. From towering Christmas trees to animated characters, the show offers a variety of festive scenes.


The Light Park

things to do in san antonio on christmas

Image credit: The Light Park

This enchanting drive-thru journey features millions of twinkling lights illuminating the night sky. From towering Christmas trees to animated holiday scenes, every detail creates a truly magical experience as one of the things to do in San Antonio on Christmas day.


SeaWorld Christmas Celebration

Celebrate Christmas at SeaWorld San Antonio! Join the fun at Texas’ biggest Christmas celebration, an extraordinary holiday event. Enjoy Christmas shows, festive foods, visits with Santa Claus, and the largest Christmas light display in Texas.


The Jones Christmas Ranch

This family-run holiday tradition, featured on ABC’s Great Christmas Light Fight, has been dazzling visitors for 16 years. Now expanded to a 32-acre property, the Ranch offers stunning light displays and is committed to giving back to the community.


Things to Do in San Antonio on Christmas Day 2024 – Holiday Eats

Christmas Brunch

Indulge in a Christmas Day Feast at the Tributary Restaurant in the lobby of the San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter. As one of the things to do in San Antonio on Christmas day, this festive buffet will tantalize your taste buds with an array of delicious dishes, including savory flatbreads, flavorful pecan sage stuffing, and creative brunch dishes with a Christmas twist


The Holiday Hideaway

Experience lodge vibes, summit views, and cozy fire pits while enjoying 10 festive cocktails, beer, wine, and liquor. Reservations include red pepper hummus and a shareable charcuterie board. Book your spot today!


Things to Do in San Antonio on Christmas Day This Year

Rotary Ice Rink at Travis Park

Create Holiday Memories at the Rotary Ice Rink in Travis Park! Enjoy ice skating fun with family and friends and soak up the holiday cheer since this is one of the top things to do in San Antonio on Christmas day. You might even spot Santa Claus making a special appearance every Sunday from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

Splashway Christmas

christmas in san antonio things to do

Image credit: Splashway Waterpark & Campground

Celebrate the season with exciting activities like the Lighted Christmas River Float, Ice Skating, arts and crafts, photos with Santa, and more things to do in San Antonio on Christmas day!


Holiday Bricktacular

Unleash Your Creativity at LEGOLAND® Discovery Center San Antonio this Holiday Season! Enjoy festive decorations, participate in “Build To Give” to support the community, and explore the enchanting MINILAND Winter Wonderland.


Also, check out our weekly updates on Things to Do in San Antonio this Weekend.

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Maya Keith