Our top picks for Things to do in San Antonio this weekend of November 29
- Free Things to Do This Weekend: Ford Holiday River Parade + Holiday Lighting
- Top Picks for Friday: Old West Christmas Light Fest 2024
- Things to Do in San Antonio on Saturday: Magical Memories with Santa and the Dinosaurs
- Best Events in San Antonio on Sunday: A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story
Check out the full list below!
Editor’s Note: We work hard to bring you the most up-to-date information. However, all information is subject to change! As always, please verify with the organizer before heading out!
Also, please note that this article may contain affiliate links. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products and services that we genuinely believe will benefit our readers!
In case you are wondering about the choice of listings in this article, here is how we come up with our recommendations.
Check out our recent articles on Veterans Day Events in San Antonio 2024, Free Museums in San Antonio, Date Ideas San Antonio, and Best Places to Take Pictures in San Antonio.
Free Things to Do in San Antonio this Weekend
Ford Holiday River Parade + Holiday Lighting
It’s the most wonderful time of the year and it’s happening at the San Antonio River Walk.
Watch as 27 vibrant decorated floats and five entertainment travel down the river as they bring in the holiday spirit. Plus, there will be 100,000 holiday lights all over the place that will be up until New Year’s Day.
How much: Free
How Much: Free
Black Friday 2024
Take your family Brick at Blue Star for an epic Black Friday. This curated market is the perfect place to browse Christmas gifts.
There will also be all-day holiday movies, food and drinks, photo ops, and more!
If you’re one of the first 50 shoppers in line, you’ll get a swag bag of goodies from participating vendors.
When: Friday, November 29, 2024 | 10 am – 6 pm
Where Brick, 108 Blue Star, San Antonio, TX 78204
How much: Free
2024 H-E-B Christmas Tree Lighting
Come to Travis Park for the Annual H-E-B Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony! This year, the city is adorning a 40 foot Nordmann fir that traveled all the way from Oregan to join in the Texas tradition.
There will be live entertainment, food trucks, holiday crafts, giveaways, a Santa visit (and writing letters to him), and a screening of Home Alone 2. Festivities start at 4 pm, but the tree lighting doesn’t start until after the sun sets at 6 pm.
H-E-B is also offering free VIA bus rides, and you can take advantage of free ice-skating at Travis Park’s Rotary Ice Rink from 4 to 5:30 pm.
When: Friday, November 29, 2024 | 4 pm
Where: Travis Park, 301 E Travis St, San Antonio, TX 78205
How much: Free
Holiday Art Market
If you love art and handcrafted items (or know people who do), this is the perfect day to do some holiday shopping. Whether you want to buy something for yourself or a gift for a loved one, you’ll find something from over 100 artisan vendors.
The first 200 guests will get a free gift.
On top of a shopping spree, enjoy photos with Santa, lawn games, performances, and festive food and drinks.
Small Business Saturday Market Hosted by The Texas Market
Drop by Hemisfair this weekend to shop from a curated vendor market of small local businesses.
Bring your family and friends and make a great day out of it. This is the perfect opportunity to cross things off your Christmas list while also keeping your dollar local.
How much: Free
Cowboy Christmas & Locals Day
It’s a good day to be from San Antonio and Bexar County. Enjoy a day of art and culture for free!
Now, “Full STEAM Ahead” is part of Briscoe’s Locals Day! The whole family will get to learn all about the American West through hands-on workshops and activities for all ages.
This year, Cowboy Christmas falls on Locals Day. This means that you’ll get a lot of Western fun and meet Cowboy Santa!
When: Sunday, December 1, 2024 | 10 am – 2 pm
Where: The Briscoe Western Art Museum, 210 W Market St, San Antonio, TX 78205
How Much: Free admission for locals
Things to do in San Antonio this Weekend – Friday
Old West Christmas Light Fest 2024
Start your holiday celebrations with a bang! The Old West Christmas Light Fest has tons of photo ops, Santa, lots of food and drinks, and a shopping area.
The kiddies can run around and let all their energy out in the playground with a Giant Mega Slide, a Fun Run Maze, and lawn games. You can even show some love to animals in the petting zoo.
Locals Day at the San Antonio Zoo
Bexar County residents! You can go out and enjoy the zoo for just $8 on Locals Days! These only happen a few times a year, so it’s best to take advantage when you can.
You’ll get to learn about how the zoo secures a future for the animals through conservation, animal care, and education. While it can get pretty crowded, it’s a great opportunity to visit the zoo, especially since they will have lights up.
Tickets should be purchased online, and you need proof of Bexar County residency to qualify for the discounted price. This can be an ID or utility bill from the area.
Please note that add-ons, like food and beverages, are not discounted so you should budget for those expenses.
When: Friday, November 29, 2024, 10 am and December 1, 2024
Where: San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N St Mary’s St, San Antonio, TX 78212
How much: $8
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer 4D Movie Premier
Get your tickets to the premier of the 4D of the season, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.
Aside from the movie, your ticket gets you admission to the 4D theater and access to the Tower’s Observations Deck.
If you get hungry, you can buy popcorn, snacks, and beverages on-site.
Parking can be a bit tricky in this area. Parking at the Texas Cultures Institute is nearby, but you can usually find cheaper lots if you’re content with walking to the Tower.
How much: Free for kids 3 and under; $14 for kids 4-12; $15 for seniors/military; $18.50 for adults
Free and Cheap Events in San Antonio this Weekend – Saturday
Moana 2: Family Movie Party
The whole family will have a swimmingly good time as they enter the world of Oceania. This Moana 2 Family Party will have themed props and interactive activities for all ages.
Your ticket will get you a conch shell necklace, a Heihei-inspired popping eye keychain, glow bracelets, and a Kakamora craft sticker sheet.
Dress up as your favorite Moana character and set sail. Don’t forget to say “You’re welcome” for a great time.
When: Saturday, November 30, 2024 | 10:30 am
Where: Alamo Drafthouse (North Park), 618 Northwest Loop 410 LOOP 410, San Antonio, TX 78216
How Much: $21.66
Magical Memories with Santa and the Dinosaurs
Now’s your chance to hang out with Santa and dinosaurs at the same time! The family can take an epic photo with the Big Man in Red and prehistoric beasts.
Parking for the Witte is quick and easy with the nearby Brackenridge Parking Garage. It’s just a quick walk over to the entrance.
If you have SNAP and/or WIC, you can get discounted tickets through the Museums for All Programs. This brings the price down to $3 for up to four tickets, and you also get half off special exhibitions like their current Spiders: From Fear to Fascination.
Where: Witte Museum, 3801 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209
How much:Free with admission; $16 for adults, $15 for seniors, $15 for teens, $11 for children (ages 3 and under are FREE)
Things to Do in San Antonio This Weekend – Sunday
A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story
Catch a unique take on the classic story of Ebeneezer Scrooge at the San Pedro Playhouse. This show integrates American Sign Language (ASL) throughout the production.
When: Sunday, December 1, 2024 | 2 pm | Until December 22, 2024
Where: San Pedro Playhouse, 800 W Ashby Pl, San Antonio, TX 78212
How much: $18 – $53
Also, check out our weekly updates on Things to Do in San Antonio with Kids this Weekend.
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- Things to Do in San Antonio This Weekend of November 29 Include Ford Holiday River Parade, Lighting of the Holiday Lights & more! - November 25, 2024