The holiday season is here, and opportunities for merrymaking and entertainment are an every corner of the city. Explore an ice sculpture Who-ville-world at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa or ring in the holidays at La Cantera’s Winterfest. Check out the top seven things to do in San Antonio this Thanksgiving weekend. For a complete list of events, visit our calendar.

  

The San Antonio River Walk / Facebook

The Ford Holiday River Parade returns this weekend.

Thursday, November 28

The Rock at La Cantera presents Winterfest
The first-ever Winterfest comes to The Rock at La Cantera. This holiday-themed event features an ice-skating rink, visits from Santa Claus, screenings of classic holiday films, carol sing-a-longs, and more family-friendly activities. Seasonal drinks will also be available for purchase. Winterfest admission is free and open to the public.

JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa presents ICE! featuring Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas
The JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa invites visitors of all ages to its new ice wonderland in celebration of the holidays. ICE! is an ice sculpture experience inspired by How the Grinch Stole Christmas that features two million pounds of hand-carved ice reimagined as Who-ville. Guests will be provided with complimentary parkas to comfortably explore the frosty space complete with life-sized sculptures and walkthrough scenes. The experience is open through January 5, 2025.

Friday, November 29

Esperanza Peace and Justice Center presents 35th Annual International Peace Market
Shop and explore goods and artists at the International Peace Market. This three-day event at the Esperanza Peace & Justice Center will feature a vendor market featuring dozens of local and national makers, live music performances, and hourly raffle prizes for guests. Admission is free.

Ford Holiday River Parade
Start the San Antonio holiday season at the annual Ford Holiday River Parade. This local tradition and family-friendly event will feature floats inspired by this year’s "Toy Box Adventure" theme, along the San Antonio River Walk. Parade seating is available at Arneson River Theatre. Admission is free and open to the public. Here's a useful list of things to know before you go.

Enchanted Springs Ranch presents Old West Christmas Light Fest
Boerne’s Enchanted Springs Ranch invites visitors to illuminate their spirit and celebrate the yuletide season. Activities include live music, Santa sightings, a petting zoo, mechanical bull rides, cookie decorating, millions of holiday lights, and more. The fest is open now through December 23.

San Antonio Botanical Garden presents Illuminate
Tianyu Arts & Culture debuts its winter lantern exhibitionIlluminate at the San Antonio Botanical Garden. The showcase features large-scale sculptures and light displays that blend art and nature themes into each design. Tickets are available now. Illuminate will be open through January 15, 2025.

Saturday, November 30

San Antonio Dance presents The Nutcracker Ballet
The annual rendition of the classic holiday-inspired ballet The Nutcracker is back at Lila Cockrell Theatre. This 10th anniversary production will feature Cincinnati Ballet principal dancers Melissa Gelfin and Rafael Quenedit as two of the ballet's main characters, the Sugar Plum Fairy and Cavalier. Tickets for both nights are available now.