The San Antonio River Walk is a fantastic place to visit during the holidays! Whether visiting the downtown River Walk or exploring the Museum Reach section, there’s something fun for everyone. Check out some of our favorite things to do during this festive time of year:
EXPLORING DOWNTOWN
The festive ambiance along the River Walk during the holiday season is an absolute must-see (and, dare we say, an experience you simply can’t afford to miss!). With attractions like the Ford Holiday River Parade and the captivating Holiday Lights, the celebrations continue to enchant at every turn!
Other events you won’t want to miss include Ford Holiday Boat Caroling but be warned, this event does sell out fast. Even if you can’t carol on a Go Rio Barge, you can experience the sounds while strolling the River Walk. You also have the opportunity to see 2,000 luminarias lined along the river during the Ford Fiesta de las Luminarias event on Dec. 2-17, Cowboy Christmas at the Briscoe Western Art Museum, and the Holiday River Walk Artisan Show.
CULINARY
One of the frequent questions we get is, “What restaurants are open along the River Walk during Thanksgiving and Christmas?” Have no fear; we have you covered with a list of Thanksgiving dinner options here. For Christmas Day, here’s a list of restaurants and businesses open:
Domingo | Regular Hours
Otro | Regular Hours
Bier Garten | 11 a.m. – Midnight
Mad Dogs British Pub | 11 a.m. – 2 a.m.
Crockett Tavern | 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
On the Bend | 11 a.m. – Midnight
Prost Haus | 11 a.m. – Midnight
Cafe Ole | Opens at 2 p.m. on Christmas Day
Landshark Bar & Grill | 2 – 11 p.m.
Margaritaville | 12 – 11 p.m.
Dave & Busters | 5 p.m. – Midnight
Bubba Gump | 12 – 8 p.m.
BONUS: Experience a walking tour along the river while stopping at some of the most delicious restaurants during the Holi-Dine event!
PEARL FESTIVITIES
A visit to the San Antonio River Walk isn’t complete without stopping at Historic Pearl along the Museum Reach. Here’s a list of events happening throughout November + December:
Holiday Decorations and Christmas Tree | Nov. 21
Light the World Giving Machines | Nov. 20 – Dec. 3
Holiday Movies | November 20: Elf | Nov. 27: A Christmas Story | Dec. 4: The Polar Express | Dec. 11: Home Alone | Dec. 18: How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Holly Jolly Kayaking | Dec. 2 | 6-9 p.m.
Holiday Night Markets | Nov. 29th, Dec. 6, 13, and 20 | 5-9 p.m.
Chanukah Village at Pearl | Dec. 13 | 6-8 p.m.
Santa at Pearl | Dec. 19 – 22
BONUS: For a list of holiday events across the Alamo City, visit our event page on the Visit San Antonio website.