As George Strait says, “When it’s Christmas time in Texas,” there’s a whole lot of things to love about the season. 🎄
And while there may not be snow in San Antonio, there are plenty of things you can do to get in the spirit of Christmas!
✨ In 2021, Alex and I had a date night at Jardín and then went to Lightscape at The San Antonio Botanical Garden. This combo date night was so much fun, and I highly recommend you add it to your holiday bucket list!
At Jardín, we like to order a bunch of Mezze Plates - try their deviled eggs, grilled cheese sandwich, and bolognese-stuffed arancini! We also really enjoy their Soppressata Focaccia Pizza.
We have visited a few Christmas light displays since our visit to Lightscape, and this mile-long trail filled with music and stunning Christmas lights still reigns supreme. In 2022, they welcomed 7 new installations! My personal favorites from our visit were the Bluebonnet field and the Winter Cathedral, both of which returned to the gardens last year. There will be food and drink available for purchase along the trail, along with the opportunity to roast some s’mores! I got some hot chocolate that helped to warm me up on a very cold night.
I highly recommend buying tickets for Lightscape online - an adult ticket during peak dates is $28/person or $26/person during off-peak dates. If you are a member, you will receive a $2 discount. Tickets are sold in 15-min time slots from 5:30 - 9 PM, which is your entry time to start the trail. Tickets are subject to a $3 convenience fee. They recommend arriving 15 minutes prior to your entry time.
Check their website for operating dates & hours each year. If you plan to drive, you must make a parking reservation in advance ($30). When we went, they had a designated rideshare pick-up area, which was so easy and convenient. They do have free off-site parking at the University of the Incarnate Word Founders Hall Parking Lots & Garage with an 8-min shuttle ride to the gardens, or the option for valet parking ($40 - first-come, first-serve).
Check the weather before you go and dress appropriately!
The San Antonio Botanical Garden is located at 555 Funston Place, San Antonio, Texas 78209.
✨Visit the Holiday Night Markets at the Historic Pearl. Once they start for the season, they are held each Wednesday night from 5 - 9 PM. Local makers set up shop selling their goods. Buy something for yourself or Christmas presents for your loved ones! There’s nothing better than supporting local, especially during the holidays. You can also catch live music at Stable Hall. Head to their Instagram for the line up! If you're hungry, you can grab dinner while you're out. The Pearl has no shortage of amazing restuarants, and the Food Hall has a few different options that are super quick and delicious.
✨Take a stroll along the River Walk to view the lights. They usually turn them on sometime in November, and they will turn them off in early to mid January. We would always head down to the touristy area of the River Walk once or twice during the holiday season to get some dinner and just enjoy the area. (Tip: It's WAY less crowded on weeknights). We always liked to go to Iron Cactus. I love their prickly pear margarita & spicy mango margarita, crab-stuffed jalapeños (warning - these are HOT), and brisket quesadillas - just to name a few items from there I recommend.
Iron Cactus is located at 200 River Walk, Suite 100, San Antonio, TX 78205.
🎄I haven’t done these things myself, but here are some bonus ideas to spread your holiday cheer far and wide!🎄
✨Visit a holiday-themed cocktail pop-up! Reservations open up 14 days in advance and must be booked online. It ran through New Year's Eve last year, so keep an eye out on their socials to see if they host it again in the coming years. It looks like they are already planning for Winter 2023.
Miracle was held at The Esquire Tavern's Downstairs Bar, located at 155 E Commerce St., San Antonio, Texas 78205.
✨Go ice skating at the Rotary Ice Rink at Travis Park, which operates from mid-November through mid-January. Your visit must be reserved by purchasing a ticket online for $14/guest. The price of your ticket does include the rental for skates. Check out their website for what is featured each night! For example, last year, Date Night was on Wednesdays and live jazz music from 6 - 9 PM was flowing through the park.
🎄You can also drive about 30-40 minutes away from downtown San Antonio to visit the Old West Christmas Light Fest at the family-owned Enchanted Springs Ranch in Boerne, Texas. We went with a group of friends one year and grabbed dinner first at a German restaurant called Little Gretel.
✨Little Gretel has been around since 2009 and serves German food, blending the cuisines from Germany, Hungary, Austria, and the Czech Republic. We had a group of 6, so a few different menu items made it to our table. If I remember correctly, everyone loved their food!
They are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and they serve Sunday brunch! Little Gretel Restaurant is located at 518 River Rd., Boerne, TX 78006.
✨The Fest usually runs from mid-December through Christmas Eve. Your ticket price will include parking at the ranch, and you’ll find light displays, live music, s’mores kits, photos with Santa, local vendors selling their handiwork, games (corn hole, laser tag), and movie showings. Beer, wine, and hot cocoa are available for purchase.
Enchanted Springs Ranch is located at 242 SH46 West, Unit A, Boerne, Texas 78006.
Love this range of activities and wowza Lightscape really looks so breathtaking! Also, "bolognese-stuffed arancini" from Jardin sounds super yum!