Late November, December Holiday Festivals in San Antonio

Christmas Along the Corridor

This event celebrates Christmas in Pony Express style, starting at the Alamo and encompassing many South Texas towns along the route. More on this event...

Fiesta de Las Luminarias

Known for: one of the most photographed festivals in the state

Event: Thousands of luminarias, tiny candles in sand-weighted paper bags, guide visitors to the River Walk during this special Christmas celebration. The candles symbolize the lighting of the way for the Holy Family. This event is sponsored by the Paseo del Rio Association

Admission: free

Location: Paseo del Rio

Fiestas Navideñas

Known for: shopping and holiday event

Event: Every weekend in December, these special events at Market Square celebrate the joy of the holiday season. Market Square takes on the holiday spirit with piñata parties, the blessing of the animals, and, of course, a visit from Pancho Claus. Location: Market Square

Hecho-a-Mano

Known for: arts and crafts festival

Event: Held for three days in late November and early December, this event showcases local artisans. All handmade items are displayed at this event, now over a dozen years in operation. Jewelry, woodwork, furniture, clothing, folk art, toys, ceramics, and more are highlighted during the event, which attracts over 10,000 shoppers.

Location: Guadalupe Cultural Arts Theater, 1300 Guadalupe St.

Los Pastores

Known for: one of San Antonio's oldest Spanish traditions

Event: The San Antonio Conservation Society and the National Park Service host this Christmas miracle play at Mission San José every season.

Usually scheduled for the Saturday following Christmas, Los Pastores or The Shepherds is considered one of San Antonio's oldest Spanish traditions, dating back over 250 years in the city. At that time, the play was presented by Franciscan priests at the mission to explain the story of the birth of Christ to the local Indian population. The Franciscans had brought the play with them from Spain, where it originated in the 1500s. It is a story of good versus evil, with masked devils trying to prevent the shepherds from arriving in Bethlehem.

Although the story is Spanish, the presentation has some local touches such as the handmade costumes which hark back to Texas traditions. The play itself is a Texas tradition and has been sponsored by the San Antonio Conservation Society since 1947. It remains very much a homegrown effort, featuring a cast of members of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. At the performance, local foods are also sold.

Admission: free

Location: Mission San José, San Antonio

Las Posadas -- presently discontinued

Known for: One of San Antonio's top events

Event: This beautiful ceremony dramatizes Joseph and Mary's search for an inn with costumed children leading a procession down the River Walk. Sponsored by the San Antonio Conservation Society, this popular holiday festivity has been delighting both locals and visitors for four decades. The procession moves along the River Walk, led by costumed boys and girls representing Joseph, Mary, angels, and shepherds. Priests and mariachi players follow the children, singing songs in both English and Spanish. This event is one of San Antonio's most beautiful celebrations and draws visitors from around the country.

Admission: free

Location: Paseo del Rio

Celebrate San Antonio

Ring in the New Year with one of the country's largest end of the year celebrations.

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