Holidays on Houston Street
Please help us keep this calendar up to date! If this activity is sold out, canceled, or otherwise needs alteration, email mindy@kidsoutandabout.com so we can update it immediately. If you have a question about the activity itself, please contact the organization administrator listed below.
The 2025 Holidays on Houston Street Market will immerse guests in some of San Antonio’s most cherished traditions, evoking the magic of Christmases past while inspiring new memories for years to come. Every moment is designed to fill hearts with joy and leave spirits shining bright. Full event details are listed below.
Ongoing
- Over 393,000 mini-LED lights will illuminate around 80 trees, creating a breathtaking canopy of holiday glow. Each intersection will feature special lighting, while oversized ornaments and wreaths will adorn the lampposts, adding festive charm along the sidewalks.
- Many Houston Street businesses are participating with special holiday offers, décor, and ambiance at a variety of shops, hotels, restaurants, and bars.
- On Friday, November 28, the Holidays on Houston Street initiative will kick off with a dazzling night of lighting, illuminating both Houston Street and the San Antonio River Walk during the 44th Annual Ford Holiday River Parade and Lighting Ceremony. Nearby, Travis Park will host the annual H-E-B Christmas tree lighting ceremony.
Date Specific: December 5, 2025 – December 14, 2025
December 5, 2025: SATX 5K Presented by Holidays on Houston Street - A brand-new highlight of the holiday season, the San Antonio Marathon will bring an exciting experience for runners and enthusiasts to kick off marathon weekend. This year, the annual Holidays on Houston Street 5K and Fun Run will make way for the SATX 5K Presented by Holidays on Houston Street. Full details and registration are available on the official San Antonio Marathon website.
December 6, 2025: A Taste of Holidays on Houston Street – Returning for its third year, join fellow diners on Houston Street, between Navarro and North St. Mary’s streets, for a unique culinary experience. This special evening invites residents and visitors to dine and celebrate beneath the sparkling enhanced holiday lights of historic Houston Street, right in the heart of downtown San Antonio.
December 12 – 14, 2025: Holidays on Houston Street - Market Weekend - Get ready for a magical weekend filled with non-stop holiday fun in the heart of downtown San Antonio! From Friday through Sunday, visitors and residents alike can stroll through the Holidays on Houston Street - Market, where the sights, sounds, and flavors of the season come alive. Discover more than 50 unique vendors offering a carefully curated selection of holiday treasures, from artisan crafts and locally made clothing to candles, sweet treats, and one-of-a-kind gifts.
Three-Way Collaboration
Holidays on Houston Street is a true community celebration, made possible through the partnership of the City of San Antonio, Centro San Antonio, and Visit San Antonio. Through festive events and activations, this initiative brings residents together and welcomes visitors to discover, or rediscover, the magic of spending the holidays in the heart of San Antonio. Last year’s festivities wowed over 565,000 visitors with over 393,000 multi-color LED lights draped across 80 trees spanning more than 134,000 linear feet.
“I’m excited to see Holidays on Houston return for its third year! What started as a new way to celebrate the holiday season downtown has quickly grown into one of San Antonio’s most beloved traditions,” said Lori Houston, Assistant City Manager. “Thanks to the dedication of the City of San Antonio and our partners and sponsors, this celebration continues to expand with more activities and experiences for all to enjoy. We look forward to welcoming residents and visitors to enjoy everything downtown has to offer this holiday season.”
“Holidays on Houston Street is a shining example of what’s possible in downtown San Antonio, where the city’s soul comes alive and its heartbeat can truly be felt,” said Trish DeBerry, President and CEO of Centro San Antonio. “Just as we look ahead to the transformational, once-in-a-generation plans now being developed, these celebrations show how bringing people together through culture, community, and tradition can create unforgettable experiences and a thriving downtown for all.”
“Now in its third year, Holidays on Houston has blossomed into a signature destination event, shining alongside San Antonio’s most beloved holiday traditions. The transformation of historic Houston Street into a sparkling holiday experience has become a moment locals and visitors cherish and eagerly anticipate,” said Mario Bass, President and CEO of Visit San Antonio. “Together, these celebrations illuminate our city as the ultimate holiday getaway, inspiring Texans from across the state to experience the magic of the season in our city.”
For a full list of Holidays on Houston Street events, more details and access to ticketed events, please visit the Holidays on Houston Street webpage: holidaysonhoustonsa.com
Plan Ahead
The holiday season is a busy time in downtown San Antonio—plan ahead! Expect several street closures and the potential for heavy traffic due to the many large events taking place. Consider using public transportation, ridesharing, biking, walking, or checking a navigation and traffic app before heading out. Visit the City of San Antonio’s street closure website for more information and sign up for downtown street closure notices by subscribing to the City’s street closure updates email.
Visitor Parking
Check out the City of San Antonio’s SAPark website for easy, convenient and affordable parking! A full list of City-owned garages, lots and meters can be found here. Downtown Tuesday offers free parking on Tuesdays from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. in City-owned parking facilities, and City Tower Sundays offers free parking on Sundays from 7 a.m. to midnight at the City Tower Garage located at 117 W. Commerce.
*Times, dates, and prices of any activity posted to our calendars are subject to change. Please be sure to click through directly to the organization’s website to verify.