Anyone seeking holiday season fun in central San Antonio during the Thanksgiving weekend has several options to choose from.
Through Jan. 17: The Rotary Club of San Antonio and Centro San Antonio are sponsoring an outdoor ice rink in Travis Park. A limited number of visitors will be admitted to the ice rink every 30 minutes. All visits must be reserved in advance by buying a timed ticket online. Entry is not guaranteed to those who walk up to purchase tickets, according to an event website. ]5-10 p.m. weekdays, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. (Sat.), noon-8 p.m. (Sun.), 11 a.m.-11 p.m. (holidays). $14. 301 E. Travis St. http://rotaryicerink.com
Nov. 26: The 37th annual H-E-B Christmas tree lighting will include a visit from Santa Claus, holiday crafts, giveaways, letters to Santa, live music and a screening of the animated feature film “The Grinch.” The tree and other holiday lights in Travis Park will remain lit nightly throughout the holiday season. VIA Metropolitan Transit will provide free transportation to and/or from the lighting. 3-9 p.m. (lighting at 6:20 p.m.). Free. Travis Park, 301 E. Travis St.. https://www.facebook.com/events/431543304998648
Nov. 26: The 40th annual Ford Holiday River Parade features dozens of illuminated floats and costumed parade participants as well as an official ceremony marking the holiday lights along the River Walk. Ticketed and free viewing areas are available all along the parade route. Dinner/ticket packages are available from River Walk restaurants. 6 p.m. Prices vary. Parade goes from Lexington Avenue to Villita Street. https://www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com/events/ford-holiday-river-parade
Nov. 26-27: The 32nd annual International Mercadito de Paz/Peace Market will be held at the Esperanza Peace and Justice Center with dozens of artisans and vendors offering various handmade products, from food and clothes to decorative gift items. There will also be live music. Parking will be available at the nearby San Antonio College parking lots. Shuttle service from outer parking lots to the event site will also be provided. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. both days. Free admission. 922 San Pedro Ave. 210-228-0201. https://esperanzacenter.org
Nov. 27: Dress in your best festive attire and visit Travis Park for free Santa photo opportunities. Noon-3 p.m. Free. Travis Park, 301 E. Travis St. https://www.facebook.com/events/2148538921952058
Nov. 27: Rink Reel Movie Night offers free screenings of ice rink-inspired films each Saturday evening through Dec. 18 at Travis Park. Bring your blankets and chairs and enjoy concessions from St. Anthony Cabin in the park. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free admission. Travis Park, 301 E. Travis St. https://www.facebook.com/events/2970219513216584
Through Dec. 21: Merry Movie Nights offer free screenings of holiday movies Tuesday nights through Dec. 21. Bring your blankets and chairs and enjoy Cheap Skate Night at the rink as well free Downtown Tuesday parking in select city lots, garages and meters from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. 6:30 p.m. Free admission. Travis Park, 301 E. Travis St. https://www.travisparksa.com/Events
