Christmas light displays, a holiday river parade, a Thanksgiving run and holiday markets are among the highlighted events scheduled in the San Antonio area over Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

Hill Country Christmas

JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa is hosting various holiday season activities for resort guests and the public. Ticketed experiences include a tubing hill made of real snow, an interactive snowball make and toss game, a visit from Mrs. Claus, refreshments, a gingerbread decorating corner, a holiday pop-up shop and a secret Santa scavenger hunt.

The South Pole lights up

Residents may visit The South Pole, an illuminated holiday experience where visitors can drive through lighted tunnels and displays while Christmas music plays across the park.
  • Daily now through Jan. 8, 6-10 p.m.
  • $30 per car (Mon.-Thu.), $35 per car (Fri.-Sun.)
  • 5135 N. Loop 1604 E., San Antonio
  • www.thesouthpolesa.com

Light the Way

University of the Incarnate Word will invite motorists and pedestrians to check out the hundreds of thousands of Christmas lights that are strung up across the campus.

‘The Velveteen Rabbit’



Magik Theatre will present performances of “The Velveteen Rabbit.” Based on Margery Williams’ book, the play revolves around a young child who awakens on Christmas morning to discover a stuffed velveteen rabbit under the tree. In time, the stuffed rabbit becomes real and accompanies the child on fun adventures where they learn about love, friendship and the true meaning of being real. The Dec. 9 performance includes a “Holiday Hop” activity where attendees are encouraged to donate new pairs of socks to benefit unhoused individuals staying at Haven for Hope. Other special themed performances are scheduled.

Epic Turkey Trot

EPIC Endurance Training will present the Epic Turkey Trot, a self-paced, noncompetitive run where participants can go any distance for 60 minutes. A pie raffle will follow.

San Antonio Christmas tree lighting

The city of San Antonio will present the H-E-B Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony. A 50-foot-tall Nordmann Fir from Oregon, adorned with 10,000-plus lights, will be lit at Travis Park at 6:20 p.m. Festivities will include holiday crafts, giveaways, a visit from Santa Claus, letters to Santa, refreshments, free ice skating at the Rotary Ice Rink in the park and a screening of the movie “The Grinch.”

San Antonio holiday season kickoff

The annual San Antonio holiday river parade and river lighting ceremony brings festivities to the San Antonio River in downtown. The parade will offer nearly 30 illuminated floats, and the lighting ceremony will feature more than 100,000 Christmas lights, which will light up the River Walk from sundown to sunrise daily through New Year’s Day.

Peace Market/Mercado de Paz



Esperanza Center for Peace and Justice will host the annual Peace Market/Mercado de Paz, featuring dozens of artisans offering various handcrafted goods with themes of peace, social justice, cultural diversity and ecological concerns. There will also be music and refreshments.

Arbor Park Holiday Market

An outdoor market with dozens of artisan and food vendors will be held, with many participants selling various homemade holiday-themed items and treats.

‘A Christmas Story’

Pearl will invite visitors to the mixed-use development near downtown San Antonio for a screening of the classic movie “A Christmas Story.” Guests may bring their own blankets and bring snacks and beverages.

  • Nov. 27, 6 p.m.
  • Free (admission)
  • Pearl Park Amphitheater, 301 Pearl Parkway, San Antonio
  • www.atpearl.com