Thanksgiving 2024 San Antonio Events

Thanksgiving 2024 San Antonio Events

Thanksgiving 2024 San Antonio Events

Thanksgiving Meals

Holiday Lights & Sights

Thanksgiving Activities


As the holiday season approaches, the vibrant city of San Antonio is all set to embrace Thanksgiving 2024 with open arms, offering plenty of ways to celebrate this cherished time. If you’re in San Antonio for Thanksgiving 2024 or are a local looking to explore your city in a new light, you’re in luck. This year, Thanksgiving 2024 San Antonio Events and activities are more exciting than ever, blending traditional festivities with unique Texan charm.

In this guide, explore a range of fun things to do in San Antonio during Thanksgiving week. Check out this list and get ready to discover the best of San Antonio Thanksgiving 2024!


Editor’s Note: Our staff works hard to bring you the latest information. However, all information presented below is subject to change. Please confirm before you head out. 

In case you are wondering about the choice of listings in this article, here is how we come up with our recommendations.

Check out our recent posts on Unique Things to Do in San Antonio, San Antonio Zoo Ticket Guide, and Ford Holiday River Parade San Antonio!


Thanksgiving Meals

Thanksgiving Brunch Buffet

Thanksgiving 2024 San Antonio Events

Image credit: Thompson San Antonio Riverwalk Facebook

You don’t need to stress about cooking this Thanksgiving. Just head over to the Thompson Hotel and enjoy a hearty brunch buffet curated by expert chefs.

When: November 28, 2024 | 11 am
Where: Thompson San Antonio, 115 Lexington Ave, San Antonio, TX 78205
How much: $115


Thanksgiving Brunch at ​San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter

Spend Thanksgiving at the San Antonio Mariott Rivercenter for a stunning brunch. Choose from an array of dishes and fill up on holiday cheer.

Their Thanksgiving Brunch menu includes Bacon & Breakfast Sausage, Hashbrown Casserole with Aged Cheddar and Smoked Bacon, Pumpkin Spice French Toast Bites, Dulce De Leche, Cherry Compote, Smoked Bacon Deviled Eggs, Pickled Mustard Seeds, Hot Honey Sausage and Cornbread Stuffing, and so much more!

When: November 28, 2024 | 11 am – 2 pm
Where: San Antonio Mariott Rivercenter, 101 Bowie St, San Antonio, TX 78205
How much: $35-$70

Hotel Valencia Riverwalk’s Thanksgiving Brunch

Have a delicious Thanksgiving celebration at Dorrego’s, inside Hotel Valencia Riverwalk.

Executive Chef Brian Randolph carefully crafted the buffet menu, which features a feast perfect for the whole family. The buffet will span throughout the lobby.

You can reserve your tables today!

When: November 28, 2024 | 11 am – 3 pm
Where: Dorrego’s at Hotel Valencia Riverwalk, 150 E Houston St, San Antonio, TX 78205
How much: $75 for adults | $29 for kids under 12


Thanksgiving 2024 San Antonio Events – Holiday Lights & Sights

Santa’s Ranch

Santa's Ranch

Image credit: Santa’s Ranch-Drive thru Christmas Light Park Facebook

Bring your friends and family and enjoy one of the best Thanksgiving 2024 San Antonio Events and holiday light exhibits in the state! You’ll take a drive through over a mile of winding country roads while taking in the beautiful lights, and animated Christmas displays, and enjoying homemade hot cocoa, kettle corn, and snacks. 

When: November 10 – January 4, 2024 | Monday – Thursday: 6 pm – 10 pm, Friday – Saturday: 6 pm – 11 pm
Where: Santa’s Ranch, 9561 I-35, New Braunfels, TX 78130
How much: Starts at $37/Vehicle


SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration

The holiday festivities are bigger than ever this year at SeaWorld San Antonio’s Christmas Celebration. This year the park is dressed up in millions of twinkling lights and the largest Christmas light displays in Texas. You’ll also get to meet Santa and friends, sip on hot chocolate, watch Christmas shows, and chomp on festive foods with the whole family.

When: November 14 – January 5, 2024 
Where: SeaWorld San Antonio, 10500 SeaWorld Dr, San Antonio, TX 78251
How much: Included with park admission


San Antonio Zoo Lights

Powered by CPS Energy, this weekend kicks off Zoo Lights and transforms the San Antonio Zoo into a bright, twinkling winter wonderland.

Listen to festive music as you ogle at the dazzling lights and whimsical displays. The Holiday Express will take you on a journey across magical realms, like Water Wonderland, Starry Safari, and Peppermint Path – all on top of the zoo’s already amazing population of marvelous and majestic creatures. 

In each realm, you’ll meet characters, indulge in treats, and participate in activities for all ages.

No need to splurge separately from your standard ticket or membership to enjoy all the San Antonio Zoo has to offer, but you may want to budget extra for pictures with Santa, s’mores, and other optional activities.

Ground parking near the zoo fills up quickly, so you may want to opt for the parking garage or under Loop 281 and plan to walk.

When: November 16 – December 31, 2024
Where: San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N St Mary’s St, San Antonio, TX 78212
How much: Included in admission


Alamo Lights

Thanksgiving 2024 San Antonio Events

Image credit: thealamo.org

Bask yourself in the joy of Christmas surrounded by the thousands of Christmas lights decorating the gardens and the Christmas tree of the Alamo Plaza! There will also be other life-sized decorated figures of Alamo Defenders plus other surprises to look out for. Reserve your tickets now!

When: November 24 – January 2, 2024 | 6 pm – 8 pm
Where: The Alamo, 300 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205
How much: $3 – $5


Holiday Lights on the River Walk

The famous holiday lights on the River Walk is back this year to brighten up your holiday spirits! Enjoy the spectacular display of over 100,000 lights draped over the towering balk cypress trees lining the River Walk. Don’t forget to take pictures and capture precious holiday memories with your loved ones. 

When: November 30 – January 5, 2024 | Dusk to Dawn
Where: San Antonio River Walk, San Antonio, TX 78205
How much: Free


Old West Christmas Light Fest

Old West Christmas Light Fest dazzles and delights with holiday flavors, favorites, and fun! Your favorite holiday event brings the Christmas season to life with dazzling lights paired with food and family activities under the beautiful star-filled sky at Enchanted Springs Ranch.

Take photos with Santa, roast s’mores, and listen to live music this holiday season!

When: November 29 – December 1; December 6 – December 8; December 13 – December 23 | Every Open Evening of the Festival: 5 pm – 10 pm
Where: Old West Christmas Light Fest, 242 State Hwy 46 W Unit C Boerne, Texas 78006
How much: $20 – $25


Ford Holiday River Parade and River Lighting Ceremony 2024

Santa and Mrs. Claus are back with more glitter, glee, and toys for the 43rd Annual Ford Holiday River Parade! This year’s theme is “Holiday Stories” and will feature 27 illuminated floats and over 100,000 lights lighting up the River Walk. 

The parade begins at 6 pm at the Tobin Center. The lights will turn on from sundown to sunrise every day until the weekend following New Year’s Day.

When: November 29, 2024 | 6 pm – 9 pm
Where: The parade begins from Tobin Center, 100 Auditorium Cir, San Antonio, TX 78205
How much: $12.50 – $40


H-E-B Christmas Tree Lighting

Kick-off Thanksgiving 2024 San Antonio Events and the holidays with HEB’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Travis Park! The festivities include a special visit from Santa, letters to Santa, food trucks, holiday crafts, live entertainment, giveaways, and a movie screening of Home Alone. 

The lighting ceremony will start at 6 pm and will be followed by the movie screening at 7 pm. 

When: November 24, 2024, 4 pm
Where: Travis Park, 301 E Travis St, San Antonio, TX 78205, United States
How much: Free


Thanksgiving & Holiday Activities

Botany of Thanksgiving

At the Botany of Thanksgiving, you’ll get a yummy meal and a little education. Michael Eason will teach you the history and cultivation of four important plant ingredients necessary for a classic Thanksgiving meal.

After the class, the Garden Culinary Team will provide you with Thanksgiving snacks and refreshments.

When: November 27, 2024 | 7 pm
Where: San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Pl, San Antonio, TX 78209
How much: $25 for non-members; $20 for members


San Antonio Food Bank Turkey Trot 5k

San Antonio Food Bank Turkey Trot 5k

Image credit: San Antonio Food Bank Facebook

Break a little sweat before diving into the Thanksgiving feast with the San Antonio Food Bank 5K Turkey Trot. Every registration fee will directly support the Food Bank’s mission to help alleviate hunger throughout Southwest Texas. 

When: November 28, 2024 | 8:30 am – 11:30 am
Where: Commander’s Hous at H-E-B Arsenal, 622 S Flores St, San Antonio, TX 78204
How much: Early registration: $40 | Race Day: $50 | Free for kids aged 0 – 3 | $10 for kids aged 4 – 11


Celebracion Musical

Visit Historic Market Square this Thanksgiving weekend for a special celebration in honor of the patron saint of musicians. There will be mariachi music, ballet folkloric, food booths, delicious Mexican food, artisan vendors, and traditional dance.

The night will light up with a beautiful Christmas Tree Lighting at 6 pm.

When: November 25, 2024, 10 pm – 6 pm
Where: Historic Market Square, 514 W Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78207
How much: No cover


Holiday Art Market

Get some holiday shopping done early this Thanksgiving weekend 2024 with the Holiday Art Market of Tobin Center for the Arts. The event promises a day of one-of-a-kind crafted treasures, live entertainment, family fun, holiday cheer, and more. There is sure to be something for everyone on your list. 

When: November 30, 2024 | 10 am – 5 pm
Where: Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Cir, San Antonio, TX 78205
How much: Free


Christmas in Comfort

Christmas in Comfort, one of the area’s most popular holiday events, will draw visitors to the Texas Hill Country for holiday shopping and family fun at the end of November, the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

The event, which started with a handful of local residents manning a few booths in the historic district, now offers more than 130 art and craft vendors and a full day of holiday activities from 10 am to 9 pm

The lighted night parade will begin at 7 pm and will be followed by a fireworks display at 9 pm.

When: November 30, 2024, 10 am – 9 pm
Where: 630 TX-27, Comfort, TX, United States, Texas
How much: Free


For the latest events and activities, check out our weekly updates to Things to Do in San Antonio this Weekend and Things to Do in San Antonio with Kids this Weekend

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Traveling for Thanksgiving 2024? Check out our list of events and things to do on Thanksgiving in Houston 2024!

Kathryn Yacovodonato