In search of enjoyable that’s simple with children, grandparents and visiting cousins in tow? Right here’s a mom-approved roundup of what to see and do throughout San Antonio this vacation season — from glowing river lights and parades to can’t-miss museum exhibitions. Fill the season with San Antonio tradition and enjoyable with must-see magic:
Map Your Option to Western Enjoyable: “Going to Texas” + Cowboy Christmas
When: “Going to Texas: 5 Centuries of Texas Maps” is on view by January 19, 2026. Cowboy Christmas is December 7.The place: Briscoe Western Artwork Museum
In case you love Texas historical past — or have a map-obsessed child —“Going to Texas” is a gem. Uncommon, unique maps courting again to 1525 present how Texas was imagined and drawn over centuries, paired with artwork and artifacts that deliver these locations and folks to life. It’s interactive sufficient to maintain children engaged and engaging for grown-ups.
For pure vacation cheer, put Cowboy Christmas (Dec. 7) in your calendar. It’s free for Bexar County and San Antonio residents (it’s the Briscoe’s month-to-month Locals Day) – in addition to free for these federal workers who had been impacted by the shutdown and thru Museums For All, all WIC and SNAP recipients at all times obtain free admission. Images with Cowboy Santa are free. Anticipate hands-on crafts, a scavenger hunt by the galleries, and time within the McNutt Sculpture Backyard. Professional tip: Register on-line for simple museum admission.
San Antonio Museum of Artwork: Larry Bell’s Improvisations
When: By means of January 4, 2026Where: San Antonio Museum of Artwork | Exhibition information: Larry Bell: Improvisations
This one is a visible deal with. Larry Bell — an icon of the West Coast “gentle and area” motion — sculpts with glass and lightweight. The artworks appear to shift coloration and form as you progress, so invite the youngsters to play “spot the colour change” as you stroll round every bit. In case you’re already downtown for the River Stroll lights, SAMA is a brief hop and a relaxed, stunning break.
Witte Museum: Unseen Oceans
When: On view by Could 10, 2026Where: Witte Museum | Exhibition information: Unseen Oceans
Dive beneath the floor actually. Unseen Oceans explores the know-how and science that reveal the mysteries of the deep. Anticipate interactive parts, larger-than-life visuals, and loads of “Whoa!” moments. That is a straightforward win for multi-age teams: little ones love the immersive scenes, whereas older children (and adults) get hooked on the science and tech.
The museum hosts its annual vacation market on December 7, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., an opportunity to discover the museum and store on the similar time.
McNay Artwork Museum: Sandy Skoglund
When: On view by February 1, 2026Where: McNay Artwork Museum | Exhibition information: Present Exhibitions
Sandy Skoglund’s surreal, color-drenched installations and images are catnip for curious minds—and Instagram. Shiny, daring, and delightfully odd, this exhibition is a superb dialog starter for teenagers. The McNay’s grounds are additionally beautiful — construct in time to wander the lawns and sculpture.
San Antonio Zoo: Zoo Lights
When: By means of January 4, 2026Where: San Antonio Zoo | Occasion information: Zoo Lights
In case you solely do one nighttime gentle expertise with kiddos, Zoo Lights is difficult to beat. Stroller-friendly paths, glowing tunnels, and kooky shows make for magical photographs (and completely satisfied, drained kids). Go proper at sundown to keep away from the largest crowds and verify for add-ons like s’mores or themed snacks.
River Stroll Vacation Lights
When: By means of January 11, 2026Where: San Antonio River Stroll | Data: Vacation Lights
A whole bunch of hundreds of lights drape the cypress timber alongside the River Stroll — a free, stunning option to cap a night downtown. We wish to park close to the Museum Attain, stroll and meander below the cover of lights. In case you’re with grandparents or little ones, think about a river boat cruise for a snug, sparkly view, together with cocoa on a particular vacation cruise. And for the reason that lights are up by New Yr, you possibly can preserve the vacation magic going a bit longer – and keep away from some crowds – in the event you go after Christmas.
Magik Theatre: “A Charlie Brown Christmas”
When: By means of December 24Where: Magik Theatre | Present information: A Charlie Brown Christmas
The Magik Theatre is made for households, and “A Charlie Brown Christmas” hits the candy spot for nostalgia and quick consideration spans. Anticipate an all-ages crowd and loads of smiles. Weekend matinees are widespread — seize tickets early and plan a snack cease at Hemisfair afterward (Yanaguana Backyard playground is steps away).
Majestic Theatre: “Elf the Musical”
When: December 23 – 28Where: Majestic & Empire Theatres | Present information: Elf the Musical
There’s one thing further festive about seeing a vacation present within the Majestic, with its starry ceiling and gilded balconies. “Elf the Musical” is zippy, humorous, and ideal for an evening out with older children or a multigenerational crew. Make it dinner-and-a-show downtown: park as soon as, dine inside strolling distance, and benefit from the lights earlier than curtain.
Holidays on Houston Road
When: December 5 – 14
The place: Houston Road, Downtown San Antonio
Downtown’s most historic hall turns right into a walkable celebration with Holidays on Houston Road. Anticipate enhanced lights, pop-up occasions, and associate activations from the Alamo to Legacy Park — a straightforward add-on to any River Stroll night. The Market Weekend, December 12–14 – that includes 50+ distributors with artisan items, native eat, and festive picture ops – is ideal for household searching and last-minute buying. Stroll the size of Houston Road to catch décor, avenue leisure, and close by theater marquees lit for the season.
San Antonio Botanical Backyard: Illuminate
When: By means of January 11, 2026
The place: San Antonio Botanical Backyard |Data: Illuminate
A glow-up for date night time or household enjoyable, Illuminate transforms the San Antonio Botanical Backyard right into a mile-long path of handcrafted lanterns, glowing tunnels, and photo-worthy scenes. The after-dark expertise has timed entry each half-hour from 5:30–8:30 p.m. (most company end in about 90 minutes). Anticipate refreshed shows this season — created with Tianyu Arts & Tradition — and particular theme nights. Notice: the Backyard closes at 4 p.m. every day in the course of the run to organize for night entries and a few areas of the backyard aren’t accessible in the course of the day. Tickets are restricted and advance buy is beneficial. Reserve an earlier slot in the event you’re visiting with younger children and construct in time for photographs—there are a lot.
San Antonio shines this time of yr — generally actually. Whether or not you’re chasing twinkle lights, Santa selfies, or a quiet second with world-class artwork, fill the season with must-see magic. there’s one thing right here for each age and vitality stage. See you on the market, cocoa in hand!
