🎄 Holiday Happenings in San Antonio: Your Guide to Seasonal Events
San Antonio is buzzing with holiday cheer and this month brings a full lineup of festive markets, family-friendly celebrations, concerts, and community traditions. Whether you’re looking to snap a photo with Santa, hunt for local gifts, or savor holiday flavors, here’s everything happening around St. Paul Square and Pearl.
🎅 December 12: Santa at the Square & Holiday Market (St. Paul Square)
St. Paul Square is welcoming Santa to San Antonio for a special holiday pop-up market featuring all-local vendors. With the district fully decorated for the season, it’s the perfect chance to sip hot cocoa, shop small, and grab a festive family photo with St. Nick. (St Paul Square, 2025)
Event Details
- What: Holiday Market + Santa photos (presented by Juntos San Antonio)
- Where: Parking lot in front of 1902 — 1174 E. Commerce Street
- When: 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
- Admission: Free // All ages
🎶December 19: Beauty + Zen Haus Night Market + Elnuh at The Espee
Ring in the season with Beauty + Zen Haus’ Holiday Night Market, your destination for last-minute gifts, handcrafted goods, festive décor, and unique local finds. After browsing the market, stick around for indie-pop artist Elnuh, performing under the stars on The Espee’s outdoor plaza stage.
Event Details
- Where: St. Paul Square Courtyard + The Espee — 1174 E. Commerce Street
- When: Doors & music at 7 p.m.
- Admission: Free // All ages
This Friday Night Live series is part of St. Paul Square’s vision to transform the historic district into one of San Antonio’s most vibrant hubs for entertainment, culture, food, and nightlife.
🎁 Holiday Season at Pearl
The holiday spirit is in full swing at Pearl, with a packed calendar of family traditions, community events, and festive fun. (Pearl, 2025)
🌮 December 13: Pullman Market Tamale Festival (Debut!)
Pullman Market is launching its first-ever Tamale Festival, a new holiday tradition celebrating San Antonio’s beloved seasonal staple.
Event Details
- When: Saturday, December 13 • 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
- Where: Pullman Market – Karnes Street
221 Newell Ave, San Antonio, TX 78215 - Admission: Free (RSVP requested on Eventbrite)
Enjoy tamales from local vendors plus specialty creations from the Pullman Market culinary team. Guests can eat on-site or purchase tamale packs to take home for holiday gatherings.
Family Fun & Festivities:
- Activities from The DoSeum
- Live DJ set by DJ Caliente
- A Best Tamale Competition
- Local makers + holiday bites
Vendor Lineup:
- Carnita’s Spot
- Southerleigh
- Culinary Institute of America
- Mezquite
- Margarita’s Tamales
- Tamale Addiction
- Chamoy City Limits
- Chi Chi Birds Hot Chicken
🎅 Free Photos with Santa
Complimentary Santa photos are available every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday through December 21.
Times and locations vary — check Pearl’s Events Calendar for the latest schedule.
🛍️ Holiday Night Markets
Discover artisan gifts, warm drinks, festive lights, and local makers.
- Next Market: Wednesday, December 17
🎬 Festive Movie Mondays
Enjoy holiday classics every Monday in December (except December 29). Movies begin at sunset, arrive early and bring blankets!
Upcoming Screenings:
- December 15: Elf
- December 22: The Polar Express
🕍11th Annual Chanukah Celebration – December 16
Presented with YJSA (Young & Jewish San Antonio), this community celebration features live music, family activities, and a ceremonial menorah lighting.
The menorah will shine nightly December 16–24 near the Boiler House Shade Structure.
🎁 Hotel Emma Holiday Perks
Hotel Emma guests enjoy exclusive seasonal offerings including:
- Custom Go Rio river cruises arranged through the concierge
- Letters for Santa activities in the hotel library
- Festive décor + rich hot chocolate
SA Examiner 