Tag: Ambler

Ring In the Season with the Best Holiday Celebrations in San Antonio This Weekend

Hotel Contessa is lighting up the season with a front-row parade watch party and its first-ever tree lighting on the River Terrace. Photo: Hotel Contessa, used with permission.

🎄 San Antonio Weekend Holiday Events Roundup

The holiday season is officially underway in San Antonio, and this weekend is packed with festive celebrations across the city. From tree lightings to river parades, here’s where to find the magic.

✨ Gunter Hotel Tree Lighting Ceremony

📅 Saturday, November 29 | ⏰ 2–3 p.m.
📍 205 East Houston Street, San Antonio, TX 78205

Kick off the holidays at the historic Gunter Hotel, where a dazzling 16-foot Christmas tree will take center stage in the lobby. Enjoy a special performance by the talented Kingwood High School carolers from Houston, and warm up with complimentary sweet treats and hot cocoa. It’s the perfect blend of cheer, music, and community spirit in the heart of downtown. (Gunter Hotel, 2025)

🎉 Ácenar HotMex & CoolBar: River Parade Viewing

📅 Friday, November 28
📍 146 E Houston St, San Antonio, TX 78205

Ácenar is elevating the River Walk tradition with front-row views of the 44th Annual Ford Holiday River Parade & Lighting Ceremony. (Ácenar HotMex & CoolBar, 2025)

Seating options include:

  • Riverside Seating – $28/person
    Up-close views with a dedicated server for cocktail orders.
  • Riverfront Patio Dining – $70 minimum per person
    A more elevated experience complete with Ácenar’s contemporary Mexican cuisine and crafted cocktails.

Reservations are required and seating is limited. To book, call (210) 222-2362.

🌟 Hotel Contessa: Parade Watch Party & First Annual Tree Lighting

📅 Friday, November 28 | ⏰ 5–7 p.m.
📍 306 W Market St, San Antonio, TX 78205

Hotel Contessa is lighting up the season with a front-row parade watch party and its first-ever tree lighting on the River Terrace. (Hotel Contessa, 2025)

Guests can enjoy:

  • Mariachis
  • Holiday DJ
  • Student musical ensemble
  • Photos with Santa
  • Wine tastings & cocoa
  • Holiday treats
  • Crafting station
  • Local vendors

Ticket Options:

  • General Seating – $50
  • Front-Row Seating – $65
  • Marriage Island VIP – $85 (includes upgraded seating, complimentary beverage & valet)

Tree lighting begins at 6:30 p.m., with the parade passing by shortly after 7 p.m.

🍸 Hotel Contessa: Ford Holiday VIP Terrace Party

📅Friday, November 28 | ⏰5:30–9 p.m.
Guests 21+ can upgrade their night with exclusive terrace access overlooking the River Walk.
$75 per ticket includes:

  • Two handcrafted cocktails
  • Chef-inspired appetizers
  • Live holiday DJ
  • Luxury crafting station
  • Express massages from the Spa at Hotel Contessa
  • Raffle entry for a 2026 one-night stay

Note: Limited parade views from the terrace; 15% off parade seating with code VIP.

🍽️ Ambler: VIP Parade Dining Experience

📅Friday, November 28 | ⏰5–9:30 p.m.
Ambler’s private dining experience includes prime parade views, a three-course dinner, valet parking, and premium drinks.

Pricing:

  • Table of Four – $600
  • Individual Tickets – $175

Kids menu available.

Whether you’re looking for a cozy tree lighting or an unforgettable River Walk parade experience, San Antonio is sparkling with ways to celebrate. Bundle up, grab some cocoa, and enjoy the start of the season! 🎅✨

Fall Flavors in San Antonio: Pumpkin Lattes, Fiesta Drinks & Live Fire Dining

Twang launches new Fiesta Lime Rimming Salt with red, white, and green visuals. Photo: Twang, used with permission.

Fall Flavors & Festivities in San Antonio

As the fall season approaches, San Antonio is brimming with festive flavors and seasonal celebrations. From pumpkin-spiced lattes to wood-fired feasts and zesty new drink pairings, here’s what’s happening around town this September.

🎃 Sip Into the Season at La Panadería

La Panadería is welcoming cooler weather and the holiday spirit with the launch of its Pumpkin Cold Foam Latte, debuting Friday, September 19. (La Panadería, 2025)

This fall-inspired treat features an iced cinnamon latte base, topped with house-made cold foam crafted from real pumpkin puree and maple syrup, and finished with a dusting of pumpkin spice.

Pair your latte with La Panadería’s beloved brunch menu, featuring:

  • House-made chilaquiles
  • Huevos rancheros
  • Avocado toast
  • Breakfast tortas
  • And of course, freshly baked pan dulce

🍹 Twang Launches Fiesta Lime Rimming Salt

San Antonio’s own Twang, known for bold, South Texas-inspired flavors, has introduced its latest innovation: Fiesta Lime Rimming Salt. (Twang, 2025)

Perfect for cocktails and mocktails, this zesty rimmer combines lime zest with a balanced salt mix, accented with red, white, and green crystals — a nod to Twang’s Mexican-American roots and the colorful spirit of celebrations.

  • Price: $5 each
  • Where to buy: Online (nationwide delivery) and select Spec’s locations

Because every drink deserves a little fiesta.

🔥 Live Fire Returns to Hotel Contessa

Hotel Contessa is bringing back its popular seasonal tradition, Live Fire, starting Saturday, September 20 at Ambler, the hotel’s River Walk patio restaurant. (Hotel Contessa, 2025)

This immersive culinary series celebrates Texas cuisine with dishes prepared over an open flame, paired with live music from local musicians.

Kickoff Event: September 20

  • 6 p.m. – Cocktail hour (drinks available for purchase)
  • 7–8 p.m. – Free country line dancing lessons (RSVP on Eventbrite)
  • 6–9 p.m. – Dinner reservations via OpenTable or 210-298-8040

Weekly Details

  • Every Saturday, 5–9 p.m. through mid-November (weather permitting)
  • Price: $79–$129 per person, depending on entrée
  • Format: Four-course, family-style meal featuring rotating seasonal menus

About the Chef

Executive Chef Michael Collins brings more than 30 years of culinary experience — and a decade spent in Texas — to this series. Through Live Fire, he showcases regional ingredients, time-honored techniques, and partnerships with local producers.

📍 Ambler River Patio
306 W. Market St., San Antonio, TX 78205

✨ Whether you’re craving pumpkin spice, a festive cocktail upgrade, or a true Texas feast by the fire, San Antonio has something flavorful waiting for you this fall.

La Panadería’s Pumpkin Cold Foam Latte. Photo: La Panadería, used with permission.

Red, White & Delicious: Fourth of July Eats, Drinks & Events to Savor

Twang debuts limited-edition cocktail rimming salt for Fourth of July celebrations. Photo: Twang, used with permission.

Celebrate the Fourth of July in Style at Hotel Contessa

This Fourth of July, make your way to Hotel Contessa in downtown San Antonio for a weekend full of bold flavors, festive fun, and patriotic flair. (Hotel Contessa, 2025)

🍖 Fourth of July Dining Specials at Ambler

Available Thursday, July 3 – Saturday, July 5

Ambler, Hotel Contessa’s signature restaurant, is firing up the grill with bold Texas barbecue and elevated comfort food all weekend long. Enjoy these mouthwatering specials:

  • Mesquite Smoked Pork Ribs with mac-n-cheese & slaw – $34
  • 28oz Cowboy Ribeye with baked potato & grilled asparagus – $99
  • 24oz Bone-In NY Strip with mac-n-cheese & grilled asparagus – $99

👉 Reservations recommended. Book online or call Ambler at (210) 298-8040. Limited seating available!

🎬 Outdoor Movie Night: Independence Day

Saturday, July 5 at 10:30 p.m. | Hotel Contessa River Walk Patio

The celebration continues Saturday night with a special screening of the iconic film Independence Day. Grab your seat (first come, first served!) on the River Walk patio and enjoy:

  • Themed cocktails
  • Popcorn & candy
  • A nostalgic s’mores bar

Don’t miss this perfect summer night under the stars!

📍 Hotel Contessa – 306 W Market St, San Antonio, TX 78205

✨ Summer Sips & Patriotic Products

🍸 Twang’s Life, Liberty, and Lime Rimming Salt

Raise a glass to summer with Twang’s newest limited-edition release, Life, Liberty, and Lime—a zesty cocktail rimming salt featuring all-natural red, white, and blue crystals. (Twang, 2025)

  • Bold lime flavor + festive colors
  • Perfect for margaritas, beers, and more
  • 4oz tub for just $5.00
  • Available at grocery stores nationwide or online

Founded in San Antonio in 1986, Twang is a Latino-owned brand known for premium-flavored salts, sugars, and seasonings that elevate every bite and sip.

🍵 Full Leaf Tea Company: Functional Hydration for the Fourth

Looking for a refreshing, wellness-forward way to celebrate? Full Leaf Tea Company has you covered with patriotic drinkware and antioxidant-rich teas. (Full Leaf Tea Company, 2025)

Full Leaf, based in Southern Oregon, is beloved for its USDA organic teas, wellness blends, and on-the-go accessories. Explore their tea-based summer recipes and curated gift sets to keep the good vibes flowing all season long.

Photo: Full Leaf Tea Company, used with permission.

Whether you’re indulging in barbecue and blockbusters or sipping antioxidant-packed tea by the pool, there are plenty of ways to make this Independence Day your most flavorful and festive yet! 🎆