Tag: Holiday Parade

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! 🎅✨