Free Holiday Festivals in San Antonio, Texas for Families

Instead of paying inflated admission fees to concerts and plays for the children during this holiday season, put your money back into your wallet (or purse) and join with San Antonians by attending free events throughout December. If you live here you know that December is the month of "pura fiesta." It's music, food and celebration during all of December.

San Antonio, Texas is the seventh largest city in the US but it is spread out like a great crazy quilt of neighborhoods. Downtown is all about the heroism of the Alamo and the beauty of the famous Riverwalk, the jewel of the city.

Just a few blocks from downtown, the fabric of the city changes to TexMex. If the concept of "fiesta"is unfamiliar to you, pack the family into the car and drive down to San Antonio to experience one of the joys of Southwest Texas culture. Mariachi music and sweet tamales, colorful arts and crafts shows and religious festivals are everywhere. San Antonio celebrates and prepares for Christmas with a gusto that few cities can match. It's fiesta time.

The following list of events are entirely free, but, of course, it's going to be hard for you and the kids to ignore the rich aromas of enchiladas or roasting corn. But,don't worry, the vendor food here is good and cheap.

Remember, you wont need overcoats and mittens,either. Most events are outside where you can expect the weather to be pleasant and the festivities joyous and colorful. Light jackets or warm sweaters are all you will ever need.

Festivals:

"Light the Way"
This is the theme of the brilliant light display at Incarnate Word University, one of the prettiest campuses anywhere at 4301 Broadway. All through December and January the entire campus is lit up at night like a fairyland. Self-guided tours will lead you through an extraordinary experience which the children will love. (210) 829-6001

"Holiday Lighting"
Then, at the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa, 9800 Hyatt Resort drive. Another light festival begins in the afternoon Nov. 28 and this one includes live music with a special invitation to families to participate in Christmas caroling. Call for particulars at 210-647-1234.

"Christmas at the Riverwalk"
The most glorious display of lights, though, is along the famous San Antonio Riverwalk. The San Antonio River flows through the heart of the city and features outdoor restaurants, beautiful landscaping and a walking path that runs along both sides of the river with the occasional footbridge leading you to the other side.

But you have to be there at night to see the beauty of the lights. It will be a great outing for you and your children and expect to hear lots of music along the way, including Christmas music from the passenger boats along the river.

Religious Events

The feast of Our lady of Guadalupe is incredibly important to Mexican Americans and is celebrated on Saturday, Dec. 12. Even if you are not Catholic the mariachi music, the pageantry, the devotion is an experience you wont soon forget. And, San Antonio goes all out to celebrate this feast.

If you can get to the San Fernando Cathedral by 5:30 a.m on Saturday catch part of the morning celebration which includes a Mass with a rich rendering of traditional music. For sleepyheads there is another Mass at 8a.m.

Would you and the children want to participate in something unique? If you can stay up late, at 11 pm. the night before the feast day, on Friday, there is a special serenade and Mass beginning at 11 pm., again at the San Fernando Cathedral.

Of course you are welcome if you are Catholic or not: this is a San Antonio festival. The events are free but a donation as the offering basket is passed would be appreciated. The cathedral is located downtown at 115 W. Main Plaza. (210 223-6192

"La Gran Posada"

This is another huge holiday festival on Dec. 20. It's a religious procession through downtown San Antonio ending at the San Fernando Cathedral. The event recalls the search of Mary and Joseph for lodging in Bethlehem. The procession starts at Milam Park and passes through Market square on its way to San Fernando Cathedral. Do not miss this candlelight procession to the Cathedral followed by life music at 6 pm..

"Christmas Mass"
San Antonio is very much influenced by the Catholic Church. If you happen to be here on Christmas, try to attend one of the Christmas Eve Masses at any Catholic Church. You will hear the strains of "Silent Night" and "O Little Town of Bethlehem"and a score of other religious Christmas songs. It is part of the heritage of San Antonio.

Certainly, attending one of the Christmas Masses at San Fernando Cathedral with traditional music and pageantry would be a great family experience.

Markets and craft shows

"Arts in the Park"
An Holiday Arts Market on Saturday, December 5 includes music, dance and other performances at Woodland Lakes Park, 1103 Cincinnati Street from 11 Am - 3 PM.

"Holly Daze"
On Dec. 12 and 19, there is another fiesta of traditional Christmas songs with three different band and dance troops performing at Market Square at 514 Commerce beginning at 11 AM and continuing through the afternoon. Market Square is a not-to-be-missed feature of downtown San Antonio.

Concerts

"Holiday in Blue 2009"
The annual holiday concert presented by Lackland Airforce Base Band of the West. will be held at Laurie Auditorium, Trinity University, 1 Trinity Place . At 3 pm. and 7 pm. On Dec.14 and 15. All shows are free but tickets are available for priority seating. (210) 671-3934.

"Christmas at the Alamo"
You don't want to miss the Lone Star State's most important shrine right in downtown San Antonio near the Riverwalk. Originally intended as a mission along the San Antonio River, the Alamo instead became the site of a fierce battle between the huge army of Santa Anna and a small band of heroic defenders who gave their lives for independence from Mexico.

At night, the Alamo is lit up and there are unannounced dances and music. Entrance to the Alamo is, of course, free.

If you are from out of town, stay for a weekend right downtown at one of the hotels. You will be within walking distance of most events. (Try one of the discount web sites like Hotwire or Priceline for great deals on weekend stays.)

Of course, if you live here, you are already planning to fiesta your way through December.

Sources and further info:

HTTP://www.thesanantnioriverwalk.com

HTTP://www.san.antonio.eventguide.com

HTTP://www.attractionguide.com/san_antonio/