San Antonio grinches, beware. Holidays at Hemisfair is transforming Civic Park into a winter wonderland from November 28 through January 3 — the park’s first full-scale holiday celebration since it officially debuted in March.
The biggest draw will likely be Skate the City, a full-size outdoor synthetic ice rink set among twinkling lights. The San Antonio Parks Foundation expects the attraction to welcome tens of thousands of skaters, who will sing favorite carols and dine from a fleet of local food trucks. Admission is $15 and includes skate rental.
Holidays at Hemisfair will feature several weekend gift markets.Photo courtesy of Hemisfair.
The celebration kicks into high gear on Saturday, November 29, with Hemisfair’s Historic Home Lighting Ceremony. The historic buildings along East Nueva Street will be decked out with themed décor designed by community partners, including CHRISTUS Children’s, Methodist Healthcare, Community First Health Plans, Skanska, and VIA Metropolitan Transit. The evening will include live entertainment, seasonal treats, and a festive countdown before the district illuminates.
During the same weekend, Holidays at Hemisfair Gift Market will offer a chance to snag stocking stuffers. The two-day outdoor shopping event, curated by SA Local Market and hosted by Galaxy Productions, will showcase more than 60 local vendors selling handcrafted jewelry, artisanal gifts, baked goodies, chocolate, and other small-batch treats from November 29-30, noon-9 pm.
Families can also look forward to a packed schedule of events. Holiday in the Garden, held on December 20, celebrates diverse holiday traditions through crafts, music, and hands-on activities. Hemisfair will also roll out Holiday Movies by Moonlight every Tuesday in December, weekend gift markets from December 6-21, and a New Year’s Eve & Kids Countdown on December 31. Free parking will be available at select City of San Antonio surface lots and garages during the movie nights.
Kids can expect a few visits from Santa and Mrs. Clause.Photo courtesy of Hemisfair
“Holidays at Hemisfair continues to grow, and this year’s expanded celebrations reflect our commitment to creating a welcoming space for everyone,” says Melissa Robinson, Interim CEO of the Hemisfair Park Area Redevelopment Corporation (HPARC), in a release. “As more families and neighbors choose to make Hemisfair part of their holiday traditions, we’re proud to offer programming that brings our community together in joyful, meaningful ways.”
“This is the first holiday season with Civic Park fully open to the community,” adds Mary Jane Verette, President and CEO of the San Antonio Parks Foundation. “It’s the perfect time to launch a new ice skating experience and transform Hemisfair into a magical holiday wonderland for our community to enjoy.”
Holidays at Hemisfair runs November 28, 2025-January 3, 2026. A full schedule and details can be found online.