by Mary E.

Whoa, November! This month is arriving faster than rolls of toilet paper flying off the store shelves! What do you and your online learners have planned as the Holidays near? If you need a helping hand to find outdoor activities, we've got have your social calendar in mind.

With this list, I am sharing family-friendly activity ideas that collect “thumbs up” from previous visitors. However, in these COVID-19 times, it’s tricky to know which events may or may not occur. Consider looking up the latest information about each celebration before heading out the door. Also, be aware that mask wearing and other safety precautions may be in place. 

Often, an attraction will have a “lighting ceremony” (sometimes serving hot cocoa and cookies!) to kick off the festivities. Grooving to live music, sampling tasty food and taking selfies with Santa Claus could be a part of these special parties. Looking up the details on “opening ceremony” type hoopla might add an extra helping of holiday spirit to your day planner!

What: 

The River Walk is the “crown jewel” of San Antonio, so, Holiday Lights on the River Walk is right up my tree-lined alley

Imagine a date night with your sweetheart - Lingering under a branch of bald cypress draped in festive lights and perhaps pretending it is mistletoe? The River Walk could set quite a romantic scene for you!

• Have you heard any word on plans for the Holiday River Parade? Usually taking place in the downtown portion of the River Walk, it may add some Bing to your Crosby crooning.

• Also, it’s kind of fun to spot the soft glow of luminarias along the River Walk if the “Fiesta de las Luminarias” adds to each upcoming December weekend.

Where: 

849 E Commerce Street

San Antonio, TX 78205

When:

Previously, the timing has been from dusk ‘til dawn. It may begin the day after Thanksgiving until January 2, 2021.

https://www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com/events/holiday-lights-on-the-river-walk-free/

Bonus:

• While on the search for Holiday sparkle, think about pointing your sleigh towards the Pearl District - off Pearl Parkway, San Antonio, TX 78215. The twinkling lights and the intriguing vendors in this area may add spontaneous cheer to your night out.

What:

“Light the Way” Celebration

• Plans for this shindig may differ this year but think about celebrating the season with the University of the Incarnate Word community at this annual happening. 

• Besides, with the rollercoaster of up’s and down’s we’ve been experiencing in 2020, being around hopeful, heartwarming people sounds like a stellar plan - plus fireworks!

Where:

University of the Incarnate Word

4301 Broadway

San Antonio, TX 78209

When:

Previously held on the Saturday before Thanksgiving 

https://m.uiw.edu/alumni/light_the_way/index

What:

Old West Christmas Lights Fest

• Following health and safety guidelines, the folks out in Boerne are continuing to bring Holiday cheer for you and yours.

• I reckon you’ll find a Santa wearing cowboy boots ‘round these parts.

Where:

Enchanted Spring Ranch

242 St Hwy 46 W

Boerne, TX 78006

When:

Currently planning from Thanksgiving Night to Christmas Night

https://christmaslightfest.com

What:

Zoo Lights 

• Have a favorite zoo animal? The critters might be asleep after sunset but the lighting displays around the zoo campus will be radiant!

• Check in with the San Antonio Zoo to see if the “Starry Safari” Zoo Lights will indeed be shimmering this Holiday season.

Where:

San Antonio Zoo

3903 N St Mary’s St

San Antonio, TX 78212

When:

TBD

https://sazoo.org/zoo-events/zoo-lights/

What:

Santa’s Ranch

• Y’all come on over! Touring this one-of-a-kind vehicle drive-through display is a New Braunfels Holiday light-peeping favorite!

Where:

9561 I-35 N

New Braunfels, TX 78130

When:

Currently planning from November 6, 2020 through January 3, 2021

https://santasranch.net/about/

What:

Windcrest Light Up 

• We all become “best of show” winners when neighbors in this charming community compete with their exterior illumination talents.

Where:

Pick up a map at Windcrest City Hall, 

8601 Midcrown Dr

Windcrest, TX 78239

When:

Previously held Mid-December through New Years Eve

https://www.windcrest-tx.gov/190/Windcrest-Light-Up

What:

Christmas in the Park

• At last count, over 130 displays will be lighting up the night in the Cuero city park.

• Might be worthwhile to go for a drive out yonder, gazing at the lights and exploring a friendly Lone Star State community.

Where:

Cuero Municipal Park

201 Leonard Roy Harmon Dr (off Hwy 87 S)

Cuero, TX 77954

When:

Previously began the Monday before Thanksgiving until New Years Day

http://www.cuerochristmasinthepark.org

What:

Holiday Lights in Travis Park

• “What’s that glow over near the Tower of the America’s?” - says a San Antonio lighting display hunter, probably

“Oh that’s an abundance of magical lights, shining bright in Travis Park, bringing joy to all!” - responds a San Antonio resident, probably 

Where:

301 E Travis Street

San Antonio TX 78205

When:

Currently planning from November 29, 2020 - January 1, 2021

Here’s the scoop on last years mammoth tree - 

https://www.ksat.com/news/local/2019/11/19/san-antonios-50-foot-christmas-tree-to-arrive-at-travis-park/

What:

Elf Acres

• Enjoy a Texas-sized acreage, filled with more fun than you can shake a candycane stick at!

• Buddy Elf tip > Ask for a discount with your military ID

Where:

1475 Grosenbacher Rd

San Antonio TX 78245

When:

Currently planning from November 20, 2020 - December 29, 2020

http://elfacres.com

Looking ahead at November and December, maybe keep the names of these places and spaces in mind? Finding fun activities (sometimes for FREE!) could add a little dash of wonder to this wonderful season.

Photo by Derek Thomson on Unsplash