Planning Thanksgiving in San Antonio? Here's what you need to know:

Thanksgiving in San Antonio offers something for everyone in 2025, from the annual San Antonio Food Bank Turkey Trot 5K on Thursday, November 27th, to the magical Ford Holiday River Parade on Friday, November 28th (day after Thanksgiving). The Alamo City features luxury Thanksgiving dining at historic hotels like Hotel Contessa and JW Marriott, casual Tex-Mex feasts at Mi Tierra Café, and meaningful volunteer opportunities with the Raul Jimenez Thanksgiving Dinner (serving 25,000+ guests), Operation Turkey, and the San Antonio Food Bank.

Whether you're a local, visiting family member, veteran, active-duty service member, or luxury traveler, this comprehensive 2025 guide helps you plan an unforgettable holiday celebration in San Antonio.

Top Things to Do: Thanksgiving Week Events in San Antonio 2025

San Antonio bursts with festive Thanksgiving activities that capture the spirit of the season. Here are the best Thanksgiving events and things to do in San Antonio for 2025:

1. San Antonio Food Bank Turkey Trot 5K

When: Thursday, November 27, 2025 (Thanksgiving Morning)
Where: Downtown San Antonio
Best for: Families, veterans, community-minded locals

Kick off Thanksgiving morning with this beloved annual 5K run/walk that supports San Antonio's fight against hunger. The Turkey Trot is a family-friendly event where runners and walkers of all ages can participate—it's the perfect way to start Thanksgiving in San Antonio while burning calories before that turkey dinner.

Pro Tip: Register early, as spots fill quickly during the holiday week. Arriving 30 minutes early ensures parking and ample warm-up time.

2. Ford Holiday River Parade (Day After Thanksgiving)

When: Friday, November 28, 2025
Where: San Antonio River Walk
Duration: Evening hours (arrive early for best viewing)

The Ford Holiday River Parade is one of San Antonio's most iconic holiday traditions. Dozens of illuminated floats drift down the San Antonio River, decorated with 100,000+ twinkling lights and festive music. This is THE event that officially kicks off the holiday season on the River Walk.

Why It Matters: If you're new to San Antonio or considering relocating here, this event showcases the vibrant community spirit and outdoor lifestyle that makes the Alamo City special for families and veterans alike.

Pro Tip: Reserve seats at a riverfront restaurant for dinner with a view of the parade (Hotel Contessa's Ambler Texas Kitchen, Hotel Valencia's Dorrego's, and JW Marriott offer prime vantage points). Otherwise, arrive by 4 PM to grab a good spot along the riverbank.

3. Holiday Lights & Festivities (November 28 – Early January)

San Antonio transforms into a winter wonderland Thanksgiving weekend through early January:

H-E-B Christmas Tree Lighting

• When: Friday, November 28, 2025 at Travis Park

• What to Expect: 50-foot Christmas tree with 10,000+ lights, live music, food trucks, family-friendly fun

• Cost: FREE

River Walk Holiday Lights

• When: November 28, 2025 – Early January 2026

• What to See: Over 100,000 holiday lights draped across cypress trees, creating a stunning evening atmosphere

• How to Experience It: Stroll the River Walk at night or take a GO RIO boat ride under the sparkling canopy

• Why It's Special: An unmistakably San Antonio experience that residents and visitors cherish

SeaWorld San Antonio Christmas Celebration

• When: Thanksgiving weekend through holiday season

• Highlights: Hot chocolate, shows, Santa sightings, water-based holiday entertainment

• Best for: Families with young children

San Antonio Zoo – Zoo Lights

• When: November 15, 2025 – January 4, 2026

• What to Expect: Dazzling light displays throughout the zoo grounds, animal viewing in festive settings

• Cost: Moderate admission fee

• Pro Tip: Visit on weeknights to avoid crowds

4. Six Flags Fiesta Texas – Holiday in the Park

When: November 22 – December 23, 2025
What to Expect: Roller coasters mixed with millions of lights, festive shows, Santa visits
Best for: Adventure seekers and thrill-lovers during the Thanksgiving holiday

Six Flags transforms into a holiday wonderland with festive entertainment and light displays throughout the park. Perfect for an exciting Thanksgiving weekend outing with family and friends.

5. ICE! at JW Marriott Hill Country Resort

When: November 22, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Theme: "Frosty the Snowman"
Experience: Indoor winter wonderland featuring intricate ice sculptures carved from enormous blocks
Included: Parkas provided (bundled necessary in South Texas's unique "chilly" experience)
Best for: Unique, Instagram-worthy holiday experiences

Where to Eat: Best Thanksgiving Dining in San Antonio 2025

Whether you prefer a gourmet feast or casual Tex-Mex celebration, San Antonio delivers exceptional Thanksgiving dining options:

Upscale Hotel Brunches & Feasts

Why This Matters for Locals: San Antonio's luxury hotels showcase the city's commitment to hospitality and culinary excellence, values that extend to the community and neighborhoods where residents build their homes.

Fine Dining Steakhouses & Restaurants

Bohanan's Prime Steakhouse

• Multi-course Thanksgiving menu

• Herb-crusted turkey and decadent pies

• Downtown location

Range

• Contemporary American with Texas flair

• Seasonal sides and local ingredients

• River North location

J-Prime Steakhouse

• Upscale steakhouse experience

• South Texas brisket and specialty items

• Premium service and ambiance

Cappy's

• Intimate fine dining

• Creative Thanksgiving preparations

• North Star location

Casual & Family-Friendly Eats

Mi Tierra Café y Panaderia

• Open 24/7 on Thanksgiving

• Tex-Mex flair with holiday plates

• Market Square location (iconic San Antonio spot)

Mare e Monte

• Italian classics with Thanksgiving special

• Family-friendly atmosphere

• Multiple San Antonio locations

Bakery Lorraine

• Seasonal pies and desserts to-go

• Perfect for Thanksgiving sides

• Multiple locations throughout San Antonio

Chain Options (Reliable, Open on Thanksgiving)

• Cracker Barrel (comfort food, family-friendly)

• Golden Corral (buffet-style, budget-friendly)

Pro Tip: Call Ahead!

Thanksgiving dining in San Antonio is busy citywide. Reserve your table or pickup slot at least 2-3 weeks in advance. Many restaurants fill completely for Thanksgiving week.

Volunteer Opportunities: Give Back This Thanksgiving in San Antonio

Giving back is a core San Antonio tradition. These Thanksgiving volunteer opportunities are perfect for families, groups, service members, veterans, and individuals:

Raul Jimenez Thanksgiving Dinner (Largest Community Event)

The Opportunity: Serve 25,000+ guests at one of the largest community Thanksgiving meals in the United States.

Location: Henry B. González Convention Center (downtown San Antonio)

Volunteer Roles:

• Food preparation and cooking

• Serving and meal distribution

• Setup and cleanup

• Guest greeting and crowd management

When to Register: October (registration opens annually in October)

Impact: This is San Antonio's flagship volunteer Thanksgiving event, bringing together the community to ensure no one goes hungry during the holidays.

Resources:

• Official Website: rauljimenezdinner.com

• Coordinator: volunteersanantonio.org

Operation Turkey – San Antonio

The Opportunity: Prepare hot, delicious Thanksgiving meals for homeless individuals and underserved families across San Antonio.

Volunteer Tasks:

• Cook and prepare meals

• Package meals for distribution

• Deliver meals to homeless encampments and community centers

• Sort and organize food donations

Impact: Direct service to vulnerable populations during the holiday season

Resources: facebook.com/operationturkeysanantonio

Meals on Wheels San Antonio

The Opportunity: Deliver hot Thanksgiving meals to homebound seniors and vulnerable adults.

Why It Matters: Many elderly San Antonio residents live alone and may not have family nearby. Your delivery brings both nutrition and human connection.

How to Help:

• Deliver pre-packaged meals

• Visit with recipients

• Report any welfare concerns

Resources: mowsatx.org

San Antonio Food Bank

The Opportunity: Sort, package, and distribute food boxes before Thanksgiving.

Volunteer Tasks:

• Food sorting and boxing

• Labeling and organizing

• Warehouse operations

• Community outreach events

Why It Matters: San Antonio Food Bank distributes over 87 million meals annually across South Texas.

Resources: safoodbank.org

Veterans & Military Support Organizations

Operation Homefront

• Prepare holiday meal kits for military families

• Support events for active-duty and veteran communities

• Provide financial assistance during the holidays

The USO

• Host Thanksgiving celebrations for service members

• Provide care packages and meal support

• Connect military families with community resources

Why Veterans Should Know This: These organizations specifically support military families and veterans, making them ideal for fellow service members looking to give back.

Resources: operationhomefront.org

What's Open on Thanksgiving Day in San Antonio (November 27, 2025)?

✅ OPEN Attractions & Venues

🍴 OPEN Restaurants on Thanksgiving

Yes, You Can Eat Out:

• Luxury hotels (Hotel Contessa, JW Marriott, Hotel Valencia)

• Fine dining restaurants (Bohanan's, Range, Cappy's, J-Prime)

• Casual favorites (Mi Tierra Café, Mare e Monte, Bakery Lorraine)

• Chain restaurants (Cracker Barrel, Golden Corral)

Important: Make reservations 2-3 weeks in advance. Thanksgiving is the busiest dining day of the year in San Antonio.

❌ MOSTLY CLOSED (Plan Accordingly)

Thanksgiving in San Antonio: Community, Culture & Connection

Thanksgiving in San Antonio is more than a meal, it's a celebration of community, culture, and deep connection. The Alamo City's unique blend of Texas tradition, military heritage, and diverse cultural influences creates an unforgettable holiday experience.

Whether you're enjoying luxury Thanksgiving dining in San Antonio, participating in festive events like the River Parade and Turkey Trot, or giving back through volunteer opportunities, there's something for everyone. The sense of community that San Antonio residents and visitors experience during Thanksgiving reflects the values that make this city special year-round.

FAQs: Thanksgiving in San Antonio 2025

Q: How can I volunteer on Thanksgiving in San Antonio?

A: San Antonio offers multiple volunteer opportunities during Thanksgiving:

• Raul Jimenez Thanksgiving Dinner: Serve 25,000+ guests at Henry B. González Convention Center (registration in October)

• Operation Turkey: Help prepare and deliver meals to homeless individuals across the city

• Meals on Wheels: Deliver meals to homebound seniors

• San Antonio Food Bank: Sort and distribute food boxes

• Operation Homefront: Support military families with meal kits and assistance

• USO: Volunteer at Thanksgiving celebrations for active-duty and veteran families

Register Early: Most organizations finalize volunteer schedules 2-3 weeks before Thanksgiving. Check websites in October to secure your volunteer slot.

Q: Does San Antonio have a Thanksgiving parade?

A: San Antonio doesn't host a traditional street parade on Thanksgiving Day itself. However, the Ford Holiday River Parade on Friday, November 28th (day after Thanksgiving) is the city's iconic holiday parade tradition.

What Makes It Special: Unlike traditional parades, this unique celebration features illuminated floats drifting down the San Antonio River Walk, creating a magical, water-based spectacle with 100,000+ twinkling lights and festive music. It's often described as "a Thanksgiving parade on water", an unmistakably San Antonio experience.

Attend This: If you're considering relocating to San Antonio or recommending the city to friends and family, this event perfectly showcases what makes the Alamo City special.

Q: What holiday events happen Thanksgiving weekend?

A: Beyond the Turkey Trot and River Parade, Thanksgiving weekend features:

• H-E-B Christmas Tree Lighting (Friday, Nov 28 at Travis Park) – Free, family-friendly

• SeaWorld Christmas Celebration – Hot chocolate, shows, Santa sightings

• Six Flags Holiday in the Park – Millions of lights, roller coasters, festive entertainment

• San Antonio Zoo Lights – Dazzling light displays throughout the zoo

• ICE! at JW Marriott – Indoor ice sculpture wonderland

• River Walk Holiday Lights – Over 100,000 lights lighting up the cypress trees

These events make Thanksgiving in San Antonio a festive start to the entire holiday season.

Q: What are the best neighborhoods for families celebrating Thanksgiving in San Antonio?

A: Consider these family-friendly San Antonio neighborhoods:

• Stone Oak – Master-planned, newer construction, great schools

• Alamo Ranch – Growing community with parks and family amenities

• The Dominion – Upscale, gated community with excellent facilities

• Schertz/Cibolo – Base-adjacent, military-friendly communities

• Bulverde – Hill Country charm with family appeal

• North Star – Convenient to downtown, mixed neighborhoods

Why This Matters: If you're relocating to San Antonio for military reasons, family considerations, or lifestyle preferences, choosing the right neighborhood is key to enjoying holiday traditions and building community connections.

Q: Can military families and veterans find special Thanksgiving resources in San Antonio?

A: Absolutely. San Antonio, home to Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA) and a large veteran population, offers specialized Thanksgiving resources:

• Operation Homefront – Military family meal kits and support

• USO – Thanksgiving celebrations for active-duty service members

• Veterans Organizations – Community Thanksgiving events

• Military-Friendly Restaurants – Many offer military discounts

• Base Housing Communities – On-base Thanksgiving celebrations

If you're a veteran or military family considering San Antonio as your new home, these resources demonstrate the city's strong support for military communities.

Ready to Make a Move This Holiday Season?

Whether you're relocating to San Antonio for military reasons, lifestyle changes, family connections, or investment opportunities, the Thanksgiving season is a perfect time to explore the city and imagine building your future here.

As a veteran real estate agent and owner of Veteran Real Estate San Antonio: The Beal Group, I specialize in helping fellow service members, military families, veterans, and civilians find their perfect home in the Alamo City.

Why Work With a Veteran Realtor?

• Military Background: I understand the unique challenges of military relocation, PCS orders, and veteran benefits

• VA Loan Expertise: Specialized knowledge of VA loans, zero-down financing, and military home buying advantages

• San Antonio Knowledge: Deep familiarity with neighborhoods, military-friendly communities, and quality of life factors

• Community Connection: Committed to serving those who serve—fellow veterans and military families

Let's Connect This Thanksgiving Season

📞 Call Christopher Beal, Realtor
(210) 882-8583

📧 Email: gobealgroup@gmail.com

🌐 Website: www.veteranrealestatesa.com

Whether you're:

• A veteran exploring homeownership for the first time

• An active-duty service member preparing for a military relocation

• A military family seeking a veteran-friendly realtor

• A civilian looking to relocate to San Antonio

• A first-time homebuyer or experienced investor

I'm here to help you find your perfect place in San Antonio and make this holiday season the start of your next great adventure.

Trusted. Veteran-owned. San Antonio real estate expertise.