Thanksgiving week was the perfect opportunity for a little family escape, and this year we spent it in San Antonio with three families and our kids—all eager for a mix of fun, festive lights, and Texas holiday spirit. Our two main stops? SeaWorld San Antonio, glowing with Christmas magic, and the always beautiful San Antonio River Walk for a scenic boat tour.

SeaWorld San Antonio: Christmas at the Park

Walking into SeaWorld felt like stepping straight into a holiday movie set. Twinkling lights, Christmas trees in every corner, seasonal treats, cheerful music—everything was designed to put you instantly into the holiday mood. The kids loved it, and honestly, the adults had just as much fun.

Our Favorite Shows

SeaWorld’s shows were the highlight of the day:

• Orca Encounter – Educational, impressive, and a favorite among the kids. They were amazed watching these incredible animals and learning about the conservation work behind the scenes.
• Sea Lion & Otter Show – Fun, playful, and full of laughter—perfect for families.
• Holiday Light Displays – Once the sun went down, the park lit up beautifully. The Christmas trees, tunnels of lights, and themed decorations created the perfect backdrop for photos.

We spent the whole day exploring, riding kid-friendly attractions, enjoying snacks, and letting the children take in every little detail of the park’s Christmas setup. It was crowded (as expected during Thanksgiving week), but still absolutely worth it.

San Antonio River Walk: A Peaceful Boat Tour Amid the Lights

The next stop on our Thanksgiving break was the iconic San Antonio River Walk, a place that always feels magical—especially during the holidays. With the Christmas lights hanging above the river and reflecting on the water, the whole area looked like a charming holiday postcard.

River Walk Boat Tour

We took a guided boat tour, the perfect way to relax after a full day of walking at SeaWorld. The kids loved riding along the water, and the adults enjoyed the stories and history shared by our guide. Floating between the beautifully lit bridges, restaurants, and hotels was peaceful and refreshing.

After the tour, we walked along the river, grabbed some snacks, took photos under the lights, and let the little ones run around safely in the open areas.

A Thanksgiving Weekend to Remember

Traveling with three families and young children can be chaotic—but in the best way. This Thanksgiving getaway gave us memories filled with laughter, holiday spirit, and the joy of seeing everything through our kids’ eyes.

SeaWorld’s Christmas theme and the glowing River Walk were the perfect combination for a festive Texas weekend. If you’re looking for a family-friendly holiday trip, San Antonio definitely deserves a spot on your list.