Dia de los Muertos Celebration Starts November 2 in San Antonio

November brings the unique occasion of Dia de los Muertos to San Antonio. The Mexican day of celebration literally means “Day of the Dead.” The holiday gathers together family and friends to pray and remember loved ones who have died. People dressed in ornate skeleton costumes fill the streets of San Antonio every year in observance of the day which is part ancient ritual and part family feast. The holiday starts early on November 1 as Halloween comes to a close and peaks on November 2 when ancient tradition states that the souls of loved ones return to partake in the offerings of gifts and food laid out for them. Although the event sounds spooky, folks who celebrate say that there is nothing scary about the celebration. It is intended to promote family togetherness while honoring the memories of loved ones who have passed. The celebration will take place all over the city on November 2. Visitors can admire the celebration or join in at the San Antonio Museum of Art, Market Square, La Villita, Institute of Texan Cultures, and many more places throughout the city.

Sea World

Starting November 17, Sea World will be transformed into a winter wonderland. The dolphins will perform to music from the Nutcracker. Elmo will be searching for his Christmas wish in the Sesame Street Bay of Play area. Join a sing-a-long of your favorite holiday tunes with Santa and Mrs. Claus. But the most popular attractions is, of course, Shamu. Shamu Christmas… Miracles will immerse guests in the joy and celebration of the holidays through a story of reflection and understanding of the everyday miracles that surround us throughout the year. There will also be roaming musicians throughout the park whose music will fill your ears as you get into the true holiday spirit. Don’t want to leave? Stay the night at the South Pole surrounded by penguins! The Christmas sleepover is for children between the ages of 3-14 years old who will get to experience the nighttime antics of the mischievous penguins. Finally, no Christmas celebration would complete without sitting on Santa’s lap. Jolly old St. Nick will be making his list and checking it twice in the Christmas market. For more information about Sea World at Christmastime, click on this link.

Rio San Antonio River Walk Cruises

See the beauty of San Antonio in the best way possible, on a barge cruising down the San Antonio River. You’ll be guided down the 2.5 mile river that winds its way through the city past famous landmarks including the Alamo, where 200 Texans fought for independence for 12 days, the San Fernando Cathedral, a beautiful church founded in 1731 that still welcomes 5,000 visitors every week, and La Villita, San Antonio’s first neighborhood located in the heart of the city. The guide will also share historic stories throughout the ride. No trip to San Antonio is complete without a stop at the famous San Antonio River Walk! For more information about ticket prices, visit this link.

An abundance of lodging options awaits in San Antonio. Whether you’re looking for something luxurious with a gorgeous view of the view city or a convenient, affordable hotel located near Sea World, you are sure to find the perfect lodging for you!