Skip the Crowds: Charming Cities to Visit Between Thanksgiving and Christmas

4. San Antonio, Texas

San Antonio’s River Walk becomes a string of lights and decorations that’s lively yet manageable in the weeks leading up to Christmas. Nighttime river barge rides showcase the displays, and many hotels and restaurants add seasonal menus that celebrate local flavors. Because winters here are generally mild, evenings feel festive without requiring heavy winter gear, which makes long outdoor walks pleasant. Tourists flock to major holidays, but traveling earlier—especially on weekdays—lets you enjoy decorated plazas and fewer lines at top attractions like the Alamo. Neighborhood events and smaller pop-up markets offer local artisans and food vendors without the intense crowds found in larger holiday destinations. For a short city break that pairs big-city amenities with accessible holiday charm, San Antonio is a smart choice between Thanksgiving and Christmas, particularly for travelers seeking outdoor evening activities in temperate weather.