HOUSTON – Houston Life’s Melanie Camp Explores San Antonio’s Most Festive Spots
Houston Life hit the road for a holly-jolly getaway to San Antonio — and trust us, this city does not play when it comes to the holidays. Reporter Melanie Camp packed up the HL crew, cranked the carols, and took a holiday road trip packed with twinkling lights, festive flavors, movie-moment landmarks, and Texas-sized cheer.
From iconic spots along the River Walk to a holiday-themed hotel suite that feels straight out of the North Pole, here’s a look at how San Antonio transforms into a winter wonderland.
🚤 Kicking Off the Fun… on a Go Rio River Cruise
The trip started where San Antonio truly sparkles — the River Walk. Melanie hopped aboard a Go Rio cruise with David Gonzalez from Visit San Antonio, who served as the ultimate holiday guide.
As the boat glided through the city’s heart, David shared insider tips on the must-see seasonal events, from family-friendly festivals to dazzling light displays and cultural celebrations happening all December long.
And if you love movies? This cruise is a sightseeing jackpot. Melanie spotted:
- 🌉 The “Selena Bridge” — where Selena and Chris share their first kiss in the Selena movie starring Jennifer Lopez.
- 🎤 The Miss Congeniality Stage — yep, the very one used in the iconic Gracie-Lou Freebush moment. Fun fact: filmmakers actually covered the river during filming so the stage would appear to sit directly in front of the contestants.
It’s a slice of Hollywood history floating right through Texas.
🏨 Holiday Magic at Omni La Mansión del Rio
After soaking in the River Walk, the Houston Life team checked in to the elegant Omni La Mansión del Rio — and during the holidays, this historic hotel transforms into full Christmas mode.
✨ Blitzen’s Pop-Up Holiday Bar
The cocktails? Cheerful. The décor? Over-the-top in the best way. Melanie explored the hotel’s festive pop-up bar where each drink feels like its own holiday moment.
🎅 Sneak Peek: Santa’s Landing Suite
The HL team also toured what will soon be Santa’s Landing — a suite decked out with floor-to-ceiling holiday décor. Think: garland, lights, plush stockings, cookies waiting for Santa, and enough Christmas magic to make even the Grinch tear up.
✨ Room With a Holiday View
For guests wanting to fully soak in the season, the hotel’s river-facing rooms offer a front-row seat to the San Antonio River Walk Holiday Lights. From your balcony, you can watch thousands of twinkling lights shimmer on the water and drift through the trees — the perfect way to end a festive night in the city.
🍽️ A Taste of Texas: Four Brothers Restaurant
A holiday trip isn’t complete without a feast, and Melanie didn’t have to venture far. Right inside the Omni sits Four Brothers, a Texas-chic restaurant serving bold flavors and comforting classics.
The star of the table?
Texas-shaped cornbread served with hot honey.
Yes — TEXAS-SHAPED. And yes, it tastes even better than it sounds.
It pairs perfectly with their standout steak dinners, making this a must-try whether you’re a hotel guest or just strolling the River Walk.
✨ Why San Antonio Is the Perfect Holiday Escape
From riverside movie nostalgia to dazzling hotel experiences and warm, delicious southern flavors, Melanie’s San Antonio getaway proved one thing: this city knows how to celebrate.
Road-trip-worthy, family-friendly, romantic, and endlessly festive — San Antonio is the holiday destination you need this December.