10 Reasons to Attend Celebrate San Antonio on New Year’s Eve

If there’s one holiday that people celebrate all around the world, it’s New Year’s Eve. Each year on December 31st, people from all different countries gather with their friends, families, and loved ones to celebrate new beginnings, while also reflecting on the year that was. For the city of San Antonio, this means throwing one of the biggest, most-entertaining parties in the entire country: Celebrate San Antonio.

Starting at 6 p.m. on December 31^st, thousands of people will head down to HemisFair Park for a night of fireworks, music, and celebrations. It’s the most happening place to be on New’s Year Eve, and in case you need a little extra persuading to attend this year’s event, here are the top 10 reasons to attend Celebrate San Antonio:

1. Largest New Year’s Eve Celebration in Texas

In a state where everything claims to be the biggest, Celebrate San Antonio can actually back up their claim. Each year, more than 250,000 people descend upon Alamo Street and HemisFair Park to take part in the celebration, and 250,000 people can’t be wrong, can they?

2. One of the Best New Year’s Eve Celebrations in the Entire Country

Not only is Celebrate San Antonio one of the biggest celebrations, it’s also one of the best. Several publications have hailed San Antonio’s New Year’s Eve bash as one of the best in the nation, and Travel + Leisure Magazine even listed San Antonio in the Top 10 ahead of places like Los Angeles, Miami, and even New York City!

3. Family-Friendly

Unlike the all-you-can-drink parties at the bars and nightclubs, Celebrate San Antonio prides itself on being a family-friendly event. Though alcohol will be served, there are plenty of fun things for kids of all ages, including performances at the HEB Family Stage, as well as carnival rides, face painters, and more.

4. Fireworks

No New Year’s Eve would be complete without fireworks, and the 20+ minute Valero Fireworks Extravaganza is a show you definitely don’t want to miss. Just check out this picture from years past!

5. Live Music/Entertainment

Though the fireworks won’t start until midnight, there are plenty of other options for those looking to party all night long. There will be three different stages with live music and entertainment acts starting at 6 p.m. and running all the way up to the start of the fireworks display.

6. Carnival Rides

Seriously, who doesn’t love carnival rides?

7. Food

If you’re a fan of delicious street food, it’s worth making the trip downtown just for that. There will be tons of vendors and restaurants serving all kinds of treats, from gorditas to funnel cakes and everything in between.

8. Perfect Opportunity to Spend the Night Downtown

The Riverwalk comes alive on New Year’s Eve, and if you’re planning on enjoying some adult beverages while you’re down there, why not drink responsibly and spend the night at one of the many fantastic hotels in the downtown area? There are plenty of great options within walking distance, but make sure you reserve your room as soon as possible, because they fill up quickly.

9. Outdoors

Why spend the night inside a dingy bar when you can spend it in the heart of downtown at the lovely HemisFair Park?

10. IT’S FREE!!!

I bet you didn’t even need this last reason to go, but if the fireworks, entertainment, and crowds weren’t enough to convince you, what if I told you that it’s free?! That’s right, you don’t even have to pay to get in. Nada. Zero. Zilch. Not only will your friends and family have a blast, but your wallet will thank you the next day too.

Why are you excited about going to Celebrate San Antonio? Let us know in the comments below. See you there!