Happy Holidays! It’s the most exciting time of the year to live in San Antonio! With the breathtaking lights twinkling along the River Walk, parades, parties, and get togethers, December is chock-full of festivities and sights. But why suffer through the season without your best furry friend by your side? There are oodles of fun and seasonal things to do this month with your doggo in tow. 

Here are 11 ways to celebrate the season with your pooch this month!

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Photos With Santa

No dog owner worth his or her salt lets the holiday season pass without snapping a few photos of their pets next to the tree. Well, this year, take it up a notch and take your pet for a photo with the big man in red himself! The following San Antonio stores offer pet photos with Santa (check website or call ahead for details):

Choosing a Christmas Tree

If you love getting a fresh Christmas tree every year, consider going to a pet-friendly tree farm or nursery this year and making a holly jolly adventure out of the day! The following local tree farm and nursery are dog-friendly and have fun activities for the whole family at this time of the year. (Insider tip: don’t be a Grinch…keep your pups from lifting a leg on the merchandise!)

Visit the H-E-B Holiday Tree in Travis Park

What a special experience to be there when the lights first blaze on the big tree downtown! Well, the H-E-B Holiday Tree Lighting at Travis Park will be held on November 25, but if you can’t make it for the big lighting event, take Fido down there later in the season to check it out without all of the crowds in your way. 

Drive Around to Look at Christmas Lights

What dog doesn’t jump at the chance for a car ride? Perhaps one of the simplest ways to enjoy the beauty of the season is to take your dog with you as you drive around looking at Christmas lights. And, the good news is that scientists now believe that dogs can see more colors than previously thought, so your pup just might be able to oooh and ahhh right along with you at the spectacular displays of colorful lights. (Insider tip: don’t miss the lights in Alamo Heights, Windcrest, and Deerfield) Also, Old West Christmas Light Fest, near Boerne welcomes well-behaved, leashed pets and is so much more than just outdoor Christmas lights! 

Get Your Dog an Advent Calendar to Open Everyday

A quick search of the internet yielded more dog advent calendars than we expected. So, one should have no problem finding just the right advent calendar for any beloved pooch this holiday season. (Psst: there is also a rumor that Trader Joe’s will have an advent calendar for cats this season, so you can rest assured that everyone in your home gets treated this season). 

Bake Holiday Dog Treats 

There’s nothing quite like making homemade treats during the holidays. How about this year you make some easy, homemade dog treats to indulge your fur baby, as well as your dog’s friends? To really spread some cheer this season, deliver your homemade treats to an animal shelter and brighten the day of some homeless pets. 

Take Your Dog Shopping at an Outdoor Market 

While there are many brick and mortar stores in San Antonio that allow dogs, an outdoor market is always a fun way to knock out gifts on your shopping list. Come see us at our Downtown Dog Market for a unique and dog-friendly place to find just the perfect gifts. 

Take Your Pooch Caroling 

If you and your friends or family enjoy singing loud for all the hear during Christmastime, organize a group to go caroling and take your dogs with you! Imagine the delight on the faces of the neighbors that you visit when they hear your beautiful voices and see your adorable dogs! 

Take Your Dog With You to Grandma’s

“Over the river and through the woods to grandmother’s house we go…” Please make sure that Granny is OK with your dog coming to her house for a visit first, but if she’s game for it, rather than leaving your beloved pet at home on Christmas, consider taking him along. 

Go on a Brisk Holiday Morning Hike

Whether you venture out to one of our state parks or just hike around your neighborhood, it’s always fun to see the holiday lights and the hustle and bustle of others during the holiday season while on foot. Your dog will certainly appreciate the extra exercise this holiday season as well. 

Join us at our Santa Paws Parade

If you’re looking for a fun excuse to dress your pup up in their holiday best, then join us for our third annual Santa Paws Parade & Costume Contest. We’ll parade through Legacy Park on Saturday, December 17th, and we’ll give over $250 in prizes in three categories for Best Ugly Christmas Sweater, Best Doggie-Owner Duo, and Best in Show.

Get Tickets

Happy holidays to you and your pets! Best wishes for health, happiness, and lots of pet love this holiday season!