Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the city's other shopping areas. One of the most popular is Market Square, an enormous marketplace packed with Mexican-themed goods. If you're looking for the more traditional setting, then head to Rivercenter mall. Although full of the expected chain stores, it does offer a few surprises, including Guitars & Cadillacs. Here you can get anything Texas, from barbecue sauce to stuffed armadillos.

If you're visiting during the second or third weekend of the month, add The Westin La Cantera Resort to your itinerary. Each evening at sundown December 13-24, you can be part of Legendary Holidays. Take delight in carolers, cowboy storytellers, and tons of "snow." The festivities end with dinner at Brannon's Café, where Mrs. Claus makes an appearance. Enjoy a grand buffet of meats, salads, fruits, pastas, and desserts.

Sunday--Missions and More
Treat yourself to a leisurely morning; after all, this is an escape from holiday madness. Sleep in, take your time over breakfast, and then get ready for a noon Mariachi Mass. Drive out to the San Antonio Missions National Historic Park for this colorful church service at the Mission San José; then spend the afternoon exploring the three other Catholic missions built in the 1700s.

Don't cut your trip short if you're in San Antonio the second or third weekend of the month. On Sunday, December 15 and 22, the city celebrates its most famous Spanish holiday custom--La Gran Posada. This event (one of several Las Posadas activities this month) is a re-enactment of Mary and Joseph's search for shelter. A procession of visitors and locals follows the actors as they walk from one historic area to another, singing Spanish Christmas carols along the way. Whether you know the language or not, you'll love this celebration.

For a late dinner, eat under the stars at Little Rhein Steak House on the River Walk. A delicious grilled cut of Prime beef ($19.95-$34.95) is the specialty here--and for good reason. Savor every taste of this last meal in the city. You'll leave feeling relaxed, refreshed, and ready to enjoy the rest of the season.

For more information: Contact the San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau, 203 South St. Mary's Street, San Antonio, TX 78205; (210) 207-6700, 1-800-447-3372, or www.sanantoniovisit.com.

This article is from the December 2002 issue of Southern Living. Because prices, dates, and other specifics are subject to change, please check all information to make sure it's still current before making your travel plans.