Presbyterian Churches of San Antonio

One of the unique cities in the U.S., San Antonio is a modern city that happily incorporates its historic ties with Mexico into a cultural environment that you’ll find nowhere else in the world.

More than 20 million visitors a year come to San Antonio because of its many and varied attractions.  Among sites you will visit are the Alamo and San Fernando Cathedral, part of the past but central to everyday life here.  You’ll enjoy exceptional restaurants that offer delicious local fare as well as international menus.  The San Antonio Zoo, home to 750 species, is a vigorous part of Species Survival Plans for a number of endangered species.  The Institute of Texan Cultures showcases the multiplicity of cultures that spice the Texas way of life, and the IMAX theater is a Texas-size experience in movie-going.

CIH gives you the opportunity to visit San Antonio at its most exciting.  The Christmas season is wonderful in our temperate climate, though you should bring a jacket for when the sun goes down or if an early cold front arrives.  San Antonio natives – and you! – will be gift shopping for haute stuff at the finest national department stores and for unique finds at El Mercado, our popular Mexican marketplace.

When the sun goes down, so will you – downtown to stroll the RiverWalk glowing with more than 100,000 holiday lights.  San Antonio loves to party, and special occasions draw thousands of us back downtown where you are invited to join us for a night of music from a dozen bands, dazzling fireworks, and of course, more of our favorite food and drink.

With a population of more than a million, San Antonio is the eighth largest city in the U.S., yet it remains one of the most open and friendly.  You will stay with families from three Presbyterian congregations who want to get to know you as well as share our extraordinary city.  As part of the CIH experience, you’ll enjoy an evening of ethnic dancing, and on International Night we’ll invite you to share you home culture and a food typical of your country.  As a temporary member of your host family, you’ll be part of their family and community holiday traditions.

“Puro San Antonio” is a phrase you’ll hear and see often here.  It means “Pure San Antonio,” one and only.  We invite you to visit, to learn, to share, and especially to enjoy.