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San Antonio dials up the festive fun with a holiday river parade, boat caroling, and a luminaria-lined river.
Thanksgiving was late this year, so holiday events ramped up this past weekend. San Antonio’s holiday season officially kicked off on Friday, November 29, with a river lighting ceremony and the Ford Holiday River Parade. Santa and Mrs. Claus “turned on the holidays” with 100,000 colorful lights and 27 festive river boat floats. But don’t worry if you missed the River Parade — there are plenty more fun ways to ring in the holidays in San Antonio.
10 Don’t-Miss San Antonio Holiday Events
The River Walk’s colorful holiday lights will twinkle from sundown to sunrise until Jan. 5, 2025. But that’s not the only merriment you can find in Alamo City. Here are 10 more of the best San Antonio holiday events to get on your calendar.
San Antonio Zoo Lights
Through Dec. 31 | Included with zoo admission
Santa, s’mores, music, and lights will delight all ages at San Antonio Zoo Lights. The animals will turn in for the evening, but you can stay and enjoy the light displays and festive foods.
Ice Skating in Travis Park
Through Jan. 5 | $11 to $15
Book tickets in advance to enjoy the Rotary Ice Rink in Travis Park. It’s open daily.
Classic Christmas
Through Dec. 29 | $21 to $25
Be dazzled by the immersive holiday experience, Classic Christmas, at the Toyota Field. You can meet Santa, listen to carolers, ice skate, and go tubing down a snow hill.
Illuminate at The Botanical Garden
Through Jan. 12 | $18 to $30
Illuminate is a celebration of light at The San Antonio Botanical Garden. Stroll through light displays that blend nature and art.
Holidays on Houston Street
Through Jan. 2 | FREE
Holidays on Houston Street returns this year, taking over five blocks of Houston Street from Legacy Park to the Alamo. Visit for the official street lighting and Community Dinner on Dec. 3, a Homemade Christmas event on Dec. 7, and the Holiday Market from Dec. 13 to 15.
Boat Caroling
Dec. 4 to 23 | $175
Rent a boat for an hour and your 12 passengers can sing in the season with Ford Holiday Boat Caroling. Or, stay on the river banks and sing along for free.
River Walk Luminarias
Dec. 6 to 22 | FREE
Traditional bags with candles will line the River Walk at the Ford Fiesta de las Luminarias from 6 to 10 p.m. each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Christmas at the Caverns
Dec. 7 to 23 | $19 to $48
Natural Bridge Caverns invites you to Christmas at the Caverns for eight nights in December. There will be a trail of lights, hot chocolate, s’mores, and Santa. You can also enjoy Caroling in the Caverns.
La Villita Holiday in The Village
Dec. 14 | FREE
Head to La Villita from 1 to 8 p.m. for Holiday in The Village. Cuddle with goats, see Santa, and decorate cookies.
Tamalada in Historic Market Square
Dec. 14 and 15 | FREE
Celebrate the annual tradition of making tamales at La Gran Tamalada. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., there will be food booths, live music, and pictures with Santa.
Celebrate the Holidays in Style at The Westin Riverwalk
The best way to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit is to park yourself in the middle of the action along the San Antonio River Walk. For a walkable holiday-themed adventure, book a stay at The Westin Riverwalk. You’ll be right on the river, a short stroll away from La Villita, the Historic Market Square, The Alamo, and Holidays on Houston Street.
The Westin Riverwalk is offering holiday packages for Saturday, Dec. 14. Take the kids to the hotel’s North Pole Breakfast with Santa, or book an adult package that includes a drink ticket for a selection of holiday mimosas and spiked coffee.
After a day of fun in San Antonio, dine al fresco at the hotel’s Zocca Cuisine d’Italia for Italian cuisine and wine with a riverfront view. Sit by the water and watch the river boats pass by. Take in the colorful lights along the River Walk before snuggling into your cozy bed for the night.
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Cover photo courtesy Visit San Antonio
Heidi Gollub is an editor who lives in Austin with her family. She loves walking along the San Antonio River Walk at any time of year, but especially when it’s all lit up for the holidays.
