The Best Places to See Christmas and Holiday Lights in San Antonio
Twinkling Trails, Festive Parks, and Glowing River Walk Nights
Looking for the best places to see Christmas lights in San Antonio? From the sparkling River Walk to SeaWorld San Antonio, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, the San Antonio Zoo, and beyond, the city shines bright with millions of holiday lights each winter.
If you're visiting with family, friends, or just that special someone, here are the top spots to experience the holiday magic in San Antonio this season.
SeaWorld San Antonio’s Christmas Celebration
November 13, 2025 – January 4, 2026
SeaWorld San Antonio's Christmas Celebration takes the winter wonderland aesthetic to new heights.
Enjoy sparkling holiday lights, heartwarming Christmas shows, a brand-new Christmas parade, the return of holiday shows, festive treat menus, themed areas, and a visit from Santa himself. It’s a magical experience that brings the holiday spirit to life for the whole family.
San Antonio Zoo's Zoo Lights
November 15 – December 31, 2025
Zoo Lights at San Antonio Zoo brings the wildest holiday magic to town! See the zoo transform into a glittering winter wonderland filled with dazzling lights, festive music, and whimsical displays around every corner.
Stroll through vibrant realms bursting with color and cheer. This year’s attractions are bigger, brighter, and more enchanting than ever.
San Antonio Botanical Garden's Illuminate
November 21 – January 11, 2026
Illuminate at the San Antonio Botanical Garden is back, and it’s brighter, bolder, and more breathtaking than ever. Wander glowing trails filled with handcrafted lanterns and larger-than-life light sculptures that transform the garden into a magical wonderland.
Perfect for families, date nights, or festive outings with friends, this one-of-a-kind experience is a must-see during the holiday season in San Antonio.
39th Annual Light the Way Holiday Festival
November 22, 2025
The University of Incarnate Word's Annual Light the Way Holiday Festival is a true must-see!
Let holiday lights surround you as you stroll among shopping and food vendors and hear the tunes of live entertainment for festive fun that everyone will enjoy.
Six Flags Fiesta Texas' Holiday in the Park
November 22 – December 23, 2025
Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Fiesta Texas brings the joy of the season to life with lights, rides, and festive fun.
Stroll through sparkling displays, catch cheerful holiday shows, and enjoy your favorite coasters with a merry twist. It’s a unique way to celebrate the season in true San Antonio style.
The San Antonio River Walk's Holiday Lights
November 28, 2025 – January 11, 2026
The San Antonio River Walk’s holiday lights are unveiled each year during the Ford Holiday River Parade, held the day after Thanksgiving.
200,000 lights drape the towering cypress trees, reflecting off the water for a snow globe-like effect that feels straight out of a holiday dream, perfect for a casual evening stroll along the river.
Coca-Cola Classic Christmas at Toyota Field
November 28, 2025 – December 28, 2025
Coca-Cola Classic Christmas is a larger-than-life holiday experience packed with sparkle and cheer. With over 55,000 square feet of dazzling light displays and sculptures, it’s one of the most vibrant attractions of the season.
Enjoy snow slides, ice skating, live entertainment, and even a visit from Santa himself. It’s the ultimate stop for festive fun and holiday photo ops the whole family will love.
Holiday Sights and Festive Nights Tour with Old Town Trolley Tours
November 29, 2025 – January 3, 2026
Climb aboard the Holiday Sights and Festive Nights® Trolley Tour and cruise through San Antonio’s sparkling downtown in style!
Festive cheer fills this jolly 45-minute ride, which includes sing-along holiday tunes, dazzling light displays, and complimentary holiday glasses to enhance the magic of the twinkling lights.
Natural Bridge Caverns' Christmas at the Caverns
Select Nights December 2025
Natural Bridge Caverns' Christmas at the Caverns is a must-visit! This unique festive event features a walking trail of lights, ice skating, a reindeer maze, s’mores stations, and even caroling inside the famous caverns.
The acoustics within the caverns make for a truly magical singing experience, while the outdoor activities add plenty of holiday cheer. It’s an adventure you won’t find anywhere else!
River of Lights on the Museum Reach
December 13, 2025
Celebrate the season at the River of Lights on the Museum Reach of the San Antonio River Walk. At this free event, the whole family can enjoy twinkling lights, live music, and festive fun, complete with real snow, snow slides, a holiday animal display, and photo opportunities with Santa.
With food trucks, shopping vendors, and plenty of photo ops, this celebration is the perfect way to make Alamo City holiday memories on the river.
Plan Your Holiday Getaway
Calendar of Holiday Events in San Antonio
Don't miss a single event this holiday season. Check out what holly jolly adventures await you with our Offficial Holiday Event Calendar.
Hotel Savings and Offers
Discounts and savings on some of the best places to stay in San Antonio. Plan your festive getaway with these exclusive hotel offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Lights in San Antonio
Where can I see Christmas lights in San Antonio?
The most popular places to see San Antonio Christmas lights include the River Walk, the San Antonio Zoo, SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration, and the Botanical Garden’s Illuminate display.
When do the River Walk holiday lights turn on?
The River Walk lights are unveiled during the Ford Holiday River Parade on November 28, 2025, and remain on through the first week of January 2026.
Which Christmas light events are family-friendly?
All major San Antonio holiday light events, including Zoo Lights, SeaWorld Christmas Celebration, and Christmas at the Caverns, are designed for families and children of all ages.
What’s the best time to see holiday lights in San Antonio?
December evenings, especially after sunset between 6 and 9 PM, offer the best views of San Antonio’s Christmas light displays across the city.









