Wild Jolly Fun at the San Antonio Zoo's Zoo Lights

When to Experience: Select dates, November 16 – December 31, 2024

Get ready to step into a wild winter wonderland as the San Antonio Zoo lights up the night with Zoo Lights, the most magical holiday celebration in the zoo’s 110-year history!

Wander through miles of dazzling lights, festive music, and larger-than-life displays that transform the zoo into a glowing dreamland. Then, hop aboard the Holiday Express Train for a jolly ride filled with seasonal tunes, or catch the NEW Lakeside Lightshow sparkling over Big Lake, a mesmerizing addition that’s sure to become a family favorite.

As you explore, discover themed realms that bring the holiday spirit to life, like the colorful Peppermint Path, Candy Lane, Fa La La Flamingos, Starry Safari, and Polar Playground!

Ice Skating, Movies, and Holiday Adventures at Holidays at The Rock

When to Experience: November 22, 2025 – January 3, 2026

Celebrate the season at Holidays at The Rock at La Cantera, a festive winter celebration packed with family fun. Enjoy ice-skating under the stars, outdoor holiday movie nights, and cheerful holiday markets filled with gifts and treats.

Don’t miss the dazzling tree lighting, live entertainment, and seasonal bites and drinks at Santa’s Shack.

It’s the perfect spot for families to make memories, sip something warm, and celebrate the holidays San Antonio-style.

Skate the City – Holidays at Hemisfair

When to Experience: Select Weekends November 28, 2025 - January 3, 2026

Hemisfair is introducing an all-new holiday tradition this year! Holidays at Hemisfair transforms Civic Park into a festive destination filled with lights, activities, and joyful gatherings all season long.

Glide across the Skate the City outdoor ice rink, enjoy twinkling lights and holiday music, and explore local food vendors during this magical new experience.

The celebration also features a Historic Home Lighting Ceremony, a two-day Holidays at Hemisfair Gift Market with more than 60 local artisans, weekly Holiday Movies by Moonlight, weekend gift markets, and a family-friendly Kids Countdown on New Year’s Eve!

Celebrate the Season with The Alamo's Christmas Events

When to Experience: Select Weekends November 29 - December 20, 2025

The Alamo's Christmas programming will have the whole family in the holiday spirit!

From lighting up their Christmas tree in Alamo Plaza to Cowboy Santa, Christmas at the Alamo, Holiday Movies in the Park, and more, it's not a true San Antonio Christmas without a holiday visit to the Alamo.

Learn How Texans Celebrated Christmas in the Mid-1800s

When to Experience: December 13, 2025

Step back in time and experience the holidays as early settlers once did on the Texas frontier at Christmas at the Alamo.

This family-friendly celebration brings history to life with hands-on crafts like yarn dolls and Victorian greeting cards, along with Christmas storytelling, carolers, and live demonstrations in blacksmithing and candy making.

Check out complete programming and event details now!

Grab Your Seat for the Ford Holiday River Parade

When to Experience: November 28, 2025

Kick off the season with one of the most beloved kid-friendly holiday events in San Antonio, the Ford Holiday River Parade! This festive tradition lights up downtown as elaborately decorated floats drift down the San Antonio River Walk, featuring twinkling lights, holiday music, and cheerful appearances from costumed characters and, of course, Santa Claus himself.

Insider Tip: While joining the countless families that line the riverbanks to take in the magical sights and sounds that officially usher in the holiday season is an incredible experience in itself, make it even more magical by making your reservations now at a River Walk restaurant for the perfect dinner with a view of the parade! 

Stroll...or Float! Under the San Antonio River Walk's Twinkling Holiday Lights

When to Experience: November 28, 2025 – January 11, 2026

Once the parade ends, the San Antonio River Walk continues to shine all season long! 200,000 sparkling lights illuminate the trees and pathways every evening through the first week of January, turning this already scenic spot into a glowing holiday wonderland.

It’s the perfect place for a family stroll, a Go Rio River Cruise, or a festive treat beneath the shimmering canopy at one of the River Walk's many incredible restaurants. 

Beloved Christmas Cheer Returns to San Antonio with Coca-Cola's Classic Christmas

When to Experience: November 28 – December 28, 2025

Experience the magic of the holidays like never before at Coca-Cola Classic Christmas, returning to Toyota Field with an all-new trail, dazzling lights, and festive surprises. Bring the family and stroll through Memory Lane, a sparkling new light trail filled with wonder and hidden challenges that lead to a special surprise at the end. 

Take a break at Refreshment Ridge to savor seasonal treats, then visit the Craft Corner or settle in for a classic movie at the Cinemark Theater.

Little ones can meet Santa and Mrs. Claus in their North Pole nook, while parents enjoy a cheerful stop at the Coca-Cola Truck Bar. With outdoor ice skating, snow slides, and holiday cheer in every direction, Coca-Cola Classic Christmas is a must-see for families looking to make lasting memories this holiday season.

Walk, Feast, Shop, and More at Holidays on Houston Street

When to Experience: December 5-14, 2025

San Antonio's iconic Houston Street becomes your holiday hub with Holidays on Houston Street.

Kick things off at the SATX5K before tasting the holiday flavors of San Antonio at A Taste of Holidays on Houston Street.

That's not all, be sure to return the following weekend for the Holidays on Houston Street - Market Weekend, where more than 50 vendors unite on Houston Street for a holiday market featuring unique San Antonio gems!

Spread Cheer High and Low at Christmas at the Caverns at Natural Bridge Caverns

When to Experience: Select dates in December

Step into a subterranean holiday world at Natural Bridge Caverns’ Christmas at the Caverns, an unforgettable family experience where the magic happens both above and below ground.

As twilight falls, wander glowing trails, sip hot cocoa beside campfires, and explore themed activities throughout the night. You’ll find a Trail of Lights, a 5,000-sq. ft. Reindeer Roundup Maze, live music, s’mores stations, skating (synthetic ice), visits with Santa & Mrs. Claus, Caroling in the Caverns, and more. 

Insider Tips: This one is quite the favorite among locals and travelers alike. Be sure to arrive early for the best parking and shuttle options, and dress comfortably for walking in cooler evening and underground temperatures!