SAN ANTONIO, Texas (November 13, 2024) -- San Antonio celebrates the Holidays like no other city! The Holiday season officially kicks off with the lighting of the River Walk during the Ford Holiday River Walk Parade, November 29, 2025, which also features the lighting of nearby historic Travis Park that will feature the city’s official holiday tree and an ice skating rink (November 15– January 5). Seasonal fun continues with markets, luminaria-lined river banks and caroling in many unexpected yet authentically San Antonio locations.  

 

The 43rd Annual Ford Holiday River Parade is a cherished San Antonio tradition that brings joy and festivity to the San Antonio River Walk. This year’s theme, Toy Box Adventures, promises a whimsical and magical experience for all ages. The annual spectacle features 27 beautifully illuminated floats, five entertainment floats and Ole St. Nick himself. With Grand Marshal The Tobin Center for the Performing Arts represented by Board Chair Phil Green, the Ford Holiday River Parade kicks off the holiday season with style and revelry. Holiday tree lighting will run north beyond the downtown loop of the River Walk; all the way up the museum reach of the river to the historic Pearl district. Visitors are in for a special treat with a decorated tree at the lock and dam along the route. Also lit for the holidays, San Pedro Creek Culture Park, a two-mile linear park just west of the River Walk that combines art, history, culture and nature. 

 

Over 100,000 multi-colored lights will transform the River Walk into an enchanting wonderland at the conclusion of the Ford Holiday River Parade. Visitors can enjoy holiday lights on the San Antonio River Walk November 29, 2024 – January 5, 2025. Two additional holiday traditions returning to the River Walk in December are the Ford Fiesta de las Luminarias (December 6-22, Fridays to Sundays from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.), where the Mexican tradition of small, sand-filled bags with candles line the banks, and Ford Holiday Boat Caroling (December 5-23, 2024, nightly from 6:00 p.m.) fills the air with festive holidays jingles from local merrymakers.   

 

The second year of the popular San Antonio Holidays on Houston Street will be chockful of activities and special offerings and features a festive, multi-day holiday market along Houston Street. Each holiday market evening closes with Holiday Lights in the Sky special drone show. December 3 is the official Houston Street Lighting and Taste of Holidays Community Dinner. This December 7th, Houston Street in downtown San Antonio will be buzzing with holiday cheer as the San Antonio Coffee Festival brings Hot Holidays on Houston Street, a new evening event celebrating the season’s favorite sips and treats. The event takes place on Houston Street and will feature warm seasonal beverages, holiday lights and festive fun.  

The Holiday Market runs December 13-15. A special Holiday Fun Run and 5K is planned for December 17. The cradle of Texas Liberty, the Alamo, will charm with Homemade Christmas December 14. Music, murals, activations, restaurants and shops keep Houston Street holiday hopping with the return of this great new San Antonio tradition.   

 

At Historic Market Square, the holidays will be in full force as well. The annual La Gran Tamalada continues to honor the tradition of making tamales. Additionally, live music, pictures with Santa and food booths will be available December 14 and 15, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.  

 

La Villita, the historic arts village in the heart of San Antonio bustles with holiday happenings including Holiday in the Village, Carols by Candlelight, Tubameisters concert, Chanukah on the River, and more. It is the place to ring in 2025 with the free Celebrate San Antonio New Year's Eve Celebration. 

 

The holiday celebrations are truly a citywide tradition with these can’t-miss experiences beyond downtown;  

 

  • SeaWorld Christmas Celebration (November 14 – January 5): Texas’ Biggest Christmas Celebration returns with millions of lights, specialty-themed areas and plenty of holiday cheer with an optional Christmas food and beverage sampling lanyard to taste holiday bites and sips around the park. The enchanting theatrical show, O Wondrous Night, makes its return with a touching live-action performance featuring singing, dancing and puppetry. Images available here. 

  • San Antonio Zoo Lights (November 16 – December 31): Families can delight in the San Antonio Zoo Lights, where the zoo comes alive with a spectacular display of holiday lights and festive decorations. The event includes interactive experiences, live entertainment and opportunities to meet Santa. 

  • Six Flags Holiday in the Park (November 18 – January 7, weekends and select weekdays): The most magical time of the year features more than a million glittering lights, festive décor, seasonal foods, holiday entertainment and thrilling rides to create this winter wonderland experience. The all-new KID FLASH™ Cosmic Coaster is Texas’ only racing roller coaster and is a twin-tracked roller coaster featuring an innovative single-rail track and an inclusive train design.  

  • Classic Christmas (November 22 – December 29): Crafted by the creators of the renowned World’s Largest Christmas Light Maze, Enchant Christmas, this immersive holiday celebration at Toyota Field promises to create unforgettable moments of togetherness and joy at this beloved time of year. 

  • Hill Country Christmas at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa (November 23 – January 5): The magic of Hill Country Christmas this holiday season brings a festive array of activities and events. The ICE! exhibit will feature 20,000 square feet of more than 10 immersive walk-through scenes made of ice, thrilling two-story ice slides, and awe-inspiring passageways carved from two million pounds of ice, all depicting scenes and characters of Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Visitors are invited to relax on an overnight stay and enjoy exclusive guest privileges, or simply spend the day at the resort reveling in dazzling displays, delicious treats and festive activities. Images are available here. 

  • Illuminate (November 29 – January 12): The San Antonio Botanical Garden celebrates with Illuminate, breathtaking displays that blend art, nature and culture, in a mesmerizing celebration of light.   

  • Christmas at the Caverns (December 7, 8, 14, 15, 20-23): One of the most distinct Christmas traditions can be had with Caroling in the Caverns, a beautiful stroll through the Trail of Lights, Santa & Mrs. Claus, S'mores, Hot Chocolate, Reindeer Roundup Maze and more family fun. Caroling in the Caverns is a unique event with limited space, so advance ticket purchases are highly recommended.    

 

For more information and a full calendar of events, go to VisitSanAntonio.com/Holidays/  

 

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PR@VisitSanAntonio.com