SA Christmas lights
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Make Plans Now to See These San Antonio Christmas Lights

San Antonio welcomes visitors with open arms year round, but it becomes even more inviting during the holidays when the city entices thousands of people downtown to see the Riverwalk and the San Antonio Christmas lights. 

The Riverwalk gets an extra layer of beauty during December when over 100,000 lights dress the trees at Christmas. Now, visitors can enjoy the river lined with popular restaurants, hotels, and shops under the marvel of the twinkling Christmas glow.

Holiday visitors and locals love strolling along the river promenade at Christmas and seeing the sparkling San Antonio Christmas lights hang from the enormous bald cypress trees and shine throughout the holiday season.

In fact, the downtown lights attract many San Antonio residents who otherwise may not visit the Riverwalk regularly. 

Although the San Antonio Riverwalk is lovely during the holidays, it is just one of many places to see San Antonio’s Christmas lights.

San Antonio Riverwalk Christmas tree

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Where are the best Christmas lights in San Antonio? 

Seeing the San Antonio Christmas lights downtown is undoubtedly one of the best free things to do in San Antonio for Christmas. 

The San Antonio Riverwalk is a public park open every day of the year, including Christmas and New Year.

The lights won’t be challenging to find. You can see the lights hanging from the Riverwalk trees just about anywhere downtown.

Unfortunately, the Riverwalk’s popularity during the holidays means there will be crowds.

One way to avoid crowds is by renting a river barge for dinner.

San Antonio river barge dinner

Choosing a dinner barge over a restaurant has the biggest advantage of not having to wait in line. Plus, dining on a boat as it floats through downtown is delightful.

Upon reaching a designated spot, the barge will pick you up and take you by boat downtown while serving a full meal.

The dinner barges fill up fast during the holidays, so reserve a river dining barge as soon as possible.

RELATED POST: View the Best Restaurant on the Riverwalk in San Antonio for your guide on where to eat in downtown San Antonio.


CHRISTMAS LIGHTS VIEWING ESSENTIALS


How long are the San Antonio Christmas lights up on the Riverwalk?

The San Antonio Christmas Lights are illuminated the Friday after Thanksgiving at a special River Lighting Ceremony at the Arneson River Theatre in the center of downtown.

The ceremony begins with a San Antonio tradition, the one-hour-long Ford Holiday River Parade. Over twenty-five, festive holiday barges meander throughout the river parade route downtown signaling the beginning of the holiday season.

Each year, the river parade features a new theme. The 2023 theme is Holiday Stories. Purchase your parade tickets and see the parade route at the official San Antonio site.

The Riverwalk Christmas lights remain on from dusk to dawn daily until the weekend after New Year’s Day.

TRIP TIP: If purchasing tickets for the parade, choose a location near public restrooms or in front of a hotel that allows parade viewers to use the lobby restrooms.

What is the best way to see the San Antonio Christmas lights?

The best way to view the Riverwalk Christmas Lights is from the water.

The GoRio river cruises are top-rated during the holidays. You will often see many tourists waiting for the boat ride.

However, there is another option.

Each year, in addition to the tourist boat rides, a handful of riverboats are decorated with holiday lights and Christmas decorations and reserved for The Ford Holiday Boat Caroling

Groups or families can reserve Christmas caroling boats any day from December 1-23 in three time slots ranging from 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. 

Boats seat up to 15 people, and prices range from $125-$175 per boat, depending on the time and day you reserve.

The boats make a complete loop around the Riverwalk area while your group sings along to the music being played on the boat’s audio system. 

If you don’t need a boat for 15 people, individuals, couples, or small groups can still join in on the fun. Head over to the river level of the International Building at 203 S. St. Mary’s, San Antonio, TX 78205, to check the availability of the community caroling boats.

The caroling boats do take walk-ups on a first-come, first-serve basis. Who knows, you may be able to join in on some caroling fun and bypass the long boat tour line.

These boats book well in advance, so if you are interested in booking one for your group, inquire about your desired dates as early as possible.

RELATED POST: Stocking Stuffers for Travelers: 20+ Practical and Affordable Ideas

Where can I see more San Antonio Christmas lights?

For other San Antonio Christmas Lights, check out these fabulous spots throughout the city. 

The University of Incarnate Word

  • 4301 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209
  • Free admission

Located a short drive from downtown San Antonio along Highway 281 is the University of Incarnate Word. The entire campus is lit up for the holidays. It is easy to drive throughout the campus, and it is free. If you prefer to get out and walk the campus, a self-guided walk is ok.

The holiday lights are illuminated the weekend before Thanksgiving with The Light the Way festivities and celebrations held on campus and open to the public. The lights stay on through New Year’s Day.

 

San Antonio Zoo Lights

  • 3903 North St. Mary’s Street, San Antonio, TX 78212
  • Admission – $29.99 Adults; $24.99 Children

The San Antonio Zoo is located just around the corner from the University of Incarnate Word.

Each year, the zoo invites guests to visit San Antonio Zoo Lights, a nightly event held through the holiday season.

Visitors can view Christmas lights from November 18 through December 31.

It is unlikely you will see the zoo animals at night, but the park has life-size illuminated animals, many Christmas lights, and two giant Christmas trees.

The zoo offers camel rides, Santa visits, s’mores, and much more!

RELATED POSTS: While in the Brackenridge Park area, check out my posts on the San Antonio Witte Museum and the San Antonio Sunken Gardens for other free things to see and do in San Antonio.

Windcrest Light Up

  • 8601 Midcrown Drive, Windcrest, TX 78239
  • Free Admission

For as long as I can remember, the residents of the far North East neighborhood of Windcrest have invited residents of San Antonio to drive through their community during the holidays.

San Antonio Christmas Lights

Neighborhood residents compete in a light-up contest, including the People’s Choice Award. With their over-the-top decorated homes, families are delighted each year with the Christmas displays.

Stop by the fire station or City Hall in the center of the neighborhood to pick up a free map of all the decorated houses.

San Antonio Christmas Lights
San Antonio Christmas Lights

Then, pack up the car with blankets, Christmas music, and snacks and head out to see some fantastically decorated homes.

Make sure to bring some patience. This is a popular place to see free San Antonio Christmas lights, especially on the weekends, so it will be crowded.

We typically spend two to three hours here, so ensure your gas tank is full.

TRIP TIP: Schedule your visit for a weekday or later in the evening, around 8:00 pm., to avoid the traffic and crowds.

H-E-B Christmas Tree Lighting

  • 301 East Travis Street, San Antonio, TX 78205
  • Free Admission

Each year, the mega grocery store, H-E-B, donates a giant tree displayed downtown in Travis Park. The tree lighting typically happens on the Friday after Thanksgiving, with festivities and a holiday celebration earlier in the day.

Lights Alive!

  • 5931 Roft Rd, San Antonio, TX 78253
  • $35 per vehicle (Vehicle limits apply)

If you have ever seen a TV series on ABC called The Great Christmas Light Fight, you will understand the concept behind Lights Alive!

This drive-thru light display is a unique immersive experience featuring music, sound, and lights.

A flat entrance fee includes the drive-thru and admission to a Park & Play Wonderland at the end of the attraction.

Sea World San Antonio Christmas Celebration

  • 10500 SeaWorld Drive, San Antonio, TX 78251
  • Admission – Standard park admission rates

Sea World San Antonio has one of Texas’s largest displays of Christmas lights. The decorated theme park lights up with over 9 million holiday lights.

The Christmas celebration is an excellent place to spend the evening viewing Christmas lights in San Antonio, along with Christmas-themed shows, music, holiday decorations, and Santa Claus.

Fiesta Texas Holiday in the Park

  • 17000 IH-10 West, San Antonio, TX 78257
  • Admission – Standard park admission rates

A popular theme park in San Antonio is Six Flags Fiesta Texas. Visit during the Holiday in the Park event, which runs from November 19 through January 1.

Find tasty treats at the Taste of the Holiday food festival and enjoy Christmas-themed shows throughout the holiday-decorated theme park.

Family members of all ages enjoy riding the Holiday Express train along with the other park rides and roller coasters.

Natural Bridge Christmas at the Caverns

  • 26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd, San Antonio, TX 78266
  • As of publication, prices for Christmas at the Caverns were not yet displayed for 2022

Singing Christmas carols in Texas’ largest underground cavern is probably something most people can’t say they have done, but you can with a visit to Natural Bridge Caverns.

Christmas events include ice skating and live entertainment.

Families can enjoy wandering through a 5000-square foot maze to find Santa’s reindeer. Don’t forget to take pictures with Santa while you are there.

The 1/3 mile trail of Christmas lights is included in your ticket price.

Finish the evening gathering around the Christmas campfire.

Best Christmas lights near San Antonio

Consider taking a short drive outside the city to these nearby small towns for authentic Texas Christmas events.

Old West Christmas Light Fest at Enchanted Springs Ranch

  • 242 State Hwy 46, Boerne, Texas 78006
  • As of publication, prices for Old West Christmas Light Fest were not yet displayed for 2022

A short drive up IH-10 to Boerne, Texas, will take you to the Old West Christmas Light Fest.

Over 40 buildings have been decorated for the holidays. Food and family activities await you in this small town western atmosphere.

Listen to live music while you visit Santa. Ride a mechanical bull or enjoy s’mores by the campfire.

Enchanted Springs Ranch is a place you won’t want to miss.

Make plans to visit from Thanksgiving night through Christmas Eve, but note it is closed Monday – Wednesday. Purchase tickets in advance through their website.

Santa’s Ranch

  • 9561 I-35 North, New Braunfels, TX 78130
  • $35 per vehicle or $70 per vehicle for a season pass (Vehicle size limits apply)

I bet you didn’t know Santa had a ranch in Texas. Head towards Gruene and New Braunfels up Interstate Hwy 35 to see it for yourself.

Santa’s Ranch is a popular one-mile drive thru light display in the Texas Hill Country.

Concessions like hot cocoa and kettle corn can be purchased for your drive through the Christmas lights.

Where to stay to see the San Antonio Christmas lights?

To truly enjoy the Christmas lights, consider booking a San Antonio River Walk hotel for a night or the weekend.

San Antonio Riverwalk Hotels for Families

The Hotel Contessa is a perfect hotel for families staying downtown. The River View Double Suite has two full-size beds and a living area with a sofa bed. At 500 square feet, there is plenty of space for everyone.

I love this hotel choice because they often offer fun activities during the holidays. The hotel features a restaurant, bar, spa, and rooftop pool.

The Embassy Suites San Antonio Downtown Riverwalk is another excellent choice for families visiting during the holidays.

Book a queen suite with two queen beds and a sofa bed with a river view. The large suite includes a private kitchenette with a refrigerator, microwave, and coffee maker.

Guests can also enjoy complimentary breakfast and evening cocktails.

San Antonio Riverwalk Hotels for Couples

Couples will enjoy a stay at The Hilton Palacio del Rio with direct Riverwalk access. The hotel is in an excellent location with easy parking. As a bonus, each room has a private balcony.

Another excellent hotel choice for couples staying on the San Antonio Riverwalk to see the Christmas lights in San Antonio is the Westin Riverwalk. Ask for a Deluxe or Premium King guest room with a balcony on the River Side for the best views of the Riverwalk lights.

San Antonio Resorts

San Antonio has fabulous resorts outside of downtown and closer to the theme park attractions like Sea World and Fiesta Texas.

The JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Spa & Resort is a family favorite at Christmas. The resort does Christmas BIG.

Past events have included pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus, cookie decorating, sing-alongs, arts and crafts for the kids, and so much more. The kids will also enjoy the heated pools in the winter.

Another popular resort option is the Hyatt Hill Country Resort and Spa near Sea World San Antonio. The resort offers many Christmas-related activities for the family, including movies, arts and crafts, and S’mores with Santa.

Start planning a holiday visit to San Antonio

San Antonio is the perfect holiday destination with mild winter temperatures, great family restaurants, plenty of entertainment, and affordable prices.

With so many places to visit and see the San Antonio Christmas lights, now is the best time to start planning your trip for a festive holiday getaway in Texas.

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