The Best Places to See San Antonio Christmas Lights [2024]
Christmas lights in San Antonio never disappoint, and there are plenty of festive places to enjoy the holiday lights and decorations.
Whether you’re caroling on a barge, soaking up the festive fun at Fiesta Texas, or driving through Windcrest, you’re guaranteed to find holiday magic around every corner.
Grab your favorite holiday drink and get ready to experience the best Christmas lights the Alamo City offers!
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Christmas Lights on the Riverwalk in San Antonio
San Antonio Riverwalk at Christmas
The San Antonio River Walk gets an extra layer of beauty during December when over 100,000 lights dress the trees at Christmas.
Holiday visitors and locals love strolling along the river promenade at Christmas and seeing the sparkling 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.
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.
San Antonio Riverwalk Christmas Dinner Barges
One way to avoid the San Antonio Riverwalk crowds is by renting a river barge for 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.
San Antonio Christmas Parades
The San Antonio Christmas Lights are illuminated the Friday after Thanksgiving at a special River Lighting Ceremony at the Arneson River Theatre in downtown San Antonio.
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.
The river parade has a new theme each year. 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.
One fantastic way to see the river parades in San Antonio is from your own private hotel balcony. Book your San Antonio Riverwalk hotel with a balcony in advance for the best rooms.
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.
San Antonio Christmas Caroling Barges
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 4 to 23, in time slots from 6:00 to 8:30 PM.
Boats can accommodate up to twelve people, and prices vary from $150 to $200 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 played on the boats’ audio systems.
If you don’t need a boat for twelve 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.
Christmas Lights Throughout San Antonio
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
The University of Incarnate Word is located a short drive from downtown San Antonio along Highway 281.
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 okay.
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
San Antonio has one of the most fantastic zoos in the country, and each year, it invites guests to enjoy San Antonio Zoo Lights, a nightly event held through the holiday season.
During this event, you can enjoy fun interactive experiences and many holiday displays throughout the zoo.
The San Antonio Zoo is just around the corner from the University of Incarnate Word in Brackenridge Park and is open nightly throughout the Christmas holiday from mid-November to the end of December.
It is unlikely you will see many 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.
Lightscape at San Antonio Botanical Gardens
- 555 Funston Place, San Antonio, 78209
- Tickets start at $24
Another magical wonderland is at Lightscape in the San Antonio Botanical Garden.
Take a mesmerizing one-mile walking journey through this illuminated paradise adorned with over 1,000,000 lights and enchanting displays. Expect to spend approximately 90 minutes soaking in the festive ambiance.
Secure your tickets early, as they are in high demand. Rain or shine, the spectacle goes on, promising a delightful adventure regardless of the weather.
Parking is available for $20 on a first-come, first-served basis, so plan ahead and arrive early.
Lightscape operates daily from 5:30 to 9 PM throughout the holiday season, offering a perfect opportunity to create cherished memories with loved ones amidst the million twinkling lights and holiday cheer.
Windcrest Christmas Lights
- 8601 Midcrown Drive, Windcrest, TX 78239
- Free Admission
Windcrest is the place to go for a classic Christmas lights drive.
One year, we rented a 12-passenger van just so the entire family could ride together.
Singing Christmas carols at full volume while cruising through the decorated streets is a highlight of our Christmas season.
The whole neighborhood takes pride in putting on a spectacular show, and it’s always fun to pick your favorite house.
Be ready to see lights that will make you feel like you’ve stepped into Santa’s village.
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.
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 make sure your gas tank is full.
TRIP TIP: To avoid traffic and crowds, schedule your visit for a weekday or later in the evening, around 8:00 PM.
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.
Holidays on Houston Street
Holidays on Houston Street will return this year with a festive extravaganza spanning five blocks from Legacy Park to the iconic Alamo.
This event transforms downtown into a winter wonderland during the Christmas holidays. Along this dazzling journey adorned with radiant lights, you’ll see captivating entertainers, and joyful decorations at every turn.
Indulge in the spirit of the season as you explore special deals offered by local shops and restaurants, which will enhance your holiday experience.
Introduced in 2023, this celebration is poised to become a cherished annual tradition, reminiscent of the iconic Fifth Avenue festivities in New York City.
Lights Alive!
- 5931 Roft Rd, San Antonio, TX 78253
- $35 per vehicle (Vehicle limits apply)
If you have ever seen the 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.
SeaWorld San Antonio Christmas Celebration
- 10500 SeaWorld Drive, San Antonio, TX 78251
- Admission – Standard park admission rates
SeaWorld 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 winter wonderland.
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 Light Displays 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.
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 Christmas lights display in the Texas Hill Country.
Concessions like hot cocoa and kettle corn can be purchased for your drive through the Christmas lights.
Best Places to Stay to See San Antonio Christmas Lights
To truly enjoy the Christmas lights, stay in San Antonio for at least two nights at one of the many fantastic hotels or resorts.
San Antonio Riverwalk Hotels for Families
The Hotel Contessa and the Embassy Suites Riverwalk are two perfect hotels for families staying downtown.
At Hotel Contessa, 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.
Best San Antonio Resorts for Christmas
San Antonio has fabulous resorts outside of downtown and closer to theme park attractions like SeaWorld and Fiesta Texas.
The JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Spa & Resort is a family favorite at Christmas. The resort does Christmas BIG.
This year, the JW will debut ICE! with a Dr. Seuss Christmas theme. Expect over-the-top displays, ice sculptures, and festive activities.
Another popular resort option is the Hyatt Hill Country Resort and Spa near SeaWorld San Antonio. The resort offers many Christmas-related activities for the family, including movies, arts and crafts, and S’mores with Santa.
Plan 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.
