San Antonio, November 27, 2025
San Antonio embraces the holiday spirit with a variety of events that reflect its cultural heritage. The festivities kick off with the Ford Holiday River Parade and Lighting Ceremony, illuminating the River Walk with thousands of lights. From the San Antonio Zoo Lights to concerts featuring local talent, the city offers numerous opportunities for families and community members to come together and celebrate, while also participating in charitable initiatives like the Raul Jimenez Thanksgiving Dinner.
San Antonio’s 2025 Holiday Season: Parades, Lights, and Festive Events
San Antonio, Texas – The city is embracing the holiday season with a series of festive events that highlight its rich cultural heritage and community spirit. The celebrations commence with the 44th Annual Ford Holiday River Parade and Lighting Ceremony on Friday, November 28, 2025, at 6 p.m. This event will illuminate the River Walk with over 100,000 multicolored lights, creating a magical atmosphere that will last through the New Year.
Key Holiday Events in San Antonio
- San Antonio Zoo Lights: From November 15, 2025, to January 4, 2026, the zoo transforms into a winter wonderland with millions of lights, larger-than-life animal lanterns, and festive displays. Visitors can enjoy hot cocoa, roast s’mores, and a lakeside light show set to holiday music.
- Illuminate at the San Antonio Botanical Garden: Running from November 21, 2025, through January 11, 2026, this event features glowing trails, handcrafted lanterns, and larger-than-life sculptures, offering a magical experience for all ages.
- Classic Christmas at Toyota Field: A 90,000-square-foot holiday light show open until December 28, 2025, providing a festive adventure for families.
- The Light Park at Nelson Wolff Municipal Stadium: A drive-thru display with synchronized lights and music via car radio, available through January 4, 2026.
- Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Fiesta Texas: Running through December 23, 2025, featuring a giant Christmas tree, lights, shows, and Santa encounters.
Community Initiatives
The 46th Annual Raul Jimenez Thanksgiving Dinner is set to serve 29,000 meals on Thursday, November 27, 2025, at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center. This event continues the city’s tradition of providing warm meals and companionship to seniors, families, and anyone seeking community during the holiday.
Upcoming Concerts
The African Children’s Choir will host a free community concert on Friday, December 5, 2025, at 6 p.m. at Resurrection Methodist Church. The performance will feature traditional hymns blended with African rhythms, offering a joyful experience rooted in worship, storytelling, and hope.
Additional Information
For more details on these events and other holiday activities in San Antonio, residents and visitors are encouraged to visit the official city website or contact local event organizers directly.
Event Highlights
| Event | Date | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Holiday River Parade and Lighting Ceremony | November 28, 2025, at 6 p.m. | San Antonio River Walk | Illumination of the River Walk with over 100,000 multicolored lights. |
| San Antonio Zoo Lights | November 15, 2025 – January 4, 2026 | San Antonio Zoo | Winter wonderland with millions of lights and festive displays. |
| Raul Jimenez Thanksgiving Dinner | November 27, 2025 | Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center | Serving 29,000 meals to the community. |
| African Children’s Choir Concert | December 5, 2025, at 6 p.m. | Resurrection Methodist Church | Free community concert featuring traditional hymns and African rhythms. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When does the Ford Holiday River Parade take place?
The Ford Holiday River Parade and Lighting Ceremony is scheduled for Friday, November 28, 2025, at 6 p.m.
What is the duration of the San Antonio Zoo Lights event?
San Antonio Zoo Lights runs from November 15, 2025, to January 4, 2026.
How many meals are expected to be served at the Raul Jimenez Thanksgiving Dinner?
The 46th Annual Raul Jimenez Thanksgiving Dinner aims to serve 29,000 meals on November 27, 2025.
When is the African Children’s Choir concert in San Antonio?
The African Children’s Choir will perform on Friday, December 5, 2025, at 6 p.m. at Resurrection Methodist Church.
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Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
