San Antonio, November 29, 2025
San Antonio has commenced its holiday season with a variety of Christmas tree lighting ceremonies and events. Celebrations like the Ford Holiday River Parade and the H-E-B Tree Lighting Ceremony highlight the city’s festive spirit. Visitors can enjoy vibrant displays along the River Walk and participate in numerous local holiday activities, contributing to a joyous atmosphere throughout the community.
San Antonio’s 2025 Christmas Tree Lighting Events
San Antonio has kicked off its 2025 holiday season with a series of festive Christmas tree lighting ceremonies and events, offering residents and visitors a variety of celebrations to enjoy.
Ford Holiday River Parade and Tree Lighting Festival
On November 28, 2025, the city hosted the 44th Annual Ford Holiday River Parade and Tree Lighting Festival. The parade, themed “Merry Movie Magic,” featured over 30 illuminated floats and more than 100,000 holiday lights along the San Antonio River Walk. The event was broadcast live from the Arneson River Theatre, with Buddy the Elf serving as the grand marshal. A free viewing area was available along the route, and tickets for premium viewing areas ranged from $15 to $40. Children aged 2 and older required a ticket. Attendees were advised that strollers, carriers, and ice chests were not permitted at the River Walk for the event. Parking options included nearby garages such as St. Mary’s Garage, Houston Street Garage, and City Tower Garage.
H-E-B Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Also on November 28, 2025, the Annual H-E-B Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony took place at Travis Park. The 50-foot-tall grand fir was adorned with over 10,000 sparkling lights and numerous handmade ornaments. Festivities began at 4 p.m. and included live entertainment, food trucks, letters to Santa, giveaways, and holiday crafts. The tree lighting ceremony commenced at 6 p.m. VIA Metropolitan Transit provided free rides to the event; passengers were instructed to inform the driver they were attending the tree lighting to ride fare-free.
Travis Park Christmas Tree Farm
Following the tree lighting, the Travis Park Christmas Tree Farm opened on November 29, 2025, and will run through December 23, 2025. Presented in partnership with Holiday Hills Christmas Trees, the farm offers fresh-cut Christmas trees, garlands, and wreaths for purchase. Delivery services are available.
River Walk Holiday Lights
The San Antonio River Walk has been illuminated with thousands of lights since November 28, 2025, and will continue to shine nightly through January 11, 2026. Visitors can enjoy the festive display of over 100,000 lights draped over the towering bald cypress trees lining the River Walk. Viewing the holiday lights is free, as the River Walk is a public park open 24 hours a day.
Additional Holiday Events
San Antonio offers several other holiday events for residents and visitors to enjoy:
- Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Fiesta Texas: Running through December 23, 2025, this event features a 70-foot Christmas tree, lights, shows, and Santa encounters.
- Classic Christmas at Toyota Field: A 90,000-square-foot holiday light show open until December 28, 2025.
- 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.
- San Antonio Zoo Lights: A winter wonderland with laser shows and festive decorations running through January 4, 2026.
- Illuminate at the San Antonio Botanical Garden: A nighttime spectacle with floral-themed light displays and photo spots, continuing through January 11, 2026.
- Hotel Contessa’s 1st Annual Christmas Tree Lighting: Held on November 28, 2025, along the San Antonio River Walk.
- Noche Buena 2025 at Main Plaza: Scheduled for December 6, 2025, featuring live entertainment, free pictures with Santa, and a special tree lighting ceremony.
These events provide a variety of festive activities for all ages, contributing to the vibrant holiday spirit in San Antonio.
FAQ
When do the River Walk Holiday Lights shine?
The River Walk Holiday Lights have been illuminated since November 28, 2025, and will continue to shine nightly through January 11, 2026.
What is the schedule for the H-E-B Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony?
The H-E-B Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony took place on November 28, 2025, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., with the tree lighting ceremony beginning at 6 p.m.
How long will the Travis Park Christmas Tree Farm be open?
The Travis Park Christmas Tree Farm opened on November 29, 2025, and will run through December 23, 2025.
What other holiday events are happening in San Antonio?
San Antonio offers several other holiday events, including Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Fiesta Texas, Classic Christmas at Toyota Field, The Light Park at Nelson Wolff Municipal Stadium, San Antonio Zoo Lights, Illuminate at the San Antonio Botanical Garden, Hotel Contessa’s 1st Annual Christmas Tree Lighting, and Noche Buena 2025 at Main Plaza.
Key Features of San Antonio’s 2025 Christmas Tree Lighting Events
| Event | Date | Location | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Holiday River Parade and Tree Lighting Festival | November 28, 2025 | San Antonio River Walk | Themed “Merry Movie Magic,” featuring over 30 illuminated floats and more than 100,000 holiday lights. Buddy the Elf served as the grand marshal. Free viewing areas and premium tickets available. |
| H-E-B Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony | November 28, 2025 | Travis Park | 50-foot-tall grand fir adorned with over 10,000 lights and handmade ornaments. Festivities included live entertainment, food trucks, letters to Santa, giveaways, and holiday crafts. VIA provided free rides to the event. |
| Travis Park Christmas Tree Farm | November 29 – December 23, 2025 | Travis Park | Fresh-cut Christmas trees, garlands, and wreaths available for purchase. Delivery services offered. |
| River Walk Holiday Lights | November 28, 2025 – January 11, 2026 | San Antonio River Walk | Over 100,000 lights draped over bald cypress trees. Free viewing as the River Walk is a public park open 24 hours. |
| Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Fiesta Texas | November 22 – December 23, 2025 | Six Flags Fiesta Texas | 2.5 million lights, 75,000 decorations, and a 70-foot Christmas tree. Includes live shows, carolers, and holiday treats. |
| Classic Christmas at Toyota Field | Open until December 28, 2025 | Toyota Field | 90,000-square-foot holiday light show. |
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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.
