San Antonio, December 18, 2025
San Antonio is set to celebrate the holiday season with a range of exciting events and attractions. From the Ford Holiday River Parade to SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration, the city transforms into a winter wonderland full of lights and festive spirit. Families can enjoy cultural events like Las Posadas and La Gran Tamalada, alongside festive markets and zoo lights. Mild weather during Christmas week makes it ideal for outdoor celebrations, ensuring an unforgettable experience for locals and visitors alike.
San Antonio’s 2025 Christmas Week: A Festive Wonderland Awaits
Experience the Magic of San Antonio This Holiday Season!
San Antonio is embracing the holiday season with a variety of events and attractions that promise festive fun for all ages. From dazzling light displays to cultural celebrations, the city offers a wealth of activities to make this Christmas week memorable.
Major Holiday Events and Attractions
Ford Holiday River Parade and Lighting Ceremony
On November 28, 2025, the city kicked off the holiday season with the 44th Annual Ford Holiday River Parade and Lighting Ceremony. The event illuminated the San Antonio River Walk with the theme “Merry Movie Magic,” featuring 100,000 twinkling lights and festive floats. The parade was followed by the lighting of the Christmas tree at Travis Park, marking the official start of the holiday festivities.
SeaWorld San Antonio’s Christmas Celebration
From November 13 through January 4, SeaWorld transforms into a winter wonderland with millions of lights, themed areas, and festive entertainment. Highlights include the new Christmas Parade, featuring dazzling floats and holiday music, and the return of beloved shows like “O Wondrous Night” and “Clyde and Seamore’s Countdown to Christmas.”
Six Flags Fiesta Texas Holiday in the Park
Running from November 22 to December 23, Six Flags Fiesta Texas is adorned with 2.5 million lights and 75,000 decorations, including a 70-foot Christmas tree. Visitors can enjoy festive shows, holiday-themed rides, and meet-and-greets with characters from the DC Universe and Looney Tunes.
Cultural and Community Celebrations
Las Posadas at San Fernando Cathedral
From December 16 to 23, the historic San Fernando Cathedral hosts “Las Posadas,” a candle-lit procession celebrating the journey of Mary and Joseph. This event offers a glimpse into San Antonio’s rich Spanish Colonial history and provides a culturally immersive experience during the holiday season.
La Gran Tamalada at Historic Market Square
On December 13, families gathered at Historic Market Square for “La Gran Tamalada,” a festive event where attendees made tamales by hand. The celebration featured live music, delicious food, and an opportunity to immerse in the city’s Mexican heritage.
Additional Festive Activities
Holidays on Houston Street
From December 5 to 14, San Antonio’s historic downtown district was transformed into a holiday showcase. The event featured dazzling light displays, a festive market with over 50 local artisans, and unique communal dining experiences beneath twinkling street lights.
Zoo Lights at San Antonio Zoo
The San Antonio Zoo illuminated the holiday season with millions of lights, larger-than-life animal lanterns, and festive displays. This event provided a perfect destination for animal lovers and families alike during the holidays.
Illuminate at the San Antonio Botanical Garden
Running through January 11, the San Antonio Botanical Garden showcased its “Illuminate” exhibition, where art and nature merged into a magical experience. The display featured giant floral canopies and other enchanting light installations.
Weather Forecast for Christmas Week
San Antonio is expected to experience pleasant weather during Christmas week, with temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to mid-70s Fahrenheit. This mild weather is ideal for outdoor activities and enjoying the city’s festive events.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the major holiday events in San Antonio for 2025?
San Antonio’s major holiday events for 2025 include the Ford Holiday River Parade and Lighting Ceremony, SeaWorld San Antonio’s Christmas Celebration, and Six Flags Fiesta Texas Holiday in the Park. These events feature festive lights, themed entertainment, and holiday activities for all ages.
When is the weather forecast for Christmas week in San Antonio?
San Antonio is expected to experience pleasant weather during Christmas week, with temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to mid-70s Fahrenheit. This mild weather is ideal for outdoor activities and enjoying the city’s festive events.
Key Features of San Antonio’s 2025 Christmas Week
| Event | Date | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Holiday River Parade and Lighting Ceremony | November 28, 2025 | San Antonio River Walk | Illumination of the River Walk with festive lights and parade floats. |
| SeaWorld San Antonio’s Christmas Celebration | November 13 – January 4 | SeaWorld San Antonio | Winter wonderland with millions of lights, themed areas, and festive entertainment. |
| Six Flags Fiesta Texas Holiday in the Park | November 22 – December 23 | Six Flags Fiesta Texas | Park adorned with 2.5 million lights and 75,000 decorations, including a 70-foot Christmas tree. |
| Las Posadas at San Fernando Cathedral | December 16 – 23 | San Fernando Cathedral | Candle-lit procession celebrating the journey of Mary and Joseph. |
| La Gran Tamalada at Historic Market Square | December 13 | Historic Market Square | Event where families make tamales by hand, featuring live music and food. |
| Holidays on Houston Street | December 5 – 14 | Houston Street Historic District | Holiday showcase with light displays, festive market, and communal dining experiences. |
| Zoo Lights at San Antonio Zoo | Through January 4 | San Antonio Zoo | Zoo illuminated with millions of lights and festive displays. |
| Illuminate at the San Antonio Botanical Garden | Through January 11 | San Antonio Botanical Garden | Exhibition featuring giant floral canopies and light installations. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
San Antonio Braces for Strong Cold Front
Texas Allocates $150 Million for Alamo Renovation Project
Candlelight Concerts in San Antonio Showcase Vivaldi
Empowering Austin Residents: Volunteer Opportunities This Holiday Season
Volunteer and Celebrate: San Antonio’s Holiday Season
San Antonio Spurs Secure Spot in NBA Cup Final
San Antonio’s Vibrant Live Music Lineup This Week
San Antonio Residents Brace for a Warm Christmas
Free Events in San Antonio for the Community
Explore San Antonio’s Holiday Season Festivities
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.
