San Antonio, Texas, December 20, 2025
In December 2025, San Antonio will come alive with a variety of festive celebrations for the holiday season. The city will host exciting events including the 44th Annual Ford Holiday River Parade, Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Fiesta Texas, and Christmas at the Caverns. With millions of lights, cultural festivals, and activities for all ages, San Antonio promises an unforgettable holiday experience for both residents and visitors. Join the festivities and immerse yourself in the joyful spirit that defines this vibrant city during the holiday season.
San Antonio’s 2025 Holiday Season: A Festive Extravaganza
San Antonio, Texas – The city is embracing the holiday spirit with a series of vibrant events and celebrations throughout December 2025. From parades and light shows to cultural festivities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Major Holiday Events in San Antonio
- 44th Annual Ford Holiday River Parade and Lighting Ceremony: Held on November 28, 2025, this event illuminated the River Walk with 100,000 twinkling lights, featuring the theme “Merry Movie Magic.
- Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Fiesta Texas: Running from November 22 to December 23, 2025, the park transformed into a holiday wonderland with 2.5 million lights, 75,000 decorations, and San Antonio’s tallest Christmas tree at 70 feet.
- Christmas at the Caverns: From December 6 to 23, 2025, Natural Bridge Caverns hosted caroling deep below the surface, along with new events like Candlelight Yoga and a Cowboy Christmas concert with Jeremy McComb.
- SeaWorld Christmas Celebration: Running from November 13 to January 4, 2025, this event features millions of lights, shows, and festive zones, making it Texas’ biggest holiday celebration.
- Mariachi Extravaganza: Festival events rolled from late November into the first week of December, with the main concert featuring Mariachi Vargas on December 6 at Lila Cockrell Theatre.
- Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve”: Scheduled for December 21, 2025, at the Frost Bank Center, this performance is a highlight of the season.
- River of Lights: A one-night celebration with live music and “snow,” held on December 13, 2025, at the Lock & Dam.
Additional Festive Activities Across Texas
- 6th Annual “Light Up the Park” at Eisenhower State Park: On December 13, 2025, the park hosted a drive-through holiday event featuring lights, hot chocolate, cookies, and visits from Santa and the Grinch.
- Holiday Heritage Trail Hike at Galveston Island State Park: From December 19 to 31, 2025, visitors can enjoy a self-guided stroll along a trail beautifully decorated with holiday lights.
- Texas Christkindl Market in Arlington: Celebrating its 15th anniversary, this market runs from November 21 to December 23, 2025, offering festive shopping, holiday treats, live entertainment, and children’s activities.
- GM Financial Parade of Lights in Fort Worth: Held on November 23, 2025, this parade featured illuminated floats, bands, and holiday magic lighting up Sundance Square and beyond.
- Christmas in the Stockyards in Fort Worth: On December 6, 2025, the Stockyards celebrated with live music, a rodeo matinee, reindeer games, the Ultimate Bullfighters World Finals, and a holiday parade.
- Christmas Wine Train in Grapevine: On November 21, 2025, the Grapevine Vintage Railroad offered a festive experience with local Texas wines, hors d’oeuvres, and holiday cheer.
- Merry & Bright Christmas Drone Show in Grapevine: From December 1 to 8, 2025, hundreds of drones lit up the night sky in this high-tech holiday spectacle.
- 46th Annual Parade of Lights in Grapevine: On December 4, 2025, the city kicked off December with a beloved parade featuring twinkling floats, marching bands, and small-town holiday magic.
- Christmas in the Park at Guadalupe River State Park: On December 13, 2025, the park transformed into a winter wonderland with holiday-themed crafts, stories, activities, and a drive-thru light show.
- Holiday Photo in Lorena: On December 20, 2025, the city hosted its inaugural Community Christmas photo event.
Background
San Antonio’s holiday season is renowned for its rich cultural traditions and festive events that draw visitors from across the nation. The city’s unique blend of cultures is reflected in its holiday celebrations, offering a diverse array of activities that cater to all ages and interests. From historic parades and light shows to cultural festivals and community gatherings, San Antonio provides a memorable holiday experience for residents and visitors alike.
FAQ
What is the 44th Annual Ford Holiday River Parade and Lighting Ceremony?
The 44th Annual Ford Holiday River Parade and Lighting Ceremony, held on November 28, 2025, illuminated the River Walk with 100,000 twinkling lights, featuring the theme “Merry Movie Magic.”
When is Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Fiesta Texas?
Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Fiesta Texas runs from November 22 to December 23, 2025, transforming the park into a holiday wonderland with 2.5 million lights, 75,000 decorations, and San Antonio’s tallest Christmas tree at 70 feet.
What is Christmas at the Caverns?
Christmas at the Caverns, from December 6 to 23, 2025, at Natural Bridge Caverns, features caroling deep below the surface, along with new events like Candlelight Yoga and a Cowboy Christmas concert with Jeremy McComb.
When is the SeaWorld Christmas Celebration?
The SeaWorld Christmas Celebration runs from November 13 to January 4, 2025, featuring millions of lights, shows, and festive zones, making it Texas’ biggest holiday celebration.
What is the Mariachi Extravaganza?
The Mariachi Extravaganza includes festival events from late November into the first week of December, with the main concert featuring Mariachi Vargas on December 6 at Lila Cockrell Theatre.
When is Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve” performance?
Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve” is scheduled for December 21, 2025, at the Frost Bank Center.
What is the River of Lights event?
The River of Lights is a one-night celebration with live music and “snow,” held on December 13, 2025, at the Lock & Dam.
What is the 6th Annual “Light Up the Park” at Eisenhower State Park?
The 6th Annual “Light Up the Park” at Eisenhower State Park, on December 13, 2025, is a drive-through holiday event featuring lights, hot chocolate, cookies, and visits from Santa and the Grinch.
| Event | Date | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 44th Annual Ford Holiday River Parade and Lighting Ceremony | November 28, 2025 | River Walk | Illuminated with 100,000 lights, themed “Merry Movie Magic.” |
| Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Fiesta Texas | November 22 – December 23, 2025 | Six Flags Fiesta Texas | Transformed into a holiday wonderland with 2.5 million lights. |
| Christmas at the Caverns | December 6 – 23, 2025 | Natural Bridge Caverns | Features caroling, Candlelight Yoga, Cowboy Christmas concert. |
| SeaWorld Christmas Celebration | November 13 – January 4, 2025 | SeaWorld | Millions of lights, shows, and festive zones. |
| Mariachi Extravaganza | Late November – December 6, 2025 | Lila Cockrell Theatre | Main concert with Mariachi Vargas. |
| Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve” | December 21, 2025 | Frost Bank Center | Highlight performance of the season. |
| River of Lights | December 13, 2025 | Lock & Dam | One-night celebration with live music and “snow.” |
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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.
