San Antonio, November 29, 2025
San Antonio has kicked off its holiday season with vibrant parades and dazzling light displays. The celebrations began with the Ford Holiday River Parade, transforming the River Walk into a winter wonderland. Events including Holidays on Houston Street, Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Fiesta Texas, and Zoo Lights are set to continue the festive spirit throughout the season, drawing visitors and uplifting the local economy with diverse activities for all ages.
San Antonio Kicks Off 2025 Holiday Season with Parades, Lights, and Festive Events
San Antonio, Texas – The city has officially launched its 2025 holiday season with a series of vibrant parades, dazzling light displays, and family-friendly festivities. The celebrations began on November 28, 2025, with the 44th Annual Ford Holiday River Parade and Lighting Ceremony, illuminating the River Walk with the theme “Merry Movie Magic.” Over 100,000 lights adorned the river, accompanied by 27 decorated floats, live music, and a special appearance by Santa Claus.
Upcoming Holiday Events in San Antonio
Following the parade, several events are set to continue the festive spirit throughout the season:
- Holidays on Houston Street: From December 5 to December 14, this historic corridor will be transformed into a glowing celebration with over 350,000 lights, music, and local vendors. Market Weekend, featuring more than 50 local vendors, will take place from December 12 to December 14.
- Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Fiesta Texas: Running from November 22 to December 23, the park is adorned with 2.5 million lights, 75,000 decorations, and a 70-foot Christmas tree, offering festive shows and attractions.
- Zoo Lights at San Antonio Zoo: From November 15 to January 4, the zoo is transformed into a winter wonderland with millions of lights, larger-than-life animal lanterns, and festive displays.
- Illuminate at the San Antonio Botanical Garden: Running from November 21 to January 11, this event features floral-themed light displays and photo opportunities, creating a magical nighttime experience.
- Holidays at Hemisfair: From November 28 to January 3, Hemisfair’s Civic Park is transformed into a holiday destination with ice skating, festive décor, and family-friendly activities.
- Christmas at the Caverns at Natural Bridge Caverns: From December 6 to December 23, visitors can enjoy caroling deep below the surface and a glittering Trail of Lights above ground.
Background on San Antonio’s Holiday Traditions
San Antonio’s holiday season is renowned for its unique blend of cultural traditions and festive events. The Ford Holiday River Parade, a cherished annual event, marks the official start of the season, drawing thousands of visitors and locals alike. The city’s commitment to celebrating the holidays is evident in the diverse range of events that cater to all ages and interests, ensuring a memorable experience for everyone.
Positive Impact of Festivals on Local Economy
The influx of holiday visitors to San Antonio not only enhances the city’s festive spirit but also significantly contributes to the local economy. Small businesses along the River Walk and in the surrounding neighborhoods thrive during this season. By providing a platform for entrepreneurship, these events showcase local innovation and resilience.
Ample opportunities for entrepreneurs abound, as vendors set up shop at various events, bolstering the local market with unique products and culinary delights. This entrepreneurial spirit is vital for maintaining economic momentum and stimulates growth within the region.
Encouraging Community Participation
Community involvement is integral to these holiday celebrations. Local organizations often collaborate to enhance the events, promoting community investment and a sense of belonging among residents. Such partnerships foster connections that not only celebrate the holiday spirit but also encourage ongoing support for local businesses.
Conclusion
San Antonio’s holiday season brings a wealth of joy and economic opportunity, blending traditional festivities with entrepreneur-driven initiatives. The upcoming events promise to captivate both residents and visitors alike, bolstering the city’s vibrant community spirit while enhancing Bexar County’s economic resilience. As we embrace this season of giving and celebration, let us support local businesses and community efforts that contribute to the uniqueness of San Antonio.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Ford Holiday River Parade?
The Ford Holiday River Parade is an annual event in San Antonio that marks the official start of the holiday season. It features illuminated floats, live music, and a special appearance by Santa Claus, transforming the River Walk into a festive wonderland.
When does Holidays on Houston Street take place?
Holidays on Houston Street is scheduled from December 5 to December 14, 2025. During this period, Houston Street will be adorned with over 350,000 lights, music, and local vendors, creating a vibrant holiday atmosphere.
What can visitors expect at 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. Visitors can enjoy 2.5 million lights, 75,000 decorations, a 70-foot Christmas tree, festive shows, and various attractions suitable for all ages.
How long is Zoo Lights at San Antonio Zoo available?
Zoo Lights at San Antonio Zoo is available from November 15, 2025, to January 4, 2026. The event features millions of lights, larger-than-life animal lanterns, and festive displays, offering a magical experience for visitors.
What is Illuminate at the San Antonio Botanical Garden?
Illuminate at the San Antonio Botanical Garden runs from November 21, 2025, to January 11, 2026. This event showcases floral-themed light displays and photo opportunities, creating a captivating nighttime experience for attendees.
What activities are available at Holidays at Hemisfair?
Holidays at Hemisfair, running from November 28, 2025, to January 3, 2026, transforms Hemisfair’s Civic Park into a holiday destination with ice skating, festive décor, and family-friendly activities, providing entertainment for all ages.
When is Christmas at the Caverns at Natural Bridge Caverns?
Christmas at the Caverns at Natural Bridge Caverns takes place from December 6 to December 23, 2025. Visitors can enjoy caroling deep below the surface and a glittering Trail of Lights above ground, offering a unique holiday experience.
| Event Name | Date | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Ford Holiday River Parade | November 28, 2025 | Illuminated floats, live music, Santa Claus |
| Holidays on Houston Street | December 5 – 14, 2025 | 350,000 lights, local vendors, music |
| Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Fiesta Texas | November 22 – December 23, 2025 | 2.5 million lights, festive shows, attractions |
| Zoo Lights at San Antonio Zoo | November 15, 2025 – January 4, 2026 | Millions of lights, animal lanterns |
| Illuminate at the San Antonio Botanical Garden | November 21, 2025 – January 11, 2026 | Floral light displays, photo opportunities |
| Holidays at Hemisfair | November 28, 2025 РJanuary 3, 2026 | Ice skating, festive d̩cor, family activities |
| Christmas at the Caverns at Natural Bridge Caverns | December 6 – 23, 2025 | Carol singing, Trail of Lights |
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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.
