San Antonio, December 13, 2025
San Antonio shines brightly this holiday season with a series of festive light displays and events, offering a magical experience for residents and visitors alike. The iconic River Walk is adorned with over 100,000 lights, complemented by celebrations like Holidays on Houston Street and the Travis Park Christmas Tree Lighting. Additional attractions, such as the San Antonio Zoo Lights and the Light Park at Nelson Wolff Municipal Stadium, promise something for everyone, making it a memorable time to embrace the holiday spirit in the heart of the city.
San Antonio’s Holiday Lights Illuminate the City
San Antonio is aglow with festive lights and events this holiday season, offering residents and visitors a variety of celebrations to enjoy.
River Walk Holiday Lights
The San Antonio River Walk is adorned with over 100,000 lights, transforming the area into a dazzling spectacle. This annual display began on November 28, 2025, coinciding with the 44th Annual Ford Holiday River Parade and Lighting Ceremony. The lights will remain illuminated each night through January 11, 2026. Visitors can enjoy the festive ambiance free of charge, as the River Walk is a public park open 24/7.
Holidays on Houston Street
From December 5 to December 14, 2025, Houston Street is transformed into a festive wonderland. The event features dazzling lights, seasonal activities, and holiday cheer across five blocks from Broadway to Legacy Park. Highlights include a holiday market with over 50 local vendors and special events like “A Taste of Holidays on Houston Street.”
Travis Park Christmas Tree Lighting
On November 28, 2025, Travis Park hosted the annual H-E-B Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. The event featured live entertainment, food trucks, and a special visit from Santa Claus. The Christmas tree remains illuminated every night through early January, adding to the downtown festive atmosphere.
Additional Holiday Attractions
- Lights of Esperanza: Texas A&M University–San Antonio’s annual event on December 2, 2025, showcased over 30,000 lights, festive music, and family-friendly activities.
- Classic Christmas: Held at Toyota Field, this new holiday attraction spans 55,000 square feet and features immersive decorations and themed nights.
- San Antonio Zoo Lights: The zoo is transformed into a winter wonderland with laser displays, twinkling trails, and Santa visits through January 4, 2026.
- Illuminate at the San Antonio Botanical Garden: This event runs through January 11, 2026, featuring giant floral canopies and photo-ready moments.
- The Light Park at Nelson Wolff Municipal Stadium: A drive-thru experience with synchronized lights and music through January 4, 2026.
- Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Fiesta Texas: Features a 70-foot Christmas tree, Santa visits, themed shows, and lights across the park until December 23, 2025.
Weather Considerations
As of December 13, 2025, San Antonio’s weather has been mild, with temperatures ranging from lows of 5.0°C (41°F) to highs of 25.0°C (77°F). This pleasant weather provides an excellent opportunity to enjoy the city’s holiday festivities comfortably.
San Antonio’s holiday lights and events offer a festive atmosphere for all to enjoy, with activities suitable for families, couples, and individuals alike. Whether you’re strolling along the River Walk or exploring the various attractions, the city provides a memorable holiday experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do the River Walk holiday lights turn on?
The River Walk holiday lights were illuminated on November 28, 2025, coinciding with the 44th Annual Ford Holiday River Parade and Lighting Ceremony. The lights will remain on each night through January 11, 2026.
What is the duration of the Holidays on Houston Street event?
Holidays on Houston Street runs from December 5 to December 14, 2025, transforming five blocks of Houston Street into a festive wonderland.
What are the operating hours for the San Antonio Zoo Lights?
The San Antonio Zoo Lights event runs through January 4, 2026, offering visitors a winter wonderland with laser displays, twinkling trails, and Santa visits.
How long is the Illuminate event at the San Antonio Botanical Garden?
Illuminate at the San Antonio Botanical Garden runs through January 11, 2026, featuring giant floral canopies and photo-ready moments.
What is the duration of The Light Park at Nelson Wolff Municipal Stadium?
The Light Park at Nelson Wolff Municipal Stadium is a drive-thru experience with synchronized lights and music through January 4, 2026.
Key Features of San Antonio’s Holiday Lights
| Event | Location | Dates | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| River Walk Holiday Lights | San Antonio River Walk | November 28, 2025 – January 11, 2026 | Over 100,000 lights illuminating the River Walk; free admission. |
| Holidays on Houston Street | Houston Street, San Antonio | December 5 – December 14, 2025 | Festive decorations, holiday market with over 50 local vendors, and special events. |
| Travis Park Christmas Tree Lighting | Travis Park, San Antonio | November 28, 2025 – Early January 2026 | Annual tree lighting ceremony with live entertainment and food trucks. |
| Lights of Esperanza | Texas A&M University–San Antonio | December 2, 2025 | Over 30,000 lights, festive music, and family-friendly activities. |
| Classic Christmas | Toyota Field, San Antonio | Through December 28, 2025 | 55,000 square feet of immersive decorations and themed nights. |
| San Antonio Zoo Lights | San Antonio Zoo | Through January 4, 2026 | Laser displays, twinkling trails, and Santa visits. |
| Illuminate at the San Antonio Botanical Garden | San Antonio Botanical Garden | Through January 11, 2026 | Giant floral canopies and photo-ready moments. |
| The Light Park at Nelson Wolff Municipal Stadium | Nelson Wolff Municipal Stadium, San Antonio | Through January 4, 2026 | Drive-thru experience with synchronized lights and music. |
| Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Fiesta Texas | Six Flags Fiesta Texas, San Antonio | Until December 23, 2025 | Features a 70-foot Christmas tree, Santa visits, themed shows, and lights across the park. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
San Antonio Airport Plans Gate Conversion for Southwest Airlines
Texas Surpasses Coal in Solar Energy Production
San Antonio’s Culinary Scene Embraces Innovation and Education
Officer Testifies in Ambush Case in San Antonio
Texas Gears Up for Increased Holiday Travel Rush
San Antonio High School Football Teams Reach Semifinals
San Antonio Zoo Opens New Gorilla Exhibit
San Antonio Experiences Increase in Holiday Domestic Violence
Weekend Festivities in San Antonio
GlowRow® Dazzles at San Antonio’s Holly Jolly Kayaking Event
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.
