San Antonio’s holiday season celebrates the city’s rich mix of cultures and traditions. From the candle-lit processions of Las Posadas at San Fernando Cathedral and the UNESCO World Heritage Spanish Colonial Missions, held December 16–23, to La Gran Tamalada on December 13 at Historic Market Square, where families gather to make tamales by hand, the season is filled with warmth and connection. As one of only two UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy in the country and the Culinary Capital of Texas, San Antonio’s food scene shines even brighter during the holidays. From tamale-making traditions to riverside dining and holiday-inspired drinks, every bite adds to the celebration.
The season officially kicks off with the 44th Annual Ford Holiday River Parade and Lighting Ceremony Friday, November 28, 2025, setting the River Walk aglow with the theme “Merry Movie Magic” and the switch flipped on 100,00 lights twinkling above the river. The parade features 27 illuminated floats, music, and a special appearance from Santa himself. On select days from December 12-23, visitors can catch community groups caroling from barges for the Ford Holiday Boat Caroling. On street level, downtown San Antonio stays festive as Holidays on Houston Street returns December 5-14, transforming a historic corridor into a glowing celebration filled with lights, music, and local flavor. Stroll beneath more than 350,000 twinkling lights, enjoy festive dining at “A Taste of Holidays on Houston Street”, and shop from more than 50 local vendors during Market Weekend, December 12-14. With special events, dazzling décor, and plenty of holiday cheer, it’s the ideal way to celebrate the season in the heart of San Antonio.
Holidays at Hemisfair presented by H-E-B returns November 28, 2025–January 3, 2026, transforming Hemisfair’s Civic Park into a holiday destination with ice skating, festive décor, and family-friendly fun. Seasonal highlights include the “Skate the City” outdoor rink, the Historic Home Lighting Ceremony on November 29, a two-day Holidays at Hemisfair Gift Market featuring more than 60 local vendors (November 29-30), and the cultural celebration Holiday in the Garden on December 20. Ongoing festivities—like Holiday Movies by Moonlight (December 2, 9, 16, 23), weekend gift markets, and a New Year’s Eve Kids Countdown (December 31)—invite locals and visitors alike to celebrate the season in the heart of downtown.
Experience the magic of the season at SeaWorld San Antonio, transformed into a dazzling holiday wonderland with millions of lights, a brand-new Christmas parade, and festive shows for all ages. Meet Rudolph, laugh along with the returning fan favorite, “Clyde and Seamore’s Countdown to Christmas,” and enjoy the award-winning “O’ Wondrous Night”. Wander through themed holiday zones, try new seasonal bites and cocktails, and celebrate with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and a splash of marine-inspired holiday cheer.
Holiday in the Park returns to Six Flags Fiesta Texas from November 22 to December 23, 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. Guests can take on thrilling coasters like the Iron Rattler and Wonder Woman Golden Lasso Coaster, then meet heroes from the DC Universe and Looney Tunes characters dressed in festive attire. The park comes alive with live shows, carolers, and holiday treats making it the perfect mix of excitement and holiday cheer for visitors of all ages.
Take the holidays underground at Natural Bridge Caverns during Christmas at the Caverns, December 6-23. Experience caroling deep below the surface and new events, including Candlelight Yoga and a Cowboy Christmas concert with Jeremy McComb. Above ground, experience a glittering Trail of Lights, meet Santa, skate, explore the Reindeer Round-Up Maze, and warm up with s’mores by the fire.
The San Antonio Zoo comes alive from November 15, 2025, to January 4, 2026, with millions of lights, larger-than-life animal lanterns, and festive displays during Zoo Lights powered by CPS Energy. Guests can sip hot cocoa, roast s’mores, and enjoy the lakeside light show set to holiday music, all included with admission. It’s a must-see holiday tradition that’s as wild as it is bright.
At the San Antonio Botanical Garden, witness art and nature merge into magic during Illuminate, running November 21, 2025, through January 11, 2026. Wander more than a mile of glowing trails, handcrafted lanterns and larger-than-life sculptures, with themed nights like Family Night, Sensory-Friendly Night and an All that Glitters New Year’s Eve celebration.
At the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa, “ICE! featuring Frosty the Snowman” runs November 22, 2025, through January 4, 2026. Guests can walk through hand-carved ice sculptures made from more than two million pounds of ice, race down two-story slides, and bundle up in parkas to experience a true winter wonderland kept at just nine degrees.
Coca-Cola’s Classic Christmas transforms Toyota Field into an Alpine Adventure November 28 to December 28, 2025, with millions of lights, outdoor ice skating, a snow slide summit, live entertainment, and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
At The Rock at La Cantera, Holidays at The Rock runs November 22, 2025, through January 3, 2026, featuring an ice-skating rink, holiday movie nights, festive markets, and special treats at Santa’s Shack.
And visitors should remember the Alamo City is a great place to ring in the new year at Celebrate SA: New Year’s Eve Party and Countdown downtown, at the theme parks, and of course catch football excitement at the Alamo Bowl on December 30, 2025.
Together, these experiences capture the spirit of the holidays in San Antonio, offering endless ways to celebrate across a city that welcomes everyone. From festive markets and dazzling lights to music and flavors found only here, the season shines brighter in the Alamo City. Make it merry, make it bright, and make it unmistakably San Antonio.
For a full list of holiday events, special offers, and festive fun across the city, visit VisitSanAntonio.com/Holidays/
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