River Walk Christmas Lights 2024-2025 in San Antonio, TX

Each year, thousands of San Antonio families eagerly await November, when the Holiday Lights on the River Walk turn this scenic promenade into a winter wonderland. Held annually the day after Thanksgiving, the Ford Holiday River Parade marks the start of the season, dazzling visitors with over 100,000 lights. Enjoy the festive magic of Christmas caroling and the River Walk’s seasonal celebrations.

Christmas Lights Display

The Christmas Lights display on the River Walk is one of the most impressive in Texas, featuring over 100,000 lights (2,250 strings) adorning the trees and buildings along the promenade. The lights shine from 5:30 pm to 8 am, offering a spectacular view of the towering bald cypress trees illuminated with a dazzling array of colors. Experience this stunning holiday display on the downtown portion of the River Walk.

Holiday Season Events

The Annual Ford Holiday River Parade kicks off the holiday season on November 29, serving as the official televised lighting ceremony at the Arneson River Theatre. The River Walk will be aglow with holiday lights and will host a variety of festive events, including the Ford Holiday Boat Caroling, which runs from December 4 to 23. This event allows friends and family to enjoy caroling from a boat on the River Walk. Additionally, the Ford Fiesta de las Luminarias will light up the river's pathway with over 2,000 luminarias throughout December. These traditional Mexican lanterns, consisting of single candles in sand-filled bags, enhance the festive atmosphere. Visitors can also explore the Holiday Artisan Show, adding to the seasonal celebrations.

Open Hours & Admission

Visiting the River Walk to see the spectacular holiday lights is free, as the River Walk is a public park open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. For those interested in caroling from a boat, rentals are available for $175 for a boat accommodating four people.

Parking & Pets

Parking options include a paid 6,000-square-foot lot, available from 8 am to 6 pm, or free city-run garages on most days. RV owners can park at nearby Travis Park. The event is pet-friendly, so you can bring your leashed dog, and some local restaurants even offer pet menus.

Visitor Reviews

The rove.me team spoke with attendees of the River Walk Christmas Lights from past years to gather insights on the event’s organization, comfort, and overall impressions. We also asked if they would recommend the display to others.

Angel Whitley, a San Antonio local who has attended the event multiple times with family and friends, shared her experience. She said, "It’s a great tradition and so beautiful. The lights span a long distance along the river, so you can take a long walk and enjoy it. There are restaurants along the way as well to make it a lovely night out." However, she noted that some areas can be challenging for individuals using wheelchairs, making navigation difficult for those with disabilities. Despite this, she enthusiastically recommends the display, stating, "Absolutely! The San Antonio River Walk is beautiful, and the weather during this time of year can be quite mild, too!"