San Antonio lights up with spectacular Christmas displays throughout the Alamo City. From the famous River Walk Holiday Lights illuminating miles of waterfront to neighborhood displays and festive attractions, the city offers dazzling seasonal celebrations. Explore light shows, decorated historic sites, and family-friendly holiday displays across San Antonio and the surrounding Hill Country.
SeaWorld San Antonio Christmas Celebration
Location: San Antonio
Dates: November 13 - January 04
Cost: $$
The SeaWorld San Antonio Christmas Celebration features the largest Christmas light display in Texas, showcasing millions of twinkling lights throughout the park. Visitors can enjoy live holiday shows such as 'O Wondrous Night' and meet Santa Claus, including a unique Texas-themed Santa experience.
Highlights:
- The largest Christmas light display in Texas, with millions of twinkling lights.
- Live holiday shows including 'O Wondrous Night' and 'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer' meet-and-greets.
- Visits with Santa Claus, including a unique Texas-themed Santa.
Santa's Railroad Wonderland
Location: San Antonio
Dates: December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21
Cost: $$
Santa's Railroad Wonderland at the Texas Transportation Museum offers festive train rides through a fully decorated museum, showcasing vibrant Christmas themes. Visitors can meet Santa Claus and enjoy a stroll through the garden railroad while sipping on hot chocolate.
Highlights:
- Experience Santa's Railroad Wonderland, an extravaganza of Christmas joy featuring festive train rides.
- Immerse yourself in a fully decorated museum, from trains to garden railroads.
- Meet Santa Claus during his special visit to the Texas Transportation Museum.
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Santa's Ranch
Location: New Braunfels
Dates: November 7, 2025 - January 4, 2026: Sun-Thurs 6pm – 10pm, Fri-Sat 6pm – 11pm
Cost: $$
Santa's Ranch features a mile-long drive-through light display with over 3 million lights and animated scenes, set against a backdrop of winding country roads. Visitors can enjoy festive treats from concession stands while driving through the enchanting holiday landscape.
Highlights:
- Experience one of Texas' favorite Christmas traditions with over 20 years of history.
- Drive through a mile-long wonderland of animated light displays.
- Enjoy a festive atmosphere with family and friends, creating magical memories.
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Hill Country Christmas Lights at Natural Bridge Caverns
Location: San Antonio
Cost: $$
The Hill Country Christmas Lights display at Natural Bridge Caverns features an impressive drive-through experience illuminated by millions of colorful lights. Visitors can enjoy themed areas filled with holiday characters and stories along the illuminated route.
Address: 26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd, San Antonio, TX 78266
Phone: 210-651-6101
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Immerse yourself in a spectacular Christmas light show set against the natural beauty of Natural Bridge Caverns.
- Enjoy a festive, family-friendly drive-through experience perfect for holiday celebrations.
- Experience a dazzling drive-through light display featuring millions of colorful lights synchronized to festive music.
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Holiday Lights on the San Antonio River Walk
Location: San Antonio
Dates: November 28, 2025 - January 13, 2026
The San Antonio River Walk will be adorned with over 100,000 holiday lights, creating a dazzling display along the iconic river. The lights will shine nightly from November 28, 2025, to January 13, illuminating the scenic landscapes and providing a festive atmosphere.
Address: San Antonio, San Antonio 78205
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Witness the spectacular display of over 100,000 holiday lights illuminating the San Antonio River Walk.
- Enjoy the nightly glow of the lights from November 28, 2025, through January 13th.
- Marvel at over 100,000 twinkling lights adorning the towering bald cypress trees along the River Walk.
San Antonio Zoo Lights
Location: San Antonio
Dates: November 15 - December 31
Cost: $$
San Antonio Zoo Lights transforms the zoo into a winter wonderland with dazzling light displays that span miles. Families can explore various themed realms, each illuminated with vibrant colors and accompanied by festive music.
Address: 3903 N St Mary's St, San Antonio, TX 78212-3199
Phone: (210) 734-7184
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- An enchanting holiday celebration at the San Antonio Zoo.
- A magical transformation of the zoo into a winter wonderland.
- An unforgettable holiday light extravaganza for all ages.
Ford Holiday River Parade
Location: San Antonio
Dates: November 28, 2025
Cost: $$
The 44th Annual Ford Holiday River Parade showcases 27 illuminated floats themed around iconic holiday movies, creating a festive spectacle along the San Antonio River. The parade is accompanied by a lighting ceremony that marks the official start of the holiday season.
Address: San Antonio, TX
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- The 44th Annual Ford Holiday River Parade, a cherished San Antonio tradition.
- A spectacular parade featuring illuminated floats and holiday cheer.
- The official lighting ceremony to kick off the holiday season.
Windcrest Light-Up
Location: Windcrest
Dates: November 12 - December 31
Cost: $
Windcrest Light-Up presents a city-wide celebration with thousands of homes lavishly decorated for the holidays. Visitors can participate in the 'People's Choice Award' for the best-decorated home, making it a community-focused event.
Highlights:
- Explore a city renowned as the 'City of Lights' with thousands of homes decorated for the holidays.
- Participate in or vote for the 'People's Choice Award' for the most beloved decorated home.
- Discover various judging categories for the holiday lighting contest, celebrating creativity and theme interpretation.
ICE! featuring Frosty the Snowman
Location: San Antonio
Dates: November 22, 2025 - January 4, 2026
Cost: $$
ICE! featuring Frosty the Snowman offers an immersive experience with 2 million pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures, depicting scenes from the beloved holiday story. Visitors can slide down two-story ice slides and explore the attraction at a chilly 9 degrees Fahrenheit.
Highlights:
- Immerse yourself in a magical winter wonderland brought to life through 2 million pounds of hand-carved ice.
- Journey through captivating ice tunnels and arches, experiencing the classic Frosty the Snowman story.
- Enjoy unlimited time within the attraction, exploring at your own pace in the 9-degree Fahrenheit environment.
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Resources
Helpful information and links for planning your holiday season in San Antonio.