Holiday Lights on the San Antonio River Walk
Visitors can experience a luminous display of 200,000 lights draped across towering bald cypress trees lining the riverbanks. Guests can stroll along the riverfront paths to take in the festive scenery alongside passing river barges and patio dining.
What to Expect
Features 200,000 lights draped across towering bald cypress trees.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Downtown
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Visit San Antonio
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and visitors who enjoy festive outdoor strolls
Vibe
Festive and luminous
Energy Level
Low
Budget
Free
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Free.
- Parking: A downloadable map shows the parking areas downtown.
- Accessibility: Accessibility maps are available for the River Bend and the North Path/Museum Reach.
Tips & Advice
- Stay on the downtown stretch of the River Walk, because that's where the 200,000 lights hang in the bald cypress trees.
- Come on parade night if you want to watch the lights switch on during the televised Ford Holiday River Parade at Arneson River Theatre.
- Download the River Walk parking map before heading downtown so you know where the parking areas are before you arrive.
- Get the River Bend accessibility map if anyone in your group needs accessible routes along the river.
- Combine your walk with patio dining or a river cruise, since the downtown River Walk is lined with restaurants and shops and barges pass under the lights.
Special Events & Promotions
- The Ford Holiday River Parade on Friday, November 27, 2026, is the official televised lighting ceremony at Arneson River Theatre.
- Tickets and dinner-and-ticket packages are sold for the Ford Holiday River Parade.
- Ford Holiday Boat Caroling runs during the holiday lights season.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What will I see?
There are 200,000 lights draped across the tall bald cypress trees along the downtown River Walk. River barges pass beneath them and patio dining lines the banks.
How do the lights get switched on?
The lights come on at the Ford Holiday River Parade, which is the official televised lighting ceremony at Arneson River Theatre. This year's parade is on Friday, November 27, 2026.
Are there other holiday events during the lights?
Yes. Ford Holiday Boat Caroling is one of the events that runs during the holiday lights season.
Where can I park?
You can download a parking map that shows the parking areas in downtown San Antonio.
What else is there to do while I'm down there?
The downtown River Walk has restaurants, shops, river cruises, live entertainment and Tex-Mex with margaritas. The Alamo and La Villita are nearby.
More Christmas Events Near San Antonio
More Christmas Events near San Antonio
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.