Some of my fondest memories of the holiday season throughout the years include some kind of takeout (Taco Bell cinnamon churros when I was a child and the family was budgeting, and coffee and a sweet as my palette has refined), listening to the jazz station that plays Christmas music after Thanksgiving, and looking at holiday lights in San Antonio.
If you’re wondering where to find the best holiday lights San Antonio has to offer—look no further! Some of these recommendations are more time and date specific, but you do not want to miss the neighborhood-specific locations, as they are the real highlights of your holiday light adventures.
Want to add a fun activity to your display visits? Print a copy of our holiday lights scavenger hunt for each kiddo (or adult) in your crew and let them check off the finds as you meander through neighborhoods and Christmas light displays around San Antonio.
DOWNTOWN
Museum Reach Lock & Dam | 510 Brooklyn Ave. and 715 Camaron St.
Showing 4:00–8:00 p.m. daily, December 14-January 4, 2025
A 30-foot-tall musical tree light show at the Museum Reach Lock & Dam will return this year. For more information about the Museum Reach River of Lights, follow the River Authority social media channels at @sanantonioriver and San Pedro Creek Culture Park at @sanpedrocreek.
Travis Park | 301 East Travis St. | 210.207.3677
Open daily November 15- January 5, 2025.
Free admission! Winter Wonderland kicks off at Travis Park on November 15 with ice skating hosted by the Rotary Club of San Antonio. Tickets are on sale now.
The River Walk
Open November 29- early January 2025
Free admission! Enjoy the hustle and bustle of the season on the River Walk, where 100,000 lights shine. The official kick-off of the holiday season happens November 29 with the Ford Holiday River Parade. The fun does not stop there. Ford Fiesta de las Luminarias will be held on select days from December 6–22, and Holiday Boat Caroling on December 4- 23. The River Walk is truly the center point of holiday lights in San Antonio. Walk a few blocks and visit the beautiful tree right outside San Fernando Cathedral in Main Plaza. Catch the lighting of the tree (along with Santa visit, holiday carols, and other seasonal fun) at their annual Noche Buena event on December 7.
MIDTOWN
Zoo Lights | San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s Street | 210.734.7184
Open daily, November 16 – December 31, 2024.
This is a family favorite because it allows you to view lights while also learning about nocturnal animals. It may not be hump day, but you can also take a ride on a camel.
Light the Way | University of the Incarnate Word, 4301 Broadway
Join the UIW family for their 37th annual Light the Way holiday festival on Saturday, November 23, 2024. Drive through the campus nightly, starting November 24!
NORTH CENTRAL
Shavano Park | Enter off of Northwest Military between Huebner and DeZavala
Dates vary, but the best time frame is during the two weeks before December 25.
FREE to enjoy! This is a residential neighborhood (and a personal favorite) that does not have a set deadline or contest but has always put the best on display: a full-size ice rink, large animal silhouettes, and a Snoopy scene are some of the usual highlights.
Six Flags Fiesta Texas | 17000 IH-10 West
Open November 23–December 23, weekends and select dates.
Holiday In the Park and Taste of Holiday In the Park will engage all of your senses under a sky of glittering lights.
Old West Christmas Light Fest
Enchanted Springs Ranch, 242 State Hwy 46 W, Boerne 78006 | 830.249.8222
Open select days November 29–December 23, 2024.
Admission starts at $25 per person, six years or older, with a discount for Military/First Responders and a pack of 5 tickets!
Ticket includes onsite parking and event admission to Old West Christmas Light Fest for one night. Travel back in time and enjoy a glimpse of Christmas inside an authentic western town, with more than 40 buildings brought to life. “Our rustic Old West town and beautiful scenery are the perfect backdrop for memory-making holiday fun!”
NORTHEAST
The South Pole SA | 5135 North Loop 1604 East San Antonio 78247
Open November 22 through January 4, 2025
Tickets can be purchased at the window via cash, card, or Apple Pay- $40 a car, or $110 for a season pass. This 1-mile holiday light drive thru in San Antonio is located off 1604/Judson Rd. with light displays for the whole family to enjoy!
Santa’s Ranch | 9561 I-35 North, New Braunfels, TX
Open nightly November 1 through December 31
Tickets are $37 per vehicle or $74 for a season pass.
You cannot miss the 50-foot Christmas tree donning the access road of I-35, marking the entrance to this family-friendly drive-through experience.
The Light Park | Retama Park, 1 Retama Pkwy, Selma, TX | 830.310.3962
Open daily November 1 through January 5, 2025
A drive-through “sights and sounds of the holiday season” experience. Ticket discounts are available when purchasing online, as well as a crowd calendar. Discount tickets available through the website!
Windcrest Light Up | Windcrest City Hall, 8601 Midcrown Dr., Windcrest, TX
November 13- 31, 2024
Join in the decades-old tradition of driving through the streets of Windcrest to see the neighborhood lights. This year’s theme is “Blue Sapphire.” Maps are available nightly at City Hall. Make sure to cast your vote for the People’s Choice Award through December 31.
Sights and Sounds of Christmas | 401 E Hopkins St., San Marcos, TX 78666
December 14, 2024
A family-friendly Christmas festival.
WEST
SeaWorld | 10500 SeaWorld Dr. | 210.520.4732
Open November 14 –January 5, 2025
Nine million twinkling lights fill the 250-acre park, with exciting pop-up shows and meet and greets (available for an extra fee).
Lights Alive! Park-N-Play Winter Wonderland | 5931 Roft Rd.
Opens November 22
Lights Alive has created mesmerizing light displays that will instantly put you in the holiday spirit and leave you awestruck. After the drive, you can park and continue the fun in the Winter Wonderland where you can visit Santa and enjoy other fun holiday activities. Click here to learn what’s in store for a magical night.
Elf Acres | 1475 Grosenbacher Rd. | 210.643.8662
2024 season information coming soon.
Westover Field of Lights | 9340 Westover Hills Blvd
December 5-21
A walk through light adventure at Westover Hills Sports Complex. FREE, but registration is required.
BONUS: OUTSIDE OF SAN ANTONIO
Austin Trail of Lights | Zilker Park: 2100 Barton Springs Rd., Austin, TX 78704
Open December 10–23.
Produced by the Trail of Lights Foundation, the annual event in Zilker Park celebrates the unique spirit and people of Austin. Visit with friends, families, and neighbors while enjoying more than 2 million lights, 70 displays, lighted tunnels, 90 lighted holiday trees, nightly entertainment, Austin’s famous food trucks, and magical holiday activities! Ticket prices vary by date.
Peppermint Parkway | Circuit of the Americas, 9201 Circuit of The Americas Blvd., Austin 78617
Opening date to be announced soon!!
Experience a drive-through holiday spectacular with a mile of holiday displays, lights, dancing characters, and a plaza full of food, rides, activities, and more. Starting at $40 per vehicle.
Lights Spectacular | Johnson City, TX
Open November 24 –January 7, 2024—6:00 p.m.–12:00 a.m.
The twinkliest town in the hill country celebrates the holidays!
Christmas in Marble Falls | Lakeside Park, 305 Buena Vista Dr., Marble Falls 78654
Want to stay up to date on all the festivities in Marble Falls? Text “CHRISTMAS” to 830.532.5685 to receive messages about holiday happenings.
Cuero’s Christmas in the Park | Cuero Municipal Park, US Hwy 87 S, Cuero, TX
Opens November 20
Donning special events including Hot Chocolate Nights and a Live Nativity, Cuero is known for its “Hundreds of scenes, thousands of LEDs” mantra.
Comment below if you visit one of the holiday lights displays on our list, and let us know if we missed any of your holiday faves. Don’t forget to check out “Que Pasa San Antonio” for all the up-to-date events happening in and around San Antonio.
