River Walk Lights

Enjoy the  holiday lights along the River Walk from November 27 to January 1.

November 27
Ford Holiday River Parade &
Lighting Ceremony on the River Walk
Watch as thousands of brightly colored lights that drape the River Walk's gigantic cypress trees come to life. The parade begins after the lights come on. You need tickets for river level seating. Get tickets now 


November 28 to December 20
Holiday Boat Caroling on the River Walk
Barges filled with carolers serenade River Walk visitors during the holiday season.

December 4 to 20, weekends
Fiesta de las Luminarias on the River Walk
Stroll the River Walk lit by more than 2,500 candles in sand-filled bags. The centuries-old tradition is at dusk Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

More Holiday Lights

November 21 to January 8, 2010
Annual Light the Way.
Just north of downtown, the sprawling, tree-studded campus of the University of the Incarnate Word glitters with a million twinkling lights during the holiday season.
Get details

Holiday Traditions

November 21 & December 12
La Tamalada at the Witte Museum
Experience the old-fashioned techniques of tamale making at the Witte Museum while learning the history, the ingredients and different cultural flavors of this San Antonio holiday tradition.
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December 20
La Gran Posada at Market Square
A re-enactment of Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter, the procession and prayers are followed by music at San Fernando Cathedral, one of the oldest sanctuaries in the U.S.
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Handmade Gifts

November 27 to 28
Mercado de Paz
Shop for arts and crafts with themes of peace, social justice, cultural diversity and ecological concerns.
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December 5
Kristkindlmarkt
A traditional German holiday outdoor market with gingerbread houses, pottery baskets, ornaments, quilts, floral arrangements and more.
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December 12
Bazaar Sabado
Textiles, jewelry, pottery and treasures from the global village. Sponsored by the San Antonio Museum of Art. Get details
 
December 12
Art.i.copia
The Southwest School of Art & Craft holds an annual holiday show to sell the works of accomplished artists. Get details
 Get details
 
December 11 to 13
Holiday Arts & Crafts Show
Whether its jewelry, pottery or fine art you are interested in, you can finalize your holiday shopping on the River Walk.
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December 18 to 19
Hecho a Mano/Made by Hand
A juried fine art exhibit and sale  with high quality traditional and contemporary crafts. Sponsored by the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center.
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Family Holiday Fun

SeaWorld San Antonio: Adventure village, special Shamu holiday show. November 21 - January 3

Six Flags Fiesta Texas: Special holiday show, winter wonderland. November 27 - January 3

Schlitterbahn Waterpark: Snow, iceskating and sledding. November 20 - January 3

Santa's Railroad Wonderland: Festivities at the Texas Transportation Museum. Weekends starting December 5 to December 26.

November 19 to December 31
Gingerbread Design House Display at the San Antonio Children’s Museum
San Antonio architects and designers put their creative talents to work on an unusual project -- designing extravagant gingerbread houses. Their efforts will be on display.
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December 19 to 20
Cowboy Christmas at Enchanted Springs Ranch
Experience the season "Old West" style with a cowboy Santa (and his reindeer), tractor rides, western music, shopping and food.
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Holiday Performances

November 15 to 21
Mariachi Vargas
The longest running Latin music festival in Texas. The final concert features the internationally famous Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan.
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December 18 & 19
Holiday Pops
Embrace your holiday memories with the pageantry and cheer of the Holiday Pops .The San Antonio Symphony Mastersingers will feature traditional holiday songs and a sing-a-long.
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November 27 to December 6
The Nutcracker
The San Antonio Symphony and Ballet San Antonio stage the traditional holiday favorite.
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November 28 to December 20
Classic Country Christmas Show
San Antonio Rose Live puts on a special country music holiday show.
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November 28 & 29
Holly Daze at Arneson Theatre on the River Walk
Enjoy dance performances to traditional seasonal songs in Market Square.
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