Celebrate the Holidays in Downtown San Antonio
Published on November 20, 2025
SAN ANTONIO (November 19, 2025) — Celebrate the holidays in downtown San Antonio! Enjoy free, family-friendly events, and shop for one-of-a-kind holiday gifts for your loved ones while supporting local small businesses at Market Square and La Villita.
River Walk Holiday Lights
The world-famous San Antonio River Walk is illuminated in thousands of lights from November 28 – January 11 (dawn).
Travis Park Events (301 E. Travis St.)
H-E-B Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Friday, November 28, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m., tree lighting ceremony at 6 p.m.; free
Kick off the holiday festivities at the Annual H-E-B Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Travis Park. Festivities begin at 4 p.m. and include live entertainment, food trucks, letters to Santa, giveaways, holiday crafts, and a special visit from Santa. The tree lighting ceremony begins at 6 p.m. VIA Metropolitan Transit is offering free rides to the event, and riders can tell their drivers they are heading to the tree lighting. For more information, visit the Facebook event page.
Travis Park Christmas Tree Farm
November 28 (evening) – December 23
Find the perfect Christmas tree at Travis Park’s Christmas tree farm. Travis Park is bringing holiday cheer to downtown San Antonio with a festive Christmas tree farm, presented in partnership with Centro and Holiday Hills Christmas Trees. Visitors can browse and purchase fresh-cut Christmas trees, garlands, and wreaths, perfect for adding seasonal charm to homes and businesses. Delivery is available. For more information and hours, visit the Holiday Hills Christmas Trees website.
La Villita Events (418 Villita Street)
Dancing in the Dark: 80s Neon Dance Party
Saturday, November 22, 5-8 p.m.; free
Looking for a fun, free way to kick off the Thanksgiving holiday week? This 80s themed neon dance party has music provided by DJ AM Project and neon bubbles provided by Big Time Bubbles. Come early to grab a bite or beverage from onsite restaurants. For more information, visit the Facebook event page.
Ford Holiday River Parade
Friday, November 28, 6 p.m.; ticketed event
The 44th Annual Ford Holiday River Parade is a San Antonio tradition that offers a spectacular one-hour parade along the San Antonio River Walk. This year’s theme, Merry Movie Magic, features floats dedicated to the holiday season’s most iconic films. This ticketed parade begins at 6 p.m. at the Tobin Center and arrives later in other areas (check map). It is broadcast live at 7:05 p.m. at the Arneson River Theatre. For more information, visit the event website.
Market Square Events (514 W. Commerce Street)
Celebración Musical
Saturday, November 29, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; free
Celebrate the joy of music at Celebración Musical, an event dedicated to musicians and music lovers. There will be a day of live music, delicious Mexican food, artisan vendors, and traditional dance. Musicians are invited to receive a special blessing to honor their craft and creativity from noon-1:30 p.m. For more information and the full event schedule, visit the Market Square website.
Blessing of the Animals
Sunday, November 30, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; free
Celebrate the love and joy of furry friends at the Blessing of the Animals. This special event is about cats, dogs, and other animal companions, featuring a day filled with blessings, fun, and festivities. Bring pets to enjoy a memorable experience. The event features a special blessing for pets from noon -1:30 p.m., and a pet and owner look-alike contest. For more information and the full event schedule, visit the Market Square website.
Market Square Weekends: Live Performances, Local Eats & Art in Action
Every weekend, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; free
Enjoy music, working artists, and food booths at Market Square every weekend in November. For more information and the entertainment lineup, visit the Market Square website.
Holidays on Houston Street
Downtown San Antonio will sparkle this holiday season with the return of Holidays on Houston Street, San Antonio's new downtown tradition. This year’s celebration is bigger, brighter, and more immersive. From special events and dazzling décor to magical moments designed for all ages, downtown comes alive with holiday cheer.
Featured events:
- A Taste of Holidays on Houston Street, Saturday, December 6, 6 p.m.
- Holidays on Houston Street Market, Friday, December 12 – Sunday, December 14
- 2025 SATX 5K Presented by Holidays on Houston Street, Friday, December 5, 7 p.m.
Make a Plan
Downtown can get busy, so make a plan.Friday, November 28, will be especially busy. Take public transportation, rideshare, taxis, bike, walk, or consult Google Maps or Waze before you leave. Visit the City’s Know Before You Go Downtown website for helpful resources and parking information.Find nearby VIA Metropolitan Transit routes by visiting Google Maps and selecting the public transport option. VIA also offers itsLink ride-sharing servicefor $1.30 a ridewithin its downtown service area zone and Park & Ride for certain large events.For more details, visit VIA’s website.
Visitor Parking
For easy, convenient, and affordable parking, visit the City's SAPark website. The parking map provides a full list of City-owned garages and lots. Note that event parking rates (up to $15 at City parking facilities) may be in effect at some parking facilities during busy event weekends.
The St. Mary's Garage (205 E. Travis St.) and the City Tower Garage (60 N. Flores St.) are located just steps from the River Walk, Houston Street and Travis Park and they generally have many parking spots. Downtown Tuesday offers free parking on Tuesdays from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. in City-owned parking facilities, and City Tower Sundays offers free parking on Sundays from 7 a.m. to midnight at the City Tower Garage (60 N. Flores St.).