7 dazzling San Antonio holiday light displays
The holiday lights are up and buzzing in San Antonio. Here are the seven most dazzling displays.
Twinkle lights have always been my favorite thing about the holiday season. There’s something about those lights shining through the long, dark hours that still feels like magic to me. That sensation is amplified in San Antonio, as countless lights are hung throughout the city for people to enjoy through the end of the year.
Whether you’re taking a stroll with family and friends, or you want to enjoy a little peace and quiet by yourself before the holidays truly kick in, these locations offer the most dazzling displays. The best part? You can have a “choose your own adventure” experience based on your budget. The lights are just as magical at the free locations as they are at the ones you have to pay for.
River of Lights on the Museum Reach
Location: San Antonio River Lock & Dam, 550 Brooklyn Ave
Date: December 13, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Price: Free
The River of Lights display features 100,000 pounds of real snow, live performances, snow slides, food trucks, shopping vendors, free photos with Santa, and beautiful, sparkling lights set against a scenic backdrop.
For the complete schedule of events and details, please click here.
Christmas at the Alamo
Location: The Alamo, 300 Alamo Plaza
Dates: December 13, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Price: Free
Travel back in time this holiday season at the Alamo. This free, family-friendly event will make you feel like you’re living in the 1800s, but with all the modern conveniences we appreciate most. There are historical demonstrations, carol singers, Christmas storytelling, candy making, leatherworking, and blacksmithing. You can also participate in period crafts, like creating pomander balls or yarn dolls, and designing your own Victorian greeting cards.
Follow this link to learn more.
The Light Park
Location: Nelson W. Wolff Municipal Stadium 5757 US-90, San Antonio, & Retama Park Parking Lot 1 Retama Pkwy, Selma
Dates/times: 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, and 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, now through January 4, 2026
Price: Prices range from $39 to $89 for admittance
The Light Park is billed as “Texas’s #1 Drive-Thru Christmas Light Show,” and they certainly deliver on that promise. Thousands upon thousands of lights are synced up with holiday music to create a one-of-a-kind experience. Prices vary, but you pay per car, meaning that you don’t have to pay for each individual person attending the light show with you.
Click here for ticket and snack pricing.
Zoo Lights at the San Antonio Zoo
Location: 3903 N St Mary’s St
Dates: Now through December 31, 2025
Price: Prices vary
Getting to see a breathtaking holiday light display AND visit the zoo at the same time sounds like the perfect day to me. The San Antonio Zoo offers a “Lakeside Lightshow,” s’mores pits, and Santa photos, along with designated light zones like “The Enchanted Tree,” “Lights on the Lawn,” and “Candy Lane,” each of which has its own unique features.
Prices vary depending on whether you’re a member of the zoo or if you want to pay for one day of admission. This link has all the info you need to plan your trip accordingly.
SeaWorld San Antonio’s Christmas Celebration
Location: 10500 SeaWorld Dr, San Antonio
Dates: Now through January 4, 2026
Price: Prices Vary
SeaWorld in San Antonio goes all out during the holiday season. They have “the largest Christmas light display in Texas” (maybe The Light Park has some friendly competition!), festive foods, Christmas shows, meet & greets with Santa Claus, hot chocolate, and twinkle lights as far as the eye can see.
Click here to buy your park admission tickets, which will give you access to the Christmas Celebration.
The San Antonio River Walk’s Holiday Lights
Location: The San Antonio Riverwalk
Dates: Now through January 11, 2026
Price: Free
One of the best ways to enjoy the holiday season is by strolling along the San Antonio Riverwalk to soak in around 200,000 lights twinkling in the darkness. The public park is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, but the holiday lights are only hung around the downtown area. Special events are also held between now and January to enhance your experience, which you can read more about here.
San Antonio Botanical Garden’s Illuminate
Location: 555 Funston Pl, San Antonio
Dates: Now through January 11, 2026
Price: Prices range from $18 to $31; infants are admitted for free
“Illuminate” at the San Antonio Botanical Garden features glowing trails, handcrafted lanterns, and bright sculptures designed to “transform the night into pure enchantment.” It’s the perfect celebration spot for those who want to enjoy art, culture, and nature while being mesmerized by the dazzling light display.
Click here for more information and to purchase your tickets in advance.
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