
San Antonio is a hot spot for tourists year-round. And everyone who visits spending at least some time on the River Walk.
The River Walk is known for the great restaurants, shops, and fabulous hotels that line the banks of the San Antonio River in Downtown San Antonio. Well, what if I told you that visiting the San Antonio River Walk at Christmas is even more magical?
For you see, this area comes alive during the holiday season and just beckons visitors to come and enjoy all of the festivities. Honestly, it easily becomes one of the many romantic getaways in Texas.
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San Antonio River Walk at Christmas
Holiday Lights on the River Walk
The San Antonio River Walk at Christmas is a sight to behold! Each year, the River Walk glistens with over 100,000 lights draped through the tree that line its banks. These lights come on daily at dusk and remain on until dawn for all to enjoy.
The lights are first turned on the day after Thanksgiving and remain lit each evening until January 2 of the new year.
This is one of the many free things to do in San Antonio for you and your family to enjoy. The River Walk itself is considered a public park, so it is always free to the public.
There is an exception to this during the Ford Holiday Parade when a ticket is required to enter the River Walk area.
Ford Holiday River Parade
The Ford Holiday River Parade kicks off the lighting of the River Walk each year. This parade is a nationally televised event that draws visitors from all over the country.
This hour-long parade features celebrities riding on decorated and illuminated floats to help ring in the holiday season. The floats and costumes in this parade are incredible, especially when you paired with the holiday music that so many include when passing by.
In order to watch the parade from the River Walk, tickets must be purchased through the San Antonio River Walk website.
If you so desire, you can make a reservation at one of the many restaurants located along the River Walk. Many offer dinner packages for you to enjoy while watching the parade.

Ford Holiday Boat Caroling
Another fun tradition on the San Antonio River Walk at Christmas is boat caroling. The boats, which can be rented out, make a lap around the downtown area of the River Walk while participants carol to those on the banks.
Of course, you don’t have to participate in the caroling. You can just enjoy the music from the banks of the River Walk.
Fiesta de las Luminarias
The Fiesta de las Luminarias is definitely an experience you don’t want to miss. This annual tradition makes the river look absolutely magical when over 2,000 paper lanterns grace the water.
The centuries-old Mexican tradition is said the help “light the way” for the holy family.
Be sure and visit on the weekends in December to enjoy this beautiful tradition.
Holiday Artisan Show
The Holiday Artisan Show is another great activity on the San Antonio River Walk at Christmas. This annual show allows visitors to shop over 40 booths filled with handmade artisan goods.
Items like pottery, textiles, woodwork, paintings, and jewelry are just some of the examples of the treasures you can find here.
The show takes place on the River Walk extension near the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce building.
Christmas Dinner Cruise
For a special treat while visiting the River Walk, consider participating in a Christmas Dinner Cruise. The river barges transform into floating restaurants allowing guests to see the River Walk from an entirely different viewpoint.
This is truly a romantic experience as you enjoy dinner under the beautifully lit cypress trees while cruising along the river.
Visiting the San Antonio Riverwalk at Christmas-Final Thoughts

As you can see, the San Antonio Riverwalk at Christmas is truly a magical experience.
There is just something about the thousands of lights that make the River Walk feel magical. That’s probably why it is one of the Texas Christmas destinations that we love.
When planning your trip, be sure to check the dates of the events notated above. I would hate for you to have your heart set on a certain event and not attend during the right time.
Happy Travels, friends!
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About the Author
Michelle Snell is a travel writer, history buff, wine lover, and enthusiast of different cultures. While she is a professional educator by day, her passion for travel has her jet-setting all over the world during her free time.
Michelle enjoys bringing places to life through her informative writing style on her blog, That Texas Couple. Her practical tips and suggestions help make travel dreams a reality while immersing her readers in the history, culture, and food of a region. She is happiest sipping wine in Italy or chilling on a beach with her husband, Marty.
Lori
Thursday 19th of November 2020
The San Antonio River Walk Christmas commercials airing right now remind me of some of the Kew Gardens lights in London which I'm going to miss tremendously this year now that we're back in the USA. Do you know if most activities and restaurants will even be open? Curious if it's a gamble booking things or not.
thattexascouple
Thursday 19th of November 2020
Hi Lori. Honestly, I am not sure the answer to this given the current situation. My brother is going down soon, so I will let you know after he visits.
Yukti Agrawal
Wednesday 21st of October 2020
It looks pretty and I have never been to such Christmas festivals. San Antonio river walk looks awesome.
CHARLENA KEA
Monday 19th of October 2020
Oh my gosh I love the Riverwalk but never have been here during the holidays! Will need to do this next year!
thattexascouple
Monday 19th of October 2020
You really should. It is such a cool experience. Thanks for reading the post!
Wellness Travel Diaries
Sunday 18th of October 2020
I love European Christmas markets, I had no idea they had such festive places in Texas! I'm adding this to my travels in the US.
thattexascouple
Monday 19th of October 2020
Oh yes, Texas is full of festive places. We love touring our state during the holidays :)
Megan
Saturday 17th of October 2020
I was just telling my husband that I'd love somewhere with Christmas Magic to visit this year, and this sounds great! I love the idea of boat caroling, how fun!!