Sign up for TPR Today, Texas Public Radio's newsletter that brings our top stories to your inbox each morning.
Love distant, love detached
And strangely without weight,
Was with me in the night
When everyone had gone
And the garland of pure light
Stayed on, stayed on
from the poem "Christmas Light" by May Sarton
The American poet May Sarton had the right idea. Holiday lights are an enduring part of the holiday season. Even for their ubiquity, they still manage to inspire us with awe and a kind of comfort.
When the nights are colder and longer during this season, holiday lights bring another dimension to festivities. Even a cold, dreary evening takes on the bright splendor of a showplace — because of holiday lights.
In San Antonio, we can make memories this season by heading out to wondrous places that celebrate holiday lights.
Here's a short list of some of those places.
Christmas at the Caverns
Natural Bridge Caverns
26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd.
San Antonio, TX 78266
This is an annual holiday event at Natural Bridge Caverns in the Texas Hill Country that features a blend of above-ground and unique underground Christmas-themed activities.
Check the schedule and admission prices here.
Visit the website here.
Coca Cola Classic Christmas at Toyota Field
Classic Christmas San Antonio returns completely reimagined, with refreshed pathways, new experiences, and hidden surprises waiting around every turn.
Learn about schedules and admissions prices here.
Check the events calendar here.
Holiday Lights on the San Antonio River Walk
It's free to enjoy the lights along the River Walk — but you do need to purchase tickets for the 44th Annual Ford Holiday River Parade and Lighting Ceremony.
Review the schedule and purchase tickets here.
Find more information here.
Holidays on Houston St.
Holidays on Houston Street returns for its third year, transforming Downtown San Antonio’s most historic and charming corridor into a festive wonderland. The City of San Antonio, Centro San Antonio, and Visit San Antonio are once again joining forces to transform five blocks of Houston Street, from Broadway to Legacy Park, into a captivating holiday showcase.
Check out the full slate of events here.
Illuminate at the San Antonio Botanical Gardens
Illuminate invites you to explore dazzling scenes that blend art, culture, and nature in a one-of-a-kind experience unique to San Antonio.
555 Funston Place, San Antonio, TX 78209
Check hours of operation and admission prices here.
Visit the website here.
Lights Alive
This is a family-friendly, high-tech, drive-thru Christmas light show in San Antonio that synchronizes nearly a mile of lights to a modern and traditional holiday soundtrack. After the drive-thru, visitors can enjoy the "Winter Wonderland" Park & Play festival, which offers activities like photos with Santa, escape rooms, crafts, food, and a large play area.
5931 Roft Rd, San Antonio, TX 78253
Hours vary. Check the schedule and admission prices here.
Visit their website here.
The Light Park
A drive-thru light tunnel located at the Missions Ballpark, featuring millions of synchronized lights set to holiday music. Visitors can drive through the one-mile route at 2-3 mph and purchase snacks and drinks from a tent at the end of the path.
Nelson Wolff Municipal Stadium
5757 US-90
San Antonio, TX 78227
Schedule and ticket information here.
Learn more at their website.
Light the Way
An annual holiday festival hosted by the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) in San Antonio that marks the start of the Christmas season with the illumination of over one million lights across the campus. The event includes a festive atmosphere with live music, food trucks, holiday shopping, children's activities, and a fireworks finale. The lights remain on nightly for the public to enjoy throughout the holiday season, typically through the first week of January.
University of the Incarnate Word
4301 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209
Starts on Saturday, November 22, 2025 3-9 p.m.
This is a free event. Visit the website here.
Museum Reach River of Lights
This is an annual holiday festival on the Museum Reach section of the San Antonio River Walk, featuring festive lights, special events, and activities. The event includes underwater river lights, trees wrapped in holiday lights, and a prominent 30-foot musical light show at the Museum Reach lock and dam. Attendees can also enjoy various family-friendly entertainment, such as live music, photos with Santa, cookie decorating, and real snow play areas with slides.
550 Brooklyn Ave, San Antonio, TX 78215
Saturday, December 14, 2024 @ 4:00PM-8:00PM
San Antonio River Lock & Dam
This is a free event. Visit the website here.
Six Flags Holiday in the Park
Six Flags Fiesta Texas in San Antonio transforms into a winter wonderland for its annual "Holiday in the Park" event, featuring millions of lights, festive shows, and holiday-themed activities. Visitors can enjoy dazzling light displays, including a new 70-foot Christmas tree, alongside seasonal entertainment like live music, themed shows, and festive food and drinks. The event includes attractions and meet-and-greets with characters like Santa and the Looney Tunes, and family-friendly activities like ornament decorating and cookie decorating.
17000 IH-10 West, San Antonio, TX 78257.
Information about schedule, tickets and passes here.
Windcrest Light-Up
This is an annual holiday event in Windcrest, TX, where residents create elaborate Christmas light displays for the public to enjoy by driving through the neighborhoods. The event includes an official kickoff with a tree lighting ceremony, music, vendors, and photo opportunities with Santa, and a contest for the most beautifully decorated homes. Visitors can pick up a free map of participating homes to navigate the festive displays.
Beginning Wednesday, Nov. 12-Dec. 31, 2025
Events are free.
Visit their website here.
A Schedule of Light Up events:
- Wednesday, November 12 | 6:00 PM: Dedication Tree Lighting Ceremony at the corner of Jim Seal and Crestway
- Wednesday, November 19 | 6:00 PM: Candy Cane Lane at Windway & Patriot Island
- Saturday, December 6 | 4:30 PM: Light-Up Celebration Kickoff at 8601 Midcrown Dr.
- Saturday, December 13 | 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM: HO-HO-HO Market at 8101 Midcrown Dr.
- Sunday, December 14 | 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Light-Up Bake-Off at Takas Park Civic Center @ 9310 Jim Seal Dr.
- Tuesday, December 16 | 6:00 PM: Light-Up Bike Night at 8101 Midcrown Dr.
Zoo Lights, Powered by CPS Energy
This is an annual holiday event at the San Antonio Zoo that transforms the park into a festive winter wonderland with miles of dazzling, eco-friendly lights, festive music, and themed displays. Visitors can stroll through areas like the "Starry Safari" and "Polar Playground," enjoy a Lakeside Laser Lightshow, and participate in seasonal activities such as roasting s'mores. The partnership with CPS Energy highlights the event's use of energy-efficient LED lights, which reduce power consumption and demonstrate a commitment to sustainability.
3903 N. St. Mary’s/San Antonio, TX 78212-3199
Read more about schedule, hours of operation and admission prices here.
Visit the website here.
