Christmas Lights San Antonio - Best Holiday Lights 2023

Christmas Lights San Antonio

Every holiday season, San Antonio Christmas lights illuminate one corner of the city to the other. The city boasts numerous spots where you can revel in the holiday spirit with your loved ones. Whether you prefer a neighborhood display or a spectacular drive-through, here are some of the best Christmas Lights San Antonio 2023.


Editor’s Note: Our staff works hard to bring you the most up-to-date information. However, all information in the article below is subject to change. Please verify with the organizers before making plans to head out for Christmas tree-lighting events in San Antonio! 

Also, check out our post on Christmas Tree Lighting San Antonio 2023, and Winter Camp San Antonio 2023!


Best Christmas Lights San Antonio 2023

Top Pick! – The Jones Christmas Ranch!

The Jones Christmas Ranch!

The Jones Christmas Ranch!

Get ready for a spectacular event that promises to be an unforgettable experience for everyone in the family! It’s the 1st annual Fundraiser, and it’s all for a fantastic cause—benefiting over 700 foster care residents in the picturesque Hill Country/San Antonio area!

A magical VIP Christmas party awaits, complete with steaming hot meals, creamy hot cocoa, intricately decorated cookies, and a chance to capture those cherished moments with Santa Claus himself. But the magic doesn’t end there. Each child will receive a heartwarming gift, and then it’s time to embark on a mesmerizing journey through our enchanting 3 million synchronized Christmas light display.

But, they need your support! Whether you want to sponsor the event or donate silent auction items, you can make a difference! Visit their website to learn more and get ready to be part of a magical, festive, and heartwarming celebration like no other!

When:  November 13, 2023 – January 2, 2024 | Sunday-Thursday 6 PM – 10 PM | Friday & Saturday 6 PM – 11PM | Open till midnight the week of Christmas
Where: 43360 Interstate 10 West Frontage Rd, Boerne, TX 78006, United States
How Much: $30 per vehicle | $75 Season Pass


San Antonio Zoo Lights

San Antonio Zoo Lights

San Antonio Christmas Lights | Image Credit: San Antonio Zoo

Bigger, brighter, and WILDER than ever before – Zoo Lights, powered by CPS Energy, is here for the holiday season at San Antonio Zoo! Experience acres of dazzling lights, festive holiday snacks, and drinks for adults and kids, plus larger-than-life displays and photo-ops across miles of trails!

When:  November 18, 2023 – December 31, 2023
Where: 3903 N St Mary’s St, San Antonio, TX 78212
How Much: Zoo Lights is included with Standard Admission and is FREE for Members


Holiday Lights on the River Walk

Christmas Light in San Antonio

San Antonio Riverwalk Christmas | Image Credit: thesanantonioriverwalk.com

San Antonio Christmas Lights will brighten up the River Walk from November 24, 2023, until January 7, 2024. The San Antonio Christmas Lights will be on from dusk to dawn. The official lighting ceremony will take place on November 24th at the Arneson River Theatre. There will be over 100,000 lights on display.

When: November 24, 2023 – January 7, 2024 (at dawn) | 5:30 pm – 8:00 am nightly
Where: 849 E Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78205
How Much: Free


The Alamo

The Alamo Lights

Image Credit: TheAlamo.org

The Alamo will be decorated with festive lights throughout the holiday season. Visitors can walk the grounds after hours to see the lights, the Christmas tree in Alamo Plaza, and larger-than-life light-decorated figures of Alamo Defenders.

When:  November 24, 2023 – January 2, 2023 | 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Where:  300 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205
How Much: Adult $5 | Child (12 and under) $4 | Friends of the Alamo Member/Adult Military (w/ID) $4 
Friends of the Alamo Member/Child Military (12 and under w/ID) $3


Light-Up Windcrest 2023Christmas tree in Windcrest, San Antonio

The Windcrest Light-Up is a decades-old tradition that brings the community together during the holiday season. This year, the event will feature the official lighting of the Light-Up Tree in front of city hall, as well as vendors, free hot chocolate and cookies, and entertainment for all ages.

When: December 2, 2023 – December 31, 2023 | 6:30 pm
Where: 8601 Midcrown Dr. Windcrest TX, 78239
How Much: Free


Six Flags Fiesta Texas

Six Flags Fiesta Texas Holiday Lights

Image Credit: Six Flags Fiesta Texas FB page

Holiday in the Park is a special time of year at Six Flags Fiesta Texas. With millions of twinkling lights, festive decorations, and live entertainment, Holiday in the Park is the perfect place to celebrate the holiday season with your family and friends.

When: November 18, 2023 – December 31, 2023
Where: 17000 W I-10, San Antonio, TX 78257
How Much: Not Stated


37th Annual Light the Way Holiday Festival

Christmas Light in San Antonio - UIW 2021 Light The Way 2795

Image Credit: uiw.edu

The 37th Annual Light the Way Holiday Festival presented by H-E-B is back at the University of the Incarnate Word, with all the traditions you know and love. Join them for live music, food trucks, a Shoppers Bazaar, children’s activities, meet-and-greets with Santa, and of course, a million twinkling lights and fireworks to end the night.

When: Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023 | 3:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Where: 4301 Broadway, San Antonio, Texas 78209
How Much: Not Stated


Best Christmas Lights San Antonio 2023

Lights Alive Drive Thru Christmas Lights San Antonio

Lights Alive - Drive Thru Light Show

Image Credit: Lights Alive FB Page

Lights Alive is a drive-thru Christmas lights San Antonio experience with over two million lights synchronized to music. The 2023 experience will feature new and returning displays, such as a giant Santa workshop, a winter wonderland scene, and a candy cane forest.

Tips for making the most of your visit include purchasing tickets online in advance, arriving early, tuning your radio to the correct frequency, slowing down and taking your time, and taking breaks.

When:  November 17, 2023 – December 31, 2023 | Sundays – Thursdays 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm | Fridays & Saturdays before Christmas – 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Where: 5931 Roft Rd, San Antonio, TX 78253
How Much: $42.95


Santa’s Ranch

Santa's Ranch Light Trail in New Braunfels

Guests can bring their friends and family to enjoy one of the best holiday light exhibits in the state. They will take a drive through over a mile of winding country roads while taking in the beautiful lights, and animated Christmas displays, and enjoying homemade hot cocoa, kettle corn, and snacks.

When: November 3, 2023 – December 31, 2023 | Sunday – Thursday 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm | Friday & Saturday – 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Where: 9561 I-35 North New Braunfels, TX 78130
How Much: $35 – $74 + tax


Old West Christmas Light Fest

Enchanted Springs Ranch Christmas Event
Enchanted Springs Ranch puts a new spin on the old west (Credit: R. Mewborne Photography)

The Old West Christmas Light Fest is one of the popular San Antonio Christmas Lights events of the city, with over two million lights, a walk-through Old West town, a drive-thru light show, and family-friendly activities. The festival offers a unique and memorable holiday experience for everyone.

When: 

  • November 24th – November 26th
  • December 1st – December 3rd
  • December 8th – December 10th
  • December 15th – December 23rd

Where: 242 State Hwy 46 W. Boerne, TX 78006
How Much: $20


Natural Bridge Caverns

Christmas lights san antonio

Image Credit: Natural Bridge Caverns

Natural Bridge Caverns is transformed into a winter wonderland during the holiday season with over a million twinkling lights. Visitors can take a guided tour of the caverns, see the lights up close, enjoy caroling, walk through a light experience, navigate a reindeer maze, gather around a campfire, and visit Santa Claus.

When: December 2,3,9,10,15 through 23, December 26 through 30 | 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Where: 26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd, San Antonio, TX 78266
How Much: Christmas Admission: Adult $23.99 – Child $17.99


Downtown Lighting & Santa’s Arrival

Christmas Lights San Antonio - Downtown Lighting & Santa's Arrival

Image Credit: playinnewbraunfels.com

The Downtown Lighting & Santa’s Arrival is a free, family-friendly event that marks the official start of the holiday season. Visitors can enjoy the lighting of the Christmas tree, the arrival of Santa Claus, live music, food vendors, kids’ activities, and a spectacular light display.

When:  November 17, 2023 | 6:00 pm – onwards
Where: 500 Main Plaza, New Braunfels, TX 78130
How Much: Free


The Light Park

Christmas Lights San Antonio - The Light Park

Image Credit: The Light Park FB Page

They have the best, most exciting drive-through light show right here at The Light Park. Eat, drink, and watch as we electrify the night with millions of Christmas lights in San Antonio and festive music.

When: November 3, 2023 – January 1, 2024 | Sunday – Thursday 5:30 pm – 10:00 pm | Friday & Saturday 5:30 pm – 11:00 pm
Where:  Parking Lot, 1 Retama Pkwy, Selma, TX 78154
How Much: Vihecle Admission starts at $29


H-E-B Christmas Tree Lighting 2023 at Travis Park

Kick off the holiday festivities with us 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, a special visit from Santa, and a movie screening of “The Grinch”!

The tree lighting ceremony begins at 6 p.m. followed by the movie screening at 7 p.m. This event is free and open to the public.

When: Friday, November 24, 2023 | 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Where: 301 E Travis St, San Antonio, TX 78205
How Much: Free


SeaWorld Christmas Celebration

Christmas Lights San Antonio - SeaWorld Christmas Celebration

Image Credit: seaworld.com

SeaWorld San Antonio is hosting the largest Christmas lights San Antonio display in Texas. The park is transformed into a winter wonderland with millions of twinkling lights, creating a truly unforgettable atmosphere. Guests can enjoy a magical holiday experience, encounter Santa Claus and his merry friends, and create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

When: Thursday, November 9, 2023 – Tuesday, January 2, 2024
Where: 10500 SeaWorld Dr, San Antonio, TX 78251
How Much: Ticket starts at $89.99


Elf Acres

boerne christmas lights - Elf Acres

Image Credit: Elf Acres FB Page

Get ready to experience the magic of the holiday season as you wind your way through our 1-mile trail of Christmas lights San Antonio and animated displays and sing along to your favorite Christmas music on our Elf Acres radio station! Then come play at Santa’s Village, a walkable area where you can see a synchronized light show on 3 mega trees, take a photo with Santa, delight in our delectable treats, and shop cool light-up toys and gifts. It’s the perfect family tradition!

When: November 17, 2023 – January 7, 2024 | Sunday – Thursday 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm | Friday – Saturday 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Where: 1475 Grosenbacher Rd. San Antonio, TX 78245
How Much: Non-Peak Days $31.95 | Peak Days $36.95


Traveling for the holidays? Check out our articles on Best Christmas Lights Houston 2023, and Best Christmas Lights Austin 2023.

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Kathryn Yacovodonato