The holidays are upon us and for most fun-loving San Antonians, that means heading over to our world-famous River Walk to fill up on the breathtaking sight of Christmas Lights! We’re excited to announce that the San Antonio River Walk has transformed, yet again, into a colorful winter wonderland illuminated by hundreds of thousands of dazzling lights.
Over 2,000 strings of lights are hung in the majestic bald cypress trees lining the River Walk creating a dazzling display of holiday magic. The lights reflect on the river itself, creating a one-of-a-kind spectacle found in a few other places in the world!!!
San Antonio River Walk Christmas Lights 2021 – Dates, Timings & More
The San Antonio Holiday Lights on the River Walk will light up the city now through to January 10, 2022. The River Walk Holiday Lights are something of a recurring beacon of celebration in San Antonio. Last year, they were kept on longer–all the way through Valentine’s Day, in fact–to keep the holiday spirits fresh. However, we always recommend taking the earliest possible chance to go check them out though, since Covid-19 regulations keep schedules suspended in uncertainty.
The Holiday Lights turn on each day at sundown and remain on throughout the night until dawn. Visiting the Christmas Lights on the River Walk is completely free, as the River Walk is a public park and open to the public 24/7 each day of the year. The Holiday Lights are presented each year as a gift to the public from the San Antonio River Walk Association and the City of San Antonio.
Where to Eat at the San Antonio River Walk
The beautiful views and water side eating at the River Walk always make it a memorable dining experience. However the number of options available can also make it overwhelming trying to decide where to eat. Don’t worry – we’ve got the perfect guide for you. Check out our recommendations for Best riverwalk restaurants in San Antonio, including steak, Mexican, Italian, seafood and kid friendly restaurants on the riverwalk!!!
Upcoming Activities/Events at the San Antonio River Walk in 2021
1. Caroling Boats:
Go singing with friends and family on a boat as per a timeless San Antonio tradition! The Ford Holiday Boat Caroling will be active through 2-23rd December this year, with bookings for Private Boats starting at $150 (prices are slashed to $125 on weekdays). Each Caroling Boat has a fixed route and usually makes 1 lap around downtown.
When: 2-23rd December 2021
Where: 203 S. St. Mary’s St, San Antonio, TX 78205
Hours: Monday-Thursday: 6:00-8:15 PM
Friday-Sunday: 6:00-9:30 PM
2. Traditional Mexican Christmas Lanterns:
Courtesy of SA River Walk
Strolls around the lush bank of the San Antonio river come with double the festive twist, thanks to Ford Fiesta de las Luminarias. More than 2000 ‘Luminarias’ or traditional Mexican Lanterns light up the riverbank at dusk for three weekends (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays) in December–definitely a serene sight to catch as you soak up the holiday bliss.
Where: 849 E Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78205
3. Holi-Dine on The River Walk:
Courtesy of San Antonio River Walk – Holi-Dine In
An exclusive event scheduled on Thursday, 16th December 2021 from 6 to 9 pm. Enjoy a culinary adventure tour around the River Walk hot-spots with food and drink writer Kimberly Suta, who co-created San Antonio’s culinary series ‘Homegrown Chef’. The tour has at least 3 stops and tickets cost around $130. The First Stop is for Cocktails & Apps at Esquire Tavern’s Downstairs Bar.
When: Thursday, 16th December 2021
Where: The Esquire Tavern, 155 East Commerce Street, San Antonio, TX 78205
Hours: 6:00PM-9:00PM
5. Christmas In The Village:
Bring in an early Christmas treat on the weekend of 4th & 5th December 2021 in the La Villita Historic Arts Village in San Antonio’s original settlement on the banks of the San Antonio River. The La Villita Tenants Association will host this event from 10 am to 4 pm which features Mrs Santa Claus, a gingerbread house and interactive games.
When: 4- 5 December 2021
Where: 418 Villita Street, San Antonio, TX 78205
Hours: 10am – 4pm each day
6. The Holiday Artisans Show:
Shop at over 40 handmade artisan booths for trinkets, pottery, jewellery, woodwork, beadwork and much more. The Holiday Artisans Show will take place from 10th to 12th December 2021 at the River Walk Extension (close to San Antonio Chamber of Commerce Building and the Shops at Rivercenter). Entry is free for everybody.
When: 10-12 December 2021
Where: 602 E Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78205
Hours: Friday & Saturday: 11 AM – 11 PM
Sunday: 11 AM – 8 PM
Don’t miss one of San Antonio’s most magical holiday experiences and come see why our River Walk has become one of the most popular attractions in Texas. Discover the beauty of the River Walk as you’ve never seen it before!
Looking for more Christmas Lights? The River Walk is just one of the many places where you can enjoy holiday lighting display in San Antonio. For a complete list, check out our guide to the Best Christmas Lights in San Antonio!
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