New Year's Eve in San Antonio - Collage

Last Updated – 28th December 2025

New Year’s Day in San Antonio is here, and your first plan of the year matters. Do you crave brunch with a view, live music, or a family-friendly outing that sets the tone for 2026? If you’re not yet sure, here are some great ideas to get your 2026 started.

Check out our comprehensive coverage of the Best Fireworks and viewing locations in the Alamo City with our Guide to New Year’s Fireworks in San Antonio

And if you are looking for more ways to spend the break, explore concerts, pop-ups, markets, and local outings in our latest guide to the Best Weekend Events in San Antonio.

Editor’s Note: We strive to keep listings up to date, but details are subject to change. Always verify with event organizers or participating locations before heading out.

This article may contain affiliate links. Purchases made through them may earn us a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Fireworks & Countdown Events

Celebrate SA: 2025 NYE Party and Countdown

Image credit: saparks

Celebrate SA returns to Hemisfair on December 31 from 6:00 PM to midnight, bringing the community together for an unforgettable evening of music, food, and fun in the heart of downtown.

Dance to live music, indulge in delicious bites from local food vendors, and enjoy games and activities for the whole family. As midnight draws near, gather with the crowd for a breathtaking fireworks show that lights up the San Antonio skyline, marking the perfect start to the new year.

When: December 31, 2025 | 6 pm and 12:30 am
Where: Hemisfair, San Antonio, TX 78205
How much: Free

Kids Countdown

Celebrate the arrival of the “Noon Year” at The DoSeum on December 31st with a family-friendly bash! Explore the museum, enjoy delicious treats, and let the excitement build toward the grand balloon drop at noon.

When: December 31, 2025 | 10 am – 1 pm
Where: The DoSeum, 2800 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209
How much: $30

New Year’s Eve Countdown on Crockett at Hard Rock Cafe San Antonio!

Ring in 2026 with a bang at Hard Rock Cafe San Antonio’s epic New Year’s Eve Countdown!

Enjoy a lively block party featuring live music, a chef-specialty holiday buffet, party favors, and a champagne toast as you countdown to midnight. With a prime view of the Downtown San Antonio fireworks, this celebration is set to be one for the books!

When: December 31, 2025 | 7 pm
Where: Hard Rock Cafe, 111 W Crockett St, San Antonio, TX 78205
How much: $100 for early bird special

New Year’s Eve Lil’ Rockers Countdown

Celebrate the New Year early with a fun-filled party designed just for kids with the Lil’ Rockers Countdown, where the whole family can enjoy music, dancing, and an exciting early countdown at 6 PM.

Let your little rockers groove to upbeat tunes, enjoy games, and get into the festive spirit on the dance floor. And bring the whole crew for a tasty pre-party meal, with kids eating free during the event!

At 6 PM, there will be a special countdown to “midnight” followed by a sparkling (non-alcoholic) toast, so the kids can join in on the excitement of ringing in the New Year without the late bedtime.

When: December 31, 2025 | 4 pm – 6 pm
Where: Any Rock and Brews location in San Antonio
How much: Varies

New Year’s Eve Fireworks Spectacular at SeaWorld

Image credit: SeaWorld San Antonio

Check out the New Year fireworks San Antonio has with a splash at SeaWorld. Celebrating 2026 with a dazzling fireworks display, exciting entertainment, and festive cheer, the park encourages you to embrace the magic of the marine world.

When: December 31, 2025 | 9:15 pm
Where: 10500 SeaWorld Dr, San Antonio, TX 78251
How much: Starts at $39.99

Rock the Clock – NYE Party

Get ready to rock in 2026 at Rock the Clock—the ultimate New Year’s Eve party, hosted by DJ Magic! The night kicks off with high-energy beats from Rhythm & Beats DJs, building up to an epic countdown that leads to a jaw-dropping fireworks show at midnight.

With a powerhouse lineup featuring DJ J-Millie, DJ Hollywood Hot Rod, DJ Tee Reckz, and TDK, this is the party you don’t want to miss. Dance, celebrate, and ring in the new year like never before!

When: December 31, 2025 | 6:30 pm onwards
Where: 15900 La Cantera Pkwy Suite 6698, San Antonio, TX 78256
How much: $25 until December 30 | $35 at the gate on the day of the event

Hemisfair’s Kids Countdown

Starting in the evening, kids can enjoy crafts, music, and games, all leading up to an exciting countdown to 2026 at 8:00 PM. It’s the perfect way for the little ones to ring in the new year with plenty of smiles and laughter!

When: December 31, 2025 | 6 pm – 8 pm
Where: Yanaguana Garden at Hemisfair, San Antonio, TX 78205
How much: Free

Non-NYE Events & Open Attractions

Home for the Holidays

Celebrate the season with an unforgettable night of music with Home for the Holidays at the Tobin Center.

This star-studded event features four world-renowned artists, including two-time Grammy and Academy Award winner Peabo Bryson, two-time Grammy winner Sheena Easton, American Idol winner and Grammy nominee Ruben Studdard, and international trumpet prodigy Ilya Serov. It’s a magical evening of holiday tunes and timeless classics you won’t want to miss!

When: December 31, 2025 | 7:30 pm
Where: Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Cir, San Antonio, TX 78205
How much: Starts at $58

Jingle Bell Roll – Skate into the Season

Get ready to trade your snow boots for skates and embrace the unexpected at the Jingle Bell Roll, La Cantera Resort’s most whimsical winter experience and a must-do among the things to do Thanksgiving week in San Antonio.

Glide beneath the twinkle of holiday lights on a retro-inspired, LED-lit roller-skating rink built right over the Topaz infinity pool, while jamming out to seasonal tunes.

You can create sweet memories with the kiddos, channel your inner disco elf, and enjoy themed skate nights, Santa sightings, holiday cocktails, and Insta-worthy photo ops.

When: December 31, 2025 | 9 am – 9 pm
Where: La Cantera Resort and Spa, 16641 La Cantera Pkwy, San Antonio, TX 78256
How Much: Not stated

The Light Park San Antonio

Charge up your holiday spirit as you cruise through millions of dazzling lights at The Light Park San Antonio! Immerse yourself in a spectacle perfectly synced to the rhythm of festive tunes, all from the cozy comfort of your own car.

DJ Polar Ice will be providing the soundtrack for this holiday experience, which you can enjoy at both the Selma and Missions Ball Park locations.

When: December 31, 2025 | 5:30 pm – 10 pm
Where: The Light Park San Antonio, 5757 US-90 Parking Lot, San Antonio, TX 78227
How Much: Starts at $29.99

Holiday ICE! Attraction Featuring Frosty™ the Snowman

Step into a dazzling winter wonderland at the nationally acclaimed Holiday ICE! Attraction Featuring Frosty™ the Snowman, one of the coolest things to do during Thanksgiving week in San Antonio.

Explore a magical world crafted from 2 million pounds of hand-carved ice, kept at a frosty 9 degrees Fahrenheit, and wander among towering, vibrant ice sculptures and glide down thrilling two-story ice slides.

Extend your festive adventure by enjoying the resort’s annual Hill Country Christmas, where the Exhibit Ballroom transforms into “Reindeer Ridge,” a Texas-sized holiday village filled with festive fun, including snowball building, gingerbread house decorating, and cozy storytime with Mrs. Claus.

When: December 31, 2025 | 9 am – 9 pm
Where: JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa, 23808 Resort Pkwy, San Antonio, TX 78261
How Much: Starts at $31

Santa’s Ranch

Santa’s Ranch Drive Thru in New Braunfels, just north of San Antonio, offers a festive family experience with over 3 million lights and animated holiday displays along a mile-long winding route. This dazzling drive takes about 30-45 minutes and is filled with Christmas cheer, including animated Santas that celebrate beloved holiday traditions.

Along the way, stop at the concession stand for hot chocolate, homemade kettle corn, snacks, and treats for your pets, as well as souvenirs to remember your visit.

When: December 31, 2025
Where: 9561 I-35, New Braunfels, TX 78130
How much: $37 per vehicle (one entry) | $74 per vehicle (unlimited entries)

Jones Christmas Ranch

Jones Christmas Ranch Drive-Thru in Boerne, TX, offers a stunning holiday experience with over 4 million LED lights synchronized to festive music on 94.5 FM. Spanning 30+ acres, you’ll drive through tunnels, towering trees, animated displays, and themed scenes, including a fun “find Stitch” challenge.

Capture photos from your vehicle, discover hidden characters, and know that your visit supports a great cause: helping over 700 kids from shelters each year.

When: December 31, 2025
Where: 43360 Interstate 10 W Frontage Rd, Boerne, TX 78006
How much: $40 per vehicle

San Antonio Botanical Garden’s Illuminate

Step into a world of wonder as the garden transforms with all-new handcrafted lanterns, glowing trails winding through the lush landscape, and larger-than-life sculptures that turn the night into pure enchantment. Here, you’ll find a one-of-a-kind experience that perfectly blends art, culture, and nature.

When: December 31, 2025
Where: 555 Funston Pl, San Antonio, TX 78209
How much: $23 – $31 for adults | $18 – $24 for kids 3 – 12 | Free for kids 2 and below

Crumbling Castle Lights

Get ready for a breathtaking holiday adventure at Crumbling Castle Lights. Spread across 30 acres of Texas Hill Country, this dazzling drive-through display features thousands of twinkling trees, five glowing tunnels, and over a mile of enchanted forest.

You’ll journey through magical holiday scenes, fairy-tale sculptures, and a captivating storybook narrative filled with delightful characters, all set to festive music.

When: December 31, 2025
Where: 571 FM 289, Comfort, TX 78013
How much: $40 | $75 for a season pass

ICE! Featuring Frosty the Snowman

Step into the heart of Frosty the Snowman’s iconic story like never before—carved out of 6,000 blocks of ice!

Stroll through a chilly town square, meet Frosty, Karen, and Hocus Pocus in a refrigerated boxcar, and glide down six thrilling ice slides. Don’t forget to wave to Frosty in his sleigh with Santa as you soak in the frosty magic.

The experience lasts around 20-40 minutes, but you can spend as much time as you like with Frosty and his friends.

When: December 31, 2025
Where: 23808 Resort Pkwy, San Antonio, TX 78261
How much: Starts at $31

Marble Falls Walkway of Lights

Stroll through stunning Christmas sculptures along Marble Falls Lake, surrounded by sparkling lights that bring the season to life. Santa will be there every Friday through Sunday until Christmas, ready to hear your holiday wishes.

When: December 31, 2025
Where: 305 Buena Vista Dr, Marble Falls, TX 78654
How much: $2 per person

Lights Alive

Lights Alive! in San Antonio offers an unforgettable holiday experience with a nearly one-mile drive-thru light show that’s both mesmerizing and high-tech. Watch as vibrant lights dance in sync with a mix of modern remixes and classic holiday tunes, creating a show unlike any other.

After the drive-thru, step into the Winter Wonderland Park & Play festival. Take photos with Santa, tackle escape rooms, craft your own creations, or try your hand at axe throwing. Kids will also love the large play area, while the Holiday Marketplace offers festive shopping, gourmet cotton candy, fresh fudge, and plenty of photo ops, including a life-size sleigh.

When: December 31, 2025
Where: 5931 Roft Rd, San Antonio, TX 78253
How much: Starts at $36 per vehicle

Family-Friendly & Kid-Focused Activities

Kids Countdown

Image credit: The DoSeum

When: December 31, 2025 | 10 am – 1 pm
Where: The DoSeum, 2800 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209
How much: $30

New Year’s Eve Lil’ Rockers Countdown

When: December 31, 2025 | 4 pm – 6 pm
Where: Any Rock and Brews location in San Antonio
How much: Varies

Hemisfair’s Kids Countdown

Image credit: Hemisfair

When: December 31, 2025 | 6 pm – 8 pm
Where: Yanaguana Garden at Hemisfair, San Antonio, TX 78205
How much: Free

Jingle Bell Roll – Skate into the Season

Glide beneath the twinkle of holiday lights on a retro-inspired, LED-lit roller-skating rink built right over the Topaz infinity pool, while jamming out to seasonal tunes.

You can create sweet memories with the kiddos, channel your inner disco elf, and enjoy themed skate nights, Santa sightings, holiday cocktails, and Insta-worthy photo ops.

When: December 31, 2025 | 9 am – 9 pm
Where: La Cantera Resort and Spa, 16641 La Cantera Pkwy, San Antonio, TX 78256
How Much: Not stated

The Light Park San Antonio

DJ Polar Ice will be providing the soundtrack for this holiday experience, which you can enjoy at both the Selma and Missions Ball Park locations.

When: December 31, 2025 | 5:30 pm – 10 pm
Where: The Light Park San Antonio, 5757 US-90 Parking Lot, San Antonio, TX 78227
How Much: Starts at $29.99

Holiday ICE! Attraction Featuring Frosty™ the Snowman

Step into a dazzling winter wonderland at the nationally acclaimed Holiday ICE! Attraction Featuring Frosty™ the Snowman, one of the coolest things to do during Thanksgiving week in San Antonio.

When: December 31, 2025 | 9 am – 9 pm
Where: JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa, 23808 Resort Pkwy, San Antonio, TX 78261
How Much: Starts at $31

Santa’s Ranch

Along the way, stop at the concession stand for hot chocolate, homemade kettle corn, snacks, and treats for your pets, as well as souvenirs to remember your visit.

When: December 31, 2025
Where: 9561 I-35, New Braunfels, TX 78130
How much: $37 per vehicle (one entry) | $74 per vehicle (unlimited entries)

Jones Christmas Ranch

Capture photos from your vehicle, discover hidden characters, and know that your visit supports a great cause: helping over 700 kids from shelters each year.

When: December 31, 2025
Where: 43360 Interstate 10 W Frontage Rd, Boerne, TX 78006
How much: $40 per vehicle

San Antonio Botanical Garden’s Illuminate

When: December 31, 2025
Where: 555 Funston Pl, San Antonio, TX 78209
How much: $23 – $31 for adults | $18 – $24 for kids 3 – 12 | Free for kids 2 and below

Crumbling Castle Lights

You’ll journey through magical holiday scenes, fairy-tale sculptures, and a captivating storybook narrative filled with delightful characters, all set to festive music.

When: December 31, 2025
Where: 571 FM 289, Comfort, TX 78013
How much: $40 | $75 for a season pass

ICE! Featuring Frosty the Snowman

Step into the heart of Frosty the Snowman’s iconic story like never before—carved out of 6,000 blocks of ice!

The experience lasts around 20-40 minutes, but you can spend as much time as you like with Frosty and his friends.

When: December 31, 2025
Where: 23808 Resort Pkwy, San Antonio, TX 78261
How much: Starts at $31

Marble Falls Walkway of Lights

When: December 31, 2025
Where: 305 Buena Vista Dr, Marble Falls, TX 78654
How much: $2 per person

Lights Alive

When: December 31, 2025
Where: 5931 Roft Rd, San Antonio, TX 78253
How much: Starts at $36 per vehicle

Free Events & Budget-Friendly Fun

Celebrate SA: 2025 NYE Party and Countdown

Celebrate SA returns to Hemisfair on December 31 from 6:00 PM to midnight, bringing the community together for an unforgettable evening of music, food, and fun in the heart of downtown.

When: December 31, 2025 | 6 pm and 12:30 am
Where: Hemisfair, San Antonio, TX 78205
How much: Free

Celebrate in Civic: New Year’s Eve at Hemisfair

Image credit: Disco Alresco

Experience high-energy music, an inclusive community atmosphere, and some of the best views of downtown San Antonio’s midnight fireworks.

The night kicks off at 8:00 PM with DJ Helios, who will blend her Mexican heritage with hip hop, cumbia, reggaeton, house, and funky beats all evening long. You can also explore the Texas Market pop-up, enjoy delicious local food, and join the community countdown as fireworks light up the San Antonio skyline.

This event is free to RSVP, with a suggested $25 donation to support Hemisfair’s year-round community programming.

When: December 31, 2025 | 8 pm
Where: Civic Park at Hemisfair, San Antonio, TX 78205
How much: Free

Nightlife & Adults-Only Parties

NYE E. Grayson & Austin Street Pub Crawl

Ring in the New Year by hopping between four of East Grayson & Austin Street’s best spots: Smash’d, The Modernist, Three Star, and Bubble & Bourbon. Your wristband unlocks the ultimate pub crawl experience, with one drink included at each bar.

When: December 31, 2025 | 6 pm
Where: Various locations around Austin
How much: $40

Pajamas and Pancakes

Image credit: Backyard on Broadway

Kick off 2026 in the comfiest way possible—rock your favorite pajamas at Backyard on Broadway’s Pajamas & Pancakes celebration!

Your $55.25 ticket includes a sparkling welcome toast, two drink tickets from the special cocktail menu, a full midnight brunch buffet starting at 11 pm, and a champagne toast to ring in the new year. DJ ROTAKU will be spinning the beats from doors open until close, ensuring the night ends on a high note!

When: December 31, 2025 | 9:30 pm – 1:30 am
Where: Backyard on Broadway, 2411 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78215
How much: Starts at $55.25

Where to Eat on New Year’s Eve in San Antonio

If you’re planning a New Year’s Eve dinner in San Antonio—whether it’s a celebratory night out or a stress-free way to ring in the new year—these are five of the most popular, party-ready restaurant picks featured in our NYE guide: Boudro’s on the River Walk for a lively downtown atmosphere and late-night dining, Fogo de Chão for an indulgent all-you-can-enjoy New Year’s Eve feast, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse for an upscale holiday dinner before midnight celebrations, Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille for a festive evening with extended holiday hours, and Dorrego’s for a River Walk hotel dining experience paired with New Year’s Eve party packages. Because New Year’s Eve hours, menus, and reservation requirements can vary by location, it’s always best to confirm directly before heading out.

For the full, verified NYE restaurant lineup, including steakhouses, River Walk hotels, international dining, and fast-food options, visit our complete guide: San Antonio Restaurants Open on New Year’s Eve.

Last-Minute Shopping, Champagne & Party Supplies

Need to wrap up last-minute shopping, groceries, or party essentials before the New Year countdown? Our 2025 guide highlights five reliable stores that cover the most common New Year’s Eve needs: H-E-B for groceries, beverages, and NYE food prep, Costco for bulk snacks, drinks, and entertaining supplies, Target for party décor, last-minute gifts, and household essentials, The Home Depot for home fixes, extension cords, and quick party setup needs, and CVS Pharmacy for prescriptions, snacks, and late-night essentials. While most stores remain open on December 31, many operate on reduced New Year’s Eve hours, so shopping earlier in the day is strongly recommended.

For a complete list of stores confirmed to be open on December 31, 2025 — including grocery stores, retail chains, pharmacies, and home improvement stores — visit our full guide to San Antonio Stores Open on New Year’s Eve.

Still planning your holiday week? For concerts, seasonal attractions, and local happenings, browse our curated San Antonio weekend guide for more festive ideas.