You are cordially invited to witness the San Antonio Riverwalk Christmas Lights — a breathtaking display of more than 100,000 lights (2,250 light strings) strung across cypress trees that line the River Walk.
It costs nothing to go to the San Antonio Riverwalk Lights during the Christmas season and take in the magnificent holiday decorations! These lights shine and glisten along the San Antonio Christmas River Walk, making the Pearl District shine brightly during the festive season!
Christmas on the River Walk San Antonio is an event that locals and tourists alike always look forward to each year. There’s always something new, and for Christmas Lights San Antonio Riverwalk 2023, the San Antonio River Authority– the people that help all these possible– even added lights North of Downtown on the river in the Pearl District!
And, if you want to check out more places with Christmas light shows, check out our article on Best Christmas Lights in 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.
San Antonio Riverwalk Christmas Lights – Events and Attractions
Ford Holiday Boat Caroling 2023
Celebrate the San Antonio Riverwalk Christmas Lights 2023 by caroling from a boat on the River Walk with family and friends! Celebrate the age-old custom of sharing happiness while adding a San Antonio flair.
The general public is invited to listen to the carolers for free while sitting on a restaurant patio or along the riverbank. Discover the sounds of the season as caroling boats drift down the river in the city center.
When: Runs until December 23, 2023 | Monday – Thursday: 6 pm – 8:15 pm; Friday – Sunday: 6 pm – 9:30 pm
Where: Start and end at the International Center Building (River Level), 203 S. St. Mary’s St, San Antonio, TX 78205
Ford Fiesta de las Luminarias
As you stroll at night along the banks of the River Walk Christmas Lights San Antonio, more than 2,000 luminarias will help you experience the tranquility of the River Walk throughout the Christmas season. On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays for three weekends only in December, this age-old custom starts at dusk.
Luminarias are traditional Mexican Christmas lanterns originally consisting of a candle set in sand inside a small bag.
When: Every weekend from December 2 – 17, 2023
Where: Downtown River Walk, 849 E Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78205
Cowboy Christmas on the River Walk
Celebrate a festive Christmas but make it Texas.
Meet Cowboy Clause and have plenty of family fun exploring the museum. Take part in holiday crafts, snap some photos with COwboy Claus, and join the special 12 Days of Christmas scavenger hunt. The hunt will take you through the Briscoe’s incredible collection.
When: December 3, 2023 | 10 am – 2 pm
Where: The Briscoe Western Art Museum, 210 W Market St, San Antonio, TX 78205
How much: Included with museum admission
Holiday River Walk Artisan Show
Shop over 40 handmade artisan booths while experiencing the beauty of the San Antonio River Walk.
Whether you’re shopping for a special someone or just for yourself, you’ll find a ton of cool and unique stuff here, like pottery, textiles, jewelry, woodwork, paintings, beadwork, and so much more.
When: December 8 – 10, 2023 | Friday & Saturday: 11 am – 11 pm; Sunday: 11 am – 8 pm
Where: Downtown River Walk, 602 E Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78205
Holi-Dine on the River Walk Culinary Adventure Tour
River Walk Culinary Adventure Tours presents Holi-dine on the River Walk – explore the sparkling holiday lights and mouthwatering delights! Holi-dine on the River Walk is a Drinks and dinner Progressive Culinary Adventure – a Walking Tour – Brought to you by Rio Magazine’s Food and drink Writer, Kimberly Suta.
When: Friday, December 15, 2023 | 5:30 pm – 9 pm
Where: 849 E Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78205
Chabad: Chanukah on the River
Join Chabad SA for the 26th Annual Chanukah on the River! Watch the Menorah lighting as Pumpidusa Band from NY will be live in concert! Take a picture with Judah the Maccabee! Kosher dinner & cotton candy for purchase! This event is Free and open to the public! Free jelly donuts for all courtesy of HEB.
You can also enjoy the music on a boat. The Chanukah Cruise experience includes a Menorah boat ride, singing, and Chocolate Gelt.
When: December 10, 2023 | 3:30 pm
Where: Arneson River Theater, 418 Villita St, San Antonio, TX 78205
How much: Chanuka Cruise Experience: $8
San Antonio Riverwalk Christmas Lights 2023 – Boat Tour
Holiday Light Cruises by Go Rio
The Holiday Light Cruises takes on a journey of floating in a winter wonderland.
The Holiday Lights Museum Reach Cruise and Downtown Cruise lets you float under a canopy of warm, twinkling lights on trees and bridges.
You’ll have a grand time filled with holiday music, hot chocolate, and memory-making with those special to you.
When: Museum Reach Cruise: Sundays & Mondays until December 18, 2023; Downtown Cruise: Tuesdays – Saturdays until December 23, 2023, | 6:30 pm, 7 pm, 7:30 pm, 8 pm, 8:30 pm & 9 pm
Where: Museum Reach, Unnamed Road, San Antonio, TX 78215 and 809 River Walk St, San Antonio, TX 78205
How Much: $35
San Antonio Riverwalk Christmas Lights 2023 – Tickets, Schedules & Other Information
The River Walk San Antonio Christmas Holiday Lights will turn on this year on November 24, 2023, and stay on every night from dusk to dawn until January 7, 2024. The official televised lighting ceremony in the Arneson River Theatre will take place on Friday, November 24, 2023, to kick off the holidays at the annual Ford Holiday River Parade.
Visiting the Christmas Lights River Walk San Antonio to enjoy the spectacular holiday lights is free! The River Walk is a public park and is open every day of the year, 24 hours a day but the special riverwalk San Antonio Lights this Christmas season will surely make your visit more fun and festive!
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