SAN ANTONIO — It's just about that time of the year when locations in and around the Alamo City deck the halls and flip the switch, opening picturesque light displays to the public for the holiday season.
If you're hoping to get into the Christmas spirit, here's your guide to all the best locations in and near San Antonio where families can catch a glimpse of some breathtaking light displays surrounded by a festive atmosphere.
Lights at the San Antonio River Walk are a must every year during the holidays. The lights down the river will be switched on for the season during the annual Ford Holiday River Parade happening November 29 at the Arneson River Theatre and will remain on from dusk to dawn until January 5. Tickets for the parade are now on sale and can be purchased here.
One of the most popular Christmas light events in San Antonio is the UIW Light The Way Holiday Festival. Happening November 23, the lighting ceremony is a free community event featuring live music, food trucks, vendors, performances and family-friendly activities across the University of the Incarnate Word main campus. Following the festivities, the lights will remain on until January 6 for public viewing.
One of several drive-thru light displays, Lights Alive! Christmas Light Park will open for the season on November 22. Experience a mesmerizing one mile drive featuring a musically synchronized Christmas light show followed by the Winter Wonderland Park-n-Play. There will be holiday treats, photos with Santa, escape room experiences, ornament crafting in Santa's Workshop, kid's fun zone, a holiday marketplace and more. The park will be open daily from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. (until 11 p.m. on weekends) starting November 22 through January 4. Get your tickets now.
Another popular drive-thru experience is The Light Park now open at the Retama Park parking lot. Charge up your holiday spirit as you cruise through millions of dazzling lights synchronized to your favorite Christmas tunes. The park is open daily until January 5. Snacks are available for purchase. Ticket prices start at $29 and can be purchased online here.
Located the far west-side of San Antonio awaits Elf Acres, a drive-thru Christmas light show experience. The festive event includes a one mile trail of lights and animated displays, Santa's village, photo opportunities with Santa, concessions and more. The experience runs from November 17 to January 7. Get your tickets here.
The Westover Hills Sports Complex turns into a Christmas wonderland for the Westover Field of Lights, featuring a light show with over 350,000 synchronized lights, photo ops and family-friendly activities. Stroll through half a mile of shimmering lights and beautiful displays. The experience runs Thursday - Sunday evenings from December 5 to December 21. Food and drink will be available for purchase. Reserve your spot for free now.
Explore one of Texas' favorite Christmas traditions at Santa's Ranch in New Braunfels. Take a drive through over a mile of winding country roads decked with 3 million beautiful lights and animated displays. Visitors can also purchase delicious holiday treats and some special souvenirs. Santa's Ranch is open daily rain or shine from November 1 to December 31. Get your tickets online here.
See the San Antonio Zoo transform into a wild winter wonderlands for Zoo Lights. Explore miles of dazzling lights, festive music and whimsical displays to get you in the holiday spirit. With bigger, brighter and wilder attractions than ever before, Zoo Lights guarantees an unforgettable holiday light extravaganza featuring fun for the whole family. There will be opportunities to snap a photo with Santa and festive eats available for purchase. See ticket prices and special offers online.
Create cherished memories and experience holiday magic at Old West Christmas Light Fest in Boerne. Take photos with Santa, enjoy live music, roast s'mores and enjoy activities such as face painting, laser tag, a children's scavenger hunt, a petting zoo and even mechanical bull rides! The Christmas spirit will fill the atmosphere with dazzles and delights under the star-filled sky at Enchanted Springs Ranch. See festival hours and plan your visit here.
Plus, step into a thrill-filled winter wonderland adventure for some guaranteed festive family fun at Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Fiesta Texas and SeaWorld San Antonio's Christmas Celebration.
