If you’re stationed at Joint Base San Antonio or traveling to the San Antonio area over the holiday season, start planning your calendar now! With all the events, attractions, and amazing restaurants, the Alamo City offers a wealth of experiences.
All of the following activities and events are near Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA) or a short drive away. JBSA includes Lackland AFB, Randolph AFB, and Fort Sam Houston. Of course, we can’t cover all the holiday happenings in the San Antonio area, but you can start with these 12 events to get you into the holiday spirit. Your very own "12 Days of Christmas," Texas style!
*All events updated for 2025! Before heading out, double-check info.
1. Holiday Lights on the San Antonio River Walk
Nightly, Nov. 28, 2025–Jan. 11, 2026
It’s not the holidays without a visit to the River Walk. This free holiday event has been a tradition since 1975 and features a spectacular light display of over 200,000 lights. Start with the annual Ford Holiday River Parade and lighting ceremony at the Arneson River Theatre on Friday, November 28. Enjoy dinner at one of the River Walk restaurants and cafes, stroll along the walkway, and take in the beautiful sights from downtown to the Pearl District one mile north.
2. Christmas at the Caverns
Dates throughout December 2025 (see website for details)
Not your typical Christmas! At Natural Bridge Caverns, carols echo through the vast underground caverns. Above ground, listen to live music, visit with Santa Claus, wander along an expanded trail of lights, and find your way through a "Reindeer Roundup" outdoor maze. There's even an ice skating rink for kids.
3. San Antonio Botanical Garden "Illuminate"
Nov. 21, 2025–Jan. 11, 2026
Illuminate is a dazzling outdoor exhibition featuring hundreds of handcrafted lanterns and lighted trails throughout the San Antonio Botanical Garden. Produced by Tianyu Arts & Culture, this year's event is being billed as "brighter and bolder than ever" and merges art, nature, and culture in a celebration of light. Explore large, lighted sculptures and captivating scenes with the entire family.
Food and drink are available for purchase. This event sells out at times, so it's recommended to buy tickets online before you go.
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
4. Old West Christmas Light Fest at Enchanted Springs Ranch
Weekends (Fri- Sun), Nov. 28–Dec. 23, 2025, 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
A few miles outside San Antonio in the Hill Country, visit the Old West Christmas Light Fest in Boerne.
Enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities:
- Light displays: Over 2 million twinkling lights illuminate the rustic Old West town.
- Live music: Holiday tunes performed by musicians each night.
- Santa Claus: Meet Santa every evening for free photo opportunities.
- Food and drinks: Savor holiday treats from food trucks and snack stands, with options for adults as well.
Other activities:
- Laser Tag in the Lights (additional cost)
- Mechanical Bull Rides (additional cost)
- Children's Scavenger Hunt
- Petting Zoo
- Face Painting
Purchase tickets online, with discounts for military and first responders.
Photo by Jason Risner Photography from Getty Images via Canva.com
5. Santa's Ranch
Nightly, Nov. 1, 2025–Jan. 4, 2026, including holidays
A cherished tradition for 20 years, Santa's Ranch drive-through light display is located north of San Antonio near New Braunfels. Over a mile of country roads features light shows, music, and animated Christmas stories. Snacks and drinks are available for purchase, and admission is offered as either a single-entry or season pass (ticket prices are per vehicle).
6. Holidays on Houston Street
Dec. 5–14, 2025
Returning for a third year, San Antonio's Holidays on Houston Street transforms over five blocks of Houston Street, from Broadway to Legacy Park, with holiday lights, decorations, and special events, including A Taste of Houston Street and Market Weekend (Dec. 12-14).
Some highlights: nearly 400,000 mini-LED lights, seasonal activities, ambiance, and special offers from local bars, restaurants, shops, and hotels.
While you're out and about, visit one of the best restaurants in San Antonio—find ideas in our posts, Popular Tex-Mex Restaurants in San Antonio and Explore San Antonio's River Walk.
7. Gruene, Texas, Holiday Events
Events from Nov. 8–Dec. 31, 2025
About thirty minutes north of San Antonio lies the historic town of Gruene. November and December are packed with festive events, like the Gruene town lighting, Gruene Ice Rink, the Annual Pony Express Ride, and Old Gruene Market Days. For the active, there's also the 17th annual Gruene Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving, beginning and ending at the historic Gruene Hall. And don’t miss photos with Cowboy Kringle!
8. Ford Fiesta de las Luminarias
December: Check the site for dates
The Fiesta de las Luminarias takes place along the River Walk, where the riverbank comes alive with two thousand luminarias each night in an enchanting display. These traditional Mexican lanterns add a touch of magic to the holiday season.
9. Christmas at the Alamo
Events from Nov. 29–Dec. 20, 2025
Holiday events at the Alamo, the Shrine of Texas Liberty, kick off with the Alamo Plaza Christmas tree lighting on November 29. After that, bring the kids out to take a complimentary photo with Cowboy Santa on December 6 in front of the Alamo Church. The holidays at the Alamo culminate with Christmas at the Alamo on December 13, with a view of the holidays through the eyes of early Texas settlers, including music, period crafts, and living demonstrations of candy making, blacksmithing, Christmas storytelling, and more.
10. Holiday Events at the Tobin Center
Nov. 28–Dec. 28, 2025
Visit the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts this holiday season, and you'll find concerts, the Nutcracker Ballet, and a Holiday Art Market. Other events and performers slated for the 2025 holiday season include Christmas Baroque Brilliance (a free concert), Merry-Achi Christmas, Cirque Musica, and more.
Check out these holiday markets near military bases.
11. Six Flags Holiday in the Park
Select dates, Nov. 22–Dec. 23, 2025
Holiday in the Park is back! Six Flags Fiesta Texas will don its winter apparel and feature millions of lights, holiday entertainment and shows, the Holiday Express Train, and themed holiday zones. Also available are select Fiesta Texas rides, specialty holiday food and drink, and a visit with Santa. Note that food, drink, and some holiday experiences require a purchase separate from admission.
12. SeaWorld San Antonio Christmas Celebration
Nov. 13, 2025–Jan. 4, 2026
During the holidays, SeaWorld San Antonio becomes a winter wonderland with dazzling lights (the largest light display in Texas), festive shows, and themed areas. Enjoy attractions like the Holly Jolly Marketplace and Christmas Market and O Wondrous Night, the story of the Nativity as seen through the eyes of animals. While you indulge in holiday foods and beverages, join in singing Christmas carols with the Merry Mariachis, snap a photo with Santa or the Nutcracker Stilt Walkers, and visit the variety of pathway shows like Rudolph’s Misfit Brass Band.
Making a military move to San Antonio? Download MilitaryByOwner's free guide to your military life at Joint Base San Antonio. 
