There’s something undeniably magical about spending the holidays in San Antonio. As the River Walk transforms into a glowing winter wonderland, millions of twinkling lights drape the trees and bridges, creating a fairytale backdrop perfect for families. Here are the top eight family-friendly holiday experiences that make the season shine along the River Walk and nearby downtown.

1. Cruise Beneath 200,000+ Lights with GO RIO

Kick off your holiday adventure on the water. A GO RIO River Cruise offers postcard-worthy views of the River Walk’s dazzling canopy of lights while sharing fun facts about San Antonio’s history. Kids and grown-ups alike will be in awe as you glide beneath shimmering bridges and festive décor.

 

Plate of enchiladas, rice, and beans next to assorted side items and two margaritas at Casa Rio.

2. Dine & Delight at River Walk Restaurants

Warm up at one of the River Walk’s many family-friendly restaurants. From festive treats to family dinners, it’s the perfect place to relax while surrounded by holiday sparkle.

3. Play at the Shops at Rivercenter

Head into Shops at Rivercenter for kid-friendly fun, including Scuba-Diving Santa at SEALIFE every Saturday and Sunday until December 24, 2025, and the Holiday Bricktacular at LEGOLAND Discovery Center daily from November 22, 2025 - December 24, 2025. Build, play, and snap festive photos before exploring more holiday shopping and entertainment.

 

holidays on houston street archway

4. Make Memories at Holidays on Houston Street

A multi-day celebration, Holidays on Houston Street features live music and entertainment, festive food, a holiday drone show, and a market with 50+ local vendors from December 12 –14, 2025. It’s the perfect spot to shop small and soak in the spirit of downtown during the season.

5. Experience Holidays at Hemisfair

Just off the River Walk, Hemisfair becomes a full winter wonderland with Holidays at Hemisfair. Enjoy:

Don’t miss Holiday in the Garden on December 20, 2025, celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa with crafts for kids, photo ops, treats, and music!

 

actors performing a charlie brown christmas

6. See “A Charlie Brown Christmas” at Magik Theatre

In the heart of the Hemisfair District, Magik Theatre presents “A Charlie Brown Christmas” through December 24, 2025, a perfect holiday show for young theatre lovers! Sing-along performances are available.

The Alamo with Christmas Tree

7. Celebrate the Season at the Alamo

Now through December 20, 2025, the Alamo is hosting tree lightings, Holiday Movies in the Park, Cowboy Santa, and Christmas at the Alamo on December 13, 2025, where families can learn how early Texans celebrated the holidays through crafts, storytelling, and live demonstrations.

8. Enjoy River of Lights on the Museum Reach

Just north of the River Walk on the Museum Reach, Pearl lights up the season with festive, family-friendly experiences all December long. Enjoy photos with Santa, an outdoor ice skating rink, live music, holiday markets, and sparkling lights that illuminate the historic brewery grounds.

Don’t miss the River of Lights event on December 13, 2025, a free community celebration featuring real snow, snow slides, live music, animal displays, food trucks, shopping vendors, and plenty of picture-perfect River Walk moments.

And, if you're looking for even more festive events, explore our full Event Calendar.