44th Annual Ford Holiday River Parade and Lighting Ceremony

November 28, 2025

🎄 Get Ready for the 2025 Ford Holiday River Parade!

Santa and Mrs. Claus are back in 2025 with more glitter, glee, and toys to carry on this wonderful tradition of bringing joy to the holidays!

The 44th Annual Ford Holiday River Parade is a cherished San Antonio tradition that brings joy and festivity to the San Antonio River Walk. This year’s theme is Merry Movie Magic, so be ready to see floats dedicated to the holiday season's most iconic films.

Join us for our annual spectacle featuring 27 beautifully illuminated floats, 5 entertainment floats, and over 100,000 holiday lights (2,250 strands) that brighten the River Walk from sundown to sunrise until the weekend after New Year’s Day.

Held the day after Thanksgiving, the parade and river lighting ceremony begin on Friday, November 28, 2025, at 6 PM at the Tobin Center, with a live broadcast at 7:05 PM from the Arneson River Theatre. Don’t miss this magical event that’s sure to be a highlight of your holiday season!

Fun Fact: You can enjoy an evening of great food with your Ford Holiday River Parade experience. Explore ticket and dinner package options from your favorite River Walk Restaurants today!

Important Ticket Information

TICKETS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE AND MAY NOT BE EXCHANGED.

Tickets are sold online.

The majority of restaurants along the River Walk offer dinner packages.

A free viewing area is available on the parade route (please bring your own chair). This space is available on a first-come, first-served basis, located on the east side of the River Walk between Pecan Street and Richmond Avenue.

Children aged 2 years or older will require a ticket.

Strollers, ice chests, and carriers are NOT allowed on the River Walk for this event.

ADA tickets are available in the following areas of the parade:

Tobin Center for Performing Arts - SECTION A18
Area #F – Hotel Valencia - SECTION F22
Area #G – Main Plaza - SECTION G5
Area #G – International Building - SECTION G2
Area #G – Hugman’s Oasis - SECTION G18
Area #H – Homewood Suites - SECTION H8
Area #K – Briscoe Western Art Museum / Venue Villita - SECTION K6, SECTION K3
Area #L – Arneson River Theatre - SECTION L1
Area #N – Alamo Street Bridge - SECTION N5

Purchase Tickets Now

2025 Ford Holiday River Parade Route

Graphic of parade route for Ford Holiday River Parade 2025.

Interested In...

Being a vendor along our parade route? Reach out to Makayla Robles
Group tickets? Reach out to Melisa Sanchez
Hosting a private viewing party? Reach out to Manny Sanchez

People dressed as fake royalty with holiday light necklaces

Ford Holiday River Parade

Be a Part of the Fun!Looking to Volunteer for the Ford Holiday River Parade?

Help bring the cherished Ford Holiday River Parade to life! Join us in making this beloved tradition unforgettable. Sign up today to be part of something truly special!

Special Thank You to Our Sponsors

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