Ultimate Guide To Christmas Tree Lighting in and near San Antonio

Ultimate Guide To Christmas Tree Lighting in and near San Antonio

Christmas Tree Lighting San Antonio TX

November Events

December Events

San Antonio knows how to celebrate the holidays with its own unique blend of tradition and festivity. From the historic River Walk to the charming neighborhoods, there’s a holiday event for everyone.

One of the most beloved traditions is the River Walk’s Luminaria, where thousands of luminarias line the riverbanks, creating a magical and unforgettable experience. This year, the city is also hosting a variety of tree-lighting ceremonies, holiday markets, and festive parades.

Discover the magic of the season in San Antonio, where history and holiday cheer come together.

Editor’s Note: Our staff works hard to bring you the latest information. However, all information presented below is subject to change. Please confirm before you head out. 

In case you are wondering about the choice of listings in this article, here is how we come up with our recommendations.

Check out our recent posts on Unique Things to Do in San Antonio, San Antonio Zoo Ticket Guide, and Ford Holiday River Parade San Antonio!

November 2024 Tree Lighting Events Around San Antonio

Downtown Lighting & Santa’s Arrival in New Braunfels

christmas tree lighting san antonio - City Of New Braunfels Government

Image Credit: City Of New Braunfels – Government FB Page

Join us at Main Plaza to kick off the holiday season with the lighting of beautiful, downtown New Braunfels and Santa’s arrival! Come kick off the holiday season with us! Mayor Neal Linnartz will address the crowd at 6:30 p.m. where he will count down and flip the switch, turning on the dazzling display of lights downtown.

Beyond the lights, expect Santa to show up and a performance by the Canyon High School Steel Drum Band. The New Braunfels Downtown Association will also be setting treats like sausage on a stick and hot chocolate to keep you warm and content during the celebration.

Parking can be a beast for larger events like this, but the city is offering a free shuttle service from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm. The shuttle will stop at City Hall and 550 Landa Street and drop off riders at West Mill Street, making it easier to spend more time on enjoying the tree lighting and less time on parking stress.

Ford Holiday River Parade + Holiday Lighting

The 43rd 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, Toy Box Adventures, promises a whimsical and magical experience for all ages.

While there is a free viewing area, it’s easier (and more efficient) to purchase tickets for the parade. This is the best way to make sure you can actually enjoy the festivities.

Old West Christmas Light Fest

christmas tree lighting san antonio - Old West Christmas Light Fest

Image Credit: christmaslightfest.com

Old West Christmas Light Fest dazzles and delights with holiday flavors, favorites, and fun! Your favorite holiday event brings the Christmas season to life with dazzling lights paired with food and family-friendly activities under the beautiful star-filled sky at Enchanted Springs Ranch.

34th Annual Bulverde Christmas Lighting!

The City of Bulverde and the BSB Chamber of Commerce would like to invite the community to join them for the 34th Annual Bulverde Christmas Lighting. Stop by to shop the many vendors, take in the sounds of Christmas, Food Trucks, and let the kids visit with Santa.

Cibolo’s Tree Lighting & Market Day

The Annual Tree Lighting & Photos with Santa will be held during the last Downtown Market Day. Tree Lighting festivities will begin at 5:30 PM and include performances by local organizations, a tree lighting countdown, Santa Claus making his way down Main Street, and a photo opp with Santa!

Floresville Christmas Festival and Parade

Please bring your friends and family and join us on November 30th in Downtown Floresville for a night of Holiday Festivities and fun for the whole family.

Floresville is typically known for their annual Peanut Festival, but they bring that same energy to the holidays. Stock up on the most decadent snacks, get your Christmas shopping done with local vendors, and stick around for the tree lighting ceremony, parade, and live music in front of Floresville City Hall.

December 2024 Tree Lighting Events Around San Antonio

Castle Hill’s Lighting of the Lights

Castle Hill’s Lighting of the Lights is a festive event that illuminates the town with holiday cheer. The event typically features a grand lighting ceremony, where thousands of twinkling lights adorn the town’s streets, trees, and buildings.

  • Cost: FREE
  • When: Sunday, December 1, 2024 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
  • Where: No location posted

Leon Valley’s Christmas Tree Lighting

christmas tree lighting san antonio - Leon Valley

Image Credit: leonvalleytexas.gov

Get ready to light up the night with the holiday spirit! Mark your calendars for Monday, December 2, 2024, for our much anticipated Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony! Bring your family, friends, and holiday cheer to the Community Center grounds for a night to remember!

Universal City Tree Lighting

Christmas just doesn’t feel like Christmas around UC until the annual Tree Lighting! Santa had already begun the long journey here, and this year the Queen of Christmas has arranged some great surprises. Don’t miss it!

StG: Christmas Tree Lighting at Balcones Heights

Join us for our Annual Christmas Tree Lighting in the StG Courtyard! Experience the joy of the season with student performances, festive food, and wonderful fellowship as we light up our school courtyard.

Schertz’ Deck the City Hall 2024

Come out and join us for the annual tree lighting ceremony as well as the lighting of the Hal Baldwin Municipal Complex! Enjoy the night with music, hot cocoa, and light snacks!

Seguin Holiday Stroll Parade

christmas tree lighting san antonio - Seguin Holiday Stroll Parade

Image Credit: seguintexas.gov

Featuring over 70 entries decked out in lights and celebrating the holiday. The Parade will start at the intersection of Austin and College and travel south on Austin Street to Central Park. At the end of the parade, the Mayor will hit the switch to turn on the lights downtown and Santa will be there for photo opportunities.

Merry on Main at Pleasanton

Pleasanton’s annual Merry on Main celebration takes place the first weekend of December to really invite the holiday spirit. The city goes above and beyond the typical light parade with fireworks and live music, certain to brain plenty of cheer.

  • Cost: FREE
  • When: Thursday, December 5, 2024
  • Where: NA

City of Kirby Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

Raffles, Food, Cookies, and Hot Cocoa!

Windcrest Light Up

The annual Windcrest Light-Up is a decades-old tradition in which residents decorate their homes with elaborate displays of holiday lights. We begin celebrations with the Windcrest Dedication Tree Lighting Ceremony.

Winter Wonderland at Shavano Park Pavilion

Residents – Snow is coming to town! Snow and Santa will be at City Hall during the Saturday, Dec 7th, Holiday Winter Festival from 3 PM to 6 PM! Come explore the Christmas Fair, get Santa photos, free hot cocoa, cookie contest, and many other family fun activities.

31st Annual Christmas Tree Lighting at La Vernia

Prepare to behold a magical Christmas procession on Saturday, December 7th, at 5:30 P.M. This year, we are delighted to unveil the Christmas Parade preceding the 31st Annual Christmas Tree Lighting.

City of Elmendorf’s Christmas in the Park Parade

The City of Elmendorf is excited to formally announce the Christmas in the Park Parade! Starting from the heart of Elmendorf! The parade route will begin at Old Corpus Christi Road near Loop 1604, and travel one mile west to the
Felix B. Guerra City Park

For the latest events and activities, check out our weekly updates to Things to Do in San Antonio this Weekend and Things to Do in San Antonio with Kids this Weekend. 

To get all these updates delivered directly to your feed, give us a follow on Facebook by clicking on the …next to the search lens icon.

Travel on your mind? Check out Christmas Tree Lighting Events in Houston!

Maya Keith
Latest posts by Maya Keith (see all)