Thursday, November 14, 2024 San Antonio transforms into a holiday wonderland like no other, kicking off its seasonal celebrations with the iconic Ford Holiday River Parade on November 29, 2024. This cherished city tradition illuminates the River Walk with dazzling lights, vibrant floats, and festive cheer, setting the stage for a season packed with unique holiday events and traditions. The 43rd Annual Ford Holiday River Parade, themed “Toy Box Adventures,” promises magic for all ages with 27 beautifully decorated floats, five special entertainment floats, and Santa himself.
More than 100,000 twinkling lights will adorn the River Walk from November 29, 2024, to January 5, 2025, creating a magical riverside backdrop for visitors. Along with the lights, two beloved holiday traditions return in December: the Ford Fiesta de las Luminarias and Ford Holiday Boat Caroling. Fiesta de las Luminarias, taking place from December 6-22 on weekends, illuminates the riverbanks with hundreds of sand-filled luminaria bags, while the Ford Holiday Boat Caroling fills the air with festive tunes from December 5-23.
Beyond the River Walk, the second annual San Antonio Holidays on Houston Street brings a lively holiday market to the heart of downtown. Kicking off on December 3 with the Houston Street Lighting and Community Dinner, the market will run from December 13-15, offering seasonal goods, local treats, and crafts. For the active holiday-goers, a Holiday Fun Run and 5K is set for December .
