Christmas Lights and Holiday Events for Kids in San Antonio (2026)
Updated 2026-10-08 by Mom's Guide SA
Quick answer
Holiday light shows in San Antonio usually start in mid-November. SeaWorld, the San Antonio Zoo and Six Flags each run seasonal celebrations. We link venues below; confirm 2026 hours and ticket prices on each official site before you go.
- Season
- Mid-November into December
- Free options
- River Walk lights (after parade)
- Tip
- Confirm hours each week
Featured places
Entertainment
SeaWorld San Antonio
Marine theme park with shows and rides
San Antonio
Nature & Wildlife
San Antonio Zoo
World-class zoo with 750+ species
San Antonio
Entertainment
Six Flags Fiesta Texas
Theme park with coasters and water rides
San Antonio
Theaters
Magik Theatre
San Antonio
Theaters
Tobin Center for the Performing Arts
San Antonio
Nature & Wildlife
San Antonio Botanical Garden
Beautiful gardens with children's area
San Antonio
Main Plaza Boerne
Historic plaza with markets & festivals
Boerne
Related events coming up
Potranco Branch Library & Mays Family YMCA 10th Anniversary Celebration
Potranco Branch Library
Nov 4 · 10:00 a.m.
Zoo Lights! powered by CPS Energy
San Antonio Zoo
Nov 14
Breakfast With Santa
San Antonio Zoo
Nov 15 to Nov 22, multiple dates
DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS
Magik Theatre
Nov 21 to Dec 20, multiple dates
Questions parents ask
Where can I see free Christmas lights in San Antonio?
The River Walk holiday lights are free once they turn on after the Ford Holiday River Parade. Neighborhood displays vary by year. We list free options as venues post 2026 details.
When do Zoo Lights start?
San Antonio Zoo posts Zoo Lights on sazoo.org each fall. Price and nightly hours were not locked on the official page when we last checked, so confirm there before you buy tickets.
When does SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration open?
SeaWorld San Antonio posts Christmas Celebration dates on seaworld.com/san-antonio. Check that page for the current season hours and ticket rules.
What's there to do with kids on Thanksgiving weekend?
Look for the Ford Holiday River Parade, Dickens on Main in Boerne, and early holiday light shows. Reconfirm each listing the week before; 2026 parade staging details were not locked when we checked.