San Antonio’s holiday season officially begins on the water. The 45th Annual Ford Holiday River Parade and Lighting Ceremony returns on Friday, November 27, 2026, the day after Thanksgiving, bringing one of the city’s most beloved traditions back to the San Antonio River Walk for a night of lights, color and celebration.
The parade begins at 6:00 p.m. at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, with a live broadcast starting at 7:05 p.m. from the Arneson River Theatre. This year’s theme, “Holiday Wishes Come True,” welcomes Santa and Mrs. Claus aboard beautifully illuminated floats and entertainment floats. The Witte Museum serves as Grand Marshal as it celebrates its 100th birthday. At the heart of the evening, 200,000 holiday lights switch on along the river, brightening the River Walk from sundown to sunrise through early January.
Families can plan ahead with reserved seating tickets sold online and dinner packages at River Walk restaurants, or head for the free viewing area on the east side of the River Walk between Pecan Street and Richmond Avenue — first come, first served, so bring your own chair. Children aged two and older need a ticket, and strollers, ice chests and carriers are not allowed along the route that night. It is a joyful, picture-perfect way for San Antonio to welcome the holidays together.
Photo: Nan Palmero / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
