City of San Antonio, Centro, and Visit San Antonio unite to transform Houston Street into holiday wonderland

(NEWS) SAN ANTONIO, 2025-Sep-12 — /Travel PR News/ — San Antonio is preparing to welcome back one of its most festive traditions as Holidays on Houston Street returns for its third year, transforming five blocks of the historic downtown corridor into a dazzling winter wonderland. From December 5 to December 14, 2025, the City of San Antonio, Centro San Antonio, and Visit San Antonio will once again collaborate to deliver an immersive holiday experience that combines lights, culture, shopping, and community spirit.

This year’s event is set to be even bigger, featuring more than 393,000 LED lights illuminating 80 trees, enhanced street décor, and special activations across local businesses. Visitors can enjoy a variety of highlights, including the new SATX 5K Presented by Holidays on Houston Street on December 5, the return of A Taste of Holidays on Houston Street on December 6, and the highly anticipated Holiday Market Weekend from December 12–14, showcasing over 50 vendors offering artisan goods, food, and unique gifts.

The festivities officially begin on November 28 with the simultaneous lighting of Houston Street and the San Antonio River Walk during the 44th Annual Ford Holiday River Parade, alongside the H-E-B Christmas tree lighting at Travis Park. Organizers say the initiative is designed not only to spread cheer but also to bring residents and visitors together, strengthen community ties, and support local businesses in the heart of downtown.

Last year’s event attracted more than 565,000 visitors, and city leaders expect the 2025 edition to draw even more, reinforcing San Antonio’s reputation as a premier holiday destination. Officials from the City of San Antonio, Centro San Antonio, and Visit San Antonio emphasized that the celebration has quickly grown into a signature tradition, showcasing the city’s culture and charm while creating unforgettable experiences for all who attend.

Adding to the holiday magic this year, the Ford Holiday River Parade will carry the theme Merry Movie Magic, transforming the River Walk into a festive celebration of beloved holiday films. The parade will be led by Buddy the Elf from Broadway’s Elf The Musical, bringing extra cheer as Grand Marshal before appearing live onstage at The Majestic Theater later in December. These special touches bring a new layer of wonder to San Antonio’s holiday season, blending classic traditions with fresh experiences for visitors and families alike.