Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year, and the San Antonio River Walk definitely knows how to celebrate the season. More than 100,000 lights are strewn up and down the riverbanks, making for some of the most magical Christmas lights in Texas, and you can experience the magic on a scenic San Antonio Riverwalk Christmas lights boat tour. There are even festive tunes and free hot cocoas involved! So bundle up and get ready to see the San Antonio Riverwalk Christmas lights like never before.
Perhaps the most iconic Christmas city in Texas, San Antonio - specifically, the world-famous Riverwalk, transforms into a winter wonderland for the holiday season.
Gabriel Perez / Moment Collection / Getty Images Over 100,000 lights adorn the trees lining the riverbanks, their multicolored strands draping over the water for a scene that can only be described as magical.
Strolling through the lights on foot is plenty enchanting, but there’s an even better way to take it all in: a gondola ride.
Carol Wood / Moment Open Collection / Getty Images Complete with hot cocoa and festive tunes, the Downtown Lights Cruise with Go Rio Cruises encapsulates the spirit of Christmas.
The one-hour boat ride takes you into the heart of downtown San Antonio, through Restaurant Row and The Shops at Rivercenter.
Facebook/Go Rio Cruises You’ll board at Ambler Kitchen + Cocktails, where each guest is given a cup of hot cocoa. There is also a pop-up bar for additional food and beverage purchases.
Downtown Lights cruises depart on select nights throughout November and December.
Facebook/Go Rio Cruises Tickets can be purchased on the Go Rio Cruises website after selecting your preferred departure date and time.
So bundle up, pile the family into the car, and head on down to the San Antonio Riverwalk for the holiday season experience of a lifetime!
Facebook/Go Rio Cruises
The San Antonio Riverwalk is located at 306 West Market Street, San Antonio, TX 78205.
Google Maps
Have any questions about this San Antonio Riverwalk Christmas lights boat tour? Visit the Go Rio Cruises website to learn more and/or purchase tickets. And make sure to like the Go Rio Cruises Facebook page for updates on cruises, specials, and more.
Gabriel Perez / Moment Collection / Getty Images
Over 100,000 lights adorn the trees lining the riverbanks, their multicolored strands draping over the water for a scene that can only be described as magical.
Carol Wood / Moment Open Collection / Getty Images
Complete with hot cocoa and festive tunes, the Downtown Lights Cruise with Go Rio Cruises encapsulates the spirit of Christmas.
Facebook/Go Rio Cruises
You’ll board at Ambler Kitchen + Cocktails, where each guest is given a cup of hot cocoa. There is also a pop-up bar for additional food and beverage purchases.
Tickets can be purchased on the Go Rio Cruises website after selecting your preferred departure date and time.
Google Maps
So, have you ever taken a gondola ride through the San Antonio Riverwalk Christmas Lights? If so, what do you think? Is it one of the best ways to view Christmas lights in Texas or what? We’d love to hear all about your experience! Tell
For more Christmas magic in Texas, check out our past article on the best Christmas towns in Texas.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: San Antonio River Walk, 849 E Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78205, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Christmas Lights In Texas October 26, 2022 Daniella DiRienzo What are the best drive-thru light shows in Texas? A scenic boat ride is just one of the ways to admire Christmas lights in Texas. There are several other options for taking in the sights of the season, including drive-thru light shows. One of the most popular drive-thru light shows in Texas is Lights Alive in San Antonio. Utilizing innovative new lighting technologies, the 100 percent computer-controlled, musically synchronized, drive-thru light show boasts an entire mile of festive holiday sights that are sure to dazzle and captivate the young and old alike. In addition to the twinkling display, Lights Alive is home to Park and Play Wonderland, a designated spot for spectators to exit their vehicles and enjoy tasty Christmas confections, partake in holiday-themed arts and crafts, take photos with Santa, or program their very own light show on a 50-foot animated tree. What are the best holiday events in Texas? There are lots of holiday events in Texas where you can soak up your fill of Christmas cheer. One event that shouldn’t be missed is Prairie Lights. Located in Lynn Creek Park in Grand Prairie, the annual event features a magical walk-thru light display, carnival rides, photo-ops with Santa, and holiday shopping. Also among the best holiday events in Texas is the Parade of Lights in Forth Worth. Often referred to as the GM Financial Parade of Lights, the beloved annual event always takes place the weekend before Thanksgiving. The bright and merry parade has come a long way since its debut in 1983, when it attracted a crowd of 25,000 and featured roughly two dozen floats. These days, the beloved event draws crowds of over 200,000 and boasts more than 100 parade entries and over 500,000 twinkling lights.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Christmas Lights In Texas
October 26, 2022
Daniella DiRienzo
What are the best drive-thru light shows in Texas? A scenic boat ride is just one of the ways to admire Christmas lights in Texas. There are several other options for taking in the sights of the season, including drive-thru light shows. One of the most popular drive-thru light shows in Texas is Lights Alive in San Antonio. Utilizing innovative new lighting technologies, the 100 percent computer-controlled, musically synchronized, drive-thru light show boasts an entire mile of festive holiday sights that are sure to dazzle and captivate the young and old alike. In addition to the twinkling display, Lights Alive is home to Park and Play Wonderland, a designated spot for spectators to exit their vehicles and enjoy tasty Christmas confections, partake in holiday-themed arts and crafts, take photos with Santa, or program their very own light show on a 50-foot animated tree. What are the best holiday events in Texas? There are lots of holiday events in Texas where you can soak up your fill of Christmas cheer. One event that shouldn’t be missed is Prairie Lights. Located in Lynn Creek Park in Grand Prairie, the annual event features a magical walk-thru light display, carnival rides, photo-ops with Santa, and holiday shopping. Also among the best holiday events in Texas is the Parade of Lights in Forth Worth. Often referred to as the GM Financial Parade of Lights, the beloved annual event always takes place the weekend before Thanksgiving. The bright and merry parade has come a long way since its debut in 1983, when it attracted a crowd of 25,000 and featured roughly two dozen floats. These days, the beloved event draws crowds of over 200,000 and boasts more than 100 parade entries and over 500,000 twinkling lights.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
A scenic boat ride is just one of the ways to admire Christmas lights in Texas. There are several other options for taking in the sights of the season, including drive-thru light shows. One of the most popular drive-thru light shows in Texas is Lights Alive in San Antonio. Utilizing innovative new lighting technologies, the 100 percent computer-controlled, musically synchronized, drive-thru light show boasts an entire mile of festive holiday sights that are sure to dazzle and captivate the young and old alike. In addition to the twinkling display, Lights Alive is home to Park and Play Wonderland, a designated spot for spectators to exit their vehicles and enjoy tasty Christmas confections, partake in holiday-themed arts and crafts, take photos with Santa, or program their very own light show on a 50-foot animated tree.
What are the best holiday events in Texas?
There are lots of holiday events in Texas where you can soak up your fill of Christmas cheer. One event that shouldn’t be missed is Prairie Lights. Located in Lynn Creek Park in Grand Prairie, the annual event features a magical walk-thru light display, carnival rides, photo-ops with Santa, and holiday shopping. Also among the best holiday events in Texas is the Parade of Lights in Forth Worth. Often referred to as the GM Financial Parade of Lights, the beloved annual event always takes place the weekend before Thanksgiving. The bright and merry parade has come a long way since its debut in 1983, when it attracted a crowd of 25,000 and featured roughly two dozen floats. These days, the beloved event draws crowds of over 200,000 and boasts more than 100 parade entries and over 500,000 twinkling lights.
