Arts Alive San Antonio

Compiled by DON MATHIS

From luminarias to the Riverwalk lights, San Antonio loves to light up the nights. Here is an abecedarium from Arts Alive San Antonio of the best in local holiday lights.

Alamo Nights feature twinkling lights in the live oak and pecan trees on the Alamo grounds as well as larger-than-life decorated figures of the heroic defenders. $5. https://www.thealamo.org/

Children’s Chorus of San Antonio will spread merriment and cheer as they sing holiday carols at the tree lighting at Morgan’s Wonderland on Dec. 17. $13.https://morganswonderland.com/

Elf Acres radio station will play Christmas music as you drive through their mile-long light display. Santa’s Village has a walkable area with light-up toys and gifts. $35-$40.

Ford Fiesta de las Luminarias offers a walk along the river illuminated with more than 2,000 luminarias Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays until Dec. 18. Free. https://www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com/   

Go Rio Downtown Lights Cruise is a boat ride along the main loop of the San Antonio River. Ride from Restaurant Row to Rivercenter Mall with hot chocolate or cocktails. $32. https://www.visitsanantonio.com/   

H-E-B’s Christmas Tree is the centerpiece of Travis Park. This 50-foot Blue Spruce brings lights and delights the whole family. Free. https://newsroom.heb.com/  

Ice Rink at Travis Park also basks in the glow of the H-E-B tree. The Rotary Ice Rink presented by Valero offers cool fun under the bright white lights. $14. http://rotaryicerink.com/

Kwanzaa candles will be lit Dec. 26 online with Melaneyes Media. Music, drumming, the lighting of candles, and a feast are all part of this African-American tradition. Free. https://events.getcreativesanantonio.com/  

Light Park at Retama Park offers a nightly drive-through display with millions of Christmas lights and festive holiday music Pet friendly and family fun. $34. https://www.thelightpark.com/

Majesty of Christmas is the theme at Six Flags Fiesta Texas. A live Nativity scene, a labyrinth of lights, and magical musical shows make this a winter wonderland. $44.99 and up. https://www.sixflags.com/   

New Year’s Eve starts at 6:00 downtown San Antonio with food, fun, and dancing in the street at three stages. Fireworks will light up the sky at midnight. Free. https://saparks.org/

Old West Christmas Light Fest will illuminate the Enchanted Springs Ranch until Dec. 24. Two million twinkling lights promise a fun time in old Boerne. $15 and up. https://christmaslightfest.com/

Park-N-Play Winter Wonderland is a computer-controlled, musically synchronized, drive-thru light show experience. New lighting technologies will enthrall everyone. $36.95 and up. https://seelightsalive.com/

Quest for the Best Holiday Lights – Light the Way: The University of the Incarnate Word offers a wonderful drive or a great walk. It’s free, family-friendly, and fun. https://www.uiw.edu/   

River Walk Holiday Lights feature more than 2,000 strings of lights draped over tall cypress trees. The reflections along the river bring delight to residents and visitors.  Free. https://www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com/   

Texas biggest light display is at SeaWorld San Antonio. The Nativity Story, Rudolph the Re-Nosed Reindeer, and a Sesame Street Christmas are other attractions.  $49.99 and up. https://seaworld.com/san-antonio/   

Urban-15 brings a Holiday Laser Show to the Lila Cockrell Theatre on Dec. 20. Colorful 3-D animation and choreographed light effects are set to traditional holiday favorites. Free. https://urban15.org/  

Visit the Historic Run Crew and jog by some of the city’s best decorated historic landmarks. The Office of Historic Preservation and Fleet Feet offer this run Dec. 20. $10. https://fleetfeettexas.redpodium.com/

Windcrest Light Up is a 60-year tradition in this Northside community. Residents outshine each other in a contest of holiday lighting. 2022’s theme is Fiesta de Navidad. Free; https://www.windcrest-tx.gov/

X-Mas Lights in your neighborhood: The lights are bright on Mistletoe Ave. and homespun and fun on Navidad Street. And look for live deer on Deer Run! Free.

Yuletide Lights will be blazing at Lightscape at the San Antonio Botanical Garden. A mile of trails meanders through seven new displays and a million lights.  $45 for a 2-pack. https://www.sabot.org/   

Zoo Lights powered by CPS offers acres of dazzling lights, sing-along-carols, and a dance at the Lakeside Light Show. And the nocturnal animals are more active at night. $27.99 and up. https://sazoo.org/