San Antonio will host two annual holiday events today: the H-E-B Christmas Tree Lighting at Travis Park and the 44th Ford Holiday River Parade. VIA will provide free rides to both events, according to News 4 San Antonio.
The H-E-B Christmas Tree Lighting will feature a 50-foot tree decorated with over 10,000 lights and ornaments. Activities start at 4 p.m. today, including holiday crafts, live music, and a visit from Santa Claus. The tree lighting ceremony will begin at 6 p.m., as per KSAT.
VIA is offering free rides to the H-E-B Christmas Tree Lighting in partnership with H-E-B. Riders can simply tell the driver they are going to the tree lighting to ride for free. The 2025 Ford Holiday River Parade will start at 6 p.m. with the theme "Merry Movie Magic," as reported by KSAT. Buddy the Elf from the movie Elf will be the grand marshal. The parade will include more than 30 floats and over 100,000 lights along the river. A live broadcast will air at 7:05 p.m. from the Arneson River Theatre.
Free viewing spots are available along the River Walk on a first-come, first-served basis. Spectators can bring their own chairs to watch from the east side of the River Walk between Pecan Street and Richmond Avenue. Reserved tickets, which cost $15 to $40, are required for children aged two and older.
Parking is available at several downtown San Antonio garages and lots, including St. Mary’s Garage, Houston Street Garage, City Tower Garage, the Convention Center Garage, and the Central Library Garage, with fees varying by location.
