Guide to San Antonio's Christmas light displays and events
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One of the many illuminated trees at Lightscape. Photo: Courtesy of San Antonio Botanical Garden
San Antonio's holiday season is brimming with enchanting events, whether it's a new happening, a cost-free date night or a cherished tradition.
What's happening: We've rounded up a guide to some of the city's biggest events.
🎄 Lightscape
The San Antonio Botanical Garden's holiday event transforms the grounds into a dazzling light show after dark with rows of bright bluebonnets, a canopy of poppy flowers and more picture-perfect installations.
- Tickets start at $18.
- Lightscape starts Friday and runs through Jan. 1.
🌟 Light the Way
Wandering through the millions of twinkling lights covering trees throughout the University of the Incarnate Word campus is a nearly 40-year tradition, and it's free.
- The light switch flips on Saturday at dusk and will be celebrated with a free festival from 3-9:30pm.
- The lights will stay on until Jan. 6. During this time, guests have the opportunity to take self-guided tours through the campus to enjoy the display.
⛸ Rotary Ice Rink
Downtown's newest holiday tradition starts Frid at Travis Park and lasts until Jan. 15.
- General admission is $15 for 75 minutes and includes skate rentals.
- Tickets are available online.
🐻 San Antonio Zoo Lights
Starting Saturday, the zoo will become a winter wonderland with laser light displays, twinkling trails and installations like a Holiday Sing-a-Long Express.
- The special event is included in the standard admission price, which starts at $26.99.
- A sensory-friendly night will be hosted on Nov. 20.
- Zoo Lights will run until Dec. 31.
🎢 Six Flags Fiesta Texas' Holiday in the Park
The theme park's annual event starts Saturday. Highlights include a 60-foot Christmas tree, Santa visits, themed shows and light displays throughout the property.
- Tickets start at $45.
What's next: More local traditions are on the horizon. Mark these dates in your cheer calendar.
- The Ford Holiday River Parade and Lighting Ceremony on Nov. 24.
- The Travis Park tree lighting on Nov. 24.
- The Windcrest Light-Up on Dec. 2.
The intrigue: Centro and the city of San Antonio are introducing a new event poised to become a local tradition. Full details will be revealed on Tuesday, but we do know that Houston Street will be the backdrop for what's expected to be a charming event.
- It will launch on Nov. 24 and last through Jan. 2.