Sure, pumpkins have barely just started appearing on porches, but San Antonio already has visions of sugarplums in its head. The city has unveiled the 2025 dates for Holidays on Houston Street, the annual lights spectacular downtown.
The sparkling event, organized in a joint effort by The City of San Antonio, Centro San Antonio, and Visit San Antonio, takes over five blocks of Houston Street between Broadway and Legacy Park, December 5-15. For its third year, organizers are adding some extra wattage with enhanced décor and a week of special events leading up to the Holiday Market Weekend, December 12-14.
On December 5, the new SATX 5K will replace the Holidays on Houston Street 5K and Fun Run ahead of the San Antonio Marathon on December 7. Then, on December 6, locals can dine under the twinkling canopy during A Taste of Holidays on Houston Street. The market weekend will feature more than 50 vendors selling one-of-a-kind gifts that even the pickiest cousin will love.
Vendors set up for 2024’s Holiday Market Weekend.Photo courtesy of Centro San Antonio
Throughout the season, over 393,000 mini-LED lights will illuminate around 80 Houston Street trees, with each intersection featuring a unique, dazzling display. Larger-than-life ornaments and wreaths will provide even more selfie backdrops.
Although the space won’t be fully activated, downtown revelers will get a preview of the displays on November 28, an official kick-off to Alamo City’s holiday season with the 44th Ford Holiday River Parade and Lighting Ceremony, and the H-E-B Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Travis Park.
“Holidays on Houston Street is a shining example of what’s possible in downtown San Antonio, where the city’s soul comes alive and its heartbeat can truly be felt,” said Trish DeBerry, President and CEO of Centro San Antonio, in a release. “Just as we look ahead to the transformational, once-in-a-generation plans now being developed, these celebrations show how bringing people together through culture, community, and tradition can create unforgettable experiences and a thriving downtown for all.”