River Authority’s premier holiday event along the river returns with 70,000 pounds of snow, live music and donkeys

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Children play together in the snow.

The holiday season is upon us and the San Antonio River Authority (River Authority) would like to invite you to some magical opportunities to help you get into the holiday spirit!

 

Holly Jolly Kayak Promotional Event

Join us on Wednesday December 4 and Wednesday December 11 for Holly Jolly Kayaking on the Museum Reach of the San Antonio River. Glide along the stunningly lit Museum Reach and enjoy the holiday lights from the water. Registration and Fees: $15 to reserve a kayak, or free if you bring your own boat (BYOB). Registration is required. Tickets will go on sale tomorrow, Saturday, November 23, at 10:00 a.m. This is a very popular event, so be ready to click the registration links below at 10:00 a.m. to secure your spot!

Register for December 4

Register for December 11

The holiday fun does not stop at Holly Jolly Kayaking!

The Museum Reach River of Lights Festival is coming back this year bigger and brighter than ever. Please join us on Saturday, December 14 for a festival that promises to be a magical experience for all ages, featuring a wide array of activities and attractions that capture the holiday spirit!

What                        2024 River of Lights Festival

When                      Saturday, December 14th, 2024, from 4:00 PM—8:00 PM

Where                     San Antonio River Lock & Dam

River of Lights shot of the crowd near the performance stage.

One of the main highlights is the snow slide, where kids and adults can enjoy the thrill of sliding down a snowy hill in the heart of San Antonio. Snow play areas will also be featured for a more relaxed snowy experience where you can build a snowman or revel in the winter wonderland atmosphere! Fun Fact: Over 70,000 pounds of ice will be used to make this year’s winter wonderland!

Live music will fill the air from local bands and musicians who will perform holiday classics as well as other types of music, so there is something for everyone to enjoy! As you walk through the festival enjoying the music, you will also find an array of photo opportunities, food vendors, and shopping vendors.

2024 River of Lights Entertainment Lineup

4:00 PM – 4:40 PM—Trisdon Federic

4:50 PM – 5:20 PM—De Santiago Strings

5:30 PM – 6:00 PM—Saxophonics

6:10 PM–6:30 PM—BCSO Mariachi La Ley

6:45 PM – 8:00 PM—Stefani Montiel

Shopping enthusiasts will enjoy a variety of vendors selling unique holiday gifts, crafts and decorations. It is the perfect opportunity to pick up one of a kind presents for your loved ones or treat yourself to something unique.

A woman stands behind a table dressed in festive Christmas gear near the vendor market.

And let’s not forget the cookies and letters to Santa! Festival goers will have the opportunity to decorate one of 2,000 handmade Christmas Cookies made by the culinary students at St. Phillips College. You can also write a letter to Santa and his elves!

A child places a letter into a large mailbox intended for Santa Claus.

So please join us for some holiday, snow filled fun and make sure your wish list gets to the North Pole at the San Antonio Museum Reach River of Lights Festival!

River of Lights Promotional Graphic


Do you prefer calming time in nature instead of crowds and Christmas lights? Check out these more relaxing upcoming events below!

Friday, December 6: Meditation with Marcy Westcott

Practice presence in nature through this secular, guided meditation session. Learn to calm the mind and relax the body to promote a healthier, more productive life. All levels are welcome; participants are welcome to bring their own cushions to sit on; ages 16+. Presented by The Still State Meditation & Mindfulness. Register on Eventbrite

Meditation with Marcy Graphic

Wednesday, December 18: Nature Workshops – Natural Art

Join San Antonio River Authority staff for Nature Workshop—Natural Art where you will use your creativity to construct your very own holiday grapevine wreath. Register on Eventbrite

Nature Workshops - Natural Art at Confluence Park promotional graphic

On Demand: Basin Meditation

Can’t make it to the river? Our Basin Meditations playlist brings the sights and sounds of the San Antonio River Basin right to your device. Unload the weight of the workday and errands. Shake off the scroll-induced stress. If you don’t have the time to drop what you’re doing and go outside right now, at least take a moment to enjoy the sights and sounds of our river way—right from your phone or computer.

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We can’t wait to spend the holidays with you! Stay tuned for more events to come in 2025!

 

Related Articles

Alerts

Maintenance Notice – Museum Reach Trail

Maintenance will be occurring on Wednesday, December 4th, 7am-6pm on F.I.S.H. The trails will remain open, please proceed with caution when crossing beneath IH35. We appreciate your cooperation and ask that you remain mindful of workers and closures when in the vicinity. Thank you for your patience as we work to improve our public spaces!

Stem Density Efforts

**Update: Trails are open all this week. Thank you for your patience and stay safe!

Please be advised that trails near the Confluence Park and Conception Park area will be temporarily closed due to ongoing Stem Density efforts. We appreciate your cooperation and ask that you remain mindful of workers and closures when in the vicinity. Thank you for your patience as we work to improve our natural spaces!

 

SASPAMCO Paddling Trail Temporarily Closed

Staff have removed two large log jams just downstream of Helton Nature Park, keeping the southern portion of the SASPAMCO Paddling Trail temporarily closed. Staff are working to contact adjacent landowners to support a land-based removal solution.

San Pedro Creek Culture Park

The restrooms at South Alamo will be temporarily closed for maintenance and repairs. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding. 

Acequia Trail Notice

The Acequia trail will have heavy traffic near MROC starting May 22nd until further notice. The SAWS Acequia project will be bringing in crews to work on the lift station site and across the street. There will have flaggers to stop traffic, please use caution. 

SASPAMCO Paddling Trail

The SASPAMCO paddling trail is open from River Crossing Park to Helton Nature Park.
*Please Note: Paddling Trail from Helton Nature Park to HWY 97 is still closed due to blockages. 

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