Last Updated on March 31, 2023
As part of our commitment to safe, clean, enjoyable creeks and rivers, the San Antonio River Authority (River Authority) maintains more than 500 acres of parks along the San Antonio River’s 240-mile course. Every year, our dedicated Watershed & Park Operations staff works to install thousands of lights in time for the holidays for the enjoyment of our constituents and visitors. To bring holiday cheer a bit earlier this year, the lights were turned on starting November 16 and will be on every evening through January 4.
Learn more about these holiday lights and plan your visit with loved ones before they’re gone!
***In accordance to CDC guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic, mask wearing and social distancing are strongly encouraged while on our facilities, parks, and trails.***
11th Annual Museum Reach River of Lights
The River Authority invites the public to visit the Museum Reach of the San Antonio River Walk every evening through January 4 to take part in the 11th annual Museum Reach River of Lights. The lighting has grown over the years to consist of 100 vibrant multi-colored underwater lights accented by energy-efficient lighting elements that provide a kaleidoscope of changing color to the water features along the Museum Reach. Alternating lamp posts and area trees are wrapped with energy-saving LED holiday lights, and colored lights have been placed under several bridges for added holiday splendor. Holiday self-standing displays will greet visitors as they stroll the segment which also make for great photo opportunities.
The light display that shouldn’t be missed is a 30 ft. musical tree light show at the Museum Reach lock and dam which will also return for the entire duration of the 11th Annual Museum Reach River of Lights. Shows will start every 30 minutes from 6 p.m. through 9:30 p.m. so make sure you bring your camera!
Virtual Option: Join us every Sunday in December, (Dec 6, 13, 20, and 27) at 6pm on our Facebook page to enjoy a VIRTUAL experience of the 11th Annual Museum Reach River of Lights including the popular Christmas Tree Light Show.
San Pedro Creek Culture Park
The San Pedro Creek Culture Park, located on the western edge of downtown San Antonio not far from The Alamo, exemplifies beauty with purpose, as it serves as vital infrastructure for a growing downtown. The project is a collaboration between Bexar County, the River Authority, and the City of San Antonio to restore San Pedro Creek’s natural environment and create a world-class linear park—with a purpose that goes well beyond just being beautiful and enjoyable. It combines public art, architectural design, local craft, and historic preservation with engineering, ecosystem restoration, and native landscaping.
The River Authority is responsible for the operations and maintenance of the new park, which includes creating programming and events for community engagement. The park’s first phase opened on May 5, 2018, and since then, the River Authority has installed holiday lights each year throughout the park and has also commissioned temporary, light-based artworks. The community is invited to visit the park to enjoy the holiday lights through January 4. Due to precautions related to COVID-19, we are not hosting our annual holiday event, Illume: Making Spirits, Bright in-person this year; however, we are producing a special virtual video presentation featuring culinary demonstrations and musical performances that highlight our community’s diverse culture. Visit the park’s social media channels at @sanpedrocreek to learn about the 3rd annual Illume: Making Spirits Bright virtual event which will take place, Saturday, December 12, 2020!
