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San Antonio River Authority

River of Lights

River of Lights Promotional Image

Saturday, December 13 | 4PM - 8PM | San Antonio River Lock & Dam on the Museum Reach

Bring the whole family to the San San Antonio River Lock & Dam on the Museum Reach for a FREE winter celebration filled with outdoor fun, music, games, and real snow!

Attended our River of Lights event? We’d love your feedback! Please take a moment to complete our short survey.

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Festival Fun

Experience the Magic of the Museum Reach River of Lights!
Join us along the San Antonio River Museum Reach for a festive evening filled with holiday cheer. Enjoy lights, family fun, and seasonal activities as we celebrate the holidays together on the river.
 
Take pictures with Santa or go play in the 100,000 pounds of real snow after sliding down one of our 2 snow slides. View our Holiday Animal Display while listening to live musical performances. Don’t forget to browse through our Holiday Market and grab a bite to eat at our many food truck vendors. 
 
A woman stands behind a table dressed in festive Christmas gear near the vendor market.
Museum Reach River of Lights 30 ft. Musical Holiday Tree at the Lock & Dam.

Main Stage Schedule

Get serenaded by the jams and tunes of the River of Lights live performances. Check out the stage schedule below!
 
Holiday Stage Schedule:
  • 4:00 PM – Stephanie Bergara
  • 5:15 PM – The San Antonio Jazz Collective
  • 6:30 PM – The Sideman Syndicate
 
River Stage Schedule:
  • 4:00 PM – Live Oak Singers
  • 4:30 PM – Ballet Folklorico Performance
  • 5:00 PM – Red Riding Hood – Magic Theater
  • 6:15 PM – Lanier High School Jazz Band
  • 7:00 PM – Red Riding Hood – Magik Theatre
River of Lights shot of the crowd near the performance stage.
A woman police officer sings into a microphone on stage
A choir of children sing on stage dressed in festive Christmas wear.

Parking Information

550 Brooklyn Ave, San Antonio, TX 78215
Dec. 13 | 4 PM – 8 PM

**Parking near the Lock & Dam is limited, so here are some tips to make your visit smooth:

  • Street Parking: Available along Brooklyn Ave and nearby streets. Meters are enforced 8 a.m.–6 p.m. Mon–Sat; after 6 p.m., many meters are free. Always check signage.
  • Pay-to-Use Lots: Various Parking Lots are available along McCollough, Brooklyn, 8th, and 9th Streets between St. Mary’s and Broadway.
  • VIA routes 5 on McCollough, 8 on St. Mary’s and 9 down Broadway are most convenient. Consider taking transit to avoid parking hassles.
  • Plan ahead: Carpool, rideshare, or walk if possible, and arrive early — spaces fill quickly!

Thank you for helping us keep River of Lights a safe, clean, and enjoyable evening for all!

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Get Involved

Thank you for joining us at the 2025 River of Lights Event! Please check back next year for more opportunities to get involved with the River Authority and our events.

Attended our River of Lights event? We’d love your feedback! Please take a moment to complete our short survey.
Take the Survey
Non-Profit, Retail, & Education Vendor Information
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Alerts

Mission Reach Area Maintenance

January 6, 2026
When: Beginning October 20, 2025 through Spring 2026 What: Crews will be performing stem-density removal and related vegetation maintenance along sections of the Mission Reach to help manage flood risk and protect surrounding infrastructure. Some trails or segments may be closed temporarily while work is underway. Why: Removing excess stems that naturally establish along the river helps maintain stormwater conveyance, reduces flood risk, and protects public infrastructure while allowing grassland and native vegetation to recover and thrive. What to expect:
  • Limited trail closures and intermittent work zones.
  • Crews and equipment working near the riverbanks during daytime hours.
  • Parking areas remain open, but visitors may see signage and temporary barriers.
Questions? Call the San Antonio River Authority at (210) 227-1373 or visit https://www.sariverauthority.org/services/river-health/ecosystems/. Thank you for your patience while we keep the Mission Reach safe, clean, and enjoyable. Stem Density work 12.10.2025-12.19.2025

Trail Closure Alert – Calder Alley, San Pedro Creek

September 12, 2025
Maintenance work will be done in Calder Alley starting Wednesday, September 18, 2025.
  • Trails will remain open during this work.
  • One bench at a time will be temporarily barricaded while improvements are completed.
  • There may be occasional contractor pickups in the area.
We appreciate your patience as we continue to maintain and improve San Pedro Creek for all to enjoy!

SASPAMCO Paddling Trail

June 30, 2025
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. 

SASPAMCO Paddling Trail Temporarily Closed

June 30, 2025
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.

Goliad Paddling Trail Alert

June 30, 2025
NOTICE: HWY 59 Landing Site Closed Due to TxDOT construction on the HWY 59 Bridge, the HWY 59 landing site is closed until further notice. However, the Goliad Paddling Trail remains open, and paddlers can still access the river at the Riverdale, Ferry Street, and Goliad State Park landings. Please plan accordingly and check back for updates.
Current Conditions

River Reach Newsletter and Blog Signup

River Reach is offered as a printed, physical mailing to your residence or business. The Blog is a weekly electronic email with news and updates in order to be more environmentally conscious. Please fill out the form below and indicate your preferred method of delivery.

By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing materials from: San Antonio River Authority, 100 East Guenther St., San Antonio, TX, 78204, US. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.