Here’s what to know if you plan to attend H-E-B tree lighting, 43rd annual Ford Holiday River Parade

Tree lighting ceremony will begin at 6 p.m.

Illuminated floats will light up San Antonio River Walk for Ford Holiday River Parade

SAN ANTONIO – Two beloved holiday downtown traditions will return to bring a bundle of holiday joy on Friday.

The H-E-B Christmas Tree Lighting at Travis Park and the Ford Holiday River Parade are celebrations held the day after Thanksgiving.

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H-E-B Christmas Tree Lighting

The free H-E-B Tree Lighting will kick off with holiday festivities at 4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29, at Travis Park.

The 40-foot Nordmann Fir tree from Oregon will illuminate more than 10,000 sparkling white lights along with colorful handmade ornaments.

Attendees can expect to see the following activities to enjoy at the Christmas event:

  • Holiday crafts
  • Food trucks
  • Giveaways
  • Letters to Santa
  • Live entertainment
  • Special visit from Santa

The lighting ceremony will begin at 6 p.m. followed by a movie screening at 7 p.m. of “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.”

Ford Holiday River Parade

The 4-mile route parade starts at 6 p.m. on Nov. 29 at the Tobin Center. The lighting of the River Walk will begin at 7 p.m. The parade is expected to end at 9 p.m.

The River Walk will close to the general public starting at 4 p.m., but it will be reopened for ticket holders at 5 p.m.

This year’s theme is “Toy Box Adventures.” Frost Bank CEO Phil Green will serve as the parade’s grand marshal.

Attendees can enjoy watching the illuminated floats glide along the River Walk, surrounded by over 2,250 strings with 100,000 holiday lights.

There are several free viewing areas along the route where you can bring your own chair on a first-come, first-served basis.

However, if you would rather watch from the Arneson River Theatre or selected route areas, tickets range from $12.50 to $40. Children ages 2 and younger do not require a ticket.

Heads up, attendees: strollers, carriers or ice chests are not allowed at the River Walk for the event.

For more additional details on the parade and where to find tickets, click here.

Parking:

Some nearby parking lots and garages in the downtown area from the City of San Antonio website include:

  • St. Mary’s Garage: Located at 205 E Travis St.
  • Houston Street Garage: Located at 111 College St.
  • City Tower Garage: Located at 60 N Flores St.
  • Central Library Garage: Located at 600 Soledad
  • Convention Center Garage: Located at 41 S Bowie St. and 850 E. Commerce St.
  • Houston/Nolan Lot: Located at Houston at Elm under the Interstate 37 underpass.
  • Houston Street Garage: Located at 111 College St.
  • Martinez Parking Lot: Located at S. Alamo and Martinez Streets.
  • S Alamo Street: Located at 418 S Alamo.

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About the Author
Andrea K. Moreno headshot

Andrea K. Moreno is a News Trainee at KSAT. She graduated from Texas State University with an electronic media degree and a minor in psychology. She also attended San Antonio College, where she held several positions at The Ranger, now known as The Sundial, for three years.

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