San Antonio Riverwalk News – Santa and Mrs. Claus are back in 2023 with more glitter, glee, and toys to carry on this wonderful tradition of turning on the holidays!
The 42nd Annual Ford Holiday River Parade is a San Antonio tradition that offers a spectacular one-hour parade along the San Antonio River Walk. This year’s theme, Holiday Stories will kick off the San Antonio tradition of ringing in the holiday season.
Always held the day after Thanksgiving, the parade and river lighting ceremony will feature 28 illuminated floats and over 100,000 lights (2,250 strands) illuminating the River Walk. The lights turn on from sundown to sunrise every day until the weekend following New Year’s Day.
This ticketed parade begins Friday, November 24, 2023 at 6PM. at the Tobin Center and arrives later in other areas (check map). It is broadcast live at 7PM. at the Arneson River Theatre.
Tickets
Tickets are on sale now. Ticket prices range from $12.50 -$40 and are sold online. The majority of River Walk restaurants offer dinner packages. Tickets are non-refundable/non-exchangeable.
Several free viewing areas are offered on the parade route (bring your own chair). This space is available on a first-come, first-served basis: East side of the River Walk between Pecan Street and Richmond Ave.
Children 2 years of age or older will need a ticket.
Strollers, ice chests, and carriers are NOT allowed on the River Walk for this event.
ADA tickets are available in certain areas of the parade.
AREA R-GA is now Parade Plaza, sponsored by Taco Cabana, a new ticketed open-access viewing area with food and beverages available for purchase before and during the parade. This area is standing-room only, no chairs or outside food and drinks are allowed. The parade can be viewed from either side of the river.
Tickets for this area can be purchased at: https://www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com/events/ford-holiday-river-parade/ or at saobserver.com.
Friday, November 24, 2023
6:00PM-9:00 PM
Seating at Arneson River Theatre & on a 4-mile route on the River Walk
4PM – River Walk closes to general public
5PM – River Walk gates open for ticket holder access
6PM – Parade begins at the Tobin Center and arrives later in other areas (check map for times)
6-7PM – Pre-parade show for ticket holders in the Arneson
7PM – Lighting of the River Walk
7-8PM – Televised Parade – Santa on last float!
Parade on the River Walk is ticketed. Tickets can purchased at the above link.
