SAN ANTONIO – What are you doing on New Year’s Eve?
You officially have an invitation from the San Antonio Parks Foundation to ring in 2025 at Celebrate SA — the city’s official New Year’s Eve celebration.
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Celebrate SA will take place in and around Hemisfair, La Villita, Market Street and the River Walk. There will be live music and activities throughout the night, and of course, a fireworks show at midnight.
The event, which is put on by the San Antonio Parks Foundation, kicks off at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 31. It is free to the public.
“We are thrilled to host this event as part of our mission to enhance and preserve San Antonio’s parks while fostering community connections,” Mary Jane Verette, president and CEO of the San Antonio Parks Foundation, said on the foundation’s website. “The Celebrate SA New Year’s Eve Party in Downtown San Antonio, along with activities at Civic Park and La Villita, are wonderful opportunities for the community to come together, have fun, and enjoy our unique culture.”
According to the foundation’s website, this year’s event will honor Mayor Ron Nirenberg as he completes his fourth and final term in May. Nirenberg will give remarks and lead the countdown to 2025, the website states.
Here’s what to expect:
Entertainment
Market Street
- 6-9 p.m.: Performance by DJ Celebr8 on the main stage.
- 9 p.m.: Live music and dancing, with a performance by Melange by Intensity Entertainment.
Civic Park at Hemisfair (6 p.m. - midnight)
- Performance by Cumbiatron.
- Dance party on the lawn.
- Photo booth by Dru Photo.
- Spectacular midnight fireworks display.
- Suggested donation: $25 per person (or $150+ for perks like a picnic blanket and drink tickets).
Yanaguana Garden at Hemisfair
- 6-8 p.m: Family-focused activities including crafts, music, and games for kids.
- 8 p.m.: Special kids' countdown.
- There will also be a carnival hosted by AC Amusements in the South Alamo Lot behind Magik Theatre.
Historic La Villita
- Winter Wonderland Village: Life-sized display created by St. Philips College Allied Construction Trades/Construction Technology students.
- Gingerbread Student Bake-Off Competition: Culinary creations by St. Philip’s Culinary Arts/Baking & Pastry Arts students
San Antonio River Walk
- Additional activities and performances will span the River Walk area.
Parking
Downtown Tuesday will be temporarily suspended on Tuesday, Dec. 31.
Event parking rates will apply at city parking facilities, and regular meter rates will also be in effect.
Event attendees are advised that street closures may impact the availability of metered parking in some areas.
“Given the high expected crowds, we’re going to be suspending that program, so there will not be free parking on New Year’s Eve. The program will resume after the holidays,” said Kelly Saunders, with the City of San Antonio’s Center City Development & Operations Department.
Tips
Visitors are strongly encouraged to arrive early to avoid disruptions caused by traffic and construction projects. Consider using public transportation, ride-share services, taxis, biking, or walking.
Plan to leave early, and consult a navigation app, such as Google Maps or Waze, to find the best route to your destination.
For more information about parking and event-related activities, visit the city’s Know Before You Go Downtown website.
The city also started more drainage work at the corner of South Alamo and East Nueva streets. The overall project stretches from Cesar Chavez to Market Street. There are updated pedestrian walkways due to the construction in the area.
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