SAN ANTONIO – Two beloved celebrations returned to downtown San Antonio on Friday, bringing festive cheer.
The H-E-B Christmas Tree Lighting at Travis Park and the Ford Holiday River Parade are traditionally held the day after Thanksgiving.
H-E-B Christmas tree lighting ceremony
The free celebration kicked off with holiday festivities at 4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28, at Travis Park.
The 50-foot-tall grand fir was decorated with more than 10,000 sparkling lights and filled with dozens of handmade ornaments.
WATCH BELOW: H-E-B Christmas tree lighting ceremony in downtown San Antonio
Attendees enjoyed plenty of exciting activities, including letters to Santa, live entertainment, holiday crafts, giveaways and more.
VIA said it was partnering with H-E-B to provide free rides to the holiday event, according to a news release.
The lighting ceremony began at 6 p.m. on Friday.
Ford Holiday River Parade
The parade started at 6 p.m. on Nov. 28 at the Tobin Center. A live broadcast was also held at 7:05 p.m. from the Arneson River Theatre.
This year’s theme is “Merry Movie Magic.” Buddy the Elf, from the 2003 film “Elf,” served as the 2025 grand marshal.
The parade featured more than 30 floats and 100,000+ holiday lights along the river path. Floats were dedicated to the holiday season’s most iconic films, according to the parade’s website.
Read also: