San Antonio River Walk passenger barge gliding beneath arched stone bridges surrounded by illuminated cypress trees
Outdoors

San Antonio River Walk Thanksgiving Weekend Family River Cruise & Promenade

Through Nov 29Nov 27 – Nov 29 · 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM · Thanksgiving Weekend: Friday, November 27 through Sunday, November 29, 2026; Narrated river cruises operate 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily; Holiday river lighting illuminates at dusk Friday

San Antonio River Walk (Downtown & Rivercenter)849 E Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78205 · 0.3 mi approx. from San AntonioDirections

All ages welcome; stroller-accessible elevators from street level; quiet electric passenger river barges

From $12Free public walking along River Walk paths; GO RIO 35-minute narrated river cruise $12 for children (ages 1–5), $14.50 (ages 6–17), $16.50 adults

About this adventure

Thanksgiving weekend marks the enchanting debut of the holiday season on the world-famous San Antonio River Walk. Beginning Thanksgiving Friday, over 100,000 twinkling holiday lights drape from the branches of towering cypress trees lining the river. Families can embark on a 35-minute narrated GO RIO electric river barge cruise through the downtown horseshoe loop, learning about San Antonio's rich cultural history while gliding beneath historic stone bridges. Family-friendly riverside cafes, mariachi serenades, and festive riverside paths offer an iconic Texas holiday evening for all generations. Family Experience & Accessibility: • Stroller Accessibility: Elevator access to the River Walk level is available at Commerce Street and the Shops at Rivercenter; electric barges can accommodate folded lightweight strollers. • Nursing & Rest Spots: Restrooms and quiet seating located inside the Shops at Rivercenter mall and Arneson River Theatre terrace. • Age Suitability: Enchanting for children of all ages, teens, parents, and grandparents. • Sensory Tips: River cruises offer a smooth, quiet glide on electric boats; festive evening crowds gather along Commerce Street bridges, while daytime cruises are unhurried and peaceful.

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