Celebrate the season in Socorro with our comprehensive event guide. Whether you're a Socorro native or a curious explorer, this guide illuminates the city's festive charm.
Popular events in Socorro include the Ford Holiday River Parade and River Lighting Ceremony, where enchanting light displays and a festive procession create a vibrant atmosphere. The Luminarias on the Plaza & Music showcases beautiful traditional luminarias accompanied by live music that enhances the holiday spirit. And the Holiday Electric Light Parade is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring dazzling floats that light up the night. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Please contact us if you have suggestions or corrections!
Join the Socorro Discussion!
Top Holiday Events In and Around Socorro
- Ford Holiday River Parade and River Lighting Ceremony (San Antonio)
- Santa's Wonderland (College Station)
- Holiday Electric Light Parade
- Luminarias on the Plaza & Music
- 65th Annual Historic Home Tour and Holiday Market (Fredericksburg)
- Christmas In The Park (Cuero)
- Home for the Holidays Market of Midland (Midland)
- 10th Annual Socorro Fire Department Matanza
- Sealy Fantasy of Lights Parade (Sealy)
- Winter Wonderland in the Historic District
See these and even more events listed below!
Socorro Holiday Light Displays
Luminarias on the Plaza & Music
What to Expect:
Santa Claus visit amidst historic plaza luminarias.
Description:
Luminarias on the Plaza & Music is an annual holiday event in Socorro's Historic Plaza, featuring luminarias, food, beverages, and entertainment. Santa Claus will be present in a gazebo, and the official lighting of the Holiday Tree will highlight the evening.
Where: Socorro | More Info: Luminarias on the Plaza & Music
Holiday Electric Light Parade
What to Expect:
Vibrant light display along historic streets.
Description:
The Holiday Electric Light Parade in Socorro, New Mexico, features a spectacular display of lights and color along southbound California Street from Sedillo Park to the Historic Plaza. This event draws visitors from near and far, offering a delightful evening of festive lights and holiday cheer.
Where: Socorro | More Info: Holiday Electric Light Parade
Winter Wonderland in the Historic District
What to Expect:
Holiday light and luminaria display in a historic setting.
Description:
The Historic District in Socorro transforms into a vibrant display of lights and decorations on Christmas Eve, featuring many luminarias. This festive event showcases the town's holiday spirit, making it a special sight to behold.
Where: Socorro | More Info: Winter Wonderland in the Historic District
Ford Holiday River Parade and River Lighting Ceremony
What to Expect:
Whimsical floats and over 100,000 holiday lights.
Description:
The Ford Holiday River Parade and River Lighting Ceremony is a cherished San Antonio tradition featuring 27 beautifully illuminated floats, 5 entertainment floats, and over 100,000 holiday lights. This year's theme, Toy Box Adventures, promises a whimsical experience for all ages. The event kicks off the holiday season with Grand Marshal Phil Green, CEO of Frost Bank, and includes a live broadcast at the Arneson River Theatre.
Where: San Antonio | More Info: Ford Holiday River Parade and River Lighting Ceremony
Santa's Wonderland
What to Expect:
World's largest Christmas park with REAL Texas snow and ice.
Description:
Santa's Wonderland in College Station, Texas, is the world's largest Christmas park, featuring millions of dazzling lights, REAL Texas snow and ice, and a multitude of cheerful attractions. Discover delightful shops and indulge in delicious grub. Enjoy activities like hayrides, train rides, bull rides, and photo ops. Meet Texas Santa and experience snow tubing and nightly live entertainment.
Where: College Station | More Info: Santa's Wonderland
Christmas In The Park
What to Expect:
Drive-through light display with community volunteering.
Description:
Cuero's Christmas in the Park is a drive-through tour of lights featuring hundreds of scenes and thousands of LEDs, with free entry and donations accepted. The event includes Hot Chocolate Nights on Thursdays in December and a Live Nativity on select nights before Christmas.
Where: Cuero | More Info: Christmas In The Park
Sealy Fantasy of Lights Parade
What to Expect:
Dazzling floats and festive decorations.
Description:
The Sealy Fantasy of Lights Parade features beautifully decorated floats, marching bands, and Santa Claus, transforming the streets into a spectacular display of lights and holiday spirit.
Where: Sealy | More Info: Sealy Fantasy of Lights Parade
Holiday in the Park at Lake Brownwood State Park
What to Expect:
Drive-through holiday lights display with decorated campsites.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season at Lake Brownwood State Park with a drive-through holiday lights display. Campers' decorated campsites will be visible as you drive through, and the Group Dining Hall offers a fire and ornament-painting activity. The event is free, with donations collected for the Brown County Humane Society.
Where: Brownwood | More Info: Holiday in the Park at Lake Brownwood State Park
Light the Night Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Illuminated floats and festive atmosphere on historic Main Street.
Description:
The Light the Night Christmas Parade in Fredericksburg, Texas, is a beautifully illuminated holiday event that rolls down Main Street between Washington and Bowie Streets. The parade features festive floats, food, and drinks, culminating in a visit from Santa at Marktplatz Market Square.
Where: Fredericksburg | More Info: Light the Night Christmas Parade
Windcrest Light Up
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday light display with various judging categories.
Description:
The Windcrest Light Up is a decades-old tradition where residents decorate their homes with elaborate holiday lights. Celebrations begin with the Windcrest Dedication Tree Lighting Ceremony and continue with Candy Cane Lane and the official Light-Up Celebration Kickoff at City Hall. The event features music, vendors, food, hot chocolate, and photos with Santa. The public is invited to drive along neighborhood streets to view the brightly lit house displays.
Where: Windcrest | More Info: Windcrest Light Up
Westover Field of Lights
What to Expect:
Synchronized light display with family-friendly activities.
Description:
Immerse yourself in over 300,000 synchronized lights while listening to your favorite Christmas music and making holiday memories that last a lifetime. Join us at the Westover Sports Complex for a festive evening filled with light shows, kid-friendly activities, and multiple photo opportunities.
Where: San Antonio | More Info: Westover Field of Lights
Ford Fiesta de las Luminarias
What to Expect:
Traditional Mexican Christmas lanterns along the San Antonio River Walk.
Description:
The Ford Fiesta de las Luminarias is a centuries-old tradition where over 2,000 traditional Mexican Christmas lanterns, known as Luminarias, line the San Antonio River Walk. These lanterns, consisting of candles set in sand inside small bags, illuminate the riverbanks, accompanied by Ford Holiday Boat Caroling. This event adds a warm and historic touch to the holiday season.
Where: San Antonio | More Info: Ford Fiesta de las Luminarias
Socorro Holiday Markets and Shopping
Home for the Holidays Market of Midland
What to Expect:
Face-to-face interactions with local artists and small businesses.
Description:
The Home for the Holidays Gift Market of Midland offers a unique shopping experience with over 100 merchants selling new, unique, and one-of-a-kind gifts. Enjoy face-to-face interactions with local artists and small businesses in a festive atmosphere filled with holiday smells and decorations.
Where: Midland | More Info: Home for the Holidays Market of Midland
65th Annual Historic Home Tour and Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Self-guided tour of historic homes and a holiday market.
Description:
Explore seven historic homes and the Pioneer Memorial Library during the 65th Annual Historic Home Tour and Holiday Market in Fredericksburg. The event showcases Fredericksburg's architecture and features a holiday market with 20 boutique vendors.
Where: Fredericksburg | More Info: 65th Annual Historic Home Tour and Holiday Market
Palestine Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Local artisans and small businesses selling unique holiday gifts.
Description:
The Palestine Christmas Market offers a variety of vendors selling gifts and seasonal items, along with live music, food, and fun activities like face painting and axe throwing.
Where: Palestine | More Info: Palestine Christmas Market
Weihnachtsmarkt
What to Expect:
Exclusive German-style Christmas shopping experience with authentic collectibles and unique decorations.
Description:
The Weihnachtsmarkt is a German-style Christmas market in New Braunfels, offering authentic collectibles, unique decorations, specialty items, and fabulous gifts. It features a variety of retail merchants and artisans, with food and beverages available for purchase. The event benefits the Sophienburg Museum Archives, supporting museum operations and educational programming.
Where: New Braunfels | More Info: Weihnachtsmarkt
Holiday Art Market
What to Expect:
Over 100 unique artisan vendors and interactive holiday activities.
Description:
The Holiday Art Market at the Tobin Center features unique hand-crafted items from local artists and artisans, including home decor, gourmet food, accessories, and gifts. Enjoy live holiday music, interactive performances, and festive food and drinks.
Where: San Antonio | More Info: Holiday Art Market
Oma's Christmas Fair
What to Expect:
Unique handmade crafts and festive activities with Santa.
Description:
Oma's Christmas Fair is a 39-year-old Handcrafted Market Show featuring three buildings of unique merchandise from over 100 vendors across Texas. The event includes Santa Land with activities like a coloring contest, lunch with Santa, and free photos. It also offers door prizes, raffles, and a food and toy drive.
Where: San Antonio | More Info: Oma's Christmas Fair
Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Diverse marketplace with chic holiday shopping.
Description:
The Junior League of San Antonio's Holiday Olé Market is a four-day shopping fundraiser featuring over 80 local, regional, and national merchants offering the latest in fashion, beauty, home décor, unique gifts, and holiday merchandise.
Where: San Antonio | More Info: Holiday Market
Holiday River Walk Artisan Show
What to Expect:
Unique handmade crafts and local artisans.
Description:
The Holiday River Walk Artisan Show features over 40 artisans selling handmade goods, including pottery, textiles, jewelry, woodwork, paintings, and beadwork, along the San Antonio River Walk.
Where: San Antonio | More Info: Holiday River Walk Artisan Show
Socorro Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Traders Village Christmas
What to Expect:
Free Santa visits without photo package purchase.
Description:
Visit Traders Village San Antonio to see Santa and Mrs. Claus on the Main Stage under the Brown Expo. Enjoy free admission and parking for $6.00. Bring your own phone to take photos without purchasing a photo package. This event is open every weekend from December 7 to December 22.
Where: Houston | More Info: Traders Village Christmas
A Magical Cirque Christmas
What to Expect:
World-class entertainers performing to favorite holiday music.
Description:
A Magical Cirque Christmas is a holiday variety show featuring world-class entertainers performing to your favorite holiday music. The event includes stunning costumes, extraordinary talent, and awe-inspiring performances for all ages.
Where: San Antonio | More Info: A Magical Cirque Christmas
The Polar Express Experience
What to Expect:
Holiday movie screening with Santa meet-and-greet and golden ticket surprises.
Description:
Join the Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre for The Polar Express Experience, where families can enjoy a holiday movie screening, meet Santa at the Train Museum, and receive golden tickets for potential surprises. Snuggle up in comfortable seats to experience The Polar Express like never before on the big screen.
Where: San Antonio | More Info: The Polar Express Experience
The Hip Hop Nutcracker
What to Expect:
High-powered choreography blending hip-hop with Tchaikovsky's music.
Description:
The Hip Hop Nutcracker is a contemporary dance spectacle set to Tchaikovsky's timeless music, featuring a supercharged cast of all-star dancers, a DJ, a violinist, and MC Kurtis Blow. This remixed and reimagined version of the classic celebrates love, community, and the magic of the holiday season with high-powered choreography and a very modern storyline.
Where: San Antonio | More Info: The Hip Hop Nutcracker
Will Hearn’s Grand Ol’ Christmas Show
What to Expect:
Retro radio show blending classic Christmas songs with sketch comedy.
Description:
Will Hearn’s Grand Ol’ Christmas Show is a retro radio show featuring all-time favorite Christmas classics and sketch comedy antics. It is an original production by The Grand Ol’ Production Company, showcasing Americana standout Blue Water Highway and a cast of the best artists and entertainers in Texas. This tribute to American Christmas traditions cleverly blends heartfelt nostalgia with contemporary pop-culture satire, making it an inspiring holiday tradition that gets better every year.
Where: San Antonio | More Info: Will Hearn’s Grand Ol’ Christmas Show
Folklórico Nutcracker
What to Expect:
Texas-themed Nutcracker ballet performance.
Description:
The San Antonio Philharmonic presents a unique holiday performance of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker, reimagined to celebrate San Antonio's diverse traditions and cultures. The event features the San Antonio Ballet School and pays homage to the city's rich heritage, blending timeless melodies with vibrant dance.
Where: San Antonio | More Info: Folklórico Nutcracker
The Nutcracker
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with a large children's cast and live music.
Description:
Ballet San Antonio's The Nutcracker features a children's cast of over 100 local children, live music by the CMI Orchestra, and community heroes in the role of Mother Ginger. This production brings dream characters to life, including the Nutcracker Prince, Clara, Mouse Queen, Snow Queen, and Sugar Plum Fairy.
Where: San Antonio | More Info: The Nutcracker
Whimsical Wonders
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday dance performance with a live string quartet.
Description:
Whimsical Wonders is a festive Christmas performance presented by Designed to Dance Company, featuring fun Christmas dances and a Dancing Nativity. The event includes two shows on December 6th at 11:00 AM and 6:30 PM, with a cast party following the morning show.
Where: San Antonio | More Info: Whimsical Wonders
The Nuttier Cracker
What to Expect:
Multifaceted entertainer William L. Martin brings laughter and joy to the stage.
Description:
The Nuttier Cracker is a holiday comedy show featuring William L. Martin, affectionately known as Cowboy Bill, who brings heartwarming, family-centered tales and uplifting spirits through his one-of-a-kind humor. The event includes stand-up, sketch comedy, singing, and more, making it a standout in the world of comedy.
Where: San Antonio | More Info: The Nuttier Cracker
The Long Christmas Dinner
What to Expect:
A poignant exploration of family dynamics and tradition through generations.
Description:
The Long Christmas Dinner by Thornton Wilder showcases the lives of several generations of the Bayard family over nine decades, highlighting their Christmas dinners and the enduring bonds between them. This play breaks the boundaries of time, inviting the audience to partake in a long, happy Christmas dinner spanning past, present, and future.
Where: San Antonio | More Info: The Long Christmas Dinner
Sounds of the Season
What to Expect:
Sophisticated cappella quartet with Grammy-winning vocalists performing original holiday arrangements.
Description:
Tinsel, a cappella quartet, performs contemporary and classic Christmas carols with professional, classically trained vocalists. Their original arrangements blend jazz and classical music, adding sophistication to holiday favorites while respecting tradition.
Where: Boerne | More Info: Sounds of the Season
Ford Holiday Boat Caroling
What to Expect:
Live Christmas caroling from boats on the San Antonio River Walk.
Description:
Celebrate the timeless tradition of spreading joy with a San Antonio twist by singing holiday carols from a boat on the River Walk. The public is encouraged to enjoy the caroling for free from the banks of the river or while seated on a restaurant patio.
Where: San Antonio | More Info: Ford Holiday Boat Caroling
Lighting of the Lights
What to Expect:
Annual Christmas tree lighting with local performances.
Description:
The Lighting of the Lights at City Hall in Helotes features local elementary school choirs and the Helotes Area Community Band performing during the annual Christmas tree lighting event. Complimentary coffee and water will be available, and parking is on-site at the Municipal Complex.
Where: Helotes | More Info: Lighting of the Lights
Kenny G- The Miracles Holiday and Hits Tour
What to Expect:
Legendary saxophonist performing iconic holiday and jazz music.
Description:
Grammy-winning saxophonist Kenny G brings his Miracles Holiday and Hits Tour to the Majestic Theatre, featuring a blend of holiday classics and timeless hits.
Where: San Antonio | More Info: Kenny G- The Miracles Holiday and Hits Tour
Doc Watkins- Charlie Brown Christmas
What to Expect:
Jazz interpretation of a holiday classic with an 11-piece orchestra.
Description:
Doc Watkins presents a jazz-infused rendition of the beloved holiday classic "A Charlie Brown Christmas," featuring his 11-piece orchestra at the H-E-B Performance Hall.
Where: San Antonio | More Info: Doc Watkins- Charlie Brown Christmas
Mariachi Sol de Mexico presents Jose Hernandez’ Merry-Achi Christmas
What to Expect:
Authentic Mexican music celebration with a 13-piece mariachi band.
Description:
Mariachi Sol de Mexico, led by maestro Jose Hernandez, presents their annual Merry-Achi Christmas Concert. This event features traditional Mexican carols and a fusion of Mexican and American Christmas songs performed by an incredible 13-piece mariachi ensemble.
Where: San Antonio | More Info: Mariachi Sol de Mexico presents Jose Hernandez’ Merry-Achi Christmas
A Holiday Spectacular
What to Expect:
Youth orchestras and children's chorus performing classic Christmas songs.
Description:
Join Youth Orchestras of San Antonio (YOSA) and the Children's Chorus of San Antonio (CCSA) for an evening filled with classic Christmas songs and other holiday favorites. Featuring lively orchestral arrangements and poignant choral pieces, this concert promises to delight audiences of all ages.
Where: San Antonio | More Info: A Holiday Spectacular
Socorro Other Holiday Activities
10th Annual Socorro Fire Department Matanza
What to Expect:
Traditional New Mexican cuisine celebration with a pig roast.
Description:
The 10th Annual Socorro Fire Department Matanza is a community event celebrating traditional New Mexican cuisine with a pig roast, featuring carne adovada, chicharrónes, and red chile. The event takes place at Socorro's Historic Plaza, offering a festive atmosphere with local music and vendors.
Where: Socorro | More Info: 10th Annual Socorro Fire Department Matanza
Port Arthur Holiday Parade
What to Expect:
Cultural celebration with marching bands and floats.
Description:
The Port Arthur Holiday Parade is a festive event where the city's diverse cultures come together for a downtown parade. Marching bands, floats, and participants will line up in designated parking lots before proceeding through the streets. The event emphasizes safety with each entry requiring two parade walkers and clear signage for participants.
Where: Port Arthur | More Info: Port Arthur Holiday Parade
Helotes Hill Country Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Holiday parade with Candyland-themed floats.
Description:
The Helotes Hill Country Christmas Parade is a festive holiday event where all parade entries are decorated with beautiful lights. Families enjoy this tradition as they watch the illuminated floats and participate in the Candyland Christmas theme.
Where: Helotes | More Info: Helotes Hill Country Christmas Parade
Holidazzle
What to Expect:
Free ice skating and snow angel play area.
Description:
Holidazzle in Schertz, TX, features Breakfast with Santa, the Kris Kringle Market, holiday treats, winter wonderland activities, and a lighted night parade.
Where: Schertz | More Info: Holidazzle
Santa's Railroad Wonderland
What to Expect:
Holiday-themed train rides and Santa visits.
Description:
Santa's Railroad Wonderland is a holiday celebration featuring decorated museum areas, train rides, and visits from Santa Claus.
Where: San Antonio | More Info: Santa's Railroad Wonderland
First Responder’s Breakfast with Santa
What to Expect:
Complimentary breakfast and special treat bags for children.
Description:
Join the Helotes First Responders Breakfast with Santa at the Helotes Fire Station for a heartwarming morning of joy and gratitude. Enjoy a complimentary breakfast, special treat bags for children, and photo opportunities with Santa.
Where: Helotes | More Info: First Responder’s Breakfast with Santa
Kinder Fest
What to Expect:
Santa Scavenger Hunt and holiday activities for all ages.
Description:
Kinder Fest is a family-friendly event hosted by the Boerne Retail & Restaurant Owners Association, featuring activities like a Santa Scavenger Hunt, Cookie Crawl, and visits with Santa.
Where: Boerne | More Info: Kinder Fest
Christmas at Tejas
What to Expect:
Spiritual retreat with family activities.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season at Tejas with family-friendly activities, cozy lodging, and spiritual reflection.
Where: San Antonio | More Info: Christmas at Tejas
Cinema on Will’s Plaza
What to Expect:
Free outdoor movie screenings with a 32-foot LED video wall.
Description:
Join us for a FREE movie night out on the Will Naylor Smith River Walk Plaza at The Tobin Center. The plaza opens at 6:00 PM, and the screening begins at 7:00 PM. Enjoy the movie on our 32-foot LED video wall with full concessions and a bar available. No pets or outside food and drinks are allowed. Bring lawn chairs or blankets to ensure a comfortable viewing experience.
Where: San Antonio | More Info: Cinema on Will’s Plaza
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Socorro Mission Number 1 Colonia (1 miles)
- El Paso (13 miles)