This River Walk Hotel Lights Up the Season with 1st Annual Tree Lighting

This River Walk Hotel Lights Up the Season with 1st Annual Tree Lighting During Ford Holiday River Parade

This River Walk Hotel, Hotel Contessa, spreads holiday cheer with First Annual Tree Lighting during Ford Holiday River Parade on Nov. 28.

WHAT:

Riverfront property Hotel Contessa is lighting up the season starting Nov. 28 with a watch party during the annual Ford Holiday River Parade. During the party, the hotel will host their first annual tree lighting on the River Terrace, inspiring even more cheer along the River Walk. See below for more details on the watch party and seating options, as well as some other festive happenings at the hotel.

Annual Ford Holiday River Parade Watch Party & First Annual Tree Lighting | Nov. 28, 5 to 7 p.m.

Guests can experience front-row views of San Antonio’s annual Ford Holiday River Parade at Hotel Contessa. Programming includes mariachis, a holiday DJ, a student-led musical ensemble, photos with Santa, hot cocoa, wine tastings and holiday treats, a crafting station for seasonal keepsakes and local vendors before the parade lights up the night.

Multiple ticket options are available:

General seating: Reserved river-level chairs with access to all pre-party activities, available for $50 per person.
Front-row seating: Closest to the river for the most immersive parade experience, available for $65 per person.
Marriage island VIP seating: Unobstructed views, upgraded chair, complimentary beverage and valet parking included for $85 per person.
Booking link: HERE

In addition to the parade festivities, guests can join Hotel Contessa for their first annual tree lighting on their River Terrace. The tree lighting will begin around 6:30 p.m. The parade is expected to arrive at Hotel Contessa shortly after 7 p.m.

Ford Holiday VIP Terrace Party | Nov. 28, 5:30 to 9 p.m.

To upgrade their parade experience, guests who are 21+ can purchase tickets for access to an exclusive party on the second-floor terrace overlooking the River Walk. For $75, guests will receive two handcrafted cocktails at the private bar, chef-inspired appetizers, a live holiday DJ and festive entertainment, express chair massages from the Spa at Hotel Contessa, a luxury crafting station and access to raffle entry for a one-night stay at Hotel Contessa in 2026. There are limited parade views from the terrace level; for optimal viewing, guests are encouraged to purchase a parade seat in addition to the VIP upgrade. VIP terrace guests receive 15% off parade seating with code “VIP.”

Booking link: HERE

VIP River Parade Dining Experience at Ambler | Nov. 28, 5 to 9:30 p.m.

Hotel Contessa’s on-site restaurant Ambler will offer a private, elevated dining experience that provides prime views of the parade from the River Walk patio. Tickets will grant guests a three-course dinner with shareables, valet parking, two signature cocktails each or a bottle of Prosecco, access to the parade watch party and more. A kids menu will also be available.

The following tickets are available for purchase:

Table of four: $600
Individual tickets: $175
Booking link: HERE

Hotel Contessa will keep the holiday spirit alive following the parade with additional happenings:

“Texas Twinkle” Holiday Brunch + SA Philharmonic Performance, Dec. 6, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Ambler will be activating with an elevated brunch featuring items like eggnog French toast and brisket hash, a spiked hot cocoa bar and music from the San Antonio Philharmonic string quartet. During brunch, a holiday market featuring seasonal vendors and gifts perfect for the season will pop up on the River Walk patio.

Booking link: HERE

Cookies and Cocktails Workshop | Dec. 6, 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Local decorator Sift & Sip will guide guests through a 1.5-hour cookie class, where each participant will make a holiday cocktail and cookie pairing. Limited spots are available; guests can book for $75.