By: Allegra Zwaan, Alamo Special Events Coordinator
According to Travel + Leisure magazine, San Antonio, Texas is America’s favorite city for Christmas Lights, and here at the Alamo we have to agree that it is a wonderful place to spend the holidays! San Antonio offers the opportunity to enjoy a city full of lights and festivities, and one of the best gifts you can give to family and friends is quality time and unforgettable memories. While the holidays may almost be over, there are still plenty of activities to enjoy in San Antonio!
Every year on the day after Thanksgiving, the HEB Christmas Tree is lit in Alamo Plaza. This is the 32nd year for the event to take place and this year’s tree is the top of a 55-foot majestic white fir from the Shasta Mountains in Northern California. The spectacular tree offers great photo-taking opportunities, especially with the Alamo in the background! The tree will be up until January 9.
The day after Thanksgiving, the Ford Holiday River Parade & Light Festival kicks off the holidays by illuminating the Riverwalk. The beautiful light display located on the downtown portion of the river is free to attend and walk through. The Riverwalk stays lit through January 9.
The drive-thru Christmas Light Fest at Don Strange Ranch features more than 2 million lights. Along with all of the lights, the fest features food, drinks, and plenty of family fun in Santa’s Village. There are visits from Santa each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night before Christmas. He will be available to listen to holiday wishes and take plenty of pictures. The fest will take place until December 31.
The 58th annual Windcrest Light Up is a San Antonio tradition, where residents decorate their homes with elaborate displays of holiday lights. A contest with various judging categories takes place in order to choose the most beautifully decorated homes. The public is invited to drive through the neighborhood streets to view the displays and the City of Windcrest creates a map featuring the locations of the winners. The displays will be up until December 31.
SeaWorld San Antonio is hosting its annual Christmas Celebration until January 1. Their celebration features Christmas shows, holiday lights, festive foods, Santa Claus, and guests can even meet Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. With 5 million lights, it is the largest display of lights in Texas.
From November 19 to January 2, Six Flags Fiesta Texas presents Holiday in the Park. The theme park is transformed into a winter wonderland featuring dazzling lights, terrific shows, and two holiday light and music experiences. All of this is in addition to their regular programming and rides.
The University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) hosts Light the Way annually to celebrate the holiday season. 2016 marks the 30th anniversary of the event. The lights illuminate the university and line a portion of Broadway. They will be visible until January 6.
