Making the trip to see the downtown decorations and lights is a San Antonio holiday tradition. If you’ve never made the trek to the Alamo during the holidays, here are five reasons why you should add this to your holiday bucket list.
1. Take A Christmas Stroll at the Alamo
The tradition of visiting the River Walk for its holiday lights is a San Antonio favorite. Begin your stroll at the Alamo, as we light up the Alamo Gardens with holiday cheer. From Dec. 9–23, the Alamo will remain open until 7 p.m. for visitors to enjoy the lights in the Gardens. Start your annual Christmas stroll at the Alamo!
2. Visit the Bowie exhibit before it ends
While you’re here, don’t forget to see the Bowie exhibit, which ends December 31 as we prepare for a new exhibit in the spring. The exhibition, entitled Bowie: Man — Knife — Legend, focuses on James Bowie’s history and the lasting affect he and his knife have had on modern popular culture. This exhibit is free to the public, so check it out before its gone!
3. Find a special gift for someone you love
The Alamo gift shop will remain open until 7 p.m. Dec. 9–23. Find the perfect gift for the Texan or history lover in your life, and support the Alamo at the same time! Gift shop proceeds help fund important preservation and education work at the Alamo.
The area immediately around the Alamo is also home to countless vendors and retailers, both big and small. You just might find the perfect gift for your friends and family in River Center Mall, on the Riverwalk, down on South Alamo or at one of the unique shops near the Alamo or down Houston street.
4. See the lights and decorations on Alamo Plaza
Alamo Plaza will host an 18-foot Christmas tree, donated by HEB, and accompanied by hundreds of holiday decorations and lights. The infectious holiday spirit will not limited to Alamo Plaza, as the Alamo grounds will also be decorated for the remainder of the season.
5. Journey from the Alamo to the 55-foot Christmas Tree at Travis Park
While Alamo Plaza will be home to an 18-foot Christmas tree donated by HEB, Travis Park will be home to a 55-foot Christmas tree and over 250,000 holiday lights. The City of San Antonio and CENTRO San Antonio will host family-friendly holiday events like movie nights, concerts and photo sessions with Santa Claus himself throughout December. Start your holiday journey at the Alamo and take a five-minute walk to Travis Park to experience all the holiday festivities that downtown San Antonio has to offer.
So, whether you haven’t ventured downtown recently, or come every year to see the holiday lights, it’s the perfect time to Remember the Alamo this holiday season.
