One of my favorite holiday memories as a kid was loading up the car at night and driving around to look at Christmas lights. The beautiful twinkling lights, pointing the over-the-top houses, and spying Christmas trees in the windows of the houses we passed – I loved it all. As my children grow up, I want them to have the same feeling I do when the sun starts to set in December. There’s something special in the air and San Antonio has some amazing lights displays. In no particular order, I present the Best Holiday Lights in San Antonio:
Downtown San Antonio– Walking along the San Antonio River during the holidays is magical. Lights twinkle in the trees and reflect off the river. From December 5-December 21, company, church, school and civic groups carol each night on the river barges. Grab dinner on a restaurant patio overlooking the River and enjoy the festive spirit! And from December 6 – January 3, check out the lights on the Museum Reach of the San Antonio River.
Windcrest – Known as the neighborhood that set the bar for holiday lights, people drive from miles to check out this neighborhood. The official ceremony for the neighborhood decorations is on December 13 and lights stay up through the New Year. You can even pick up a map which features the winners at Windcrest City Hall, 8601 Midcrown.
Light the Way at University of the Incarnate Word – This San Antonio school has a beautiful display. Stop by Central Market on Broadway to get some hot chocolate and then drive the streets of the campus to enjoy the beauty. Lights are available to see November 22 – January 6.
Santa’s Ranch – Just north of San Marcos, this drive thru Christmas light park has displays from November 7-January 3 this year. There is a cost of $28 per car to enjoy this display but the display goes on for nearly a mile. Make sure to visit the website before you go to print off a coupon! www.santasranch.net
And a few bonus neighborhoods to grab hot chocolate, load up the kids and cruise the neighborhoods? Try Monte Vista, Olmos Park and Shavano Estates in Shavano Park.
What are your favorite places to see lights in San Antonio?
The Office of Historic preservation run/walk downtown tour
http://www.active.com/san-antonio-tx/running/distance-running/go-historic-sa-downtown-holiday-lights-guided-tour-2013
The Windcrest Light Up celebration is definitely worth checking out also – they bring out a snow machine and make it “snow” in front of city hall, Santa comes in on a fire truck, and they officially light up the city Christmas tree! Plus, last year, Taco Cabana and Starbucks were giving out free goodies! Lots of fun for little ones.