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PHOTOS: Take a tour of downtown San Antonio's glittering holiday spirit

Downtown San Antonio is glowing with holiday spirit. Buildings, light poles, trees and parks are festooned with wreaths, ribbons, and colorful lights.

The annual Alamo Christmas tree in the Alamo Plaza was illuminated on Nov. 29, and it is a popular selfie spot for both residents and tourists.

The Alamo Christmas tree at the Alamo Plaza.
Saile Aranda
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TPR
The Christmas tree at Alamo Plaza.

A stroll down the San Antonio River Walk is also a popular tradition. The Riverwalk has been decorated with Christmas lights every year since 1975.

Now in 2024, more than 100,000 lights were turned on during the Annual Ford Holiday River Parade. They will glitter over the water until Jan. 13.

The river barges offer visitors a unique view of River Walk holiday decor.
Saile Aranda
/
TPR
The river barges offer visitors a unique view of River Walk holiday decor.

The city has also decorated Houston Street, from Legacy Park to Alamo Plaza. Alongside the regular businesses, vendors offer a special holiday market for shoppers hunting for unique gifts.

TPR's holiday events guide below has more information about these and several other holiday themed attractions, in downtown and throughout the Alamo City.

There's something for everyone at San Antonio's holiday markets and events—unique gift ideas and fun for the whole family.
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Saile Aranda is a communications senior at Texas A&M University-San Antonio. She is the photo editor of award-winning student newspaper The Mesquite. She also volunteers for SPJ’s 2023 “Best Ongoing Student Magazine” El Espejo as a photographer. She enjoys going to museums and reading in her free time. Saile looks forward to pursuing a career in photography and journalism after graduating in the Spring 2025 semester.