Remember the Alamo for Christmas lights in San Antonio
We rolled down I-35 to San Antonio on Monday afternoon to see the famous Christmas lights along the River Walk. Naturally, we remembered the Alamo and made that our first stop.
A grand tree alight with clusters of colored bulbs and cascading ribbons, bedecked with oversized San Antonio Spurs ornaments, stood in the plaza in front of the Alamo. Surrounding live oaks, like ladies-in-waiting, glowed with long, draping strings of white lights.
A closer looks shows the basketballs and Spurs ornaments on the tree.
The Alamo itself, as befitting an historical shrine, was washed with light and adorned simply, with only a festive wreath on its door.
A quick stroll across the street and down a flight of stairs took us to the city’s famous River Walk: a magical underworld of bald cypress-lined sidewalks packed with cafe seating for the many restaurants, hotels, and shops built along the San Antonio River, which flows through downtown. For the holidays, colored strands of lights hang like beaded curtains from the majestic trees, and tourist boats motor slowly beneath them.
The lights were beautiful, but the sidewalks were very crowded, and I confess I got a bit Grinchy before we’d walked very far — in single-file, unable to talk to each other because it was so packed.
The thing to do, I imagine, would be to come early and grab a cafe table along the river, and just people-watch over a Tex-Mex dinner. Or come late for a romantic stroll with your honey. I’ll know next time. It really is quite beautiful.
I leave you with this final image of holiday lights, and I wish you all the peace and joy of the season, dear reader. See you again after Christmas!
All material © 2006-2015 by Pam Penick for Digging. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited.
We have never done San Antonio at Christmas. Fredericksburg and Johnson city many times. After these delightful river scenes we’ll make it a priority next year. Merry Christmas.
Watch out for the crowds, Jenny, but yes, it’s very pretty and worth seeing. Merry Xmas to you too! —Pam
I like to go in the afternoon to walk around before the crowds get there. This year we had a late lunch and then took the boat tour to see the lights. It was absolutely beautiful. However, a little warning, if you wait until dark to get your tickets and get in line, you’ll be sorry as the line gets very long. We got in line just before sunset while the lines were still short. It worked out very well.
And we avoided the crowded sidewalks.
Great tips on avoiding the crowds, Margo. Thank you! —Pam
So festive — and glamorous! Thanks for all the beauty you’ve shared this year; have a great holiday.
Thanks, Nell, and the same to you! —Pam
It is a beautiful sight which we enjoy almost every. There are some tricks to avoiding the crowds. Early in December on a week night is best, parking is free on Tuesday night. Board a Rio Taxi at The Pearl on the north end of the River Walk for a nice long ride under the lights. Try to find a restaurant with balcony tables rather than river side because the crowds make it a challenge to enjoy dinner.
Thanks for sharing your insider’s tips, Shirley. Oh, and we did visit the Pearl and had dinner at Southerleigh beforehand, and I’ll be posting about the landscaping there soon. —Pam
We were at Southerleigh on Friday! Great food and atmosphere. You can walk right down to the landing and catch a ride.
Sounds perfect. Next year! —Pam
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Thanks for all your blogs and books. I hope you continue your blog for many more years.
Thank you, Marilyn, and the same good cheer and happy blogging to you! —Pam
What beautiful lights. The tree by the Alamo is huge. What fun to see it all. Merry Christmas Pam…
And a happy New Year to you, Lisa! —Pam
What exceptionally beautiful images, Pam!
Just recently read this article about the addition of landscape and exterior lighting for the Alamo: http://www.landscapeonline.com/research/article/28014
Thank you, and blessings of the season to you and yours, too.
Janis
That’s pretty interesting, Janis. The lighting really did enhance the structure itself. —Pam
Happy New Year from down under, Pam. Just discovered your blog via a link on The Patient Gardener. I’m also a hoping for rain gardener and have added your blog to my list of fave blogs.
Welcome, Catmint! I’m glad to meet you and discover your blog as well. —Pam
Merry Christmas, Pam. Great pictures of our beautiful city.:) We saw StarWars (WHOA) tonight at the River Center and walked around afterwards…I have to say, it was fun playing tourist. 🙂
It IS fun to play tourist in one’s own city. Happy Xmas and New Year to you too, Xericstyle! —Pam
Just lovely, Pam! The last time I was in San Antonio was for HemisFair (1968?) and the Riverwalk was just beginning construction. Might be time for another visit!