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The San Antonio Riverwalk is All Lit Up for Christmas Early This Year

The San Antonio Riverwalk is the heart of San Antonio and one of the most beloved attractions in Texas. And the annual lighting of the Christmas lights on the downtown San Antonio walk is one of the most anticipated holiday events. This year, River City is bringing holiday cheer a little early.

On November 12, San Antonio mayor Ron Nirenberg lit up the River Walk during a virtual event.

"Do you see what I see? The holiday season has officially arrived in San Antonio, and the Holiday Lights on the River Walk - FREE are now lit up for all to enjoy! Mayor Ron Nirenberg surprised everyone last night by turning on the #holidaylights a bit early to give our community some extra cheer after a long year," the San Antonio River Walk Facebook page reads.

In a video shared on social media, Nirenberg made the announcement during a briefing on COVID-19

"2020 has been a tough year — one of the most trying in our recent history. Holidays we look forward to every year have changed dramatically so we can keep each other safe and healthy. If you're like me, one of the things you look forward to most every year is watching the River Walk light up for the holidays. Thousands of twinkling lights highlight the River Walk's beauty and bring holiday cheer to residents and visitors. Thanks to all the city crews who've been working so hard once again to make that happen. If you're like me, you also can't wait for that holiday spirit to come around again. We need it now more than ever. So, why wait? Since we can't gather like we used to, let's bring that holiday spirit — that unique San Antonio holiday magic — back a little early this year and light up the San Antonio River right now."

 

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The light display will be up through the first weekend of January 2021. Admission to the River Walk is free.

The San Antonio River Walk, funded by the Works Progress Administration as a part of the New Deal program, is a public park and is open every day of the year, 24 hours a day.

Additional San Antonio holiday events include the Ford Floating Mariachis, Ford Fiesta de las Luminarias, Ford Holiday Boat Caroling and the Holiday Artisan Show.

Other San Antonio attractions include the Alamo, the San Antonio Museum of Art, the Majestic Theatre, the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park and the Spanish Governor's Palace.

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