The famous cascading lights draped over the trees are back after a controversial "update" last year. To see my post on last year's lights click here.
These lights are new LED versions of the old ones and, while the warm glow of the incandescent lights is missing, the lights twinkle individually as in the past.
Not as bright, modern, or glitzy as last year and the twinkle is more of a blink, but at least we don't look like somewhere else entirely.
Our historic and romantic city as it should be. This is one of two original iron bridges remaining downtown.
The San Antonio River Walk is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country, and the most popular one in Texas. Our city of just 1.3 million hosts 25 million visitors a year. Most of them spend their time right downtown.
River barges lined up to take visitors for a cruise under the lights.
Lights hang from the giant Bald Cypress trees lining the river. The trees are tall and strong, ideally suited for the lights.
Lovely evening for dining by the river at one of the many restaurants along the River Walk.
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Oops, camera bump! I liked the resulting effect, so here it is just for fun. Same view as above.
The Tower of the Americas as viewed from Commerce Street.
Another view from the convention center plaza. The top of the tower includes an observation deck and a Chart House restaurant.
Texas Star light, Star bright...
Shining in our city tonight.
Our historic and romantic city as it should be. This is one of two original iron bridges remaining downtown.
The San Antonio River Walk is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country, and the most popular one in Texas. Our city of just 1.3 million hosts 25 million visitors a year. Most of them spend their time right downtown.
River barges lined up to take visitors for a cruise under the lights.
Lights hang from the giant Bald Cypress trees lining the river. The trees are tall and strong, ideally suited for the lights.
Lovely evening for dining by the river at one of the many restaurants along the River Walk.
.jpg)
Oops, camera bump! I liked the resulting effect, so here it is just for fun. Same view as above.
The Tower of the Americas as viewed from Commerce Street.
Another view from the convention center plaza. The top of the tower includes an observation deck and a Chart House restaurant.
Texas Star light, Star bright...
Shining in our city tonight.
Hooray for the return of a grand old tradition!
ReplyDeleteYes, they are closer to what we expect for our city.
DeleteThat's something...I've only been there 1X, but it looks even better this time of year. Interesting they changed the lighting style out, but I guess it's nice to mix it up...even if it returns to what works best.
ReplyDeleteAlmost as nice as the luminarias in parts of Old Town ABQ on 12/24, or at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phx this month!
The River Walk looks beautiful most of the year. They do put luminarias out on the weekend. Being a local, I avoid downtown on the weekends.
DeleteThe mayor wanted to go "green" without regard to the effect on tradition. So far he has spent over a million dollars to save $2,000 on the light bill. Beyond that, we rarely need our air conditioners in December so there is excess capacity generated this time of year.
Gorgeous - can't wait to go!
ReplyDeleteGo during the week, go early and you will love it!
DeleteI love Christmas lights. I never made it to the River Walk for the lights the entire time I lived in the area. I guess it is one of those things you know will always be there. Sorry to hear they are not their best twinkle. I guess led is better but I guess I am just a denier.
ReplyDeleteIt really isn't better, but "you can't fight city hall" and the mayor has spoken. We didn't even have much notice.
DeleteSee my reply to Desert Dweller above.
Looks fun...we may have to head down south to check it out!
ReplyDeleteYou'll enjoy it, especially if you can make it on a weeknight and avoid the Alamo Bowl crowds.
DeleteOh, those strands of light streaming down like rain are just beautiful! I bet they are especially magical when they twinkle.
ReplyDeleteThey are lovely in person, difficult to photograph well though.
DeleteEnjoyed that walk. Beautiful. Even felt the camera shake, virtually of course.
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed it, sometimes fun to put in the happy "mistakes".
DeleteI like this year's look...much more romantic than the glitzier look of last year. What fun to be able to take it all in at your leisure.
ReplyDeleteWe enjoy living here and try to always make time to be tourists in our own city.
ReplyDeleteSouthern charm, or is it Western wow? Either way, San Antonio must be a great city. Love the Christmas spirit there.
ReplyDeleteVery pretty! I'm glad they respected tradition and draped them again this year.
ReplyDelete