Alamo Plaza Lights Up for the Holidays

A trip downtown to see the lights just wouldn't be complete without strolling on over to Alamo Plaza to check out the tree and a few minutes of people watching.

The tree is different each year so it's always fun to see what they've come up with.  This year it's waves of colorful lights blinking to Christmas music.  H-E-B, a locally based grocery chain, sponsors the tree.  Like the nearby River Walk it's a constant flow of activity on Alamo Plaza.


Segway Tours

The Via trolley carrying sightseers

Horse-drawn carriages

That large crowd in front of the Alamo is not listening to carolers, they're watching the San Antonio Rampage AHL hockey team pose for publicity photos.

Even with the crowds it's easy to take a moment alone in front of the iconic structure.

Next door the historic Menger Hotel is decked out with a big tree in the ornate lobby.

Around the corner the Marriott Hotel's holiday colors highlight a walkway to Rivercenter Mall.  The old Joske's store is undergoing a careful renovation for H&M and mixed use retail scheduled to open in June 2015.  A 1960s "update" is being replaced with a three-story glass wall overlooking Alamo Plaza.

A souvenir shop awash in red and green across the street catches the spirit of the season and...

....reflects in a fountain, part of the entrance to the Grand Hyatt Hotel on the river.

This traffic-stopping display in the Hyatt lobby belongs to an art glass shop.

It's such a festive time of year to get out and see the city.  Next up is a spectacular new event for our city which I'll show you after Christmas to continue the holiday fun.