This is the time of year where dark nights are transformed into brilliant lightscapes celebrating the holidays. Lights of Esperanza is a wonderful lighting event in our community that will be held on Tuesday, November 30th, from 6 to 8 p.m. Adjacent to VIDA, Texas A&M – San Antonio hosts this free annual event to celebrate the joy of the holiday season in the heart of the city’s Southside community.
(Image Credit: KSAT)
The annual tradition of Lights of Esperanza at Texas A&M-San Antonio is now in its sixth year. Of course seeing the campus lit for the holiday season is always lovely, but you definitely want to make plans to attend the magical lighting itself. This family-friendly event kicks off at 6 p.m. on Tuesday evening.
It’s tough to pick a favorite activity during Lights of Esperanza. There’s holiday music, a snow maze, polar golf, great food, a petting zoo, and a viewing of The Polar Express. All kicks off with the exciting countdown to the campus light-up, when thousands of lights bring the campus aglow for the season. All activities are free and food will be available to purchase. VIDA will be out at the corner of University Blvd and Jaguar with a tubing hill, snow play area, DJ and warm treats to enjoy.
(Image Credit: San Antonio Botanical Garden)
Looking for more lighting fun? San Antonio offers several other ways to enjoy the sparkle of the holidays. The historical Alamo will be decorated in lights, feature a Christmas tree in Alamo Plaza and will be open for extended hours from November 19, 2021 through January 3, 2022.
The San Antonio Botanical Garden will stun guests with a one mile path of illuminated gardens with breath-taking art created by local and international artists during Lightscape San Antonio. Make sure you don’t miss the popular Bluebonnets and Cathedral of Lights exhibits and end the evening with food, drinks and s’mores that the whole family is sure to enjoy. The event runs November 19, 2021 through January 2, 2022.
(Image Credit: mySA)
Of course no holiday tour in San Antonio would be complete without stopping to see the famous holiday lights on the RiverWalk. The City of San Antonio turned on the 100,000 lights early this year to give some much needed extra cheer and will remain on from dusk to dawn nightly now through January 10, 2022. The official televised lighting ceremony will take place on Friday, November 26, 2021 to kick off the holidays at the annual Ford Holiday River Parade.
There are so many ways to get out and celebrate the season in San Antonio. We hope you’ll stop by the VIDA area at Lights of Esperanza, and kick off the holidays with this fun family tradition. No matter which of these holiday events you enjoy with your loved ones this year, VIDA living can help you get the most out of your time in the city. Stay tuned for more news and upcoming events as we head into 2022!