San Antonio Decorates River Walk With Lights Early To Bring Holiday Cheer

The River Walk is ready for the holidays now that its Christmas lights have been turned on.

Mayor Ron Nirenberg flipped the switch on the lights during the city's daily coronavirus briefing on Thursday. Nirenberg had to do the honors from home since he's self quarantining after coming in contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19 on Sunday.

The mayor said he wanted to turn the lights on early to spread some holiday cheer. During the meeting, he said:

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 that 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.

The more than 100,000 lights will be illuminated every night from now until January 4, 2021.

At least two of the River Walk's annual events are still scheduled to happen in December: holiday boat caroling and Fiesta de las Luminarias. The artisan show is pending due to the pandemic. Sadly, the River Parade will not happen this year.

Photo: John Torres / San Antonio River Walk