A child named Leah poses for a photo at the H-E-B Tree Lighting Ceremony. Photo by Scott Ball.
Almost every street, alley, sidewalk, and river path was flourished with lights, people, and even more lights in downtown San Antonio Friday night. The evening started with the 30th annual H-E-B Christmas Tree Lighting in Alamo Plaza. Santa, of course, made an appearance for the festivities that were perfect for families of all sizes.
I walked from Alamo Plaza to the River Walk for the Holiday River Parade where people were already lined up and down the streets trying to get a decent vantage point of the San Antonio river.Each float represented a different country from around the globe including The Netherlands, France, and India just to name a few.The floats were all lit beautifully from head to toe and really a sight to see.
A child named Leah poses for a photo at the H-E-B Tree Lighting Ceremony. Photo by Scott Ball.
Mayor Ivy Taylor speaks at the H-E-B Tree Lighting Ceremony. Photo by Scott Ball.
Santa Claus waves to a child at the H-E-B Tree Lighting Ceremony. Photo by Scott Ball.
A child gets a better view of Santa during the H-E-B Tree Lighting Ceremony. Photo by Scott Ball.
Santa Claus surrounded by parents and children at the H-E-B Tree Lighting Ceremony. Photo by Scott Ball.
The Christmas tree themed this year with the Tobin Center in mind at the H-E-B Tree Lighting Ceremony. Photo by Scott Ball.
The Christmas tree displayed at the H-E-B Tree Lighting Ceremony. Photo by Scott Ball.
A drummer warms up before the Holiday River Parade begins. Photo by Scott Ball.
Multiple floats staged before the Holiday River Parade begins. Photo by Scott Ball.
A float parks under trees draped with Christmas lights at the Holiday River Parade. Photo by Scott Ball.
A float enters to the Arneson River Theater during the Holiday River Parade. Photo by Scott Ball.
A float passes through the Arneson River Theater during the Holiday River Parade. Photo by Scott Ball.
King Antonio Donald Miller waves to the crowd during the Holiday River Parade. Photo by Scott Ball.
A float arrives at Arneson River Theater during the Holiday River Parade. Photo by Scott Ball.
Rey Feo LXVI Jimmy Green’s float passes as fans cheer on at the Arneson River Theater. Photo by Scott Ball.
A boy pats his mother on the head during the Holiday River Parade. Photo by Scott Ball.
Crowds watch passing floats from a downtown bridge during the Holiday River Parade. Photo by Scott Ball.
Carolers sing at Travis Park before the lights are switched on. Photo by Scott Ball.
The Christmas tree at Travis Park.
A boy inspects the Christmas tree at the Travis Park tree lighting in November 2014.
The Christmas tree at Travis Park.
Later, I stopped by Travis Park to photograph the second tree lighting ceremony of the night.Unlike the established traditions in Alamo Plaza and on the River Walk, this was a first for the recently renovated park. Visitors were treated to more than 250,000 classic golden lights and a beautiful tree. Lights throughout downtown will stay on through January so you have plenty of time to take a stroll through the most beautiful time of the year.
*Featured/top image: A child named Leah poses for a photo at the H-E-B Tree Lighting Ceremony. Photo by Scott Ball.
