Dee Garcia
Multimedia Editor
The coronavirus has changed many events this year including the winter holidays. Driving around to see lights this year remains the same, but when walking under holiday lights, people now have to follow CDC guidelines, such as keeping a social distance and wearing a mask.
In the City of Windcrest, northeast of San Antonio, the neighborhood will celebrate its 62nd year of lighting up their houses. This year the theme is “Let Freedom Ring,” which will pay tribute to those who served in the military.
Over 1,250 houses usually sign up for the contest and over 20,000 people visit the neighborhood, said Elizabeth Dick, public relations director and special events coordinator of Windcrest Light Up.
“I’ve lived here for 19 years and it’s a great place to live especially during the holidays,” Dick said.
However the city has canceled many events as a result of the pandemic. There will be no vendors that normally give out cookies and hot chocolate, no movies for kids and kids will no longer be able to sit on Santa’s lap.
People now have to stay in their cars and cannot get out to walk around.
One place that people can walk around to see lights is downtown San Antonio at the River Walk. The lights are normally turned on after Thanksgiving, but due to the annual Ford Holiday river parade being canceled this year, the San Antonio River Walk Association has decided to turn the lights on earlier.
“People can still walk downtown to see the lights,” said Maggie Thompson, executive director of San Antonio River Walk Association, “However you still have to wear your mask except when you’re in a restaurant and stay at least six feet apart as much as you can.”
This holiday season will definitely be different this year, but people can still enjoy time with loved ones at public lighting spaces, including:
- Elf Acres at 1475 Grosenbacher Rd.
- Lights Alive at 5931 Roft Rd.
- Sea World at 10500 SeaWorld Dr.
- Six Flags Fiesta Texas at 17000 W IH-10
- University of the Incarnate Word at 4301 Broadway.
- San Antonio Zoo at 3903 N St. Mary’s St.
- IllumiNight at 1 AT&T Center Parkway
