San Angelo's Off the Beaten Path Christmas Decorations

San Angelo is known for its yearly River Christmas Lights display along the Concho River. It’s called the “Tour of Lights” and it has been a tradition since 1994. This 2.5 mile drive, or walk, along the Concho River features over 3 million lights in the “12 Days of Christmas” song display. It has evolved over the years and now includes a live Nativity scene, tree lighting ceremony, Lights of Christmas Parade, a bicycle fun ride, a fun walk/run event, radio broadcast and an amazing light show.

The tour continues 6-10 p.m. now through Dec. 31^st, Sun. through Thurs. and 6 p.m. to midnight Fri. and Sat.. A $5 per vehicle donation is suggested.

However, for those who wish to see more of what San Angelo has to offer and are willing to travel the unbeaten path and explore, here are some other local gems that may catch your eye.

The Santa Rita “Night Before Christmas” shadow boxes are a long-time tradition. The dollhouse-like settings bring the famous poem to life and volunteers in the Santa Rita Association greet visitors with hot chocolate to conclude their journey. People can walk the displays or view them from the comfort of their vehicle. They are open 6-10 p.m. through Christmas with no charge to view the beautifully displayed Christmas poem.

In addition to Santa Rita's display, a winter wonderland awaits on the corner of Hill Street and W. Avenue R (Hill St. meets Avenue N three blocks east of Bryant Boulevard. Turn South on Hill Street.). This display of cheerful lights has grown more every year, and now, where the vacant lot used to be, there is a new dwelling that has added to the Christmas spirit and continues to display the wide range of decorations that light up the area.

There are also a group of four houses on 23^rd Street, just before it meets Pecan (turn North-East off Chadbourne Street), that have joined together to bring Christmas light displays that can be seen from blocks away. These houses incorporate the flow of lights in a seemingly magical display that will leave visitors in awe.

There is also a house on the corner of Southwest and Deerfield, across the street from the Hobby Lobby area, that lights up the corner for all to see. This house is only one of many that lead into the Southland area that has lit up the night sky with Christmas cheer. The Southland area is a place to go for those people who just wish to drive the streets and view the decorations at their leisurely pace.

For those families looking for another Christmas events to attend, they can take the kiddos to see Santa during Operation Blue Santa held at Wal-Mart Supercenter on 29th St. from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. this morning, or to Kids World where 12-year-olds and younger get to enjoy a Christmas celebration at Sunset Mall. The event will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. today. For families wanting to mix a bit of culture with holiday cheer, the Christmas Posada is being held at the McNease Convention Center from 6 to 9 p.m. tonight. 

On December 22^nd The Chicken Farm Art Center will also be hosting a “Lighted Evening of Shopping” for those last minute shoppers out there who wish to add something unique and special for their loved ones this Christmas. They will be open this Tues. from 5-8 p.m. at 2505 Martin Luther King. The Chicken Farm Studio Artists will have lots of sales and reduced prices, along with refreshments and snacks. It's the time of the year for families to see the Art Center all lit up like a Christmas Tree while enjoying a bit of creativity.