Christmas Light Tour, 2017

Since retiring to San Angelo in 2011, it has become a tradition for Donna and me to follow the Tour of Lights each Christmas.

The Tour of Lights is a unique Christmas celebration whereby a 1 mile stretch of West River Drive -- sometimes referred to as Park Drive -- is ablaze in Christmas lights. This stretch of roadway follows the North Concho River as it meanders through downtown San Angelo. Most of the decorations are set up on the opposite side of the river from the road. For much of the stretch, the land rises from the river, creating a bluff to serve as a backdrop for the lights, with homes gracing the land behind the lights. The reflection of the lights in the waters of the North Concho River certainly adds to the beauty of the scene.

This is the 24th year for the event, and the number of lights grows each year. It runs for the entire month of December, roughly from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Currently, a $5 per car donation is suggested.

If you go to the website linked in the first paragraph above, you will see mention of a 2.5 mile route. The actual route along the river is only 1 mile. At the end of this section, the route then leaves the river, travels along historic Concho Avenue in downtown San Angelo, then turns south on South Oakes Street where it then detours for its finale through the area across from old Fort Concho where the Farmers' Market is currently held. At certain times during the month-long event, there is a live nativity at this location.

I encourage you to visit the website linked above to view the gallery there, as their pictures are far superior to my unworthy efforts. But, if you are a glutton for punishment, then you can view a few of my pictures below. We got there just a little before it was fully dark.

The tunnel near the beginning of the route. The lights rotate across the top.

Notice the bit of reflection at the bottom of picture, as well as the house in the background farther up the slope.

Some of the displays bring the old 12 Days of Christmas song to life. This one shows the 8 maids a milking.

I love the reflections in the river.

A close up of one of the displays to demonstrate the detail that goes in to this.