Holidays on Houston Street is Here to Stay in San Antonio!
San Antonio is buzzing with excitement as the beloved Holidays on Houston Street returns, promising to be a wonderful addition to the local festivities for many years to come. This annual event is set to become a cherished tradition for the city and its surrounding areas, with organizers declaring it a “legacy event” that will brighten up the holiday season for generations.
What to Expect?
Marc Anderson, the President of Visit San Antonio, expressed the enthusiasm surrounding the event, stating, “We’re so excited because this is really now going to be a legacy event for our residents and the folks within the regional area that we’re going to be experiencing for the next hundred-plus years.” With this kind of commitment, it’s clear that the Holidays on Houston Street is not just a temporary spectacle, but something that the city plans to nurture for decades.
Investment for the Community
The collaboration between the City of San Antonio, Visit San Antonio, and Centro San Antonio is crucial, as these organizations join forces to host this festive event. It does come with a significant cost—around $800,000—but the good news is that none of this expense falls on taxpayers. According to the assistant City Manager, Lori Houston, this money is a vital investment aimed at supporting downtown businesses during the bustling holiday season.
Houston emphasizes, “This is about downtown businesses getting a boost for Christmas. We’ve had a couple of rough years starting with COVID, then you had individuals leave downtown. We really want to make sure that people have a reason to come downtown and spend money.” This event is strategically planned to revitalize the downtown area, encouraging locals and visitors to shop, eat, and enjoy everything the city has to offer.
A Look Back at Last Year
Last year’s Holidays on Houston Street was nothing short of a success, bringing in nearly $700,000 to the local economy. With all three partnering organizations dedicated to making this year even better, there’s great anticipation around how this season will unfold. Trish DeBerry, President of Centro San Antonio, shared that last year they fully funded the vendor booths to allow people to experience the event without any initial cost, but this year, they will be charging for booth space to ensure sustainability.
Businesses Joining the Festivities
Given that part of Houston Street is currently under major road construction, many local businesses have noticed a drop in foot traffic. However, they are hopeful that the holiday festivities will help revive their sales. As Theresa Bowen, General Manager of Cookie Plug San Antonio, recalls, “Last year was great with it, we had a line out the door going around the building. It was nonstop movement, I could barely keep up.” This enthusiastic response shows how critical the event is for local businesses looking to attract more customers.
Bowen further notes that the extra revenue from last year’s festivities was not just a nice bonus; it was something her business genuinely needed. The holidays bring hope and joy, but also struggles for many local establishments, making events like this essential for their survival and prosperity.
Get Ready for a Happier Holiday Season!
As San Antonio gears up for Holidays on Houston Street, residents are encouraged to come out and support their local businesses while enjoying the merriment and festivities. With the planning and enthusiasm from everyone involved, this event is set to become an unforgettable part of the holiday calendar, creating a brighter future for the community.
So mark your calendars, gather your family and friends, and get ready for a festive experience that you won’t want to miss!
