SAN ANTONIO — Rain didn’t stop the holiday spirit Friday night as crowds gathered downtown for two festive celebrations marking the start of the season.

Hundreds filled Travis Park for the annual H-E-B Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Attendees braved the weather with umbrellas and raincoats to watch the 50-foot Grand Fir — brought from Oregon and decorated with 10,000 lights — illuminate the park.

For many, the event is a cherished tradition.

Betsy Landry recalled attending for two decades after her daughter performed in pre-lighting events. “We’ve been coming down ever since,” she said.

Some were seeing the tree in person for the first time and vowed to return.

“We’re just admiring the Texas Christmas tree, so we’re excited about it,” Sarah Gonzalez said.

Even Santa Claus made an

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