Tagged: Christmas

A rebounding economy and growing consumer confidence may contribute to a successful holiday shopping season this year.

The consulting firm Accenture reported that this year 52 percent of consumers will increase their spending by $250 or more. On the whole, the report says people are expected to spend $582 for the holiday. 53 percent say they will brave the crowds on Black Friday.

"We actually started preparing right after the season ended last year,” said Scott Redman, store manager at Wal-Mart in the 8500 block of Jones-Maltsberger.

Dozens of San Antonio parks, businesses and organizations are holiday lights beginning this weekend, and since holiday lighting ceremonies are scheduled all over downtown both Friday and Saturday, you can avoid heavy traffic and problems parking by going to some smaller celebrations.

In addition to Alamo Plaza, the city is lighting up Main Plaza and City Hall, Travis Park, Milam Park, Market Square, La Villita, and of course, the River Walk. Ford is sponsoring the big river parade, and the lights will be turned on the length of the river at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 23.