Founded in 1994, Concho Christmas Celebration began with the inspiration of entrepreneur, Lee Pfluger, who wished to provide the San Angelo Community with a seasonal event that would enrich the spirit of the Christmas season. With the help of likeminded community leaders, the plan was quickly put into place as a walking tour of Christmas lights at the El Paseo de Santa Angela. The Light Tour featured twenty-one sponsor Christmas Cards.
In 1996, Concho Christmas found a new and permanent home along River Drive which allowed the event to evolve into a driving tour. Currently, the Tour of Lights encompasses a 2.5-mile drive along the banks of the Concho River and features a wide variety of lighted Christmas scenes with over three million lights.
The annual Concho Christmas Celebration kicks off the holiday season early in December and has distinctively evolved into a signature event which includes the Community Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, and the Lights of Christmas Parade.
Complementary activities have been added which include Bike Through the Lights, journey along with Santa bicycle ride; the annual Tuba Christmas concert; Kayak through the Lights, a nighttime float along the Concho River under all the spectacular lights; Concerts at the Pavilion, local community bands presenting music of the season and a Live Nativity Scene. To add to the holiday spirit, attendees entering the tour are encouraged to tune in to local community radio station KCSA 97.1 FM which broadcasts Holiday music during the month of December.
Also, Concho Christmas Celebration significantly contributes to the economic vitality of the Concho Valley by promoting and presenting a destination event which draws visitors from surrounding areas, other states, and out-of-country to the City of San Angelo to tour the Christmas Lighting Event.
