“Good Morning America” Lights Up San Antonio

 San Antonio will be front-and-center in Times Square December 2, when ABC News’ “Good Morning America” (“GMA”) anchors reveal the first of their "Holiday Windows" for 2009. San Antonio Mayor Julián Castro joins anchors Diane Sawyer, Chris Cuomo and Robin Roberts for the reveal. 

The middle window of “GMA’s” Times Square main studio will reflect the magic of San Antonio during the holidays. Called "Pride, Passion, and Piñatas," San Antonio's window will embody the city’s authentic culture, historic icons, spirit of holiday celebration, and pride! San Antonio’s own all-female Mariachi Las Alteñas will enliven the studio with holiday entertainment – San Antonio-style. The window – which incorporates the River Walk holiday lights, flickering luminarias, Mission Trail and more – was created by local designer Jill Giles. It is approximately 19 feet wide, by 13 feet tall.

During the show, “GMA” Weather Anchor Sam Champion will broadcast live from San Antonio – flipping the switch on 122,000 lights on the River Walk and highlighting San Antonio’s holiday traditions and festivities.

Maximizing the exposure opportunity, San Antonio brand ambassadors will distribute 15,000 pieces of collateral to visitors and residents in Times Square, promoting the destination and driving them to an online sweepstakes. The San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau launches “15 Days of Holiday Gifting” December 1, where consumers can text and go online to holiday.visitsanantonio.com to win San Antonio trips and authentic, locally inspired gifts. Other marketing and public relations efforts are planned around these events.

After “GMA,” the team will share the generous heart of San Antonio to the East Harlem Boys & Girls Club, where elementary-age children who are primarily Hispanic will be treated to entertainment, a mariachi clinic, piñata bash and holiday fiesta. Every participant in the online sweepstakes will garner a $1 donation to the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Antonio, up to $10,000.

ABC News’ “Good Morning America” airs from 7 a.m.–9 a.m. EDT. Other cities in the 2009 “GMA Lights Up America” are San Francisco and Las Vegas.

For more information on “Good Morning America’s” holiday window display, go to www.abcnews.com/gma. Discover the gift of San Antonio at www.visitsanantonio.com or by calling 800-ALAMO-07.