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San Antonio's River Walk
Going All Out for the Holidays

By , About.com Guide

San Antonio Mariachi

Mariachis Serenade on the River Walk

Copyright: Elizabeth R. Rose
Nov 18 2009
San Antonio's River Walk is a tourist's paradise. You will find shops, restaurants, and hotels lining the San Antonio River. With sidewalks, stairs to the street level, historic sites to tour, and boats floating lazily down the canals, you will find plenty to enjoy in this area of San Antonio. In late November, the River Walk takes on a holiday glow. The colorful lights along the river will put you in the holiday mood.

Holiday Festivities

At 7:00 p.m. on the Friday following Thanksgiving, the switch is thrown and approximately 122,000 twinkling lights form a magical canopy over San Antonio's River Walk. The lights shine brightly every evening through January 1.

The lighting ceremony is the official kickoff to the Paseo Del Rio Holiday Festivities. Tickets are sold through the Paseo Del Rio Association at (210) 227-4262. For over 20 years, the spectacular one-hour parade along San Antonio's River Walk features decorated, illuminated floats with celebrities, bands and lavishly-costumed participants.

Over 150,000 people will gather along the River Walk to watch the spectacle live along the parade route.

In December enjoy the Fiesta de las Luminarias. Experience the holiday serenity of the River Walk as you stroll along the lush banks of the San Antonio River guided by more than 6,000 luminarias. Warmly glowing candles in sand filled bags line the walkways to symbolically mark the "lighting of the way" for Holy Family. This centuries old tradition begins at dusk Friday, Saturday & Sunday only.

For information on River Walk festivities go to the River Walk Website.
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