RIO MAGAZINE FALL 2023

TO EXPLORE Dare

The Devils River Whiskey Distillery is in San Antonio’s revitalized downtown district and nestled in the historic Burns Building. It is only a short walk from the iconic Alamo and thriving San Antonio River Walk area.

The Devils River Whiskey Experience:

• Bottles For Purchase – Devils River Whiskey & Wine

• Cocktails, Food, Wine, Merchandise & Cigars

• Weddings, Corporate & Private Events

• Live Music on the Patio - Nightly

• Tours & Tastings

Our Devils River Whiskey captures the spirit of the water from its namesake, the Devils River.

Please remember to Sin Responsibly with

Lights from GO RIO River Cruise

Since 1975, The City of San Antonio has been lighting the River Walk for the holiday season. As the River Walk expanded, so did the lighting displays, and the more than 100,000 twinkling lights can now be viewed throughout the Museum Reach, one mile north of downtown in the Pearl District. This year brings new installations in the heart of the downtown River Walk, with brilliant landscape lighting and whimsical glowing sculptures that are beautifully reflected in the water. You can enjoy the lights from 5:30pm to 8:30am daily through January 7. Visit www.TheSanAntonioRiverWalk.com for details.

Little Rhein Prost Haus and Bier Garten

The San Antonio River Walk’s mission is to promote, protect and preserve the River Walk. This is done through special events, public education, social media and RIO Magazine. For more information, visit www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com.

PUBLISHER

Louis Doucette louis@travelingblender.com

EDITOR

Trisha Hutzler trisha@travelingblender.com

BUSINESS MANAGER Vicki Schroder vicki@travelingblender.com

ADVERTISING SALES

SAN ANTONIO: Gerry Lair gerry@travelingblender.com

AUSTIN: Sandy Weatherford sandy@travelingblender.com

DESIGN 2 Rare Birds Creative info@2rarebirds.com

@TheSanAntonio RiverWalkOfficial

@theSAriverwalk

@thesanantonioriverwalk

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE RIVER WALK

EDITOR’S LETTER

November also brings the Diwali SA Festival of Lights. One of San Antonio’s Sister-Cities is Chennai, India, and since 2009 this festival has included authentic Indian dance, food and crafts along with another nighttime parade and a fireworks display over the Tower of the Americas.

FOLLOW THE LIGHTS

With San Antonio as my hometown, I have seen the holiday lights on the River Walk every year since I was a child. And it is nothing short of magical each time. It was an annual family outing that continued when I became old enough to drive myself and then my children, who have now ventured downtown on their own to see the colorful lights and eat riverside with friends. It is these remembered stories that have framed so many holiday traditions, and at its core, San Antonio is a city of many integrated stories.

Oktoberfest brings craft beers, stein hoisting competitions and all kinds of sausage at Bier Garten—a nod to our original German settlers. The Day of the Dead San Antonio celebration spans three days with multiple activities, fabulous decorations in La Villita and a spectacular night river parade. Yes, this is a joyful celebration in memory of loved ones who have passed, and a tradition we share with Mexico, our southern neighbor. Other Day of the Dead festivities continue at Hemisfair, Pearl and throughout the city. The San Antonio Zoo joins in with Halloween fun, then transitions to the holidays in mid-November with light displays throughout the property until the end of the year.

But the river parade, of all river parades, that San Antonians believe officially kicks off the holiday season in the Alamo City is the Ford Holiday River Parade and Lighting Ceremony. 2023 marks the 42nd year of this annual event, always on the Friday after Thanksgiving. This year’s theme is “Holiday Stories” and is oh-so apropos for San Antonio, a city steeped in more than 300 years of traditions and heritage. The evening’s lineup includes entertainment at the Arneson River Theatre, 28 festive river parade barges led by our Grand Marshal, the Nutcracker, and the magical moment when more than 100,000 brightly colored lights draping the cypress trees on the river banks are turned on.

These holiday lights come on every night through January 7, and beautifully enhance other December events such as the Ford Holiday Boat Caroling, the Ford Fiesta de las Luminarias and Downtown Lights River Cruises.

But there is so much more in store. Read on for more ways to enjoy October, November and December along the River Walk, and I hope you have lots of “Holiday Stories” to share!

or discrimination.”

Trisha Hutzler Editor, Rio Magazine trisha@travelingblender.com TheSanAntonioRiverWalk.com

For more than forty-five years, Taco Cabana has been a leading part of the San Antonio restaurant and hospitality landscape after opening our first location on the corner of Hildebrand and San Pedro. The spirit of San Antonio, its heritage, traditions, recipes and culinary flavors are all rooted in the DNA of the TC brand. We could not be more proud and more privileged to be part of the San Antonio community.

Taco Cabana is recognized for its distinctive pink branding, open-display cooking, convenient drive-throughs, open-air patios, made-in-house flour tortillas, iconic salsa bar and a wide variety of high-quality, great-tasting food and beverages. Every day and every order, we deliver service in a friendly, fun and inviting way that makes our guests want to return time and time again.

With 143 locations across Texas, six franchise locations in Albuquerque, New Mexico and plans to expand the brand across the United States, Taco Cabana is on the cusp of bringing our established concept of a friendly neighborhood gathering place, where guests can enjoy great hospitality and affordable Mexican-inspired food crafted from family recipes, in addition to savoring a rotating selection of refreshing frozen tequila margaritas, to a broader national audience.

Guests are our everything! At Taco Cabana, we’re very proud of our industry-leading position and innovations made throughout our forty-five-year history. Guest feedback and suggestions relating to food, beverage and overall Brand innovation are integral to our success. The Brand continues to evolve and innovate across all aspects, including not only culinary development, but operations, technology, marketing, training and real estate development as well.

Each and every day, we work tirelessly to optimize our ordering experience, making it easier for our guests to order their TC meal quickly and accurately. We continue to implement new tools like digital drive-through menus, handheld point-of-sale devices that offer faster face-to-face interaction in both the drive-through and dining room, and optimized third-party delivery options as well as improving our MYTC! app experience. We encourage everyone to download the MYTC! app, join the MYTC! loyalty program to receive exclusive offers and rewards or conveniently order online.

As a fast-casual restaurant pioneer, it is our Brand promise to continue to redefine the fast-casual Mexican-inspired dining experience through on-going innovative culinary, service and operational enhancements focusing on making our restaurants better for our guests in every way possible.

We look forward to welcoming you in the restaurant!

45 YEARS A SAN ANTONIO BRAND ICON

Taco Cabana is the official General Admission sponsor of the 2023 Ford Holiday River Parade.

Sponsored Advertorial

Holiday Food Traditions

Along the River Walk

By Kimberly A. Suta

OKTOBERFEST

Oktoberfest is as an annual autumn festival in Munich, Germany, that originated from the celebration of a real marriage in 1810. Since then, the festival has caught fire the world over, as a time to enjoy all things deliciously German, including sausages, pretzels, sauerkraut, world-renowned beer and, if you are lucky, the time-honored chicken dance.

To those visiting San Antonio for the first time, it may come as a surprise that Oktoberfest is so popular, but the fact is, San Antonio and several surrounding towns were actually founded by German immigrants and therefore, the city was largely influenced by the German culture. The stunning historic King William neighborhood, which is situated along the residential part of the River Walk just south of downtown, was built and lived in by German immigrants. So, if you are looking to get in on Oktoberfest, look no further than the River Walk.

Grab a stein and sing-a-long at Bier Garten River Walk, which holds alphorn blowing contests, stein-hoisting competitions and a ceremonial keg tapping by a local celebrity every weekend from September 16 to October 29, and features live German music along with more German beer than your stein can hold.

Prost Haus, located in the historic Little Rhein building in La Villita, boasts a beer garden with River Walk vistas and traditional German dishes. Here, every day is Oktoberfest.

Although the Republic of Texas, a vibrant eatery and nightclub, is more well known for their barbecue, they equally specialize in Texas craft beer, many of which are from small German towns. You can also grab a sausage plate of sliced and grilled sausages or a sausage and brisket plate—a marriage as lauded as Oktoberfest’s first prince and princess.

With fall festivities and the holidays coming up, we wanted to make sure you had these tasty traditions on your hit list!

Bier Garten River Walk

Little Rhein Prost Haus

CLICKONTHIS

ACENAR

www.Acenar.com

BIER GARTEN RIVER WALK

www.BierGartenRiverWalk.com

BRENNER’S STEAKHOUSE

www.BrennersSteakhouse.com

CASA RIO

www.CasaRio.com

DOMINGO

www.DomingoRestaurant.com

FIG TREE

www.FigTreeRestaurant.com

GUADALAJARA GRILL www.GuadalajaraGrill.us

IRON CACTUS

www.IronCactus.com

LA GLORIA

www.ChefJohnnyHernandez.com

MON CHOU CHOU

www.BrasserieMonChouChou.com

OCHO www.BunkhouseHotels.com/ hotel-havana

LITTLE RHEIN PROST HAUS www.LittleRheinProstHaus.com

THE REPUBLIC OF TEXAS www.TheRepublicOfTexasRestaurant.com

RUTH’S CHRIS www.RuthsChris.com

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS

Day of the Dead is perhaps more celebrated in San Antonio than anywhere else in the country, thanks to our rich Mexican culture. This dedication to those who have passed on is a holiday that unites the living and the dead. It is one of my personal favorite holidays because it is vibrant celebration and beautiful memoriam. Often, people create altars with bright marigolds, photos and items cherished by their lost loved ones. Of course, food being one of those things.

Molé, which is an intricate, timeconsuming sauce, is a traditional food symbolically prepared during Day of the Dead. According to historians, molé was invented by a nun at the Santa Rosa convent in Puebla, Mexico in the 17th century to honor Juan de Palafox, the Viceroy of New Spain.

Although now there are several types of molés, Molé Negro, a rich, complex black molé made with chocolate, chili peppers and numerous other ingredients, is the one most commonly prepared during this time and served with a variety of proteins, such as chicken.

If you want to try a truly authentic yet utterly unique dish, make sure to visit the illustrious Chef Kirk at Ocho, located within the elegant Hotel Havana, who will be preparing a succulent Molé de Olla in celebration. This traditional soup is made with xoconostle, chayote, green beans, corn, potatoes and short rib, submerged in a broth of chile guajillo and chile pasilla, garlic, onion, epazote and garnished with chopped serrano peppers and lime.

Acenar, along Houston Street with a gorgeous patio overlooking the river, makes a tender boneless chicken breast dish simmered in a molé poblano sauce, while Guadalajara Grill in La Villita offers a Shrimp in Molé Negro dish with gulf shrimp smothered in an authentic Oaxacan chocolate sauce.

Alternatively, Domingo, which is a modern tribute to South Texas cuisine, offers a Prime Ribeye dish made with a pipian sauce, an ancient Aztec, Purepécha and Mayan creation very similar to molé, made with peppers and ground pumpkin seeds.

Guadalajara Grill

Ocho

Domingo By Karissa Rangel

THANKSGIVING

Of course, we are all familiar with this one! If you are visiting from out of town or simply wish to save yourself from endless hours of cooking and washing a mountain of dishes, look no further! There are many restaurants along the River Walk who serve delicious, traditional Thanksgiving dinners and buffets. Or these fine dining restaurants will happily satiate your craving for something, not only different, but exceptional.

Brasserie Mon Chou Chou is the premier River Walkadjacent vintage-inspired brasserie at the Historic Pearl, offering a menu of mouthwatering traditional French comfort food like lobster bisque, escargot and chicken cordon bleu.

The Fig Tree in La Villita, also French-inspired, offers an upscale experience showcasing modern interpretations

with locally-sourced ingredients, such as the duck with fermented spicy peach honey, Swiss chard, sesame turnips and jus.

Brenner’s Steakhouse on the River Walk is another excellent option. This elevated three-story steakhouse has a charming patio, perfect for enjoying the ideal weather during this time of year. With a cold bar packed with a smorgasbord of seafood, and buttery cuts of steak like Japanese A5 Wagyu filet, you will not miss traditional turkey at all.

Finally, Ruth’s Chris in the Grand Hyatt, is one of the most long-standing steakhouses in San Antonio for a reason. This top-rated steakhouse has everything down to a science, from the superb service to their superior steaks served on a sizzling 500-degree plate.

One of the best things about moving from the great Northwest to South Texas was being introduced to some new culinary traditions, the most ubiquitous of which is the tamale. They are in such demand from Thanksgiving to New Year’s, that they really should have its own national holiday, in my opinion.

Tamales, which originated in Mesoamerica as far back as 8000 BC, are made with corn dough filled with various ingredients like bean and cheese, chicken, pork or beef, and typically wrapped in a corn husk (at least in these parts), then best eaten steamed. In San Antonio, many people like to host a

tamale-making party, called a tamalada, but in lieu of that, check out these local River Walk hot spots.

Iron Cactus, La Gloria, Casa Rio and, again, Domingo all offer tamales on the menus or their own creative interpretations of a classic tamale. Iron Cactus, for example, has transformed tamales into modern tamale pops. La Gloria at Pearl offers daily tamale features, with some swapping banana leaves for corn husks. As previously mentioned, you will have a harder time avoiding tamales than finding them in the wonderful world of San Antonio!

WRITER’S BIO

Kimberly A. Suta of Sutapants Productions is a local and national food writer, award-winning filmmaker and publicist for the culinary industry. She is the co-creator of Homegrown Chef, a culinary series and catering and events company, featuring our city’s best chefs and delicious eats. Kimberly also hosts River Walk Culinary Adventure Tours, walking food tours that highlight the fantastic offerings along the River Walk for both ticketed events and private groups. Email sutapants@gmail.com for more details.

La Gloria

Fig Tree

La Gloria

TAMALE TIME

Iron Cactus

Anouk Masson Krantz (b. 1968), Nine Generations, 2021, Pigment print, (detail)

As San Antonio arcs toward fall, the Alamo City’s favorite theatres are getting ready for annual and year-end performances that remind locals and visitors alike why they love SA’s performing arts. Check out our round-up of kid-focused shows, and mark your calendars for these best bets to keep everyone in the family interested in the arts.

San Antonio’s Best Family-Friendly Shows This Season

By Jacey Blue Renner

HENRY B. GONZALEZ CONVENTION CENTER

BIG TEXAS COMICON!

October 6 – 8

Friday, 2:00 to 8:00pm; Saturday, 10:00am to 7:00pm; Sunday, 10:00am to 6:00pm

This year’s pop culture convention brings together three days of celebrity interactions, panels and autograph sessions, merging talents from TV, movies and the comic universe. Celebrities David Harbour, The Mandalorian’s Carl Weathers, ‘90’s icon Shannen Doherty and Star Trek’s Brent Spiner, are just a few of the big names descending into SATX for this costume-friendly weekend.

THE CHILDREN’S NUTCRACKER

December 9 – 10

Friday, 7:00pm; Saturday, 2:00pm and 7:00pm

The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio invites audiences to journey with Clara and the cast of this winter holiday’s classic ballet that the whole family will enjoy. Hosted at the Lila Cockrell Theatre in the Convention Center, there is even a pre-show holiday market and photos with Santa beginning one hour before showtime.

MAJESTIC THEATRE

PEPPA PIG’S SING-ALONG PARTY

October 8, 2:00pm

In the market for an adorable British pig and her family? Look no further as cult-sensation Peppa Pig brings her muddy puddle-jumping joy to the Majestic. Join George, Pedro Pony, Suzy Sheep and more as the class goes camping. This 60-minute musical will bring Peppa to Texas, with singing, dancing and games.

Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet at Majestic

Ballet San Antonio at The Tobin Center

MAJESTIC THEATRE CONTINUED

DISNEY JUNIOR LIVE ON TOUR: COSTUME PALOOZA

November 5, 12:00pm and 4:00pm

Featuring new and favorite songs, join Disney Junior and Marvel Superhero stars as they sing, dance and party with audiences. Come for Spidey and friends, stay because it is fantastic fun.

ANNIE

November 7 – 12, Showtimes vary

The beloved classic, Annie comes to San Antonio for an 8-day run this November as part of the Broadway in San Antonio series. With evening shows during the week, and matinee showtimes on the weekend, families will find a perfect time to sing along with the endearing orphan who reminds us that “sunshine is only a day away.” Featuring the iconic Tony Awardwinning book and score.

ELF IN CONCERT

December 1, 7:00pm

John Debney’s score from this comedy classic holiday film hits the stage. Played live to picture in this musical, relive Buddy’s adventures to kickstart your holiday season.

NUTCRACKER!

MAGICAL CHRISTMAS BALLET

December 8 – 9

Friday, 7:00pm; Saturday, 12:00pm, 4:00pm and 8:00pm

An exceptional international cast and Ukrainian Principal Artists bring this timeless holiday favorite to light. Experience the warmth of the classic story and the magic of jaw-dropping acrobatics, largerthan-life puppets and stunning hand-crafted sets and costumes. Do not miss this chance to experience the wonder of this holiday tradition.

A MAGICAL CIRQUE CHRISTMAS: A HOLIDAY VARIETY SHOW

December 16, 5:00pm and 8:00pm

World-class artists bring a new twist to the holiday season. Dazzling acrobats and entertainers woo the audience with this all-ages holiday show. Music, charm and nostalgia make this a perfect family event for the season.

THE TOBIN CENTER OPERA SAN ANTONIO PRESENTS

HANSEL AND GRETEL

October 5, 7:00pm; October 7, 7:30pm

Composer and Librettist Engelbert Humperdinck’s candy-centric fairy tale cannot be missed. Follow Hansel and Gretel as they find their way out of the woods and into your hearts. The performance is sung in English with projected text.

BALLET SAN ANTONIO: BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

October 13, 7:30pm;

October 14, 2:00pm and 7:30pm;

October 15, 2:00pm

This tale as old as time revolves around an arrogant prince who is turned into a terrifying beast. Will Belle warm to the beast’s affection and break the curse? Do not miss this 3-day event presented by Ballet San Antonio.

THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS, H-E-B CINEMA ON WILL’S PLAZA

October 13, Plaza opens at 7:00pm, movie at 8:00pm

Get Halloween-ready with Pumpkin King Jack Skellington during this fall-ready outdoor cinema showing on the 32-foot LED wall at the Will Naylor Smith River Walk Plaza. Bring your own blanket or low chair. FREE.

CARMELA FULL OF WISHES

October 14 – 22, Showtimes vary; Recommended for ages 5+

Follow Carmela through this hope-filled play based upon the award-winning book of the same name, and the power behind what we wish for. Adapted by Alvaro Saar Rios from the book by Matt de la Peña and illustrated by Christian Robinson. ASL and sensory-friendly performances available.

THE VELVETEEN RABBIT

November 18 – December 24, Showtimes vary; Recommended for ages 5+

A retelling of one of the most heart-warming holiday tales, capturing the spirit of love and friendship between a child and his beloved toy. The play is set in a cozy and enchanting world and is full of touching moments that will leave audiences feeling inspired and uplifted. ASL and sensory-friendly performances available.

Ballet San Antonio: Beauty and the Beast

The Children’s Nutcracker at Lila Cockrell Theatre

By Alexander Devora Photography

THE TOBIN CENTER CONTINUED

COCO, H-E-B CINEMA ON WILL’S PLAZA

November 10, Plaza opens at 5:30pm, movie at 6:30pm Journey with Miguel through his adventures in the Land of the Dead on the 32-foot LED wall at the Will Naylor Smith River Walk Plaza. Bring your own blanket or low chair. FREE.

THE PRICE IS RIGHT LIVE

November 11, 7:00pm

“Come on down!” This interactive stage show gives audience members the chance to hear their name called and play classic games, competing to win vacations, appliances or a NEW car!

PIRATE SCHOOL-THE SCIENCE OF PIRATES

November 13, 9:30am

This immersive STEM live show experience encourages curious K-5 students to explore science, technology, engineering and math in new and interactive ways. Stay for a post-show Q&A.

BALLET SAN ANTONIO: THE NUTCRACKER

December 1 – 10, Showtimes vary

Featuring more than 100 San Antonio-area children among the cast, live music by the CMI Orchestra and community heroes in key roles, this holiday favorite will bring renewed traditions and joy to the whole family.

THE GRINCH, H-E-B CINEMA ON WILL’S PLAZA

December 8, Plaza opens at 5:30pm, movie at 6:30pm

Your heart will grow three sizes, too, when watching the 2018 version of this Whoville holiday classic projected on the 32-foot LED wall at the Will Naylor Smith River Walk Plaza. Bring your own blanket or low chair. FREE.

WHEEL OF FORTUNE LIVE!

December 11, 7:30pm

With more access, and more chances to win, this interactive stage show brings a game show favorite to local fans. Contestants are handpicked from the audience for a chance to win prizes, money and dream vacations.

WRITER’S BIO

Jacey Blue Renner is a freelance writer and published poet who holds an MFA from Lesley University. Most recently her work has appeared in Home Design & Decor, San Antonio Magazine, San Antonio Woman, Alamo City Moms and the Military Mom Collective. A lover of the personal narrative, she highlights the positive through her work.

Pirate School - The Science of Pirates Courtesy of David Engel

The Price is Right Live

Dates and show times subject to change.

Let the Holiday

Begin!

Pearl

The Briscoe Museum Store

By Dawn Robinette, CTA

La Villita

By Limelight San Antonio

CLICKONTHIS

THE ALAMO

www.TheAlamo.org

BRISCOE WESTERN ART MUSEUM

www.BriscoeMuseum.org

DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS AT HEMISFAIR

www.Muertosfest.com

LA VILLITA

www.LaVillitaSanAntonio.com

LEGOLAND DISCOVERY CENTER www.LegolandDiscoveryCenter.com/ san-antonio

MUSEUM REACH

www.SARiverAuthority.org/ be-river-proud/parks-trails/sanantonioriver-walk-museum-reach

SAN ANTONIO ART MUSEUM

www.SAMuseum.org

SHOPS AT RIVERCENTER www.ShopRivercenter.com

THE PEARL

www.AtPearl.com

The River Walk is the perfect place to celebrate the holidays with reverence, authenticity and fun. Fall, as it transitions to the holiday season, is a truly special time to enjoy the city. Shorter days, cool breezes along the river, fall color and special celebrations fill the calendar, bringing meaningful connections and memories. Then the lights turn on! This holiday magic includes lights and wonder around every corner, giving the River Walk even more sparkle than usual. And as you wander, you will discover the perfect spots to check off your holiday shopping lists!

HOLIDAY SHOPPING ALONG THE

RIVER

There is an array of unique destinations that make shopping fun along the river. You will find goods that are carefully curated, making the product mix unlike anything else.

Fall River Walk Artisan Show

October 6 – 8

Friday & Saturday: 11:00am to 11:00pm

Sunday: 11:00am to 8:00pm

At the Fall Artisan Show, you can find more than 40 local vendors lining the River Walk Extension (near the Chamber of Commerce and Shops at Rivercenter). You will find oneof-a-kind gifts, including pottery, textiles, jewelry, woodwork, paintings, beadwork and more. This event is free to attend and is the best opportunity to experience San Antonio’s culture firsthand.

Holiday River Walk Artisan Show

December 8 – 10

Friday & Saturday: 11:00am to 11:00pm

Sunday: 11:00am to 8:00pm

If you missed the Fall Artisan Show, the Holiday River Walk Artisan Show is the perfect spot to conquer your holiday shopping list. These local artisans and vendors are giving Santa and the North Pole elves a run for their money! Head to the River Walk Extension to shop the wares of more than 40 handmade artisan booths. This anticipated annual event is free and open to the public.

La Villita Historic Arts Village

La Villita, known as San Antonio’s first neighborhood, is a tree-shaded trove of

shops just off the River Walk that combines the present and the past: the artisans and craftspeople who fill La Villita have electricity and modern comforts, but they are selling their crafts the same way that shop owners and tenants did in the late 1800s. Once home to watch, cabinet, dress, shoemakers and more, La Villita’s current artisans are continuing that tradition. Here, you will find art galleries featuring local, original paintings and pottery, contemporary jewelry and fashion accessories, plus shops filled with folk art and a variety of gift items both large and small.

Museum Stores and Markets

Museum shops always feature items not typically available in regular stores. So, roam the river to pop in to the Hendler Family Museum Store at the Briscoe Western Art Museum for fantastic jewelry—including Navajo, Zuni and other indigenous jewelry finds, as well as home goods, books and toys. Do not miss out on the terrific gift shop at the San Antonio Museum of Art, with globally inspired items that reflect their permanent and rotating exhibits. The shop’s extensive collection of art books and exhibition prints is impressive, along with jewelry, wearable art and gifts that kids will love. Insiders’ tip: You can visit museum stores without paying for admission, but when the museums are as terrific as these, why would you skip the opportunity to explore and enjoy such wonderful art?

In December, venture to Pearl, just past the San Antonio Museum of Art in the Museum Reach, for the Holiday Night Markets each Wednesday night. With music, food, fun and local makers’ holiday-themed items, that

River Walk Artisan Shows

Pearl Holiday Night Markets

complement Pearl’s regular shops and boutiques, it is a great destination to fill your gift list or snag something for yourself.

GLOWING ALONG THE RIVER

It is easy to get lost in the twinkle and glow of the River Walk in December. Once the lights come on Thanksgiving weekend, it is impossible to resist the magic. Our best advice is to simply immerse yourself in your spectacular surroundings! As you are taking it all in, you can add more sparkle to your explorations by checking out the lagoon at the Shops at Rivercenter. The poinsettia tree is a fantastic backdrop for holiday photos. And while you are there, do not miss seeing a mini-San Antonio decked out for the holidays and covered in snow at LEGOLAND Discovery Center. The display even includes fireworks over the city so you will not have to wait until New Year’s Eve to celebrate. Right next door, visit Scuba Claus at Sea Life San Antonio’s Holiday Sea of Lights! Both displays begin December 2.

For more glow, be sure to visit the Museum Reach of the River Walk to enjoy lights dancing on the holiday tree decorating the Lock and Dam. Set to

music, the show starts at sundown. Be sure to stop by the Alamo to see its majestic oaks covered in lights, as well as the nearby Menger, where its lobby features a fantastic tree beneath its amazing stained-glass skylight. In fact, hotels throughout the downtown area are all elaborately decorated, so as you are exploring along the river, pop in each one to see spectacular holiday displays. Each is as creative as the next, including Otro at Canopy Hotel, which is transformed into Whoville beginning December 1, with a Grinch-themed tree and cocktail specials! The Grand Hyatt has a grand tree in the lobby, the tree at Thompson San Antonio-Riverwalk makes a beautiful backdrop for photos, and La Mansion del Rio is decorated with children’s toys from Mexico, just to name a few.

WRITER’S BIO:

An award-winning writer, communications expert and military spouse who enjoys unearthing new discoveries and revisiting old favorites in San Antonio, Dawn Robinette is a Certified Tourism Ambassador who loves to tell stories. You can read more of her work at Alamo City Moms.

Shops. Food. Fun.

With over 100 locally owned shops, you’ll find cultural curios and artifacts, hand-crafted leather goods, and a diverse collection of traditional apparel.

LEGOLAND

Alamo Lights

Otro at Canopy Hotel

By Karissa Rangel

514 W. Commerce St.

The Lights Fantastic:

How the River Walk Lights Up the Holidays

By Susan Yerkes

The San Antonio River Walk bursts into glorious light for the winter holidays. From the Friday after Thanksgiving, when the flip of a giant ceremonial switch turns on the River Walk’s spectacular holiday lighting, to early January, the world-famous waterway’s downtown stretch becomes a dazzling dream of color and light. Every year, thousands of San Antonio visitors take in the stunning spectacle. But few stop to think about the story behind the glorious light show.

In 1882, Edward Johnson, one of Thomas Edison’s partners, wound the first strand of electric lights around his Christmas tree—hand-wired red, white and blue bulbs. It was a sensation, but prohibitively expensive for any but the wealthiest. By 1903, decorating one tree with General Electric’s newfangled Christmas lights cost about $2,000 in today’s dollars. By the 1950s, incandescent Christmas lights were affordable, and wildly popular. In 2021 Americans spent more than 6 billion dollars a year on Christmas decorations— including more than 150 million strands of lights. Quite a few of them end up lighting up the River Walk.

The day after Thanksgiving every year, more than 100,000 strands of brilliant LED lights blaze on, hanging from the tops of 175 tall trees along the River Walk’s lively downtown Horseshoe Bend. You would never know that once upon a time, in the early 1950s, the River Walk was dark and

dangerous at night. But in the 1960s, downtown became a popular place. A few restaurants, bars and shops opened. San Antonio invited the world to HemisFair ’68, and the River Walk got busy. That same year, some River Walk business owners and downtown boosters formed the Paseo del Rio Association to promote and protect the River Walk.

Their first big holiday lighting project was Fiesta de Las Luminarias in 1968. It echoed the very beginnings of Christmas lighting. Paseo del Rio members lined a section of the River Walk with luminarias—small white paper bags filled with sand for weight and candles for light. The custom dates back to 16th century Spain, where they signified lighting the way for the Christian Holy Family’s journey to Bethlehem.

“The luminarias were quite an undertaking,” recalled former Paseo director Gayle Spencer. “There were so few of us that friends were afraid to

MUSEUM REACH – RIVER OF LIGHTS www.SanAntonioRiverAuthority.com

SAN ANTONIO RIVER WALK www.TheSanAntonioRiverWalk.com

VISIT SAN ANTONIO

come to my house for dinner before the holidays— they knew they would have to sit there filling bags with sand all night.” Spencer and a handful of Paseo members would set out the bags from two barges in the cold mornings and return at each night to light the candles with matches or lighters. The paper bags were prone to catching fire. “The hair on all our knuckles was singed off,” Spencer said. Folk tradition makes a burned-up luminaria more poetic. “They say that when one of the luminaria bags catches fire it is a soul going up to heaven,” she added.

The Fiesta de las Luminarias remains one of San Antonio’s loveliest holiday traditions, with the lights of more than 2,000 luminarias lighting the winding River Walk paths for three weekends in December. The candles are battery-operated now, and the volunteer pool is wider. But it is still a surprisingly labor-intensive production.

“Our staff and different volunteer groups assemble the bags, then fill them with sand and put the lights in,” said Roslyn Castanda, Special Events Manager for the River Walk. More volunteers put the bags out on Fridays, and collect them on Sunday night or Monday, and then the process starts all over again. New, fresh bags are assembled for each weekend.

Brilliantly colored Christmas lights appeared in River Walk trees as early as the ‘70s, “When the malls started opening, you didn’t have that much retail on downtown streets,” said Bob Buchanan, long-time River Walk restaurateur and leader. “The old downtown businessmen gave the lights to the Paseo del Rio to try to bring people downtown.

“They said the biggest shopping day of the year was the Friday after Thanksgiving—so we decided we would have a holiday river lighting parade.” The first year was 1981. The mayor flipped a big fake light switch at Casa Rio and all the lights came on, and the parade began. It started small, with only as many decorated “floats” that could pass in front of the Arneson River Theatre in one hour, “because TV would cover it for an hour,” Buchanan said. Today

the Ford Holiday River Parade, still held the day after Thanksgiving, is one of the biggest events of the year, drawing hundreds of thousands downtown to kick off the season of light. It still begins with the flip of a giant fake switch that “turns on” the lights, transforming the river into wonderland of shimmering trees and watery reflections.

Greg Gallaspy, who took over as Paseo del Rio director in the 1990s, found it took a lot of volunteer power to maintain the Christmas lights. “We got a couple of sponsors and made an event out of it—we called it our Screw-Off Party. River Walk Royalty—like former Mud King and Spurs star George Gervin would come, and everybody wanted to screw off with royalty,” he said. “The lights were really a partnership between the Paseo and the City’s Parks and Recreation department. Those guys had some of the best tree climbers in the world. It’s incredible the way they crawl up with climbing belts and rope to the top of the trees. Then they throw the light strands over as far as they can, to stream down the trees.”

Today, a contractor handles the lights. It takes three to four months to repair, prepare and hang them from 175 towering bald cypress and sycamore trees

along the river bend. Lights for each tree are kept in separated, numbered bins. Usually, four tree climbers work with two electricians, communicating by two-way radio to line up and space the light strands evenly.

“People just don’t realize how much work it takes to do this. They think the lights just appear,” Gallaspy said.

The holiday vibe changes on the Museum Reach, just north of the Bend. This stretch of the River Walk was completed much more recently. Here, the San Antonio River Authority and its River Foundation maintain operations—and decorations.

“We started doing our River of Lights on the Museum Reach about a decade ago,” said Kristen Hansen, the Authority’s Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation.

“We have about 100 lowlights in the river shining up, and we decorate about 45 trees with white lights. There’s a lot of color everywhere else— wreaths or red and silver stars on our park lighting poles and a fishing Santa.”

Down by the bustling Pearl and the Hotel Emma, snowfall lights waft softly through the trees. Near the river Lock and Dam, a virtual 40-foot tall “pixel tree” features colorful lights that change in time with programmed music.

“It’s a different look from downtown, but I think we complement it nicely,” Hansen said. The Museum Reach lights up for the holidays a week or so after Thanksgiving, and the lights go off January 1.

But you do not have to wait for the holidays for a spectacular River Walk light show. This year the City of San Antonio added a new, permanent light display to the downtown stretch.

“The River Walk is beautiful and it’s worldrenowned, but we felt we needed to step it up,” said Lincoln St. George, Manager of Downtown Operations for the City of San Antonio. Spectacular uplighting was added to 50 bald cypresses, and underwater lights were installed to shine upwards and illuminate several footbridges. The waterfall in the River Walk extension is illuminated. And the island in the grotto at the end of the Convention Center extension blooms with 5 to 6-foot lighted flowers, butterflies and more.

That is part of the magic of the River Walk—it keeps changing, adding new and surprising sights and sounds. When San Antonio celebrates, it turns up the lights.

WRITER’S BIO:

Susan Yerkes is an award-winning journalist and travel writer. She celebrates the holidays on a decorated river barge, under the Christmas lights.

Grotto Light Garden

Ford Fiesta de las Luminarias

Falling into Festival Season

By Drew Henry

San Antonio summers are made for ice-cold margaritas sipped riverside. But when the leaves start to change color, it is time to break out the beer steins and get into the fall festival spirit. The River City shares diverse cultural influences from our neighbors in Mexico as well as the German immigrants who settled here in the late 1800s. So, we are spending October celebrating the Day of the Dead, Oktoberfest and all the rich cultural moments in between. Now, let’s fall into some fun together!

OKTOBERFEST, SAN ANTONIO-STYLE BIER GARTEN

September 12 – November 21

Munich in Bavaria, Germany, is home to the world’s largest Oktoberfest, with over 6 million visitors every year. They started clinking beer steins in 1810, so they have a few centuries on us. But we Texans are determined to do everything bigger here. The Bier Garten launched its first Oktoberfest in 2014, and this party is quickly becoming the largest Oktoberfest event on the River Walk. Grab your lederhosen or dirndl and get ready to join in live German band performances, oldies sing-alongs, alphornblowing contests, stein hoisting competitions, giveaways and celebrity keg tappings. You will have the chance to sample local and German beers, embracing San Antonio’s rich German heritage alongside your new pub pals. You can find the Bier Garten through the Hyatt Regency Hotel—just look for the bright blue flags and beer taps.

THE LITTLE RHEIN PROST HAUS Oktoberfest All Year Long!

San Antonio’s German heritage runs deep. So, you can join in and celebrate Oktoberfest every day of the year at local haunts like The Little Rhein Prost Haus. Located on the edge of La Villita with River Walk access as well, this historic limestone building welcomes visitors with its classic German architecture, tiered patio and lovely River Walk views. Enjoy live entertainment and drink specials seven days a week while you make your way through a selection of German beers on tap, sausages, kraut balls and Bavarian pretzels. As we say in Texas, “Prost, y’all!”

CELEBRATING DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS

Are you seeing dancing, smiling skeletons and marigolds everywhere? San Antonio pulls out all the stops for Día de los

Muertos. Many of the Day of the Dead traditions you will see in San Antonio come from Mexico, where families gather to pay tribute to their deceased loved ones. The tradition can be traced to the rituals of indigenous peoples of Mexico, such as the Aztec and Toltec. Sadness or mourning of the dead at that time was considered disrespectful. Instead, the holiday becomes a time of love when families remember, reflect on and celebrate those who have died.

Traditional altars, or ofrendas, are often set up in three tiers representing the land of the dead, the land of the living and the land of saints, or heaven. They also usually include items that represent the four elements of life: air, earth, fire and water. You can add candles to represent each loved one; water to quench their thirst after the long journey; pan de muerto—the bread of the dead—to feed them; orange or yellow marigold flowers to help them find their way back to the living; and papel picado— the colorful cut paper featuring intricate designs that you will see decorating much of San Antonio, which symbolizes the wind. The official Día de los Muertos falls on October 31 through November 2.

DAY OF THE DEAD SAN ANTONIO AT LA VILLITA

October 27 – 29

Day of the Dead has become a cherished annual event in San Antonio, attracting locals and tourists alike. The city ignites with events all weekend long. The famous River Parade cruises through the downtown portion of the River Walk and features 26 barges decorated in figures that represent Day of the Dead; live music and entertainment takes place on the Arneson River Theatre stage; and the La Villita Historic Village comes alive with music, food, Margarita Trucks, kid activities, shopping, ofrendas—or altar displays, the Calavera Collection—brilliantly decorated, 5-foot tall, colossal calaveras, which celebrate the age-old traditions of adorning Day of the Dead ofrendas with sugar or papier-mâché skulls; and the Giant Alebrije Exhibit—a Mexican folk art tradition of brightly colored, enormous ‘Spirit Animals.’

Day of the Dead San Antonio

HAUNTED HIKE AT PEARL www.SARiverAuthority.org

THE LITTLE RHEIN PROST HAUS wwwLittleRheinProstHaus.com

LUMINARIA CONTEMPORARY ARTS FESTIVAL www.LuminariaSA.org

OKTOBERFEST AT BIER GARTEN www.BierGartenRiverWalk.com

TASTING TEXAS WINE + FOOD FESTIVAL www.CulinariaSA.org

ZOO BOO! www.SAZoo.org

Luminaria

Pearl

Zoo Boo!

Bier Garten

Day of the Dead San Antonio

Haunted Hike at Pearl

DAY OF THE DEAD SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Friday, October 27

a River Parade: 7:00 to 8:30pm (ticketed event-www.TheSanAntonioRiverWalk.com)

a La Villita Displays, Vendors & Free Family Activities: 12:00 to 5:00pm

a La Villita Displays, Vendors, Live Music & Entertainment: 6:00 to 10:00pm a Herradura Ultra Lounge: 7:00 to 10:00pm (ticketed event)

Saturday, October 28

a La Villita Displays, Vendors & Free Family Activities: 12:00 to 5:00pm

a La Villita Displays, Vendors, Live Music & Entertainment: 6:00 to 10:00pm

a Herradura Ultra Lounge: 7:00 to 10:00pm (ticketed event)

Sunday, October 29

a La Villita Displays, Vendors & Free Family Activities: 12:00 to 7:00pm

MUERTOS FEST AT HEMISFAIR

October 28 – 29

Saturday, 10:00am to 11:00pm; Sunday, 12:00pm to 9:00pm

Ofrendas are the signature feature of Día de los Muertos at Hemisfair, where mesmerizing altars are built throughout the festival grounds. Individuals, families, groups and schools build more than 80 altars during the festival and are there to share their stories with the public. There are also handson activities in the festival’s children’s section, and it is all free and open to the public, allowing everyone to experience the beauty and significance of this cultural celebration. The festival serves as a platform to highlight local artists, artisans and vendors, making it a true San Antonio celebration.

THE HISTORIC PEARL

November 2, 5:00 to 9:00pm

Pearl’s annual celebration features cultural performances, children’s activities and multiple art displays, including four life-size Catrinas by artist Regina Moya. Ofrendas will be displayed throughout the first week of November, and the celebration includes a community altar where you can honor your loved ones. Additionally, two Alebrijes from the private collection of Chef Johnny Hernandez and La Gloria will be on display October 4-8.

SAN ANTONIO ZOO

November 1 – 2

The San Antonio Zoo invites guests to join them in remembering and honoring our community’s animals that have crossed the rainbow bridge with a Día de los Muertos ofrenda in Zootenial Plaza. Guests are welcome to bring photos of their pets and contribute to the ofrenda. This event is included with regular admission, during normal operating hours.

LUMINARIA CONTEMPORARY ARTS

FESTIVAL AT HEMISFAIR & HENRY B. GONZALEZ CONVENTION CENTER

6:00pm to Midnight

Luminaria is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year with cultural

events and art installations. Taking place at Hemisfair under the Tower of the Americas, and across the street at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, this iconic festival highlights the arts, the city’s creative economy and the rich culture that makes San Antonio unique. Hailed as the most prominent arts festival in South Texas, the event features local artists ranging from ages 16-70+ as well as global players in the field. Showcases include traditional art, live theatre, music performances, film screenings, poetry readings and breathtaking digital art installations that light up the night.

HAUNTED HIKE AT PEARL AMPHITHEATER

October 26

7:30 to 8:45

There are spookier kinds of spirits lurking at the old Pearl Brewery. Join the San Antonio River Authority and Curious Twins Paranormal Tour Guides for a free tour exploring the hauntings along the Museum Reach, including indigenous burials and life along the river, the haunts of the Pearl Brewery and other bizarre events.

The free tour meets in front of Hotel Emma, adjacent to the Pearl Amphitheater. Book ahead of time, as space is limited for mortals.

GO RIO SPECIALTY CRUISES

Strolling the beautifully landscaped River Walk is truly a sight to behold. But you can change your perspective and cruise the River Walk, gently passing under towering cypress trees while sipping vino or even hearing stories about San Antonio’s ‘otherworldly’ inhabitants. See the GO RIO website for tickets and more information about their many specialty cruises.

WINE DOWN SUNSET CRUISE

Thursdays

7:00pm

Every Thursday evening, GO RIO hosts their unique Wine Down Sunset Cruise, where guests enjoy premium wines along with bites from Landrace—a high-end open-fire restaurant under the direction

ZOO BOO! AT THE SAN ANTONIO ZOO

September 16 – October 31, 9:00am to closing

Trick or treating takes a walk on the wild side at the San Antonio ZOO BOO! event. This not-so-scary Halloween celebration is open all October long with fun activities for the whole family, including live music, costume parties, photo ops and a daily free trick-or-treating hour for all the little ghouls, goblins and gators.

Day of the Dead San Antonio

of six-time James Beard finalist Chef Steve McHugh. Board at the Thomspon Hotel and relax during a one-hour cruise through the Museum Reach of the river up to the Pearl District and back.

GHOST CRUISES

Fridays and Saturdays, plus Halloween weekend

(October 28-31)

7:00 to 8:00pm

Ghost tours are back! With a drink in hand, included in your tour, sail by some of the city’s most mysterious landmarks and buildings as your cruise narrator shares spooky tales and haunted histories along the River Walk.

TASTING TEXAS WINE + FOOD FESTIVAL

October 26 – 29

Culinaria and Visit San Antonio’s Tasting Texas Wine + Food Festival is making its grand return this year for a four-day epicurean experience that spans the city. Guests can look forward to live music, educational panels, cooking classes, cocktails, wines, beers and tasty dishes from local chefs. The best part? Two fantastic events are happening right here along the River Walk at Maverick Plaza in La Villita.

THE GRAND TASTING

Saturday, October 28 12:00pm to 4:00pm

Take a culinary journey with us through an innovative walk-around experience, sampling delicious food and beverages

while connecting with vendors and learning more about their products. Get a taste of San Antonio’s best local restaurants, sip on specialty cocktails, and enjoy the fresh fall breeze! You can even pop into a seminar to learn more about wine pairings and how to level up your cooking skills at home. Tickets range from $20 to $150, depending on your selected package.

BURGERS, BOURBON & BEER

Sunday, October 29

12:00pm to 4:00pm

Who doesn’t love a big juicy burger with an ice-cold beer to wash it down? This culinary event celebrates an array of delectable burgers, aged bourbons and craft beer

from around the world. Sample chef creations and then head to the bar to imbibe in your bourbon or beer of choice. You may even pick up a few grill master skills while you are there! Tickets range from $20 to $150, depending on your selected package.

WRITER’S BIO

Drew Henry is a writer, yogi and meme enthusiast. When he is not writing, he is out exploring all Texas has to offer. View his portfolio at DrewHenryWrites.com and follow his antics on Instagram at @drewhenrywrites.

The Grand Tasting

Burgers, Bourbon & Beer

Day of the Dead River Parade

Spectacular Lights and Sights Kick-Off The Holiday Season

By Ann Koehler

November marks the beginning of the holiday season in San Antonio, with brilliant lighting displays highlighting all events throughout the month. The Grand Finale in November is the much-anticipated Ford Holiday River Parade and River Lighting Ceremony, but it also ushers in more than a month of holiday activities straight through the New Year!

DIWALI SA FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

November 4, 4:30 to Midnight

DiwaliSA River Parade: 5:00 to 6:00pm

Diwali is the Indian celebration representing the triumph of good over evil, light over dark and knowledge over ignorance, and Diwali SA is San Antonio’s largest free Indian culture showcase, celebrating its 15th anniversary this year. Visit Arneson River Theatre and Hemisfair Park to partake in traditional Indian dance, food, music and a crafts bazaar including jewelry, clothing and henna. A River Parade will cruise through the Downtown Reach of the River Walk and 2,000 floating diyas will be released. The night ends with an epic fireworks display over the Tower of the Americas. Get ready because Bollywood nights are coming to San Antonio!

FORD HOLIDAY RIVER PARADE SCHEDULE

Do not miss a single moment of the fun! Keep this schedule on hand to stay up to the minute on Santa’s arrival.

U 4:00pm – River Walk closes to the general public.

U 5:00pm – River Walk gates open for ticket holder access at Arneson River Theatre and along the four-mile parade route.

U 6:00pm – The parade begins at The Tobin Center.

U 6:00 - 7:00pm – The festive pre-parade show for ticket holders starts at the Arneson River Theatre.

U 7:00pm – The Lighting of the River Walk ceremony commences, with the Nutcracker and Sugar Plum Fairy taking the lead.

U 7:00 - 8:00pm – The televised parade begins, and Santa arrives on the last float!

Ticket Options

FORD HOLIDAY RIVER PARADE AND LIGHTING CEREMONY

November 24, 6:00 to 9:00pm

The 42nd Annual Ford Holiday River Parade is a favorite San Antonio tradition, always held the day after Thanksgiving, and the theme of this year’s celebration is “Holiday Stories.” Pre-parade entertainment at Arneson River Theatre features the parade’s Grand Marshal, the Nutcracker played by George Chini, and other performers from the classic holiday ballet, who will take their production to McAllister Auditorium on December 15-17. Gaze upon 28 illuminated floats and watch over 100,000 lights turn on before your eyes!

Ticket prices range from $15 to $40 per person for premium reserved seats, and ADA tickets are available in certain areas. New this year, a General Admission area, sponsored by Taco Cabana, lines the lagoon between Hemisfair and the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center and provides standing room viewing for $13.50. All tickets can be purchased on the River Walk website. Tickets are non-refundable, and

Diwali SA

CLICKONTHIS

DIWALI SA FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

www.DiwaliSA.com

FORD HOLIDAY RIVER PARADE & HOLIDAY LIGHTS

www.TheSanAntonioRiverWalk.com

GO RIO RIVER CRUISES www.GoRioCruises.com

SAN ANTONIO ZOO LIGHTS

www.SAZoo.org

Diwali SA

Ford Holiday River Parade

Holiday Lights on the River Walk

Ford Holiday River Parade

Ford Holiday River Parade

strollers, ice chests and carriers are not permitted on the River Walk during this event.

Additionally, you can catch the parade in designated free viewing areas between Pecan Street and Richmond Avenue on a first-come-first-serve basis—remember to bring your own chair!

If you want to take in dinner and a show, the majority of River Walk restaurants offer parade dining packages with special menus and reserved seating. You can purchase the packages through the individual restaurants.

At the GO RIO Historia Ticket Booth and upper-level landing, four docked boats with 30 chairs each provide prime viewing right on the water. The space will be decked out with a decorated Christmas Tree and holiday décor surrounded by cocktail tables for socializing. Plus, photo ops with Santa and drinks for purchase make this a perfect family-friendly event. Purchase tickets through the GO RIO website.

THE WORLD-FAMOUS HOLIDAY LIGHTS ON THE RIVER WALK

November 24 to January 7

5:30pm to 8:30am, nightly

The river is illuminated this month with the twinkling sparkles of the holiday season. It is a glorious flip-the-switch moment as the lights are turned on during the Ford Holiday River Parade, and from dusk ‘til dawn you can stroll along the banks of the River Walk and take in the glow of more than 100,000 holiday lights dripping from the cypress trees. It is a gorgeous winter wonderland you can enjoy from plenty of outdoor dining spots, and the lights stretch all along the downtown portion

of the River Walk and north to the Pearl District in the Museum Reach. Free to attend.

SAN ANTONIO ZOO LIGHTS

November 19 – January 1

Sundown to closing

Experience acres of dazzling lights, festive holiday snacks and drinks for adults and kids, and larger-than-life displays and photo-ops across miles of twinkling wildlife trails! Sleigh through the 124-foot light tunnel, explore an outdoor museum of illuminated animal portraits, carol with the Sing-a-long Express, dance at the Lakeside Light Show, ride a camel and hang with Santa! This event is included with admission and is free for members.

GO RIO SPECIALTY CRUISES

A narrated river cruise is a great way to immerse yourself in the River Walk’s beautiful landscaping while learning about the history of this stunning area of San Antonio. Add in the holiday lights and the experience becomes even more magical.

On November 2, 9 and 16, Wine Down Sunset Cruise excursions glide through the Museum Reach of the River Walk, departing and returning from Thompson Hotel, and include premium wine and bites from Landrace – one of six-times James Beard finalist Chef Steve McHugh’s signature restaurants. And on November 5 and 19 from 11:00am to noon, guided tours of the Museum Reach highlight art, architecture and ecology on that stretch of the River Walk. If you have a deeper appreciation for architecture, an extended two-hour tour is available on November 11 and 12. See the GO RIO website for tickets and more information about their many specialty cruises.

Zoo Lights

Walking in a River Walk Wonderland

By Drew Henry

You may have heard about walking in a winter wonderland but what about a River Walk wonderland? During the holiday season, the San Antonio River Walk comes alive with thousands of twinkling lights, joyful caroling boats and festive holiday events that warm the soul faster than a cup of hot chocolate. Join us as we make our merry way through all the holiday events this month!

THE WORLD-FAMOUS HOLIDAY LIGHTS ON THE RIVER WALK

November 24 – January 7

5:30pm to 8:30am nightly

The World-Famous Holiday Lights on the River Walk is one of the largest free light spectacles on the planet! Stroll the tranquil river’s edge as more than 100,000 twinkling lights drape from the towering bald cypress trees, illuminating the skies and reflecting off the water as river boats pass by. The lights turn on every night during December and can be enjoyed from dusk until dawn. Take a peaceful stroll or catch a GO RIO Cruise to experience the lights in style. No matter what route you take, you are bound to feel the holiday spirit light up inside you!

MUSEUM REACH - RIVER OF LIGHTS

November 24 – January 7

5:30pm to 8:30am nightly

Did you know that the famous River Walk Holiday Lights continue upriver through the Museum Reach and on to the Pearl District? The worker elves at the San Antonio River Authority have strung their own light displays through this quiet stretch of the river, turning it into a winter wonderland (without all the snow and ice). Along the way, you will find enchanting displays of illuminated trees, playful elves and warm seasonal messages. You can even catch the Pixel Tree Light Show at the Lock and Dam midway between downtown and Pearl. Shows commence on the half-hour, where the Lock and Dam tree turns into a dancing display synced to your favorite holiday tunes. The Museum Reach River of Lights is a favorite tradition among locals and worth the short jaunt out of downtown to see.

RIVER OF LIGHTS KICKOFF EVENT

Saturday, December 9 4:00 to 8:00pm

The River Authority elves have even planned a few special events for you! Stop by the Lock and Dam at 510 Brooklyn Avenue for an evening of live

music, a Pixel Tree Light Show, pictures with Santa, food trucks, holiday vendors and more! It is the perfect celebration to ring in the holiday season.

FORD FIESTA DE LAS LUMINARIAS

Weekends, December 2 – 17

The Ford Fiesta de las Luminarias is a cherished holiday tradition that takes place every Friday, Saturday and Sunday for three weekends in December. A luminaria is a traditional Mexican Christmas lantern originally consisting of a candle set in sand inside a small bag. More than 2,000 glowing luminarias line the River Walk’s lush banks to light the way. These traditional lanterns beautifully complement the twinkling lights above and make for a stunning, free display.

River of Lights Kickoff

FORD HOLIDAY BOAT CAROLING

November 30 – December 23

Monday – Thursday: 6:00 to 8:15pm

Friday – Sunday: 6:00 to 9:30pm

Why just ring in the holidays when you can also sing in the holidays? Celebrate the age-old caroling tradition with a San Antonio River Walk twist. You can pay to hop aboard a caroling boat, rent an entire boat for your family and friends or join in for free from the banks of the river or your seat on a restaurant patio. Experience the sounds of the season as caroling boats float along the river and spread holiday cheer with every stop!

RIVERCENTER HOLIDAY CONCERT SERIES

Saturdays, December 2 – 30 5:30 to 7:30pm

Do you have a favorite holiday song? Well, chances are it will be performed during the Rivercenter Holiday Concert Series. Every Saturday from 5:30 to 7:30pm, the lagoon stage in front of the Shops at Rivercenter comes to life with performances that will put you in the holiday spirit. Enjoy a range of local performers singing their renditions of holiday classics across different genres.

After the show, you can head up to the shops and start checking off everyone on your nice list this year. Now, this plan sounds like music to our ears!

GO RIO HOLIDAY LIGHTS CRUISES

What better way to enjoy the spectacular holiday lights along the River Walk than by cruising under the colorful strands dangling from cypress trees while listening to jolly holiday music? These special GO RIO Cruises wind through the main loop of the Downtown Reach of the river, or you can choose the Museum Reach tour for more holiday lights and art installations.

DOWNTOWN REACH LIGHTS TOUR

November 28 – December 23

Tuesdays – Saturdays, Every half hour 6:30 to 9:00pm

Depart from Zocca in the Westin Riverwalk Hotel, and enjoy holiday music and hot cocoa while you cruise through the Downtown Reach of the River Walk and see sights such as the Shops Rivercenter Mall and Arneson River Theatre. The cruise is approximately 50 minutes long.

MUSEUM REACH LIGHTS TOUR

December 3 – 18

Sundays and Mondays, Every half hour 6:30 to 9:00pm

Depart from Thompson San Antonio and enjoy holiday music and hot cocoa while you cruise along the Museum Reach of the River Walk, through the Lock and Dam, the Jones Street F.I.SH. installation and up to the Pearl District. The cruise is approximately 50 minutes long.

Ford Holiday Boat Caroling

GO RIO Holiday Lights Cruises

29TH ANNUAL MARIACHI EXTRAVAGANZA

November 30 – December 2

The Mariachi Extravaganza is one of the world’s most prominent mariachi music festivals, and it has delighted audiences for almost three decades. Hosted at the Lila Cockrell Theatre inside the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, the festival celebrates the history of Latin music while promoting cultural preservation. The lineup of events includes a concert with world-renowned musicians and the winners of the competition series. The concert and competitions are open to the public, and tickets may be purchased at the door.

RICOS RIVER RALLY FOR THE VALERO ALAMO BOWL

December 26

5:00pm

The Valero Alamo Bowl is one of the biggest events in college football, and San Antonio has been a proud host of the game since 1993. Do you know any better way to get pumped for the big game than with a classic pep rally? Well, we host the most unique around with our own River City twist. Coaches, team captains and cheerleaders participate in a spirited pep rally on stage at the Arneson River Theatre on the River Walk. The school bands start their spirit songs, and the players make their grand entrance on the famous River Walk cruise boats! Come to this free event dressed in your team’s colors and be prepared to make some noise.

HOLLY JOLLY KAYAKING

Saturday, December 2

6:00 to 8:00pm

In the River City, Santa doesn’t take a sleigh. He takes a kayak! Join the fun and

CLICK ON THIS

FORD FIESTA DE LAS LUMINARIAS

FORD HOLIDAY BOAT CAROLING HOLIDAY LIGHTS ON THE RIVER WALK www.TheSanAntonioRiverWalk.com

GO RIO RIVER CRUISES www.GoRioCruises.com

HOLLY JOLLY KAYAKING MUSEUM REACH - RIVER OF LIGHTS

RIVER OF LIGHTS KICK-OFF www.SARiverAuthority.org

WRITER’S BIO

MARIACHI EXTRAVAGANZA www.MariachiMusic.com

RICOS RIVER RALLY www.AlamoBowl.com

RIVERCENTER HOLIDAY CONCERT SERIES www.ShopRivercenter.com

Drew Henry is a writer, yogi and meme enthusiast. When he is not writing, he is out exploring all Texas has to offer. View his portfolio at DrewHenryWrites.com and follow his antics on Instagram at @ drewhenrywrites.

Museum Reach - River of Lights

EAT & DRINK

AMERICAN AMBLER TEXAS KITCHEN + COCKTAILS www.AmblerSanAntonio.com

BLUE STAR BREWING COMPANY www.BlueStarBrewing.com

BOILER HOUSE www.BoilerHouseSA.com

BOUDRO’S TEXAS BISTRO www.Boudros.com

BIGA ON THE BANKS www.Biga.com

BLISS www.FoodIsBliss.com

BUBBA GUMP SHRIMP CO. www.BubbaGump.com

BUCKHORN SALOON & MUSEUM www.BuckhornMuseum.com

BURGERTECA www.ChefJohnnyHernandez.com

CURED www.CuredAtPearl.com

DAVE & BUSTER’S www.DaveAndBusters.com

DEVILS RIVER DISTILLERY www.DevilsRiverWhiskey.com

DICK’S LAST RESORT www.DicksLastResort.com

ELSEWHERE GARDEN BAR & KITCHEN www.ElsewhereTexas.com

THE ESQUIRE www.EsquireTavern-SA.com

FAT TUESDAY www.FatTuesday.com

FIG TREE www.FigTreeRestaurant.com

FOUR BROTHERS www.OmniHotels.com

THE GUENTHER HOUSE www.GuentherHouse.com

HARD ROCK CAFÉ www.HardRockCafe.com

HOOTER’S www.Hooters.com

HOWL AT THE MOON www.HowlAtTheMoon.com

JOHNNY ROCKET’S www.Locations.JohnnyRockets.com

LANDRACE www.LandraceTX.com

LANDSHARK BAR & GRILL www.SanAntonio.LandSharkBarAndGrill.com

LONE STAR CAFÉ www.LoneStarCafe.com

MARGARITAVILLE www.MargaritavilleSanAntonio.com

MAVERICK TEXAS BRASSERIE www.MaverickTexas.com

MAVERICK WHISKEY www.MaverickWhiskey.com

THE MOON’S DAUGHTERS www.TheMoonsDaughters.com

RAINFOREST CAFÉ www.RainforestCafe.com

THE REPUBLIC OF TEXAS www.TheRepublicOfTexasRestaurant.com

SUPPER WWW.SUPPERATEMMA.COM

YARD HOUSE www.YardHouse.com

ASIAN BEST QUALITY DAUGHTER www.BestQualityDaughter.com

BOTIKA www.BotikaPearl.com

TOKYO COWBOY www.TokyoCowboyTx.com

BBQ THE COUNTY LINE www.CountyLine.com

PINKERTON’S www.PinkertonsBarbecue.com

SMOKE BBQ RIVERBAR www.SmokeDowntown.com

BRITISH

MAD DOGS BRITISH PUB www.MadDogs.net

FRENCH

BRASSERIE MON CHOU CHOU www.BrasserieMonChouChou.com

GERMAN

BIER GARTEN www.BierGartenSA.com

LITTLE RHEIN PROST HAUS www.ProstHausSA.com

SCHILO’S www.Schilos.com

IRISH

DURTY NELLY’S IRISH PUB www.DurtyNellysPub.com

MADDY MCMURPHY’S IRISH SPORTS BAR www.MaddysSA.com

ITALIAN ALLORA www.AlloraPearl.com

ARROSTA www.ArrostaPearl.com

DOUGH www.DoughPizzeriaOnlineOrders.com

FIUME PIZZERIA www.FiumePizzeria.com

NONNA OSTERIA www.NonnaSA.com

PAESANOS www.PaesanosRiverWalk.com

TRE TRATORRIA www.TreTrattoria.com

ZOCCA CUISINE D’ITALIA www.ZoccaRiverWalk.com

MEXICAN ACENAR www.Acenar.com

AZUCA NUEVO LATINO www.Azuca.net

CAFÉ OLE www.CafeOle.us

CARRIQUI www.CarriquiTX.com

CASA RIO www.Casa-Rio.com

DOMINGO RESTAURANTE www.DomingoRestaurant.com

GUADALAJARA GRILL www.GuadalajaraGrill.us

IRON CACTUS www.IronCactus.com

LA GLORIA www.ChefJohnnyHernandez.com

LA MARGARITA www.LaMargarita.com

MI TIERRA CAFÉ Y PANADERIA www.MiTierraCafe.com

OCHO www.HavanaSanAntonio.com

THE ORIGINAL MEXICAN RESTAURANT www.OriginalMexican.com

RESTAURANTE PICO DE GALLO www.PicoDeGallo.com

RIO RIO CANTINA www.RioRioCantina.com

RITA’S ON THE RIVER www.RitasOnTheRiver.com

THE RIVER’S EDGE CAFÉ + PATIO BAR www.RiversEdgeCafeSA.com

ROSARIO’S www.RosariosSA.com

SEAFOOD

BUBBA GUMP SHRIMP CO. www.BubbaGump.com

CHART HOUSE www.TowerOfTheAmericas.com

JOE’S CRAB SHACK www.JoesCrabShack.com

LANDRY’S SEAFOOD HOUSE www.LandrysSeafood.com

ON THE BEND OYSTER BAR & CIGAR LOUNGE www.OnTheBendSA.com

OSTRA www.OmniHotels.com

SOUTHERLEIGH FINE FOOD & BREWERY www.Southerleigh.com

SOUTH AMERICAN DORREGO’S www.dorregos.com

FOGO DE CHAO www.FogoDeChao.com

SPANISH ENRIQUE TOMAS www.EnriqueTomas.com

STEAKHOUSE BOHANAN’S www.Bohanans.com

BRENNER’S STEAKHOUSE www.LandrysInc.com

MORTON’S STEAKHOUSE www.Mortons.com

THE PALM www.ThePalm.com

RANGE www.RangeSA.com

RUTH’S CHRIS STEAKHOUSE www.RuthsChris.com

SALTGRASS STEAKHOUSE www.Saltgrass.com

SILO PRIME www.SiloSA.com

SWEETS BEN & JERRY’S www.BenJerry.com

JUSTIN’S ICE CREAM www.JustinsIceCream.com

KILWINS www.Kilwins.com

ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY www.RMCF.com

SHOP & PLAY

THE ALAMO www.TheAlamo.org

ALAMODOME www.Alamodome.com

ALAMO PLAZA SHIRTS 210.223.2347

ALAMO QUARRY MARKET www.QuarryMarket.com

ALAMEDA THEATER www.AlamedaTheaterConservancy.org

AMAZING MIRROR MAZE & THE VAULT LASER CHALLENGE www.AmazingMazes.com

ARNESON RIVER THEATRE www.LaVillitaSanAntonio.com

ART PACE www.ArtPace.org

AT&T CENTER www.ATT.CenterSanAntonio.org

AZTEC THEATRE www.Aztec.TheaterSanAntonio.org

BCYCLE www.SanAntonioBCycle.com

THE BLUE STAR ARTS COMPLEX www.BlueStarArtsComplex.com

BONITA RITA’S/MERCADORITA’S www.Mercadoritas.com

BRISCOE WESTERN ART MUSEUM www.BriscoeMuseum.org

BRACKENRIDGE PARK www.BrackenridgePark.org

BUCKHORN SALOON & MUSEUM www.BuckhornMuseum.com

CARVER COMMUNITY CULTURAL CENTER www.TheCarver.org

CASCADE CAVERNS www.CascadeCaverns.com

CENTRO DE ARTES www.GetCreativeSanAntonio.com

CITY SIGHTSEEING SAN ANTONIO www.CitySightseeingSanAntonio.com

CONFLUENCE PARK www.SARiverFound.org

COWBOY’S ALAMO CITY HARLEYDAVIDSON BOUTIQUE www.CowboysAlamoCityHarley.com

DASA SPA ON THE RIVERWALK www.DasaSpa.com

THE DOSEUM www.TheDoSeum.org

EMPIRE THEATRE www.MajesticEmpire.com

FIESTA AT NORTH STAR www.AlamoFiesta.com

FIVE AND DIME GENERAL STORE www.FiveAndDimeGS.com

FREEMAN COLISEUM www.Freeman.Coliseum-SanAntonio.org

GARCIA ART GLASS www.GarciaArtGlass.com

GO RIO CRUISES www.GoRioCruises.com

GUENTHER HOUSE www.GuentherHouse.com

GUADALUPE CULTURAL ARTS CENTER www.GuadalupeCulturalArts.org

GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS MUSEUM WWW.Ripleys.COM

HEMISFAIR www.Hemisfair.org

HENRY B. GONZALEZ CONVENTION CENTER www.SAHBGCC.com

HOPSCOTCH www.LetsHopscotch.com

HOTEL CONTESSA SPA www.HotelContessaSpa.com

HOT WELLS www.BexarCounty.org

KIDDIE PARK www.KiddiePark.com

LOUIS TUSSAUD’S WAXWORKS www.Ripleys.com

MAGIK THEATRE www.MagikTheatre.org

MAJESTIC THEATRE www.MajesticEmpire.com

MARKET SQUARE/EL MERCADO www.MarketSquareSA.com

MCNAY ART MUSEUM www.McNayArt.org

MEXICAN CULTURAL INSTITUTE www.Facebook.com/mexculturesa

MISSION ADVENTURE TOURS www.MAT-TX.com

MISSION HIKE & BIKE TRAILS www.NPS.gov/saan/planyourvisit/ hikebike

MISSION MARQUEE PLAZA WWW.MissionMarquee.COM

MOKARA SPA www.OmniHotels.com

MORGAN’S WONDERLAND www.MorgansWonderland.com

MURAL RIDE

www.SanAntonioMuralRide.com

NATURAL BRIDGE CAVERNS

www.NaturalBridgeCaverns.com

NORTH STAR MALL www.NorthStarMall.com

PARIS HATTERS www.ParisHatters.com

PENNER’S www.PennersInc.com

RIPLEY’S BELIEVE IT OR NOT www.Ripleys.com/sanantonio

RIVER WALK PUBLIC ART GARDEN www.GetCreativeSanAntonio.com

RUBY CITY www.RubyCity.org

SAN ANTONIO AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY ARCHIVE AND MUSEUM www.SAAACAM.org

SAN ANTONIO BOTANICAL GARDEN www.SABOT.com

SAN ANTONIO MISSIONS NATIONAL HISTORIAL PARK www.NPS.gov/saan/index

SAN ANTONIO MUSEUM OF ART www.SAMuseum.org

SAN ANTONIO VISITORS CENTER www.VisitSanAntonio.com

SAN ANTONIO ZOO www.SAZoo.org

SAN FERNANDO CATHEDRAL/ THE SAGA www.SFCathedral.org / www.MainPlaza.org

SAN PEDRO CREEK CULTURE PARK www.SPCCulturePark.com

SEAWORLD SAN ANTONIO www.SeaWorld.com

THE SHOPS AT LA CANTERA www.TheShopsAtLaCantera.com

SIX FLAGS FIESTA TEXAS www.SixFlags.com

SOUTHWEST SCHOOL OF ART www.SWSchool.org

SPANISH GOVERNOR’S PALACE www.SpanishGovernorsPalace.org

77T’S SOUVENIRS & T-SHIRTS www.77TShirts.com

TIENDA LA GARZA 210.222.2133

TOBIN CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS www.TobinCenter.org

TOWER OF THE AMERICAS www.TowerOfTheAmericas.com

THE UNOFFICIAL BEST OF TEXAS 210.227.0242

UTSA INSTITUTE OF TEXAN CULTURES www.TexanCultures.UTSA.edu

VILLA FINALE www.VillaFinale.org

WITTE MUSEUM www.WitteMuseum.org

YANAGUANA GARDEN www.Hemisfair.org

LA VILLITA HISTORIC ARTS VILLAGE www.LaVillitaSanAntonio.com

• Angelita

• B. Link

• Bird & Pear

• Capistrano Soap Company

• Casa Manos Alegres

• Copper Gallery

• Sifuentes Metalsmith

• Little Studio Gallery

• Plaza Taxco

• River Art Gallery

• Scentchips USA

• Starving Artist Art Gallery

• Yolix Luna Fine Art

SHOPS AT RIVERCENTER www.ShopRivercenter.com

SHOPS AT RIVERCENTER HAVE NEARLY 100 RETAILERS.

IMAX & AMC RIVERCENTER 11 www.IMAX.com

LEGOLAND DISCOVERY CENTER www.LegolandDiscoveryCenter.com

SEA LIFE SAN ANTONIO www.VisitSeaLife.com

LIGGETTVILLE ADVENTURE CENTER www.LiggettVille.com

THE HISTORIC PEARL www.AtPearl.com

• Adelante Boutique

• Curio

• Dos Carolinas

• Feliz Modern Pop

• Leelee

• Limatus Bespoke

• Niche at Pearl

• Rancho Diaz

• Ten Thousand Villages

• The Tiny Finch

• The Twig Book Shop

DOWNTOWN LOCATIONS LISTING

MUSEUM REACH LOCATIONS LISTING

SHOP & PLAY

1 San Antonio Zoo

2 Japanese Tea Gardens

3 Sunken Garden Theater

4 Brackenridge Park Golf Course

5 Witte Museum

6 The DoSeum

9 San Antonio Museum of Art

B San Antonio BCycle Docking Stations

THE HISTORIC PEARL

Allora

Arrosta

Bakery Lorraine

Best Quality Daughter Blue Box Bar Boiler House Botika

Brasserie Mon Chou Chou Carriqui

Cured

Food Hall at Bottling Dept.

Full Goods Diner High Street Wine Co. Jazz, TX Ladino

La Gloria

Lick Honest Ice Creams

Local Coffee Founders Southerleigh Supper at Hotel Emma

EAT & DRINK

8 Sam’s Burger Joint Music Hall

10 Tre Trattoria

11 Elsewhere Garden Bar & Kitchen

12 Shiro Japanese Sushi Bistro

STAY

7 Hotel Emma

13 Wyndham Garden San Antonio Riverwalk

S.NEWBRAUNFELSAVE

Real Holidays. True Cheer.

Glide across an enchanting outdoor ice-skating rink, savor the festive atmosphere at holiday markets, and be captivated by parades and concerts that cheerfully fill the air. Wander through enchanting displays of thousands of twinkling lights on the River Walk, and don't miss the spectacular Ford Holiday River Parade gliding along the San Antonio River. Plan a truly memorable trip now at visitsanantonio.com