Anytime of year is a good time to visit the San Antonio Riverwalk, but the Christmas season is one of the best...lights, parades, caroling...
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 It's the #1 tourist attraction in Texas with over seven million annual visitors from around the world. And with countless thousands of 'luminarias' - paper sacks filled with sand and a candle placed inside - lining both sides of the river for the holiday season, there is a warmth and charm found here that is unusual to find in such a large city.
Welcome to the San Antonio River Walk, a great attraction regardless the season but one that seems to come alive beginning around Thanksgiving.
San Antonio's signature event, The Ford Holiday River Parade & Lighting Ceremony, will take place Friday, November 25, 2005. The Annual Holiday River Parade & Lighting Ceremony will begin at 7:00p.m. with the ceremonial "Pulling of the Switch" by Mayor Phil Hardberger and Paseo del Rio Association President, Parker Scott, which illuminates over 122,000 twinkling lights, suspended in the trees along world famous San Antonio River Walk. Immediately following the lighting ceremony, spectators will witness the spectacular one-hour parade along San Antonio's River Walk featuring decorated and illuminated floats with celebrities, bands and lavishly-costumed participants.
 There are a lot of other holiday activities along the River Walk. Nightly carolers can be found along the Riverwalk, and the festive holiday theme is carried out by hotels. restaurants and shops all along the banks of the river, making the attraction a favorite among travelers who have come near and far to experience the unusual and spirited event. San Antonio offers the perfect romantic getaway for the winter as well. Shopping, dining, dancing, music, food and seasonal fun await all throughout the month of December.
 Another pinnacle of the seasonal celebrationon the River Walk is a candlelight procession known as Las Posadas. The pageant takes place in early December on a Sunday at dusk along the Riverwalk, which is parallel to both sides of the San Antonio River. In 1966 San Antonio's Conservation Society began hosting costumed carolers who reenacted the Holy Family's search for shelter, which ends in La Villita Plaza. The community has participated for over 200 years in merrymaking in the square, which includes music, pinatas, hot chocolate and bunuelas (Mexican cookies) for everyone.
 If you're planning a Riverwalk getaway, you'll find plenty of hotels and inns along in the central city, a great experience if you're wanting to emerse yourself in the culture of historic downtown San Antonio. Over 150,000 people are expected to watch the event along the parade route. From the Arneson River Theatre a live telecast will be broadcast in San Antonio and many other national markets representing millions of households.
And regardless whether your visit is during the winter holidays or some other time of the year, you're in for a real treat on America's premiere river attraction. Viva la Rio!
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Rio Grande Valley
