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. Millions more will join in the fun watching the television broadcast. Reserved seating is available along the parade route.

Joyous caroling fills the evening air along the San Antonio River Walk as more than 185 school, church, company, and civic choral groups ring in the holidays by singing traditional carols on cruising boats. The eclectic mix of participants includes bell choirs, folk groups, Latino ensembles, and hearing impaired performers. Join visitors from around the world in impromptu sing-a-longs from the patios of River Walk restaurants.

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.

A perfect setting for unique holiday shopping-the banks of the San Antonio River Walk. Local and regional artists, craftsmen, and jewelers offer holiday gift items for that special someone. Located along the River Walk Extension near the Chamber of Commerce, this Arts & Crafts Show displays some of the most unique hand made merchandise available anywhere. Whether it's jewelry, pottery or fine art you are interested in, you can finalize your holiday shopping. Enjoy a stroll along the picturesque River Walk, stop to talk to our vendors who are anxious to share information about their craft, and take home an item that will enhance your home, wardrobe or garden. Vendor applications for this show are due by November 1, 2009. Get the Vendor Application here.