Holidays on Paseo del Rio in San Antonio

    Many choose to spend holidays at home with their families but a trend towards holiday travel and bringing the family along is becoming more and more ubiquitous.  (Word of the day...like to use a new word once in a while.  Hehe.)

    Then, of course, there are also those of us who RV full-time and can decide to stay where ever our whims lead us.  

    For either the traveling couple or family looking for something different during the holidays or the full-timer who has a desire for bright lights and beauty in a hospitable, old-fashioned, country atmosphere...'Welcome to San Antonio.'  

    Staying at Hidden Valley  RV Park will afford you the advantage of a virtual tour of the city when you arrive.  The Hidden Valley Team is dedicated to making your visit memorable and will show you available attractions and sites, let you know of special events during your stay and direct you to the best parking, restaurants and exciting day trips nearby.   Make sure to secure your reservations early at the park.  While there is some availability for late comers,  to assure that your exact desired dates are open, we suggest you make your plans by late November for the Christmas attractions and mid-November for the River Walk lighting ceremony and parade.  You may reserve online or by phone on our reservation hotline: 210-623-6737

These are just a few of the holiday activities in the San Antonio area:

Holiday Lighting Ceremony

November 23, 2012, 7 pm
Over 100,000 twinkling lights, draped through and from Cypress trees, bridges and stairways, illuminate a mystical world below street level on the San Antonio River Walk. The lights are lit on November 23, 2012. The lights are lit each evening through January 2, 2013.

Ford River Parade

November 23, 2012, 7pm to 10pm
The lighting ceremony is the official kickoff to the Paseo Del Rio Holiday Festivities. Reserved seating is available along the parade route and tickets are sold through the Paseo Del Rio Association (210 227-4262). The parade along San Antonio’s River Walk features illuminated floats filled with costumed celebrants and celebrities.  Feel free to call us about tips regarding ticket sales if you have questions and want some inside tips.

Tamales at the Pearl

December 1, 2012 Begins at noon.
This event is in it's third year and has become wildly popular.  Anyone from Chefs to Mommas can compete in several areas for making the best tamales, tamales for breakfast, for lunch, for dinner AND for dessert. Yum. The event link above has a short video which heralds the great fun and diverse activities you can participate in during this event.  The Pearl Brewery contact is at 210-212-7260.  Maybe you want to compete.  Their site at the above link has the details and a registration form. 

Blessing of the Animals

December 8, 2012, noon to 6 pm
Market Square

Bring your animals on a leash. The blessing begins at 1 pm. Stay for the many activities for families with children, like petting zoo, face painting, Pancho Claus, strolling mariachis and more.  This is also Primer Sabado (First Saturday - of December) another monthly event at the Market Square from noon to 6pm and full of local entertainment, arts & crafts, children's activities, food and much more! Don't forget to visit the shops, restaurants and the Museo Alameda while you're here! The shops in Market Square are open seven days a week from 10 am - 6 pm during the holiday season.  

Holiday Boat Caroling

November 29-December 23, 2012, 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
River level by Chamber of Commerce
The sounds of Christmas fill the air as over 180 choral groups serenade the River Walk. You hear all types of music as these members of school, civic, business and church organizations sing their songs to Heaven from boats cruising the San Antonio River.  Sure you may sing along!

La Gran Posada

Posada means “inn” in Spanish
December 20, 2012, beginning at 6 pm
Milam Park to San Fernando Cathedral
La Gran Posada is an reenactment of the search by Mary and Joseph for a birthplace for Jesus. Marchers holding candles follow Mary and Joseph as they search for shelter, singing traditional Christmas songs and carols. The procession begins in Milam Park and ends at the San Fernando Cathedral. After the procession and prayer, local musicians play in the cathedral.

Fiesta de las Luminarias

November 30 - December 16, 2012, begins at dusk on Friday, Saturday and Sundays only
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. This is an uplifting way to experience the Christmas season on the San Antonio River Walk without breaking the bank. FREE to the public

51st Annual Windcrest Light Up

The city of Windcrest located just East of Loop 410 and IH-35 on San Antonio's north east side, is famous for their yearly display of Christmas lights.

Individual homeowners really get into the Christmas spirit and just imagine their electric bills. The result is long streams of cars traveling in and around the streets looking at the spectacular displays. FREE family fun.  It's actually a local contest and once the winners are chosen in late November a map of the area is released on their website.

Pancho Claus

In addition you can experience a night at the unique Majestic Theater to see The Nutcracker, and evening of jazz and soul music Christmas style, a cultural shopping spree at the quaint German town of nearby Fredericksburg and so much more.  Hope we get to see you this holiday season but when ever you travel our way, stop by and stay a while and make Hidden Valley RV Park your base camp for all San Antonio has to offer.

San Antonio River Walk | Historic Market Square| San Fernando Cathedral | San Antonio CVB | Windcrest Light Up