Prime Viewing of San Antonio’s Holiday River Lighting Parade at Iron Cactus

Texans traveling this holiday season don’t have to fly to Paris, New York City or Disney World to experience a winter wonderland of holiday lights. They can visit San Antonio instead and be part of a festival of lights unlike any other city in the world.

San Antonio’s holiday spirit kicks into high gear at its annual Holiday Lighting at the River Parade that transforms the River Walk into a world that can only be described as magical.

On the evening of November 29^th, the date for this year’s River Lighting Parade, Iron Cactus River Walk guests can make reservations to ensure they have a prime viewing spot of the parade. In addition, a special Lighting of the River pre-fixed menu featuring a three-course meal is included. Cost is $65 for adults, $35 for children (ages 3-12).

2013 Iron Cactus River Lighting Menu

Seating for the Lighting of the River dinner begins at 5 p.m. The parade begins at 7 p.m. and is expected to be at Iron Cactus at 8 p.m.  To ensure guests are able to secure a seat, they should fill out the form below or call Iron Cactus River Walk directly at 210-224-9846.

2013 Iron Cactus Lighting of the River Credit Card Form

Visitors to San Antonio during the holidays will see more than 122,000 flickering lights that are strung together along the Cypress trees that run along the River Walk. If that’s not enough to bring a traveler into the holiday spirit, San Antonio’s Ford Fiesta de las Luminarias will definitely do the trick.  Locals and tourists alike can take a stroll down the River Walk and enjoy its serenity as 6,000 luminarias – glowing candles in sand-filled bags—line up the walkways of the River Walk to guide their path. The luminarias is symbol of the “lighting of the way” of the Holy Family, It’s a century’s old tradition that begins at dusk on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only during the holiday season.

There are many other places and attractions that holiday vacationers will enjoy beyond the River Walk such as the Tower of the Americas, the shops at El Mercado—the largest Mexican marketplace outside of Mexico, or ride the trolley around downtown San Antonio.

Furthermore, San Antonio boasts several different retail stores from the mom and pop, local store to the large malls. It is a great place for those who want to stimulate the economy.

If they love the theater, they can watch live shows at The Majestic Theatre (right next to the Iron Cactus), which is a historical landmark built in 1929. Many of the nation’s famous performers have made an appearance at The Majestic.

David Anthony Martinez, Iron Cactus River Walk’s Director of Events, a local San Antonian, offers his advice to visitors. He says, “Book your hotel in downtown San Antonio for the convenience since everything will be walking distance from you hotel.” He also adds, “check the visitor’s center and Rio magazine for coupons.”

San Antonio is definitely a unique holiday destination.