Visiting San Antonio at Christmas Time

Everyone I know who has visited San Antonio really enjoyed it. And a visit during the holidays would be simply wonderful. This town really knows how to celebrate.

Every year the city dresses itself in beautiful lights to celebrate the season. The Riverwalk adds thousands of lights and the parks dress up with 40' Christmas trees. Imagine the beauty of 100' cypress trees draped in 180,000 colorful, winking lights on the Riverwalk..

From the famed Riverwalk to the Alamo, from the many nearby golf courses…to the shops and restaurants, there is something for everyone to do while in the area. Visiting during the holidays just adds a bit more sparkle and fun to your visit.

If it's your first time to San Antonio, you do need to make a stop at the Alamo. San Antonio and the Alamo were crucial to the Texas Revolution. In December of 1835, both the Texian and Tejano volunteers fought against Mexican troops quartered in the city. After five days of intense house-to-house fighting, General Marín Perfecto de Cós and his soldiers surrendered. Victorious, the volunteers then occupied the Alamo -and strengthened its defenses beyond what had been done during the recent battle. In February of the following year the arrival of General Santa Anna's army almost caught those at the Alamo by surprise. But the volunteers got ready to defend the Alamo and were able to hold out for 13 days against Santa Anna's army. On the eighth day of the siege, 32 volunteers arrived which brought the number of defenders to almost 200. The exact facts about the siege of the Alamo is not completely known, but the battle has come to symbolize a heroic struggle against overwhelming odds - a site where man made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom. Thus, the Alamo is hallowed ground and is the Shrine of Texas Liberty. (For more information and visiting hours, go to thealamo.org.)

There are many seasonal events you'll want to try and take in while you're in town. If you're there around Thanksgiving, "The Nutcracker" will be performed on Nov. 24th & 25th. "Babes in Toyland" will be performed on Dec. 5th, and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra can be heard on the 16th. (For more information on these and other shows, please visit cityguide.aol.com/sanantonio.)

The Enchanted Springs Ranch is a fun place to visit any time but in December they put on some special events. It's an old Western town and today it's a working ranch and is also used for movies, commercials and special events. It got its name from the Indians who thought the area was enchanted with its lovely hills and many spring fed creeks and river. In December you can enjoy a Cowboy Christmas with hayride caroling, horserides, kiddie rides, and a gift shop to make some seasonal purchases. It's located at Boeme, Texas. (Visit their website for more details at enchantedspringsranch.com.)

And, finally, San Antonio's world famous, Riverwalk. This is the # 1 tourist destination in Texas! It's here where you'll want to spend quite a bit of time, especially during the holidays. You might even choose to stay at a hotel in the area. Although it's rich heritage started in the mid 1500's, the Riverwalk as we know it today, probably began in 1936 when a local businessmen's association held, "A Venetian Night," on the river, making it the first of many parades to be held on the river. The first hotel was not built until 1962, El Tropicano. At this time the area became known as Paseo del Rio and more shops and restaurants joined the original hotel. Today, there are dozens of hotels, hundreds of eateries, bars, and spas, and boutique shops galore. There is a library there and the convention center and the Civic Center Plaza also.

Late November brings the Holiday River Parade and Lighting Ceremony with almost 200,000 twinkling lights forming a fairylike canopy over the Riverwalk. This year it's scheduled for Nov. 24th starting at 7pm. You do need to buy tickets for this event.

In addition to special events, you'll want to take some time to do some Christmas shopping and have a meal or two at the local eateries. I'd suggest a boat ride, provided by Rio San Antonio Cruises so you can see the entire Riverwalk all decked out for the season. There are three sites on the river to buy tickets and the narrated trip takes about a half hour. There are also river taxi shuttles, and restaurants, which offer boat cruises with a meal included. There is also a special place to get married right on the Riverwalk itself. A horse-drawn carriage ride would be another way to see the festive lights. (For more information on all Riverwalk activities, go to sanantonioriverwalk.com.)

In early December you can get pictures taken with Cowboy Kringle at Gruene Hall. At the same time, you'll want to visit their local Christmas market held the same weekend. Check out their upcoming performances - Lee Ann Womack takes the stage there on Dec. 1st. (Visit gruenehall.com for details.)

If you decide to stay at the Riverwalk, you might consider the Holiday Inn San Antonio. Its location is perfect for walking to many of the city sights - the Alamo, El Mercado, a large shopping mall, and other attractions. From its three-level restaurant, Windows on the River, you can enjoy a picturesque view of the Riverwalk all gussied up for the holidays. I'd suggest a room high up in the tower to enjoy views of the area. They have an outdoor pool, gym, game room, restaurant, lounge and a business center. Free high speed internet access is available in all rooms and your furry friends may join you at this hotel. They also have a children's activity program. There is a daily parking fee. (Please visit ichotelsgroup.com for more information.)

If you're looking for a Bed and Breakfast, look at the Beauregard House, only a block from the Riverwalk, in the King William District of San Antonio. This wonderful Victorian house was built in 1905 and you'll appreciate its elegant décor with Old World Charm. It's never more beautiful than when it's all dressed up for Christmas. All of the rooms have central heat and air conditioning; some have computer access, fireplaces and a phone/fax. All have refrigerators, coffee service, bathrobes, cable TV and the usual hotel amenities. The staff at the Beaureguard House is proud to state the home has been featured on The Disney Channel, the BBC, Oprah, and inside People Magazine, and many Conde Nast publications, (For more information, please visit them at beaureguardhouse.reachlocal.net.)

There are many other hotels, motels, and B & B's in San Antonio. They range from the very expensive to budget-priced motels. There are also nearby campsites including a KOA camp on Gemble Road.

Yes, San Antonio is a great place to spend a few days during the holiday season.