Strolling the Paseo del Rio at Christmas

There's no place like home for the holidays.  In San Antonio, with its unique Paseo del Rio or River Walk featuring thousands of lights draped over the Bald Cypress trees lining the river, that's especially true.

We recently took a stroll along the Paseo del Rio to enjoy the holiday lights in the 100 ft. tall trees.

I've been away for a while
But it still brings a smile
When I think of the way that it goes
Now I'll sing it to you
Just so we both can do
That 'ol San Antonio Stroll

(San Antonio Stroll, Peter Noah/Tanya Tucker 1975)

Local tip:  Less crowded south of Commerce Street, free parking downtown Tuesday after 5pm.

My previous holiday photos of the River Walk have been mostly from the bridges above since it was crowded down on the the river. See that little peninsula to the right of the passing barges?

This is the view from that spot.  I especially enjoy the reflections on the water.

The view from the bridge framed by cypress branches and lights.

A group preparing for a dinner cruise under the lights, most restaurants with river access will cater a cruise.

Merry carolers floated by singing Feliz Navidad. The Ford Motor Company sponsors our holiday river parade the Friday after Thanksgiving, then makes the parade barges available at a reduced rate to groups during the holiday season. 

Most of the buildings downtown are hotels with this one adding a holiday backdrop to the scene.

The next sequence shows fascinating changes in the water reflections as a barge comes through.

Getting here earlier in December and early on a week night works best. The crowd is mostly local families, different from the flocks of football fans who will arrive after Christmas. Several more posts to come from this beautiful evening downtown.

Spending an evening downtown is how we celebrate the season and why I'm linking with Donna at Garden's Eye View for Seasonal Celebrations - Winter Wonders.