RIO MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

DECEMBER 2021 COMPLIMENTARY

Festive Flavors for the Holidays Local Charities Make Christmas Bright Live Entertainment All Month Long Immerse Yourself in Art

VISIT US: THESANANTONIORIVERWALK.COM • COUPONS & MAPS INSIDE

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SERVING CHRISTMAS DAY AND NEW YEAR'S DAY

Visit Our Website For Restaurant Hours Happy Hour 3pm-6pm and Reverse Happy Hour 9pm-11pm 421 E. Commerce St. | (210) 226-8462

riorioriverwalk.com

Shop Small.

Shop Local.

Located in the heart of downtown, La Villita offers over 20 unique boutiques, art galleries, and dining experiences. Shop local & have a holiday shopping experience as charming as the gifts you’ll find.

Hours of Operation

Thurs – Sat 10am – 6pm | Sun 11am – 4pm Restaurant hours vary

418 Villita Street | lavillitasanantonio.com

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IN THIS ISSUE

San Antonio Museum of Art

Bakery Lorraine

12

GREAT FINDS ADDING SAN ANTONIO FLAVOR TO YOUR HOLIDAYS

By Dawn Robinette

SIP & SAVOR FESTIVE FLAVORS FOR HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS

By Kimberly A. Suta

24

32

RECREATION DASHING THROUGH THE ART

By Drew Henry

Charity Teague Chocolates

20

FAMILY FUN I WILL HAVE A BLUE CHRISTMAS WITH SANTA

By Janis Turk

San Antonio Botanical Garden

FEATURES 12 16 20 24

Sip & Savor Family Fun Be Entertained Great Finds

28 Culture & Community 32 Recreation 36 24/48/72 Hours

BE ENTERTAINED HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS

By Lakendra Lewis

16

23 The DoSeum Express:

Tiny Trains and Trolleys

GUIDES 39 Food & Drink 40 Shopping

31 Lights, Luminarias

& Caroling

COUPONS

SPOTLIGHT

31 The Westin Riverwalk,

San Antonio

MAPS 42 River Walk 43 Museum Reach

& King William 44 Downtown

46 Ways to save

47 FANZONE: The 29th

AnnualValero Alamo Bowl

ON THE COVER

Since 1975, The City of San Antonio has been lighting the River Walk for the holiday season. As the River Walk expanded, so did the lighting displays and the more than 100,000 twinkling lights can now be viewed throughout the Museum Reach, one mile north of downtown in the Pearl District. What better way to immerse yourself in this glorious sight than by cruising or caroling on a GO RIO River Cruise? You can enjoy the lights from 5:30pm to 8:00am daily through dawn on January 10, 2022. Visit www.TheSanAntonioRiverWalk.com for details.

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RIO Magazine is the official publication of the San Antonio River Walk. All expressions of opinions and statements of supposed facts are published on the authority of the writer and cannot be regarded as expressing the views of the San Antonio River Walk, Visit San Antonio or its Publisher. Advertisements do not imply sponsorship or endorsement by the San Antonio River Walk or its Publisher.

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The San Antonio River Walk’s mission is to promote, protect and preserve the River Walk. This is done through special events, public education, social media and RIO Magazine. The San Antonio River Walk also serves as an advocate for member businesses. For more information, call 210-227-4262.

The Official Magazine of the River Walk

PUBLISHER

Louis Doucette louis@travelingblender.com EDITOR

Trisha Hutzler trisha@travelingblender.com BUSINESS MANAGER

Vicki Schroder vicki@travelingblender.com ADVERTISING SALES

San Antonio: Gerry Lair gerry@travelingblender.com Madeleine Justice madeleine@travelingblender.com Austin: Sandy Weatherford sandy@travelingblender.com GRAPHIC DESIGN

2 Rare Birds Creative info@2rarebirds.com

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s e r V i n g C H r i s t m a s D ay a n D n e W y e a r ’ s D ay For more than 50 years, locals and visitors alike have enjoyed the contemporary setting, Italian/Mediterranean cuisine and Old World service of this culinary landmark.

Join us at our River Walk location for an experience you won’t soon forget.

p r i V at e

O p e n D a i ly Visit Our Website FOr HOurs D i n i n g a n D C at e r i n g a V a i l a b l e ( 2 1 0 ) 2 2 6 - 8 4 9 0 paesanosriverwalk.com 111 West Crockett Street

(210) 227-2782 thesanantonioriverwalk.com

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EDITOR’S LETTER EXTRAORDINARY HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS San Antonio is beautiful year-round but it truly comes to life during the holiday season. Wandering through the city, and downtown especially, it is easy to be mesmerized by the brilliantly decorated attractions, and it is clear to see that San Antonio is simply one-of-a-kind. Strolling along the River Walk under a canopy of Cypress trees draped in brightly colored lights is the most enchanting experience.

And among all the dazzling lights, you will notice a dichotomy between modern amenities and entertainment and old-fashioned values with a very quaint Hallmark movie vibe. On one hand, San Antonio’s performing arts scene is world-class but carefully curated to reflect the holiday spirit; magnificent light installations are beyond imagination; and dining is contemporary in both cuisines and venues.

San Antonio’s traditional side is reflected in time-honored customs such as the ceremonious lighting of the River Walk and participating in La Gran Posada; cultural pursuits that include the delightful La Villita and festive Market Square for shopping and dining; downhome activities like sweet carriage rides through downtown, caroling boat rides along the river and ice skating in Travis Park; and tamales (this is a must).

I hope your holiday celebrations in San Antonio are your merriest and most memorable, and I wish you peace, health and happiness in 2022.

2021 Holiday Outdoor Ice Rink located in Travis Park, presented by The Rotary Club of San Antonio. Photo by Michael Cirlo.

Trisha Hutzler Editor, Rio Magazine trisha@travelingblender.com TheSanAntonioRiverWalk.com

Rio Magazine is published by Traveling Blender, LLC. (Publisher) on behalf of the San Antonio River Walk. Reproduction in any manner in whole or in part is prohibited without the express written consent of the San Antonio River Walk. Material contained herein does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the San Antonio River Walk or its staff. Rio Magazine, the Publisher and the San Antonio River Walk reserve the right to edit all material for clarity and space and assumes no responsibility for accuracy, errors or omissions. Rio Magazine does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertisements or editorial nor does the Publisher or the San Antonio River Walk assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial appear. Articles and photos are welcome and may be submitted to our office to be used subject to the discretion and review of the Publisher and San Antonio River Walk. All submissions become the property of the San Antonio River Walk. All Real Estate advertising is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968, which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention to make such a preference limitation or discrimination.”

A FANTASTICAL JOURNEY • NOW THROUGH JAN. 2ND

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ENTIRE GUEST CHECK ORDER YOUR

TURKEY AND DRESSING BUNDLE MEAL

One coupon, per table, per visit. Not valid on national holidays, with the 2468 Value Menu®, Super Slam™, AARP or any other coupons or promotional offers. This offer can be redeemed only once by the original recipient. Coupon has no cash value. No change returned. Taxes and gratuity not included. Alcoholic beverages not included. Selection and prices may vary. Photocopied and Internet printed or purchased coupons are not valid. No substitutions. Restrictions apply. © 2021 DFO, LLC. Offer ends 1.15.2022.

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ANY CHECK OF $20 OR MORE One coupon, per table, per visit. Not valid on national holidays, with the 2468 Value Menu ®, Super Slam™, AARP or any other coupons or promotional offers. This offer can be redeemed only once by the original recipient. Coupon has no cash value. No change returned. Taxes and gratuity not included. Alcoholic beverages not included. Selection and prices may vary. Photocopied and Internet printed or purchased coupons are not valid. No substitutions. Restrictions apply. © 2021 DFO, LLC. Offer ends 1.15.2022

Available while supplies last Value Packs not available for dine in. © 2021 DFO, LLC. Printed in the U.S.A. At participating restaurants for a limited time only. Selection and prices may vary. While supplies last.

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SIP & SAVOR

Bakery Lorraine

Festive Flavors for

By Kimberly A. Suta

Holiday Celebrations Nothing is better than December in San Antonio! This truly is my favorite time of year and not just for the cooler weather. Our magnificent local chefs and craft cocktail mixologists like to play with the holiday flavors that we all know and love, and we want nothing more than to sample their edible (and drinkable) creations.

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click on this: BAKERY LORRAINE www.BakeryLorraine.com CUISHE COCINA MEXICANA www.CuisheMX.com DENNY’S www.Locations.Dennys.com/tx/ san-antonio

Denny's

DORĆOL DISTILLING & BREWING COMPANY www.DorcolSpirits.com

Lazo at Estancia del Norte

LA PANADERIA www.LaPanaderia.com ESTANCIA DEL NORTE www.Hilton.com/en/hotels/ satinup-estancia-del-norte-san-antonio PASTICHE www.Facebook.com/pastiche.sa

Cuishe Cocina Mexicana

RIVER WALK CULINARY ADVENTURE TOURS www.HomegrownChefTV.com/riverwalk

CUISHE COCINA MEXICANA Cuishe Cocina Mexicana, which has two locations—one downtown in St. Paul’s Square and one on the northside in Stone Oak—specializes in authentic Central Mexican cuisine. Not only do they showcase classic dishes and street eats like escamoles (ant larvae known as Mexican caviar), but they know how to celebrate in style.

For the holidays, plan on sampling their traditional Christmas dish, Chile en Nogada. This scrumptious stuffed poblano pepper dish is made with ground beef and topped with a decadent nogada sauce of walnuts, goat cheese, sherry, white wine and cream. Cap off dinner with a Mexican hot chocolate and let the feeling of goodwill and good food wash over you.

LAZO AT ESTANCIA DEL NORTE At the newly renovated Estancia del Norte near the airport, head to Lazo, which celebrates San Antonio-inspired cuisine and locally-sourced ingredients. If you are lucky, you might just find Chef Heather Nanez’s savory and delicious Pumpkin Chili on the menu that night, which she sometimes also uses as filling for her handmade empanadas. She has generously shared her recipe with us. Made with ground pork, chicken, beef or turkey, chipotle peppers, hard cider, cinnamon and pumpkin, of course, it makes for the perfect winter dish with some hot buttered corn

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bread. Enjoy a meal, along with some cocktails from the Paseo Bar, in their stunning courtyard on a cool Texas winter evening.

DENNY’S For a holiday-themed breakfast, visit Denny’s, next to the Shops at Rivercenter—a good go-to for a delicious, familiar and affordable meal 24 hours a day. In December, the pancake of the month will be the Salted Caramel and Banana Cream Pancakes, which is always a crowd pleaser.

However, it will be a tough choice because the Cinnamon Roll Pancake Breakfast is another holiday favorite that is hard to beat.

BAKERY LORRAINE At Bakery Lorraine, handcrafted delicacies abound. I will be the first to admit it is hard to leave without a box full of treats. Known for yummy Gingerbread Men cookies and macarons in a variety of holiday flavors, you simply cannot go wrong here. Plan on getting extra for friends and family because you will not want to share. If you have time, stay for a relaxed lunch and try the Quiche Lorraine, which is so fluffy and cheesy, it cannot help but put a smile on your face.

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SIP & SAVOR

La Panaderia,

By Karissa Rangel

Ch ef He ath er Nanez’s Pumpkin Chili

Dorćol Distilling & Brewing Company

INGREDIENTS 2 lbs. Ground Pork, Chicken,

Beef or Turkey, or a combination 1 Sweet On ion, large,

peeled and chopped 1/2 Red Bell Pepper,

chopped 1/2 Yellow Bell Pepper,

chopped 3 cloves Garlic, minced

1 can Ch ipotle Peppers in

Adobo, chopped 1 can Pure Pumpki n Puree,

29 ounces 2 bot tles Ha rd Cider, 12 ounces each 2 cans Kid ney Bea ns, 15 ounces each 1 cup Ch icken Broth

2 1/2 tbsp. Da rk Ch ili Powder 1 tsp. Ground Cumin

1 tsp. Ground Cin namon 2 Bay Leaves

INSTRUCTIONS ium heat, 1. In a large sauce pot over med

add ground meat and break into small pieces wit h a wooden spoon. s Add the onions , garlic, bell pepper il unt k coo and s per pep and chipot le ons oni the and ed wn the meat is bro are sof t. d cider, 2. Add the pumpki n puree, har son Sea . pot bea ns and broth to the on nam cin in, wit h chi li powder, cum and salt d Ad . and bay leaves and stir pepper to taste. s 3. Sim mer for at lea st 30 minute over medium-low heat, stir ring r occasionally. Ser ve war m wit h you favorite chi li toppings.

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LA PANADERIA Located in the heart of downtown on Houston Street, La Panaderia is a great stop for breakfast or lunch with favorites like the Tequila Almond Croissant, conchas and tortas, but it typically draws a crowd so plan ahead.

For late December, La Panaderia will be rolling out the Rosca de Reyes in honor of Epiphany Day. This traditional sweet bread is lovingly made with orange, guava, rich chocolate, cherries and a vanilla butter crust. In Mexican culture, it is a tradition to hide a plastic baby in the bread, which symbolizes baby Jesus. Those that find the baby get to throw a party for family and friends to celebrate.

PASTICHE For cocktails, few know how to whip up holiday-inspired drinks quite like Pastiche, located on the near Eastside along Houston Street. This charming French-style bar created a Noël cocktail menu with to-die-for libations, such as the Bombardino, an Italian Eggnog made with brandy, egg liquor, cream, orange zest and cinnamon. Hold onto your hat though, because there is no way you will not drink more than one of these.

Featured in the photo is a unique winter cocktail called Szarlotka, based off of a Polish dessert and made with Zubrowka, Madagascar vanilla, unfiltered apple juice and cinnamon.

Cheers!

For those looking for a little holiday cocktail excursion, San Antonio has its own annual Brandy Alexander Tour, put on by local Rakia maker, Dorćol Distilling & Brewing Company. Throughout the month, a select number of top bars and restaurants, such as Biga on the Banks, will participate by creating their unique take on this holiday classic drink using Dorćol’s award-winning Kinsman Rakia.

It is both fun and dangerous at the same time. Make sure to walk or call an Uber for this one.

HOT TIP Yours truly, the food and drink writer for RIO Magazine, recently launched River Walk Culinary Adventure Tours— walking food tours that highlight the fantastic offerings along the River Walk. For December, I will be taking guests on an upscale progressive dinner on Saturday, December 18 to three hot spots for cocktails/appetizers, dinner and dessert. Visit the website below for details or to book a curated culinary adventure for your private group. Happy holidays, foodies!

WRITER’S BIO Kimberly A. Suta of Sutapants Productions is a local and national food writer, award-winning filmmaker and publicist for the culinary industry. She is also the co-creator of Homegrown Chef (homegrowncheftv.com), a culinary series and catering and events company featuring our city’s best chefs and delicious eats.

Pastiche

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12/31/21

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FAMILY FUN

Blue Cares

Blue Santa

I WILL HAVE A BLUE CHRISTMAS WITH

Santa!

By Janis Turk

Holiday giving from the jolliest old elf himself to families in need makes blue the new color of Christmas Blue Santa

Elf Louise

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Blue Cares

Some think of red and green or silver and gold when December rolls around and holiday gifts abound. And many dream of a white winter wonderland, but a lot of kids in San Antonio will be thrilled to have a blue Christmas this year.

That is right—blue! Thanks to organizations like Blue Santa, Blue Cares and Elf Louise, thousands of kids from families in need will be a little merrier this season. Very special organizations like these make kids’ Christmas dreams come true, having for decades provided Christmas gifts to children throughout the community. These are but a few generous groups among so many in San Antonio, and there is not room to list them all, but we at RIO appreciate each and every one. Because of such generosity, Christmas is sure to be merry, bright and blue for more kids than ever this year.

BLUE SANTA Just about everybody has heard of the San Antonio Police Department’s Blue Santa program, but do you know the story of how Blue Santa was born?

‘Twas the night before Christmas in 1976, when a jolly young elf, San Antonio police officer Tom Preston, and a few fellow officers, worried about several families that they knew couldn’t afford toys for their kids that Christmas. So, spending their own money, the officers purchased and distributed toys to those underprivileged boys and girls, beginning a tradition that has now lasted more than four decades. Over the years, lots and lots of officers joined their efforts, and one year someone suggested that Officer Preston dress up as Santa. Donning a navy-blue Santa suit tailored just for him, San Antonio’s new Blue Santa packed up his squadcar sleigh (these days they use trucks) and Blue Santa was born. Soon the SAPD and the City of San Antonio teamed their reindeer reins to make Blue Santa an official annual nonprofit program.

Today, Blue Santa serves as many as 8,000 families a year. Corporations, churches, generous citizens, officers and their families donate financial resources, personal time and hard work to provide gifts to kids that otherwise might not have any this Christmas. Companies like Bill Miller Restaurants and Port San Antonio donate the use of warehouse facilities. Toys are collected year-round and transported in donated PODS (so the toys can be wrapped and distributed in a coordinated effort with other gift-giving programs).

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Each year fundraisers are held to help raise donations for Blue Santa.

Because of the heartfelt generosity and goodwill of the women and men in blue that have served our City’s Police Department for 45 years now, children who would not have a gift this Christmas are being blessed by the Blue.

BLUE CARES Blue Santa isn’t the only law enforcement organization ensuring kids have a happy blue Christmas: don’t forget the generous folks at Blue Cares who also make the season merry for kids. According to Officer Danny Diaz, president of the San Antonio Police Officers Association (SAPOA), Blue Cares is the nonprofit organization and community outreach program of the SAPOA, helping not only kids during the holidays, but all year long.

“In the line of duty, our police officers so often see families that are in need and who go without basic necessities. So, we feel we really need to reach out so they will understand that officers are not just going to be there when they need them during bad times; we want to do our part in good times, too,” says Diaz, who highly commends Executive Director Amanda Gonzalez and Director of Events Sofia Riojas for their hard work and commitment to Blue Cares. Because of these ladies, countless volunteers and so many police officers and their families, Blue Cares will bring about 2,400 Christmas gifts to underprivileged children this season.

“We also were able to issue $139,000 in financial college scholarships for teens in need. Our Blue Cares SAPOA Blue Santa Golf Tournament is held on the Friday before Thanksgiving each year to help raise money for these scholarships and gift programs. Santa (in a blue suit of course) swoops in on a helicopter and lands at the TPC golf course. We also offer an annual clay shoot fundraiser for college students, too. Blue Cares also provided kids with 7,900 snacks during the school year to ensure they have enough to eat,” says Diaz. “It warms your heart to see the children’s sweet smiles.”

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FAMILY FUN

ELF LOUISE Back in 1969, a young Trinity University student was watching "The Tonight Show" when Johnny Carson began reading kids’ letters to Santa. That sparked a wonderful idea in the generous heart of Louise Locker, now known as the founder of the nonprofit Elf Louise Christmas Project. Locker got the Post Office to give her some kids’ letters to Santa so she could surprise the children with gifts at Christmas. That is how Louise became “Elf Louise,” and it all started with her giving gifts to 14 families in town. Today, the Elf Louise organization provides gifts to 20,000 kids in need. “In fact, each child is given two or three gifts, and even teens in the family may get gift cards,” says Carol Muller, Director of the Elf Louise Christmas Project.

“Basically, what sets us apart is that Santa and his team of elves actually bring presents into kids’ homes and spend time with each child,” says Muller.

“Port SA donates a big warehouse each year for us to use. Thousands of volunteers help sort and wrap the toys. Some pick up and drop things off for kids, too. Normally we have 500 volunteer Santas going into homes with one or two elves or a whole team. Even some Spurs players have come along in years past. Sometimes corporations will bring teams in to help. We see a lot of parents bringing their children to teach them the joy and importance of giving and helping others. Some families who have received gifts in the past have come to volunteer the next year. It is what Christmas is all about!”

RED AND GREEN SCENE Of course, families can visit Santa at various malls around town and enjoy traditional giant red and green holiday displays at the Shops at Rivercenter, Traders Village Flea Market, North Star Mall, La Cantera Mall and more. But if you would like to apply to receive gifts next year, or you want to volunteer at one of the gift-giving organizations, visit the websites below. Or simply call them to get on Santa’s NICE list and help give kids a beautiful blue Christmas this year.

North Star Mall

WRITER’S BIO Janis Turk is an awardwinning travel writer, author and photographer living in Seguin.

click on this: BLUE SANTA www.SAPDBlueSanta.org BLUE CARES www.BlueCaresICare.com

12/31/21

ELF LOUISE www.ElfLouise.org

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Rich History.

New Experiences.

San Antonio is a warm, welcoming place that draws you in, inviting you to explore and discover something new and different around every corner. Come explore and experience the city filled with everything you have been dreaming of. From our world-renowned Spanish Missions, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to larger-than-life attractions, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Plan your one-of-a-kind San Antonio experience now at visitsanantonio.com

visitsanantonio.com ©2021 Visit San Antonio

BE ENTERTAINED

Holiday

Happenings

By Lakendra Lewis

As

crowds begin to gather

and stores reopen

Majestic Theatre

their doors, It is beginning to look like

?

San Antonio Botanical Garden

once more!

?

Christmas in San Antonio The downtown streets are filled with shops

with items on display And musical shows and

concerts abound, beckoning the way It is true there is much to see and do in the city of the Alamo

I pray perchance you will be intrigued to learn of where to go If you want to know Read on for suggested holiday happenings That will have you saying, “Ho, ho, ho!”

Tobin Center for the Performng Arts

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Trans-Siberian Orchestra

A DIFFERENT KIND OF CHRISTMAS CAROL Cinema on Will’s Plaza is back at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, just in time for the holidays, with a feelgood flick about the making of a Christmas classic.

The 2017 holiday feature, The Man Who Invented Christmas, starring Dan Stevens "Downton Abbey" and the late Christopher Plummer (The Sound of Music), will be shown free to the public at 7:00pm on Dec. 10. in the Will Naylor Smith River Walk Plaza adjacent to the River Walk and the Veteran’s Plaza at the Tobin Center.

Set in 1843, the movie chronicles the tale behind the conception of the novella “A Christmas Carol” and how it is author, a young, struggling Charles Dickens (played by Stevens), came to create the story that has become a holiday classic. Inspired by the real-life people around him and his own desire to be a better person, the movie depicts how Dickens’ novella helps transform Christmas from a minor holiday into a major celebration of goodwill.

“We thought [this movie] was a great way to bring people back to the Tobin,” Rick Frederick, Tobin Community Director, said of the staff’s choice to screen the film as this year’s outdoor holiday selection. “I liked the fact that it was a new telling of a traditional story. The arts process was also attractive because it is a struggling artist who is trying to make something happen and I think anyone can identify with that.”

Since its opening in 2015, Will’s Plaza has presented 91 free screenings and attracted more than 14,000 moviegoers.

What began as a year-round event has become more of a seasonal affair as Tobin Center staff seeks to compile a list of

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films that are as diverse as the people who come to see them.

“Our focus is on making sure we have something for everybody,” Frederick said.

“So it is a combination of providing something you have not seen before or have not seen in a long time and something people will enjoy.”

Will’s Plaza opens at 6:00pm. Chairs will be provided at the venue, however, the public is encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy the movie on the plaza’s 32-foot LED video wall. No pets or outside food or drinks are allowed but a full concession and bar will be available onsite.

AN ELECTRIC CHRISTMAS If when you think of “Carol of the Bells” you hear electric guitars, you are probably thinking Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO). And if so, you are in luck!

The award-winning progressive rock group will make a holiday stop at the AT&T Center on Dec. 10 as part of its highly-anticipated winter tour in celebration of the 25th anniversary of the group’s landmark album “Christmas Eve and Other Stories.”

as well as a second set of tunes containing some of TSO’s greatest hits, including "Christmas Canon” and “Wizards In Winter.”

A MAGICAL CIRQUE CHRISTMAS On Dec. 3, get into the spirit of the holidays at the Majestic Theatre with hostess Lucy Darling and company during this gravitydefying production that will have you viewing Christmas through a new holiday lens. Join Darling as she takes theatergoers through an evening of mesmerizing performers and breathtaking cirque artists, accompanied by your favorite holiday music performed live.

ADDITIONAL HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS AT THE TOBIN: A very special offering of The Light of Hope Returning will be presented by the San Antonio Chamber Choir at 8:00pm on Dec. 20 with special guests LA-based composer Shawn Kirchner and Canadian soloist Allison Girvan and the Children’s Chorus of San Antonio. This uplifting performance will take listeners on a dramatic arc—from darkness to rebirth to true hope for the future—through folk carols featuring both classic Christmas settings as well as original pieces with themes on Christmas, Winter Solstice and the New Year composed by Kirchner.

Set on Christmas Eve, this timeless rock opera follows the story of a young angel that is sent to Earth to bring back what is best representative of humanity. Well-known TSO themes ensure, such as that of “strangers helping strangers” and “the kindness of others” as listeners embark on a world-wide journey to help reunite a young girl with her distraught father.

Prepare to be taken on a journey to a faraway land of dazzling beauty, mystery and thrills with Cirque Musica Holiday Spectacular at 7:30pm on Dec. 29. Featuring some of the greatest holiday songs of all time performed with the worldrenowned cast of Cirque Musica, audiences will experience the grace and power of some of the world’s greatest circus performers coupled with fantastic live music that will have the entire family on the edge of their seats.

The album and tour features fan-favorites, such as “Ornament” and "Promises To Keep,"

Other upcoming holiday shows at the Tobin include Ballet San Antonio’s The Nutcracker

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BE ENTERTAINED

and a Holiday Big Band Show with local favorite Doc Watkins and his Orchestra. Visit the Tobin Center website for more details.

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS AT SAN ANTONIO BOTANICAL GARDEN LIGHTSCAPE Now through January 2 San Antonio’s newest holiday event is currently dazzling visitors at the Botanical Garden through Jananuary 2. Be sure to witness the enchanting magical light displays set along a beautifully illuminated one-mile path winding through the ground's 38 acres, and do not miss the captivating illuminations with unique installations created by local and international artists that are sure to send the holiday senses reeling!

little Cindy Lou Who would approve. Fees are $50 adult ($45 member) and $35 child ($31.50 member), and includes access to the Botanical Garden.

HOLIDAY NIGHT MARKETS AT PEARL Wednesdays in December | 6:00 – 8:00pm Let Pearl help you get over those holiday hump days this month with its annual Holiday Night Market featuring a wide variety of local vendors to help make conquering that holiday shopping list easier. Shop for unique gifts ranging from pottery and fine art to artisan chocolates and more, all while you groove to the tunes of local bands and the musicians who will be onsite to help you make merry. Visit Pearl website for a complete schedule.

But wait, there is s’mores! That is right, guests will have an opportunity to enjoy festive food and drinks, including roasting s’mores. Nom, Majestic Theatre nom! Plus, there is a trail for the festively adventurous that features a field of Texas bluebonnets, not to mention one of the event’s most popular, jaw-dropping attractions, the Winter Cathedral, an impressive towering cathedral arch tunnel sparkling with 100,000 lights. Check out the Botanical Garden website for ticket prices.

SPICE DAY December 4 | 10:00am – 2:00pm Bring the whole family for some holiday fun and learn about the extraordinary world of spices at the Botanical Garden. This spicy event celebrates the most flavorful plants of the Garden and all the ways they can be used with hands-on activities, tastings, workshops and spiced food and drinks for purchase. Event is included with Garden admission and membership.

DECK THE PAWS PARADE December 5 | 9:00am – 12:00pm There is lots you can do with your furry four-legged friends during this celebration, including dressing up your fur family in their best holiday attire and joining the Deck the Paws Parade that will feature dog vendors, as well as food and drinks available for purchase for their two-legged owners. Winners from each category will receive a prize. Go to the Botanical Garden website for contest entry info and guidelines.

MEAN GREEN BRUNCH December 12 | 10:00am – 1:00pm The Grinch may usually be a mean one, but this year the big green guy has decided to get into the holiday spirit by attending a special family-friendly brunch at the Garden with the kiddies. Bring your child for an afternoon of delicious food followed by hands-on activities, cuddly-as-a-cactus photo ops, and more fun that even

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WRITER’S BIO Lakendra Lewis is an arts and entertainment journalist, editor and author whose articles have appeared in Edible San Antonio Magazine, The Texas Observer and San Antonio Christian Woman Magazine. She enjoys movies, music, cooking, singing and telling other people’s stories. You can contact her/read more of her stories at lakendralewis.journoportfolio.com.

click on this: TOBIN CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS www.TobinCenter.org

SAN ANTONIO BOTANICAL GARDEN www.SABot.org

MAJESTIC THEATRE www.MajesticEmpire.com/ shows/magical-cirque-christmas

PEARL www.AtPearl.com

AT&T CENTER www.ATTCenter.com/events/detail/ trans-siberian-orchestra-7

thesanantonioriverwalk.com

The DOSEUM EXPRESS: Tiny Trains and Trolleys A special holiday exhibit at The DoSeum - a children’s museum and interactive play space November 6 – January 2

It is not certain how the tradition of weaving toy train sets through Christmas trees and other decorations began, but it dates back at least 100 years. Perhaps it reflected sentimental journeys on trains as people traveled to visit loved ones during the holidays. Over time, as it gained in popularity, many families added to their toy train sets year after year.

The DoSeum is channeling the time-honored tradition of holiday train sets with a new experience for the entire family. The DoSeum Express: Tiny Trains and Trolleys is an exhibit that travels through fantastical and wacky miniature worlds created by the 2021 Artists-In-Residence winners: Kallie Cheves, Daniel Rivera, Randall Rudd, Linda Vivenza, and Robert Wurzbach and Emily Kinder. Follow The DoSeum Express as it winds through five wondrous lands: Peek inside a mysterious mini cavern, explore a snowy town where mice live and play just as humans do and thesanantonioriverwalk.com

visit a vibrant fairy village. Viewing of the new whimsical holiday exhibit is included with general admission.

Since 2015, The DoSeum has been a place where children are inspired to use their inner creativity and curiosity to learn through play. These young minds are encouraged to discover, learn, explore and create with hands-on exhibits that focus on a well-rounded curriculum of STEM, the arts and literacy. Throughout more than 68,000 square feet of interactive space, kids learn how to navigate our digital world and interact safely and respectfully online, imagine, create and build with balls and blocks, foster a love of reading and writing by making stories and building characters, understand the concepts of force and motion through planes, pulleys, wheels, wedges and levers, enjoy role-playing in a child-scaled town environment and engage in physical activity in an outdoor play space. Kids can even complete

a sensory scavenger hunt as they play their way through The DoSeum exhibits. So, in addition to learning through experimentation, kids can also experience the senses of touch, smell, sound, sight and taste.

During the holidays, kids have more opportunities to explore the concepts of STEM, the arts and literacy in fun, play-based Holiday Camps on select days, December 20-30, for ages 3-11. Visit The DoSeum website for camp selections that are sure to inspire and entertain all girls and boys.

THE DOSEUM 2800 Broadway San Antonio, Texas 78209 210.212.4453 www.thedoseum.org RIO Magazine

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GREAT FINDS

Delia’s Tamales

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San Antonio In A Box

Kilwins

thesanantonioriverwalk.com

Lily’s Cookies

Holidays

Adding San Antonio Flavor to Your

By Dawn Robinette

As a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy—one of only two such cities in the United States and 36 in the world—San Antonio offers an array of flavors waiting to be enjoyed. If you want to give your holidays some of that world-class flavor this season, have no fear: with these fabulous options, you can fill your gift list, your table and your belly with made-in-San Antonio treats so good that we are sure Santa’s elves shop here, too.

As you are exploring Alamo Plaza, it is impossible to resist the warm glow of the gleaming copper kettles peeking through the window at Kilwins. Then you are carried through the door on the sweet scent of melting chocolate.

Or perhaps it is the bubbling, creamy caramel, which they make fresh inhouse in 25-pound batches. That sounds like a lot until you see the rows and rows of eye-popping chocolate and caramel dipped apples, caramel covered pecans, cashews and more, nestled gently with a lovely chocolate topping, marshmallows and rice krispy treats waiting to be devoured, not to mention their holiday treats. And that is before you get to the marble slab featuring an array of fudge flavors, each more tempting than the next.

If your sweet tooth needs more satisfaction, Bakery Lorraine offers a range of holiday treats, crafting everything from scones and their famous handmade pop tarts, to Buche de Noel, a traditional French yule log cake, sure to stun everyone gathered around your table. Their famous macarons are the perfect hostess gift or holiday hello—just be sure to get some for yourself.

Christmas cookies are a seasonal must and Lily’s Cookies tops everyone’s must list. Stop in to select beautifully decorated seasonal and themed cookies at the popular Cookie Bar, but you will kick yourself if you miss their homestyle cookies fresh from the oven. From cowboy cookies to Mexican wedding cookies, every bite is something to celebrate.

The Board Couple

winning pastry chef and chocolatier. Pop into Regalo Boutique at Estancia del Norte San Antonio to feast on these fantastic treats.

For chocolate flavor that you might mistake for art, do not miss Chocollazo.

Handcrafted and hand painted, you will wonder if you can truly bite into truffles that look like shimmering gemstones. The flavors and designs are dizzying, but do not miss the whimisical chocolate creations that may include everything from a chocolate watch to chocolate Star Wars characters.

Fill your gift list at the Pearl Market and see Ms. Chocolatier. With an array of hand-crafted chocolates and treats that includes spicy mango chocolate bark, Texas pecan chocolate, Mexican chocolate and jalapeno peanut brittle, the unique flavors are “puro” San Antonio. If you cannot make the market, you can also find a selection of Ms. Chocolatier bars at Larder in Hotel Emma.

You are not seeing double: Doubleside Toffee Company includes a double coating of chocolate and is a treat for you and the community as they donate 10 percent of their profits to nonprofit organizations. Almond toffee, churro toffee, toffee popcorn and a savory twist, roasted rosemary almonds, can all be ordered online.

For chocolate that is almost too beautiful to eat, Charity Teague Confections has an array of chocolate bars packaged so you can see the ingredients that flow through them. Snap a picture for Instagram, but definitely bite into Hill Country Lavender, Edible Wildflowers and so much more from this award-

If your taste buds crave holiday savory noshing, The Board Couple crafts charcuterie boards for delivery, pick-up and shipping. Seasonal blooms and fare are added to each board, which are so pretty you may find it hard to dig into the artisan cheeses, classic charcuterie meats, dried fruits, nuts, fresh

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GREAT FINDS

click on this: BAKERY LORRAINE www.BakeryLorraine.com THE BOARD COUPLE www.TheBoardCouple.com CHARITY TEAGUE CONFECTIONS www.CharityTeague.com CHOCOLLAZO www.Chocollazo.com DELIA’S TAMALES www.DeliasTamales.com Doubleside Toffee Company

Chocollazo

Charity Teague Chocolates

DELICIOUS TAMALES www.DeliciousTamales.com DOUBLESIDE TOFFEE COMPANY www.DoublesideToffee.com HUMBLE HOUSE www.HumbleHouseFoods.com KILWINS SAN ANTONIO www.Kilwins.com LILY’S COOKIES www.LilysCookies.com MS. CHOCOLATIER www.MsChocolatier.com SAN ANTONIO IN A BOX www.SanAntonioinabox.com

can be paired with a wine selection that includes champagne, red and white wines.

lucky enough to be in San Antonio this Christmas, Delicious Tamales ships nationwide.

Hot sauce lovers know no bounds and the flavors by Humble House offer a San Antonio twist. Whether you choose Ancho & Morita, Habanero & Aji Amarillo or Guajillo & Jalapeno, these sauces are tasty on everything and extremely versatile in the kitchen, making them a great gift for culinary friends. Even better, they are available at HEB and online for easy gifting.

Ever wanted to box San Antonio and ship it to someone who needs a dose of flavor, fun and all things fabulous? San Antonio In A Box does just that. With pre-made boxes or custom options where you can pick and add items, let them do the work for you by sending an array of San Antonio favorites to everyone on your list. The list of items you can include features everything you can imagine, all safely packaged and sent on its way. But sssshhhh... do not tell the elves that holiday gifting can be so simple and tasty!

Of course, you cannot celebrate the holidays in San Antonio without tamales. There is no end to the options available and if you ask people who makes the best, do not be surprised if they say “mi abuela.”

But if you do not have a grandmother serving up tamales, head to Delia’s Tamales. With 18 flavors served year-round, and menudo on the weekends, you are sure to find the perfect flavor to take home for your celebration. Or if you want to pick up some for yourself and send tamales to anyone not 26 RIO Magazine

Humble House

WRITER’S BIO An award-winning writer, communications expert and military spouse who enjoys finding new discoveries and revisiting old favorites in her adopted hometown, Dawn Robinette loves to tell stories. You can read more of her work at Alamo City Moms. thesanantonioriverwalk.com

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CULTURE & COMMUNITY

Lotería!

Color, Culture and Cuisine

By Susan Yerkes

San Antonio is famous for its lively multicultural vibe and fabulous Mexican food. Both of those traditions come alive in Lotería de Comida, a new version of the iconic “Mexican Bingo,” which combines the two in a mouth-watering reimagining of the beloved game.

click on this: LOTERÍA DE COMIDA www.LoteríadeComida.com “LOTERÍA REMEDIOS” www.Facebook.com/xelena.gonzalez.12 TRACEY MAURER www.TMaurerPhoto.com

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thesanantonioriverwalk.com

Xelena González

El Tomate Tracey Maurer tells the story of one of her Lotería images: “As a food photographer, I’m always on the hunt for unique looking produce. At a farmer’s market in San Francisco, I found the most perfect, yet imperfect heirloom tomato. I lovingly wrapped it in a hand towel and carried it back to San Antonio. When we returned, I photographed it as soon as I could get to the studio.

The tomato was a beautiful red color and to my delight, was heart-shaped. I love the finished image and I have used it as my personal “symbol” for the last 25+ years. The tomato image is the first card in the Lotería series and deck—it is familiar and personal to me, and it represents nature’s perfection.”

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Even if you don’t know much about Lotería, you have probably seen some of its classic images. In the past couple of decades, the stylized symbols on the cards—the devil, the hand, the heart and dozens more—have been used on everything from billboard ads to T-shirts and tattoos.

The game itself is often likened to Bingo, with a caller and multiple players who try to match the cards with images on their playing boards, or tablas. Gradually it soon became a national pastime, often at village fairs. A charismatic caller would draw a card and recite a descriptive rhyme for players to guess before the image was revealed. Today, it is a beloved ritual for families or larger gatherings, played throughout Mexico and in many parts of the U.S. and beyond.

The images on the cards have morphed over the centuries. In the Italian Renaissance, early versions bore images borrowed from the popular tarot decks.

In the late 1800s, two popular versions emerged, which are still available today in some form today.

In 1887, Clemente Jacques, a French businessman with a printing press and a bottling and canning business known for tomato ketchup, made a deck that included a card featuring a ketchup bottle

with his label clearly visible—a clever form of product placement. He massproduced the games, even including smaller versions that were put in military ration kits for Mexican soldiers, who took the games home to their families.

His 54-figure Lotería, known as Lotería Don Clemente, is the most widely known version of the game today.

Another version still played in Mexico was created in 1891 by José Maria Evia Griñé, a cigar manufacturer who printed elegant lithographic stickers to give away with his cigars, which buyers could accumulate to create their own playing boards. There are 90 images on the board in this game, but no cards—the images are numbered and the cantor calls out numbers, as in Bingo.

Known as Campechana Lotería, it is still popular in some parts of Mexico today.

Lotería’s images have changed over the years, and some interesting variations have emerged. In the 1930s, the Roman Catholic Church introduced a game featuring religious symbols to help educate the faithful, but it failed to flourish. Recently, Lotería is hot, and modern versions of the symbols have have been designed. Millennial Lotería includes Las Bitcoins and El Manbun; a Covidinspired game includes pandemic

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CULTURE & COMMUNITY

Healing Lotería Xelena González, a San Antonio-based author, was also inspired to create by Lotería. “I’ve always been curious about the images and characters—who they are, what they are doing, how they interact,” she said. Her new book, “Lotería Remedios” (remedies), weaves them into charming stories with positive quotations channeling the healing curandera traditions of female ancestors. For example, for El Corazon (The Heart): “What is stronger than the human heart, which shatters over and over, and still lives” – Rupi Kaur. The book’s messages can be coupled with the traditional Don Clemente Lotería deck for tarot-type readings or used as personal affirmations. The book, “Lotería Remedios,” packaged with the Lotería deck, is available at The Twig bookstore in Pearl and online.

references, and a Google-Doodle version includes El Buscador (the search engine) and El Emoji. Netflix is producing a family adventure “Lotería” movie starring Eugenio Derbez.

The most delectable version is certainly Tracey Maurer’s Lotería de Comida. The San Antonio-based professional food photographer has been fascinated with the game and iconic images for decades. When the Covid pandemic slowed her business, she decided to reimagine the traditional deck with images of some of San Antonio’s favorite foods.

Using photo-layering techniques, she created large canvas artworks of Lotería cards with her own Mexican food-related images. Researching the history of the game, she went on to assemble an entire 54-card deck and tablas in English and Spanish versions.

The striking images range from El Café and El Tomate to Patas de Pollo (chicken feet—a traditional delicacy). Menudo, marranitos (little pig cookies) and calaveras (skull-shaped sugar cookies) are included—each with a light-hearted verse. For La Barbacoa, pictured with a popular Big Red soda, she wrote: “Pop culture embraces this rich savory beef, Was once steamed in a pit while wrapped in a leaf.”

Maurer’s Lotería game and her artworks are available online and at Mockingbird Handprints in Blue Star. She is also a featured vendor at Estancia del Norte Hotel’s Regalo Boutique and at their Holiday Bazaar, Dec. 3-5—an appetizing way to start the holidays.

WRITER’S BIO Susan Yerkes is an award-winning journalist and travel writer based in San Antonio.

She loves Mexican cuisine and Lotería. Her middle name really is Gamble.

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thesanantonioriverwalk.com

Celebrate the Holiday Season Along the San Antonio River Walk RIVER WALK LIGHTS NOVEMBER 12-JANUARY 10 These world-famous Holiday lights are a gift to the public from the San Antonio River Walk Association and the City of San Antonio. A Christmas tradition since 1975, over 100,000 lights are draped over the bald cypress trees that line the River Walk, illuminating buildings and pathways and providing a spectacular display. The Holiday lights stretch from the downtown portion of the River Walk all the way to the Pearl District one mile north and shine brilliantly from 5:30pm to 8:00am daily during the holiday season.

FORD HOLIDAY BOAT CAROLING DECEMBER 2-23, 2021 Celebrate the timeless tradition of spreading joy with a San Antonio twist. Sing in the holidays by caroling with friends and family from your private, one-hour rented boat on the River Walk, and encourage spectators along the banks of the river to join in the fun as you drift by!

Caroling boats are decorated with lights and holiday bling and include a driver, a USB loaded with popular Christmas music and folders with music lyrics. Each boat can accommodate a maximum of 15 people (children under the age of 2 are not counted toward boat capacity). Other types of festive holiday music such as mariachis, bell-ringers and bands are also welcome to book a caroling boat.

With two timeslots on Mondays through Thursdays and three on Fridays through Sundays, merry songs fill every evening during the holiday season.

FORD FIESTA DE LAS LUMINARIAS DECEMBER 3-19, 2021 Experience the holiday ambience of the San Antonio River Walk as you stroll along the lush banks guided by more than 2,000 glowing luminarias— the traditional Mexican Christmas lantern originally consisting of a candle set in sand inside a small bag. This centuries-old tradition that symbolically marks the “lighting of the way” for the Holy Family begins at dusk Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays for three weekends in December.

FOR TICKET PURCHASES AND MORE INFORMATION, VISIT WWW.THESANANTONIORIVERWALK.COM. thesanantonioriverwalk.com

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RECREATION

Beyond Van Gogh

Dashing Through

By Drew Henry

the

Art

You could say that the holidays in San Antonio

Beyond Van Gogh

By Cheshire Isaacs

are picture-perfect. From the twinkling lights that

line the River Walk to the carolers who ride by in illuminated boats, the streetscapes become living works of art. While there is plenty of holiday beauty outside, the city also offers the gifts of renowned artwork inside its most popular museums and galleries. Let us unwrap this month’s exhibits one-by-one as we go dashing through the art!

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thesanantonioriverwalk.com

Werner Segarra

THE IMMERSIVE VAN GOGH EXHIBIT COMES TO SAN ANTONIO Now through February 6 Van Gogh once said, “I dream my painting, and I paint my dream.”

Now, you have the chance to step right into the dreams of Van Gogh in a fully immersive experience like never before. The Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit created by Massimiliano Siccardi and Luca Longobardi is currently making its mark in the heart of San Antonio—just in time for the holiday season. The 360-degree digital art experience uses 60,600 video frames totaling 90,000,000 pixels and over 500,000 cubic feet of projections to bring Van Gogh’s classic paintings to life.

As you step inside works of art like "Starry Night", "Sunflowers" and "The Bedroom," it is clear to see why this combination of art, music and cinematography (which has been over 30 years in the making) is now the number one selling show in the world.

Van Gogh only painted for ten years of his life, but he created over 2,000 works of art during that time. This interactive exhibit includes 14 segments covering the life and creative method of the artist, inviting guests to not only understand but to feel the artistic process for themselves.

Admission prices for the exhibit range from standard $29.99 tickets to $99.99 VIP options, including priority access, flexible time slots and limited-edition souvenirs. The experience is housed in a secret location in downtown San Antonio, only revealed after ticket purchase.

Exhibition walk-throughs are restricted to an hour with timed entry to help keep the experience contactless, and visitor capacity is also limited according to local protocols—making it safe to “Gogh.”

Werner Segarra

BRISCOE WESTERN ART MUSEUM’S LATEST EXHIBITION Werner Segarra’s Vaqueros de la Cruz Del Diablo: Photography of the Contemporary Northern Mexican Cowboy Now through January 24 The holidays would not be the holidays without decorations, and Texas would not be Texas without cowboys. The Briscoe Western Art Museum located in downtown San Antonio showcases the culture of the cowboy and details the history of the American West. Currently, visitors can unwrap the experience of “modern cowboy” life in the museum’s latest exhibition.

In Vaqueros de la Cruz Del Diablo, celebrated photographer Werner Segarra invites audiences to step into the world of the Northern Mexican vaquero, the Spanish-speaking word for cowboy. This carefully curated exhibit places the viewer as an intimate observer of everyday cowboy life, offering a first-hand look into modern ranchers’ daily activities and time-honored traditions. On display in the United States for the first time, the collection of 60 images captures over two decades of experiences shared in Northern Mexican communities.

The photos provide a window into everyday moments of how vaqueros view themselves, use the tools of their trade and balance decades-old traditions with modern life. Step into the gallery and see what it is like to live like a cowboy. General museum admission is $12 with discounts for seniors, students, military and children.

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RECREATION San Antonio Museum of Art

McNay Art Museum

"What If" by Lucy Peveto, AnArte Gallery

KEEP THE ART TOUR GOING! We have already opened up two unique presents that transport us into the paintings of Van Gogh and the daily life of modern cowboys, but there are many more artistic gifts up for grabs in San Antonio! So, keep the art tour going with these destinations along Broadway’s Cultural Corridor.

MCNAY ART MUSEUM The McNay Art Museum is located 15 minutes north of downtown. Explore over 22,000 works of art spanning from the Medieval to contemporary movements—all housed in a 1920s mansion sitting on a 25-acre estate.

Here you can stroll the well-manicured grounds, outdoor sculpture garden and multiple galleries of American and European art. So, whether you enjoy Renaissance paintings or modern pop art, this museum has something for you. General admission is $20 with discounts for children, seniors and students.

SAN ANTONIO MUSEUM OF ART The San Antonio Museum of Art, known as SAMA, is located just outside downtown near Pearl. Housed in the former Lone Star Brewery building, the site itself is filled with history. SAMA’s art collection features over 30,000 works spanning 5,000 years of global culture—some pieces dating back to the Stone Age. This year, SAMA is celebrating its 40th year with the 40 Years, 40 Stories exhibit, presenting art from the vault and behind-the-scenes stories about the museum. The Nature, Power, and Maya Royals exhibit is on view through Feb. 27. General admission is $20 with discounts for children, seniors, military and students.

ANARTE GALLERY If you are feeling inspired, why not start your own art collection? After all, the holiday season makes it the perfect time to give yourself a work of art. AnArte is a full-service gallery located in the heart of San Antonio’s Cultural Corridor. The gallery specializes in contemporary art and features local, national and internationally acclaimed artists. Stop in to discuss art and culture with the curators and get a few tips for building your collection. Can you think of a better way to end your holiday art tour than with a new painting or sculpture under your tree?

WRITER’S BIO Drew Henry is a writer, content creator and founder of the Design Dude’s Life blog. When he is not writing, he’s out exploring all Texas has to offer. View his work at DrewHenryWrites.com and get some home design tips at DesignDudesLife. com. Follow on Instagram: @designdudeslife & @ drewhenrywrites

click on this: IMMERSIVE VAN GOGH EXHIBIT www.GoghSanAntonio.com BRISCOE WESTERN ART MUSEUM www.BriscoeMuseum.org MCNAY ART MUSEUM www.McNayArt.org SAN ANTONIO MUSEUM OF ART www.SAMuseum.org ANARTE GALLERY www.AnArteGallery09.com

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thesanantonioriverwalk.com

The Westin Riverwalk, San Antonio Located in the heart of downtown San Antonio, the Westin Riverwalk hotel is situated along the banks of the iconic River Walk. Guests will enjoy this luxurious hotel in this charming, historic city, with easy access to the river level.

Inspired by San Antonio’s storied heritage, with reflections of Texas and the grandeur of Spanish Colonial interiors, the 473 guestrooms, including 65 well-appointed suites, and public areas are updated every few years with the luxury amenities one would expect from a Westin property.

Texas-sized guestrooms feature the Westin signature Heavenly® Bed and Shower System. Feel refreshed after a night’s sleep in a Westin Heavenly® Bed. Since its introduction in 1999, this signature bed has eased millions of guests into deep, restful sleep with a custom pillow-top mattress layered with soothing Westin linens, plush pillows, a cozy down blanket and custom duvet.

The traditional décor with a Spanish flair features pecan-hued wood furnishings with updated technology, which will appeal to all of your senses. The most enchanting accessory in each room is the fabulous view of historic architecture, city skylines or native Cypress trees with the river below.

When you are anxious to begin your day, step into Cafecito, a cozy graband-go breakfast hotspot paired with Starbucks® coffee and specialty cold brews.

After a day of exploring San Antonio, unwind on one of the loggias prior to your dinner in Zocca Cuisine D’Italia, the hotel’s authentic Northern Italian restaurant. The dress code might be casual but the service and menu are elevated. Dine outdoors on the riverside patio or opt for indoors where dark woods, soft lighting and contemporary décor create an inviting atmosphere.

If your visit is between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends, the cabanastyle rooftop pool bar is open with light snacks, refreshing cocktails and spectacular views of the Tower of the Americas and the River Walk. But do not worry, the pool is heated and open year-round so you can relax and soak in the views with to-go orders from the restaurant.

Whether your visit is purely pleasurable or leans towards business in any of the hotel’s 17 newly renovated meeting rooms, the Westin team demonstrates the inviting hospitality that San Antonio is known for and will go above and beyond to ensure your stay is a positive one. www.Marriott.com/satvw

24 48 72 HOURS

in town

by Crystal Henry

on

day one...

HOLIDAY STROLL

FESTIVE PILGRIMAGE - Be a part of one of the oldest Christmas traditions around, and join the downtown pilgrimage called La Gran Posada. The traditional celebration lasts nine days and symbolizes the journey Mary and Joseph took before arriving at the birthplace of Jesus. But in San Antonio you can condense the festivities to one night. The historic San Fernando Cathedral will host its annual event on Dec. 19, and the public is invited to journey together from Milam Park across downtown landmarks to the songs and party that awaits them at the cathedral.

WALK DOWN MEMORY LANE You don’t need a golden ticket to enter a world of imagination at The Majestic Theatre this month. The Broadway production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is taking San Antonio patrons on a walk down memory lane and on a trip to the candy shop with Roald Dahl’s classic tale, Dec. 7 through 12.

Charlie and the Chocolate Facotory

Photo by Michael Cirlo.

SHOP AND STROLL Think outside the big box stores this holiday season and snag some unique gifts at the San Antonio River Walk Artisan Show. Take a sweet stroll along the river featuring hand-crafted jewelry, pottery, beadwork and plenty of other artistic options for the people you treasure.

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El Colegio

ICING ON TOP Top your day off with an enchanting evening on ice at the outdoor rink in Travis Park. The Rotary Club of San Antonio brings a bit of frosty fun to Texas from Thanksgiving through January. On “Cheap Skate Night” you get $7 skating tickets and a free movie in the park. And on Saturdays there are free photo ops with Santa. Get your tickets and plan your visit. thesanantonioriverwalk.com

The holiday festivities are back in full swing and San Antonio is alight with music, theatre, dancing, shopping—and ice skating! Pick a production this month and enjoy live performances and festive gatherings to celebrate the season with family and friends.

Then take flight in a ride across the city skies, or keep your feet on the ground with a stroll in La Gran Posada. It is a vibrant time to get out and enjoy the twinkling lights of downtown San Antonio.

La Villita

Guadalajara Grill

on

day two...

DANCING ON AIR ARTISTS VILLAGE Tucked away just off the River Walk, is a unique little artisan village. La Villita is a vibrant little corner of downtown where you can find art galleries and shops, as well as a pretty decent selection of margaritas.

LUNCH BREAK Guadalajara Grill sits at the entrance to La Villita and it is a great open-air dining option downtown. Start with a Tamarindo margarita, then dive into an order of super nachos or tableside flaming queso for the full San Antonio experience.

TAKE FLIGHT Why look up into the wintery night sky, when you can look down from it. Bario Aviation, Inc. is offering Christmas air tours that take you soaring above the city for a magical winter experience.

It is a one-of-a-kind view of the holiday lights that you will not soon forget long after your feet once again hit the ground.

DANCE BREAK Dance your sugar plums over to the Tobin Center for an iconic performance of The Nutcracker. This holiday favorite is brought to life by Ballet San Antonio with live music from the San Antonio Symphony. More than 100 children are cast in the production and you have your choice between afternoon and evening performances. So get dolled up and make a day—or a night—of it.

The Nutcracker at the Tobin Center

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Tower of the Americas

on

day three. . .

City Sightseeing

DOUBLE DECKER AND DULCES SWEET START Start your day with a breakfast concha at La Panaderia downtown. This wellknown bakery is a favorite stop for locals and visitors because of the care put into each item in the case. You can grab an El Favorito croissant with black beans, ham, swiss, eggs and avocado to-go. Or savor an order of french toast made with chocolate bread and dusted with a snow drift of powdered sugar.

DOUBLE DECKER Climb aboard the City Sightseeing double decker bus and get ready to roll. This is the easiest way to get around the city and check off your tourist wish list.

Your pass gets you hop-on-and-off privileges for one to four days, and you can easily hit the highlights or plan more pit stops as you go. Book a combo pass to get admission to popular attractions like the Buckhorn Museum and LEGOLAND Discovery Center.

La Panaderia

SING IT As Buddy the Elf once said, “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” But San Antonio steps caroling up a notch with Ford Holiday Boat Caroling. Book a private one-hour boat with your friends and float along the river on a decorated barge singing the songs of the season. Or just pick a spot on the riverbanks and sing along as mariachis, bell ringers and live bands cruise by.

click on this:

LOOKING AHEAD As the holidays come to a close, do not forget to reserve your seat for the New Year’s Eve fireworks across the city.

Hemisfair puts on a dazzling display and the top spot for a panoramic view is at the Tower of the Americas.

GUADALAJARA GRILL

For another elevated view, The Moon’s Daughters, the rooftop lounge at Thompson San Antonio-Riverwalk, is ringing in its first New Year.

BARIO AVIATION, INC

www.BarioAviationServices.com CITY SIGHTSEEING

www.City-Sightseeing.com FORD HOLIDAY BOAT CAROLING

www.TheSanAntonioRiverWalk.com www.GuadalajaraGrill.us LA PANADERIA

www.LaPanaderia.com LA VILLITA

www.LaVillitaSanAntonio.com ROTARY ICE RINK

www.RotaryIceRink.com THE MAJESTIC THEATRE

WRITER’S BIO

Crystal Henry is a loyal Texan and an award-winning author, writer and columnist. She is fluent in both sarcasm and English, and evidence of those bilingual writing talents can be found at crystalhenrywrites.com. Or follow her on FB + IG @crystalhenrywrites and Twitter @chenrywrites.

38 RIO Magazine

www.MajesticEmpire.com TOBIN CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

www.TobinCenter.org thesanantonioriverwalk.com

SAN ANTONIO FOOD & DRINK AMERICAN BOUDRO’S TEXAS BISTRO 421 East Commerce St. www.boudros.com BIGA ON THE BANKS 203 S. St. Mary’s Street www.biga.com BUBBA GUMP SHRIMP CO. 406 Navarro www.bubbagump.com DAVE & BUSTER’S 849 E. Commerce St. www.daveandbusters.com DICK’S LAST RESORT 223 Losoya St. www.dickslastresort.com EL TROPICANO HOTEL 110 Lexington Avenue. www.eltropicanohotel.com HARD ROCK CAFÉ 111 W Crockett St #210 www.hardrockcafe.com HOWL AT THE MOON 111 West Crockett St. #201 www.howlatthemoon.com IHOP 849 E. Commerce (210) 444-1201 JAZZ, TX 312 Pearl Parkway #6001 www.jazztx.com LAS CANARIAS 112 College Street www.omnihotels.com LONESTAR CAFE 237 Losoya www.lonestarcafe.us MARGARITAVILLE 849 E. Commerce St. www.margaritavillesanantonio.com RAINFOREST CAFÉ 110 E. Crockett www.rainforestcafe.com

BBQ COUNTY LINE BARBEQUE SPORTS BAR 111 W. Crockett St. www.countyline.com

ITALIAN GUILLERMO’S 618 McCullough St. www.guillermosdowntown.com

BRAZILIAN FOGO DE CHAO 849 E. Commerce St. www.fogodechao.com

MICHELINO’S 521 Riverwalk michelinos.us. www PAESANOS 111 W. Crockett #100 www.paesanosriverwalk.com

TEXAS DE BRAZIL 313 E. Houston St. www.texasdebrazil.com BRITISH MAD DOGS 123 Losoya St. www.maddogs.net DELI SCHILO’S 424 E. Commerce St. www.schilos.com GERMAN BIER GARTEN 124-150 Losoya St. www.alamobiergarten.com LITTLE RHEIN PROST HAUS 231 S. Alamo Street www.littlerheinprosthaus.com ICE CREAM JUSTIN’S ICE CREAM 245 E Commerce St. www.mercadoritas.com KILWINS 109 Alamo Plaza www.kilwins.com IRISH DURTY NELLY’S IRISH PUB 200 S. Alamo St. www.durtynellyspub.com

PIZZARITAS 245 E. Commerce www.pizzaritas.com ZOCCA 420 W. Market www.zoccariverwalk.com MEXICAN ACENAR 146 E. Houston www.acenar.com THE RIVER’S EDGE CAFÉ AND PATIO BAR 200 S. Alamo St. www.riversedgecafesa.com SEAFOOD CHART HOUSE Tower of the Americas, 739 East Cesar E. Chavez www.toweroftheamericas.com

ON THE BEND 123 Losoya St. www.onthebendsa.com TEX-MEX CAFÉ OLE 521 River Walk www.cafeole.us CASA RIO 430 E. Commerce St. www.casa-rio.com DOMINGO RESTAURANTE 123 N. St. Mary’s St. www.domingorestaurant.com IRON CACTUS 200 River Walk www.ironcactus.com THE ORIGINAL MEXICAN RESTAURANT 528 River Walk www.originalmexican.com RIO RIO CANTINA 421 E. Commerce St. www.rioriocantina.com RITA’S ON THE RIVER 245 E. Commerce, Suite 100 www.ritasontheriver.com

JOE’S CRAB SHACK 212 College Street Ste 10 www.joescrabshack.com LANDRY’S SEAFOOD HOUSE 517 N. Presa www.landrysseafood.com

City Sightseeing San Antonio

RUTH CHRIS STEAK HOUSE 600 E. Market St. www.ruthschris.com THE REPUBLIC OF TEXAS 526 Riverwalk www.therepublicoftexasrestaurant. com SALTGRASS STEAK HOUSE 502 River Walk www.saltgrass.com TEX’S RIVER WALK AND SPORTS BAR 200 S. Alamo www.texssportsbar.com

thesanantonioriverwalk.com

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SHOPPING ALAMO PLAZA SHIRTS 325 Alamo Plaza San Antonio, TX 78205 (210) 223-2347 ALAMO QUARRY MARKET 255 East Basse Road San Antonio, TX 78209 (210) 824-8885 www.quarrymarket.com

THE ALLEY ON BITTERS 555 W. Bitters Rd. San Antonio, TX 78206 (210) 494-3226 www.thealleyonbitters.com ANGELITA’S Building 2, 418 Villita St. www.angelitaboutique.webs.com

FIVE & DIME GENERAL STORE 101 Alamo Plaza San Antonio, TX 78205 (210) 233-0166 www.fiveanddimegs.com GALLERY VETRO CREATIVE ARTGLASS 250 E. Houston San Antonio, TX 78205 (210) 354-0001 GARCIA ART GLASS 715 South Alamo San Antonio, TX 78205 (210) 223-1400 www.garciaartglass

ART PACE 445 N Main Ave www.artpace.org

COWBOY’S ALAMO CITY HARLEYDAVIDSON RIVERWALK BOUTIQUE RIVERWALK BOUTIQUE 111 West Crockett St. Suite 209 www.cowboysalamocityharley.com

BONITA RITA’S 245 E. Commerce, #100 San Antonio, TX 78205 www.mercadoritas.com

HUEBNER OAKS 11745 IH 10 West San Antonio, TX 78230 www.shophuebneroaks.com

BRISCOE WESTERN ART MUSEUM 210 W. Market Street www.briscoemuseum.org

KENDRA SCOTT 310 East Basse Rd. #101 San Antonio, TX 78209 (210) 591-7180 www.kendrascott.com

BUCKHORN MUSEUM 318 E Houston St. www.buckhornmuseum.com CASA SALAZAR 216 E. Houston San Antonio, 78205 (210) 472-2272 www.themajestic.com/casa THE COLLECTION 7959 Broadway San Antonio, TX 78209 (210) 826-3130 www.thecollectionsanantonio.com DEL SOL OF SAN ANTONIO 321 Alamo Plaza San Antonio, TX 78205 (210) 231-0900 www.delsol.com DOSEUM 2800 Broadway St. www.thedoseum.org EL MERCADO 514 W. Commerce San Antonio, TX 78207 (210) 207-8600 www.sanantonio.gov/ marketsquare FIESTA AT NORTH STAR 102 W. Rector Street San Antonio, TX 78216 (210) 801-9900 www.alamofiesta.com THE FIESTA STORE 2611 Broadway San Antonio, TX 78215 (210) 227-5191 www.fiesta-sa.org 40 RIO Magazine

LOS PATIOS 2015 NE Loop 410 San Antonio, TX 78217 (210) 655-6171 www.lospatios.com LUCCHESE BOOT COMPANY 255 East Basse Rd #800 San Antonio, TX 78209 (210) 828-9419 www.lucchese.com MERCADORITA’S 245 E. Commerce & Bonita San Antonio, TX 78205 (210) 286-7432 NATURAL BRIDGE CAVERNS 26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Road www.naturalbridgecaverns.com NORTH STAR MALL 7400 San Pedro San Antonio, TX 78217 (210) 340-6627 www.northstarmall.com PARIS HATTERS 119 Broadway San Antonio, TX 78205 (210) 223-3453 www.parishatters.com PENNERS DOWNTOWN 311 W. Commerce San Antonio, TX 78205 (210) 226-2487 www.pennersinc.com

SAN ANGEL FOLK ART 110 Blue Star San Antonio, TX 78204 (210) 226-6688 www.sanangelfolkart.com

THE TWIG BOOK SHOP 306 Pearl Parkway #106 San Antonio, TX 78215 (210) 826-6411 www.thetwig.indiebound.com

SAN ANTONIO MUSEUM OF ART 200 West Jones Avenue www.samuseum.org

THE UNOFFICIAL BEST OF TEXAS 101 Alamo Plaza, #3 San Antonio, TX 78205 (210) 227-0242

SAN ANTONIO VISITORS CENTER 317 Alamo Plaza San Antonio, TX 78205 (210) 207-6871 www.visitsanantonio.com

THE VINEYARD 1207 North Loop 1604 W San Antonio, TX 78258 www.thevineyardshoppingcenter.com

SHOPS OF LA CANTERA 15900 La Cantera Pkwy San Antonio, TX 78256 (210) 582-6255 www.theshopsatlacantera.com

WYNDHAM SAN ANTONIO RIVERWALK 111 E. Pecan Street San Antonio, TX 78205 (210) 489-9768 www.sawyn.com

SHOPS AT RIVERCENTER 849 E. Commerce www.shoprivercenter.com

THE WESTIN RIVERWALK 420 W. Market Street San Antonio, TX 78205 (210) 413-9731 www.westin.com

77T’S SOUVENIRS & T-SHIRTS 207 Alamo Plaza San Antonio, TX 78205 (210) 549-1279 www.77tshirts.com TIENDA LA GARZA 110 Broadway, Suite 100 San Antonio, TX 78205 (210) 222-2133

LA VILLITA HISTORIC ARTS VILLAGE 418 Villita Street, San Antonio, TX 78205 (210) 207-8614 • www.lavillita.com ANGELITA La Villita - Bldg. 2 San Antonio, TX 78205 210- 224-8362 www.lavillita.com CASA MANOS ALEGRES La Villita - Bldg. 6 San Antonio, TX 78205 210-313-7293 www.lavillita.com COPPER GALLERY La Villita - Bldg. 11 San Antonio, TX 78205 210.271.3856 www.thecoppergallery.com

PLAZA TAXCO La Villita, Bldg.16B San Antonio, TX 78205 210-994-5259 www.plazataxco.com RIVER ART GROUP La Villita - Bldg. 14 San Antonio, TX 78205 210-226-8752 www.rivergroup.com STARVING ARTIST GALLERY La Villita - Bldg. 12 San Antonio, TX 78205 210.226.3593 www.lavillita.com

LITTLE STUDIO GALLERY La Villita - Bldg. 23 San Antonio, TX 78205 210-227-8893 www.lavillita.com

RIPLEY’S BELIEVE IT OR NOT 301 Alamo Plaza www.ripleys.com/sanantonio thesanantonioriverwalk.com

¡NEW MENU! TRADITIONAL MEXICAN CUISINE MODERN FLARE

200 South Alamo Street RIVER LEVEL HILTON PALACIO DEL RIO www.riversedgecafesa.com

A portion of the ticket sales benefits the San Antonio Food Bank NATURALBRIDGECAVERNS.COM | 210.651.6101

The perfect holiday gift awaits at Historic Market Square.

With over 100 locally-owned shops, you’ll find cultural curios, artifacts, hand-crafted leather goods, and a diverse collection of traditional apparel.

514 W. Commerce St. MarketSquareSA.com

@marketsquaresa thesanantonioriverwalk.com

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ATTRACTIONS & SHOPPING 16 Edward Steves Homestead Museum

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99 RJA Ghost Tours

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98 LEGOLAND Discovery Center and Sealife San Antonio

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37 Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center

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79 Cowboy’s Alamo Harley Davidson

55 The Republic of Texas

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51 Mokara Hotel & Spa 52 Hyatt Regency 54 Homewood Suites & Hotel 55 Westin Riverwalk 58 Hilton Palacio Del Rio 60 Wyndham River Walk 64 Menger Hotel 82 Grand Hyatt .

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41 Embassy Suites 42 Sheraton Gunter Hotel 43 The St. Anthony Hotel 44 Marriott Townplace 45 Hotel Valencia 46 Holiday Inn 47 Marriott Courtyard 48 Drury Inn 49 Drury Plaza Hotel 50 Omni La Mansion

96 On the Bend Oyster Bar & Lounge

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LOCATIONS LISTING

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Share your pics and join the conversation use #DowntownSATX. Brought to you by Centro San Antonio thesanantonioriverwalk.com

LOCATIONS LISTING RESTAURANTS 3 Mi Tierra Cafe Y Panaderia

Restaurant & Oyster Bar

42 Spanish Governor’s Palace

52 Tresor

of Art

20 Pat O’Brien’s

18 Yasmin’s Boutique

36 Augies Alamo City

19 Out West

BBQ Steakhouse

21 Tienda La Garza

44 Bourbon Street Seafood

56 Maverick Carter House HOTELS 12 Wyndham Garden

River Walk

Kitchen River Walk Downtown

22 The Amazing Mirror Maze

15 Crockett Hotel

25 Majestic Theatre

16 Sheraton Gunter Hotel

51 Biga on the Banks

29 Aztec Theatre

17 Menger Hotel

53 Guillermo’s 54 Jazz, TX 55 IHOP 56 Little Rhein Prost Haus ATTRACTIONS & SHOPPING 6 Paris Hatters 7 Buckhorn Saloon &

Museum

30 Ripley’s Haunted

24 El Tropicano Riverwalk Hotel

31 Guiness World Records

43 Marriott Plaza San Antonio

Adventure/Tomb Rider 3D

Museum

32 Ripley’s Believe it or Not/ Louis Tussaud’s Wax Works 33 The Alamo 35 Tobin Center 38 Angelita’s

8 The Pearl

39 Plaza Taxco

9 Shops at Rivercenter

40 VFW Post 76

thesanantonioriverwalk.com

LIKE US!

48 Alta Vista Skate Shop

13 San Antonio Museum 14 Institute of Texan Culture

18 Francesco’s Gelato

41 Market Square

Chart House Restaurant

11 Art Pace

4 La Margarita Mexican 5 Denny’s

10 Tower of the Americas/

MISCELLANEOUS 34 CitySightseeing Double

Decker Tour

37 Tom’s Wheelchair &

ScooterRentals

38 USO 69 San Antonio Public Library

thesanantonioriverwalk.com @TheSanAntonio RiverWalkOfficial @theSAriverwalk thesanantonioriverwalk The San Antonio River Walk Hugman Tour @TheSAriverwalk

RIO Magazine

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COUPONS 126 Losoya St, San Antonio, TX, 78205

(210) 212-7299

FREE OYSTER SAMPLER w/ purchase of 2 premium beverages

www.biergartenriverwalk.com

FREE KRAUTWURST BALLS

one coupon per table

with Any Food Purchase

123 Losoya #7, San Antonio, TX 78205 Phone (210) 354-3002

For dine in guests only. Expires 12/31/2021

Free Chef’s Chips of the Day with purchase of adult entrée One Coupon per table per visit.

Riverwalk level of the Hyatt Regency Maddogs.net • (210) 222-0220

20% OFF

ENTIRE GUEST CHECK

One coupon, per check, per visit. Not valid with any other coupons or promotional offers. Coupon has no cash value. No change returned. Taxes and gratuity not included. Alcoholic beverages not included. Valid only 903 E. Commerce St. San Antonio, TX location. Selection and prices may vary. Only original coupon accepted. Photocopied and Internet printed or purchased coupons are not valid. No substitutions. © 2014 DFO, LLC. Printed in the U.S.A. Offer ends 12/31/21

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SAVE UP TO

$

Get $2 off each adult and $1 off each child’s full price Discovery Tour ticket. Enter code 10124 online or show onsite.

Limit 6.

210-651-6101 • www.naturalbridgecaverns.com Not Valid With Any Other Discount or Program.

Expires 12/31/22.

10163

Complimentary House Dessert with order of an entrée.

111 W. Crockett Street, Suite 101 (210) 227-2782 paesanosriverwalk.com Not valid with any other offer or discount.

Offer only valid at Paesanos Riverwalk location.

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12/31/21

One coupon per table.

RIO

FREE FLAUTA APPETIZER (seasoned chicken rolled up in a tortilla)

with the purchase of 1 entrée Coupon not valid with other offers or coupons.

Please present coupon to server at time of ordering.

10% OFF this La Villita location

Plaza Taxco (Excluding Sales Items)

See our ad on page 27 thesanantonioriverwalk.com thesanantonioriverwalk.com thesanantonioriverwalk.com

e n o Fan Z

The 29th Annual Valero Alamo Bowl in San Antonio

Each year, college football fans flock to San Antonio for the annual Valero Alamo Bowl, played at the 65,000-seat Alamodome. This year’s game takes place on Wednesday, December 29, in an exclusive primetime window on ESPN. Kickoff time will be 8:15pm CST. To find out which school colors will reign in 2021, watch for Bowl Team announcements on December 5.

“The Valero Alamo Bowl is excited to plan for a more normal 2021 season culminating with two outstanding Big 12 and Pac-12 conference teams and their fans enjoying everything a Bowl trip to San Antonio has to offer,” said Clay Jett, Chair of the 2021 Valero Alamo Bowl. “In addition to driving visitation and showcasing our city to millions of viewers on ESPN, our ability to host our typical crowd coupled with the outstanding support of Valero and our existing and new corporate partners will allow us to deliver increased scholarship giving to deserving San Antonio students.”

Last year, 153 San Antonio area high school seniors and college students split $1,070,000 in Valero Alamo Bowl scholarship awards. Since becoming a title sponsor in 2007, Valero has helped fuel the growth of the Bowl’s scholarship giving from $78,000 per year to its current total which ranks #1 in local scholarship giving among all the Bowls.

by Ricos Products Company of San Antonio. While head coaches, team captains and cheerleaders take part in college football’s most unique and spirited pep rally at the Arneson River Theatre on the San Antonio River Walk, the school bands and the rest of the players excite the crowd by making a grand entrance on the City’s iconic river cruisers. Make sure to arrive early dressed in school colors for this free, one-of-a-kind event. Then catch a ride on your own river boat with special Alamo Bowl reservations through GO RIO Cruises at https://tickets. goriocruises.com/gorio/holiday-cruises.html.

Many pre-game activities lead up to the big game, including the highlighted Ricos River Rally and Team Fiesta on December 27 at 5:00pm, sponsored

The The Valero Alamo Bowl was created in 1993 to bring enjoyment to San Antonians, South Texans and visitors alike while creating a positive eco-

thesanantonioriverwalk.com

nomic impact, experiences and national attention for the community and participating universities.

To date, 27 Alamo Bowl games have combined to deliver more than $965 million in total economic impact to San Antonio, and contributed more than $120 million to conferences and universities through bowl team payouts along with $1 million to annual scholarships for San Antonio area students.

Valero Energy Corporation is a Fortune 500 company based in San Antonio, Texas.

For tickets to the 2021 Valero Alamo Bowl and associated events, visit www.alamobowl.com.

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