Ford Holiday River Parade 2022

Greetings!

The City of San Antonio is honored to host the 41 st Annual Ford Holiday River Parade. We are excited to experience another lovely holiday season here in San Antonio, and hope visitors and locals alike partake in the magic of our River Walk lights.

The Ford Holiday River Parade is the perfect kickoff to the holiday season, and the theme for this year’s River Parade is Tastes and Traditions Around the World. This year’s celebration will feature The Grinch from the Broadway production of Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas, The Musical! as Grand Marshal. For those of you visiting, I sincerely hope that you experience San Antonio’s rich culture, gracious nature and holiday spirit during your time here. From my family to yours, wishing you peace, love and joy this holiday season.

Sincerely, Ron Nirenberg, Mayor

Real Traditions. True Celebrations.

Visit San Antonio can help you plan the perfect holiday vacation. From our San Antonio River Walk holiday lights and special events to our city-wide seasonal attractions, you will fall in love with San Antonio during the holiday season. Plan a truly memorable trip now at visitsanantonio.com

Each year, the South Texas Ford Dealers enjoy bringing the magic of the holidays to you and your family through the Ford Holiday River Parade. The parade is a San Antonio tradition that brings happiness to so many, and we are proud to be a part of it.

Ford is dedicated to building great products—to strengthening our business to the benefit of our communities. This is the foundation of Ford’s success, which helped us become a global automotive industry leader on six continents.

The South Texas Ford Dealers are independent dealerships that join together to bring you this and other events on the River Walk —San Antonio’s happy place. We encourage you to come back this holiday season to enjoy the Ford Holiday Boat Caroling and the Ford Fiesta de las Luminarias. Do not miss our other River Walk events throughout the year, such as the Ford Mariachi Festival.

This time of year, we like to think of ourselves as Santa’s Elves helping to bring the holiday spirit into your life. At Ford, we go further to make our vehicles better, our employees happier and our planet a better place to live in.

Best wishes for a safe and happy Holiday Season.

Your South Texas Ford Dealers

Ford Holiday River Parade and River Lighting Ceremony

Presented byTaco Cabana

Friday, November 25, 6:00 to 9:00pm

Welcome to the 41st Annual Ford Holiday River Parade! Always held the day after Thanksgiving, the Ford Holiday River Parade and Lighting Ceremony is San Antonio’s way to ring in the holiday season, and this tradition is a truly spectacular sight.

This year’s parade theme is Tastes and Traditions Around the World and is highlighted with 27 illuminated floats cruising along the downtown portion of the River Walk. The Grand Marshal is none other than the Grinch, who will move into his starring role in Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical! at The Majestic Theatre, November 29 through December 4.

At 7:00pm, in a glorious flip-the-switch moment, watch more than 100,000 lights turn on before your eyes during the much-anticipated lighting of the River Walk. Every night, through the morning of January 9, 2023, the River Walk illuminates with the holiday spirit, and lights stay on from 5:30pm until sunrise. Twinkling lights dangle from cypress trees along the banks of the bustling downtown River Walk and stretch through the quiet Museum Reach to the Pearl.

Ford Holiday River Parade Schedule

Do not miss a single moment of the fun! Keep this schedule on hand to stay up to the minute on Santa’s arrival.

4:00pm – River Walk closes to the general public.

5:00pm – River Walk gates open for ticket holder access at Arneson River Theatre and along the four-mile parade route. Pre-parade floating entertainment launches!

6:00pm – The parade begins at the Tobin Center. See the map for the parade route and approximate viewing times per area.

6:00 to 7:00pm – The festive pre-parade show for ticket holders starts at the Arneson River Theatre.

7:00 to 8:00pm – The televised parade begins, and Santa arrives on the last float!

7:00pm – The Lighting of the River Walk ceremony commences, with the Grinch taking the lead.

TheSanAntonioRiverWalk.com

THE GRINCH 2022 Grand Marshal

The Ford Holiday River Parade promises a night of fabulous holiday cheer even the Grinch cannot resist! After a little encouragement from his friends Max and Cindy Lou, the Grinch has agreed to join the festivities as our Grand Marshal before making his way to the Majestic Theatre for Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical! Do not miss your chance to see him and all the Whos on the big stage, November 29 – December 4!

The41stAnnualFordHolidayRiverParadeandLightingCeremonyisaSanAntoniotraditionthat officiallyringsintheholidayseason!Beginningwithpre-paradefloatingentertainment,thisyear’s spectacularone-hourparadeisthemedTastesandTraditionsAroundtheWorld.Welovesharingthe beautyoftheRiverWalkandwishyouandyourfamilypeaceandjoyduringthisspecialtimeofyear.

2022 Ford Holiday River Parade Floats

1 Roast Beast Feast (Whoville)

Visit San Antonio

The Grand Marshal, the Grinch, will be in the Broadway production of Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical! at the Majestic Theatre. The float is sponsored by Visit San Antonio whose mission is to bring the world to San Antonio.

2

Xmas

Beach (Australia) San Antonio Zoo

San Antonio Zoo, operating since 1914, is a non-profit zoological facility committed to securing a future for wildlife. Through its passion and expertise in animal care, conservation and education, the Zoo’s mission is to inspire its community to love, engage with, act for and protect animals and the places they live. The Zoo welcomes more than a million visitors annually and is open year-round. San Antonio Zoo operates the largest nature-based preschool in the country, Will Smith Zoo School, the Center for Conservation and Research and the Kiddie Park. SAZoo.org

3 Tamales (Mexico) Royal Public Schools

Royal Public Schools is a tuition-free college prep charter school located on the south side of downtown San Antonio. Royal offers an innovative and next generation of the STEM school model called STREAMS-360. The STREAMS-360 is a whole child approach to education that integrates Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts, Math and Social Emotional Learning through project-based learning. Currently, Royal is accepting applications for students in grades K through 6 while adding one grade each year until serving K through 12. RoyalTX.org

4 Reindeer Treats (USA)

The City of San Antonio

Representing San Antonio are the Mayor and City Council members. San Antonio is a global city with a dynamic economy and workforce, a deep cultural heritage and diverse communities that are resilient and welcoming. As one of the nation’s fastest-growing cities, San Antonio has the 7th largest population in the United States. SanAntonio.gov

5 Holiday Dancing (Mexico)

La Gloria

Chef Johnny Hernandez is a celebrated chef, entrepreneur and founder and President of Grupo La Gloria and True Flavors Inc. He is one of the premier Mexican cuisine chefs in the United States and a recognized authority on Mexican cuisine and culture. His culinary ventures have since expanded to become Grupo La Gloria, a diverse and growing portfolio of signature restaurants and culinary projects. Studio AVI is representing Holiday Dancing.

6 Christmas Shows (USA)

Gardenia Club /Ken Batchelor

The riders on the float represent the San Antonio Gardenia Club, which was founded in 1960 to further invest in the fine arts and promote friendship within the membership. The organization awards fine art scholarships each month to deserving fine art students who graduate from within Bexar County high schools and remain in San Antonio to attend college. Members participate in a monthly gathering where scholarship recipients perform for them. The club crowns an annual queen. The queen this year is Liv Humphries. This float is sponsored by Ken Batchelor Cadillac. KenBatchelorCadillac.com

7 Yule Goat (Sweden) La Reina/Gamez Law Firm

The Rey Feo Scholarship, Inc is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, non-political organization that since its establishment in 1947, operates a fundraising scholarship program benefitting deserving high school seniors with financial support to obtain a college or university degree. El Rey Feo’s program has raised over $7 million for scholarships given to well over 3,000 students receiving $2,000 for books and tuition. ReyFeoScholarship.com

Junkanoo (Bahamas/Jamaica) 8

Fiesta San Antonio Commission

The Fiesta® San Antonio Commission is a non-profit, volunteer, self-supporting organization that plans, promotes, coordinates and preserves Fiesta® San Antonio through support of its 100-plus non-profit Participating Member Organizations in presenting a safe, educational, annual celebration of the diverse heritage, culture and spirit of San Antonio for its residents and visitors. Celebrate Fiesta® 2023 – April 20 - 30 . . . ¡Viva Fiesta! FiestaSanAntonio.org

9 UK Holiday Celebration MadDogs Restaurant Group

Mad Dogs Restaurant Group has been proudly serving the River Walk for over 25 years. With eight different concepts downtown and six themed locations providing live entertainment every day of the week, there is a little bit of something for everyone to enjoy! MadDogsGroup.com

10 Three King's Day (Argentina)

University of the Incarnate Word

Since 1986, UIW has held its annual Light the Way event, where the campus is lit up by a million Christmas lights. As UIW’s gift to the community, the public is invited to come out to the campus to take pictures and enjoy this cherished holiday tradition. Visit nightly through January 6. UIW.edu

11 Taco Cabana Holiday

Taco Cabana

Taco Cabana is proud of its industry leadership position in Tex-Mex quality and taste. TC has a delicious variety for breakfast, lunch and dinner including tacos, burritos, fajitas, quesadillas, flautas, enchiladas, Cabana Bowls®, fresh salsas and a wide variety of margaritas. TC can also cater your private or business events! TacoCabana.com

Loteria (Italy/Mexico)

Eva’s Heroes enriches the lives of teens and adults with intellectual special needs through a variety of programs. Participants can socialize and create lasting memories with their peers while enjoying the unique experiences San Antonio has to offer. From art night to Broadway shows, summer camps and dancing with friends, there is something for everyone! EvasHeroes.org

Eva's Heroes

13 Gingerbread House (Germany) Landry's

Get festive and celebrate the holiday season with a collection of fun, family-friendly restaurants and attractions! From prime steak to seafood, delicious burgers and sky-high adventures, savor the best of the San Antonio River Walk and beyond. Dine at Saltgrass Steak House, Landry’s Seafood House, Rainforest Café, Joe’s Crab Shack, Bubba Gump Shrimp Company and Chart House Restaurant inside Tower of the Americas. Great food. Great service. Great holidays. Find your favorite at LandrysInc.com.

Mariachi Mass (Mexico) 14 Dollar General

From serving their customers with value and convenience and their employees with career opportunities to serving the communities they call home through literacy and education, Dollar General has been committed to its mission of Serving Others since the company’s founding in 1939. They strive to make shopping hassle-free and affordable with more than 19,000 stores in 46 states. Their stores deliver low prices on items including food, health and beauty aids, cleaning supplies, housewares, seasonal items and much more!

DollarGeneral.com

Holiday Gathering (Global)

Kroger

Kroger Delivery is a grocery service that goes the extra mile to bring you freshness and convenience. Simply fill your cart with the groceries you want, then choose a delivery time that works best for you. Shop from thousands of items including pantry essentials, cleaning favorites, health and wellness products and much, much more. Kroger Delivery owns the entire grocery delivery process through the supply chain to maximize freshness and minimize contact. The friendly grocery delivery drivers and associates are trained to hand-select the quality items you expect. The produce, meat and seafood are guaranteed fresh or they will make it right. Kroger.com

Christmas Candy (Scotland) 16

Hampton Inn

by Hilton

The Hampton Inn & Suites San Antonio Riverwalk is back to defend its title of "Most Fun Float" from 2021. Spend the holidays with family and friends and experience all the magic that is the River Walk while enjoying a complimentary hot breakfast, balcony suites and River Walk views from the rooftop-heated pool. Whether you are looking for the perfect suite to catch up on work, a spot for the family to come together after exploring, a place to accommodate your four-legged family members or somewhere to unwind after a romantic night on the town, they have got all the amenities you need. Hilton.com

17

Lights & Sounds of Christmas

Texas Cavaliers

Founded in 1926, the Texas Cavaliers has been an organization of 600 business, civic and community leaders dedicating their time and talents to support San Antonio area charities. Over the past 27 years, King Antonio, the Cavaliers and their generous supporters have donated over $8 million to local children’s charities in San Antonio through the Charitable Foundation. TexasCavaliers.org.

18 Elf on a Shelf (USA) Longhorn Steakhouse

Longhorn Steakhouse has grown to become the undisputed home for great steak done right. Come on in for their cut above Texan experience and legendary steak. Do not forget about the bold flavors from their ever-changing seasonal menu or one of over 30 different lunch combinations and top it off with one of their signature margaritas. Catering, take out and call ahead seating is available. LonghornSteakhouse.com/other-locations

19 Mistletoe (Ireland) SEA LIFE

SEA LIFE is the world’s largest family of aquariums with SEA LIFE Aquariums in North America including SEA LIFE Arizona, Carlsbad, Charlotte-Concord, Dallas/Fort Worth, Kansas City, Mall of America, Michigan, New Jersey, Orlando and San Antonio. From its origins in 1979 in Oban, Scotland, SEA LIFE now provides immersive marine experiences in nearly 50 locations in 17 countries around the world. SEA LIFE San Antonio is located inside the Shops at Rivercenter in downtown San Antonio. VisitSeaLife.com/san-antonio.

Holiday Flowers (Mexico) 20

CanoHealth

CanoHealth provides the highest-quality, personalized, preventative primary care to seniors that measurably improves their health, wellness and quality of life. CanoHealth currently has eight convenient San Antonio locations. Their mission is simple: To improve patient health by delivering superior primary care medical services, while creating a life-long bond with our patients. CanoHealth.com

21 Holiday Caroling (Austria) Cavender Cares/Mastersingers

The Mastersingers is San Antonio’s preeminent chorus, with approximately 120 volunteers from various backgrounds, under the direction of Dr. Yoojin Muhn. Mastersingers was the first symphony chorus to be created in Texas in 1944. See them perform Handel’s Messiah on Sunday, Dec. 4 with the San Antonio Philharmonic (previously the San Antonio Symphony). SAMastersingers.org

Established in 2021, Cavender Cares has donated over half a million dollars, partnered with over 100 organizations and is leading the way in corporate philanthropy in the community! Cavender Auto Group and Cavender Grande Ford are proud to be community partners in the Ford Holiday River Parade! CavenderCares.com

22 Holiday Sledding (Switzerland) Columbia

The Columbia brand store in San Antonio is located at the Alamo Quarry Market and carries innovative outerwear, sportswear, footwear and accessories for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels. Shop the large inventory of performance products including men’s and women’s snow boots, winter coats and fleece to keep you warm this season. Columbia.com

23 Clog Stockings (Czech Republic)

Office Source/Rey Feo

The Mission of the Rey Feo Scholarship Foundation is to financially support the aspiration of deserving high school seniors to obtain a college/university/trade education regardless of race, color, religion or gender. The Rey Feo Scholarship Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, non-political organization established in 1947. ReyFeoScholarship.com

If you are looking for Commercial Furniture for your office, healthcare facility, school or hotel, visit the professional team at OfficeSource, Ltd. They are located on Broadway just down from the Pearl. They have the best furniture and most creative staff to assist in achieving a state-of-the-art work space. Remember OfficeSource, Ltd. for all your furniture needs. OfficeSourceLtd.com

Nestled along the beautiful River Walk in downtown San Antonio, the Historic Omni La Mansión del Rio allows you to easily explore all the city’s beloved tourist attractions. Blending Spanish colonial architecture and European style, their Four Diamond luxury hotel surrounds you with the romance, grace and charm of a grand hacienda. OmniHotels.com

25 Holiday Travels (Global)

Drury Plaza San Antonio Riverwalk

Drury Hotels is the official hotel for the 2022 Ford Holiday River Parade. The Drury family started Drury Hotels 49 years ago and it remains family owned and operated. Ranked #1 in customer service satisfaction 17 years in a row by JD Power, Drury Hotels invites you to “Travel Happy” at any of their 10 hotels in San Antonio or 150 throughout the United States. DruryHotels.com

26 Christkindl (Austria) River Walk Royalty

On the Christkindl float, the River Walk Royalty represent the crown jewel of San Antonio—the River Walk—at many events throughout the year. The money they raise to be on the Royalty Court goes to fund scholarships. Go to The SanAntonioRiverWalk.com to find out more about year-round River Walk events.

(Global) South Texas Ford Dealers

Ford is dedicated to building great products–to strengthening their business to the benefit of their communities. This is the foundation of Ford’s success, which helped them become a global automotive industry leader on six continents. The South Texas Ford Dealers are honored to join together and bring this event to you and hope you and your family have a Happy Holiday season. TexasFord.com

Scan code to discover more year-round events on the San Antonio River Walk.

TheSanAntonioRiverWalk.com

The World-Famous Holiday Lights on the River Walk

Friday, November 25 - Monday, January 9

The River Lighting Ceremony on November 25 during the Ford Holiday River Parade marks the beginning of one of the largest free, dazzling holiday light displays in America—the Holiday Lights on the San Antonio River Walk. From dusk 'til dawn you can stroll along the banks of the River Walk and take in the glow of more than 100,000 holiday lights dripping from the cypress trees. It is a gorgeous winter wonderland you can enjoy from plenty of outdoor dining spots, and the lights stretch all along the downtown portion of the River Walk and north to the Pearl District in the Museum Reach. Free to attend. TheSanAntonioRiverWalk.com

Ford Holiday Boat Caroling

December 1-23

“Jingle Bells” and other songs of the season drift through the air and down the river with the annual River Walk Caroling Boats. The Ford Holiday Boat Caroling begins and ends at the International Center Building, and each boat makes a lap around downtown. You can either book a boat for your whole family, friends or colleagues, or join in the singing from a table at one of the restaurants along the River Walk. When you charter a boat, you and 14 of your friends and family can cruise along in a decked-out barge with lights and holiday bling. Your driver will play popular holiday music, and there are song books provided for those who need help with the lyrics. Carolers get creative with mariachi groups, bell ringers and full bands, so sing and dance along—it will surely get you in the holiday spirit! Dates: Monday-Thursday, 6:00 to 8:15pm Friday-Sunday, 6:00 to 9:30pm There are two to three time slots and multiple boats each night. Check The San Antonio River Walk website for prices and details. TheSanAntonioRiverWalk.com

Celebrate the holidays with lights, sights and beautiful nights along the River Walk.

Ford Fiesta de las Luminarias

December 2-18,

Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays

Hearts are not the only thing aglow this holiday season. More than 2,000 Mexican Christmas lanterns come to life beginning at dusk during three weekends in December along the River Walk. Traditional luminarias are made with candles set in sand inside small bags. These beautiful luminarias, combined with the colorful glow from the holiday lights overhead, create a picture-perfect display along the river. Free to attend. TheSanAntonioRiverWalk.com

Downtown Lights River Cruises

November 28-December 22

Nightly at 6:30, 7:30, 8:30 and 9:30pm

What better way to enjoy the spectacular holiday lights along the River Walk than by cruising under the colorful strands dangling from cypress trees while listening to jolly holiday music? These special GO RIO Cruises take a one-hour tour through the main loop of the downtown portion of the river, passing by Restaurant Row and the Shops at Rivercenter. Board at Ambler Kitchen + Cocktails, where they will be providing complimentary hot chocolate and a pop-up bar for additional food and beverage purchases. Tickets are $32. The Downtown Lights River Cruises depart daily — visit GoRioCruises.com for cruise times and ticket purchases.

River of Lights On The Museum Reach

December 3, 6:00 to 9:00pm

The San Antonio River Authority invites the public to visit the Museum Reach segment of the River Walk to take part in the annual River of Lights, a free family-friendly event that takes place on Brooklyn Ave. between N. St. Mary’s and Ave. B. It will feature free “selfie” photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, letters to Santa for the kids, food trucks, live musical entertainment and the return of the 30-foot musical tree light show at the lock and dam. This year there will also be nighttime kayaking along the Museum Reach for people to get a closer look at the beautiful lights along the San Antonio River Walk. For more information, visitSARiverAuthority.org and @sanantonioriver on social media.

Holiday River Walk Artisan Show

December 9-11 (Friday & Saturday, 11:00am to 11:00pm & Sunday, 11:00am to 8:00pm)

There are plenty of reasons to attend the Holiday River Walk Artisan Show—in fact there are more than 40. This collection of handmade artisan booths features unique gift giving opportunities with pottery, textiles, jewelry, woodworking, paintings and beading. It is a bright and brilliant display of craftsmanship that both locals and tourists look forward to each year. Enjoy the beauty of the River Walk while you shop for friends, family and yourself! More than 40 artisan booths are located at the River Walk Extension, near the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce Building and the Shops at Rivercenter mall. Free to attend. TheSanAntonioRiverWalk.com

THANK YOU SPONSORS