River Walk, San Antonio

The same series of walkways that host traditional community events, such as craft shows and musical spectacles, also serve as front-row seats to the Ford Holiday River Parade. The iconic public park is a point of pride for San Antonians and has been promoted, protected and preserved since 1968 by the nonprofit Paseo del Rio Association. Lined with shops, restaurants, and hotels, the walkway’s pair of parallel sidewalks, which stretch 15 miles, draws throngs during annual events such as the Lucky Duck Race, the Holiday parade, and St. Patrick’s Day festival. During Halloween’s Bud Light Coffins on Parade, floating coffins make two laps around the River Walk and give the river a spooky touch.

This year's Holiday parade is themed "Holiday Celebrations Around the World," and includes decorated floats and live entertainment. More than 83,000 lights will grace the floats, which will be overseen by Grand Marashall Gordon Hartman.