On Thursday, December 3, Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will arrive by helicopter at the Central Texas Medical Center on Wonder World Drive in San Marcos, Texas. A fire engine will transport Santa and Mrs. Claus to the San Marcos River, where their arrival signals the beginning of the Sights and Sounds of Christmas. The lights come on and the magical event, covering both side of the river, begins.

This event is a major fundraiser for local organizations, so you will find area specialties like gorditas, fajitas, sausage-on-a-stick and funnel cakes as well as traditional food like hamburgers, hot dogs and nachos. Cold drinks, coffee and home-baked goods round out the vendor offerings.

Two tents house the Texas Marketplace, where you will find wonderful handmade crafts, home grown favorites, specialty Christmas items, unique jewelry, hand crafted furniture and more. This is an early and perfect opportunity to shop for that perfect Texas gift.

Walk through A Night in Old Bethlehem. Costumed characters help you learn customs, traditions and beliefs of the time with hands-on activities. Thrill to live angels, three wise men and nativity scene. Get up close to camels and other animals.

The admission fee, which includes parking and shuttle bus ride from Strahan Coliseum parking area on Aquarena Springs Drive, is only $2 for visitors 11+ years old and $1 for children aged 2-10. Children under 2 years are free.  Enjoy the Sights and Sounds of Christmas on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, from 6-10 pm. If you miss the festival, enjoy the lights on the river, which remain lit through the holiday season.

Hawaii Discount Car Rentals is a travel wholesaler that represents several automobile rental agencies, such as Dollar, Thrifty and Enterprise, on the islands of Hawaii, Kauai, Maui, Oahu and Molokai. If you travel to the Hawaiian Islands, you will want to rent a car to explore all the wonderful sights that await you. My suggestion would be to rent the smallest, most economical car that will serve your needs. Some of the drives, like the road to Hana on Maui, are on serpentine one-lane roads. In addition, gasoline is between $3.15 and $3.45 per gallon.

On HawaiiDrive-O.com you may compare the rates of up to five rental car agencies. Not all car rentals are available on all islands. Thrifty car rentals are available on all islands except Lanai and Molokai. Find Dollar car rentals on Maui, Oahu, Kauai and Hawaii. There are also two brands that are designated as A and B. I guess these brand prices may not be advertised.

These rental agencies offer different makes of cars as well as various rates, discounts, services and upgrades. You will want to do your research, so that you may find deals like no surcharge for drivers 21-24 or perhaps an upgrade to a full-sized car. There are several articles on the website that you may want to read here…

If you are on a cruise in the Hawaiian Islands, most of the car rental agencies will pick you up from the pier! Make Your reservations today! Just click here.

Holiday Lighting Ceremony

November 27, 2009, 7 pm

Over 100,000 twinkling lights, draped through and from Cypress trees, bridges and stairways, illuminate a mystical world below street level on the San Antonio River Walk. The lights are lit on November 27, 2009.  The lights are lit each evening through January 1, 2010.

Ford River Parade

The lighting ceremony is the official kickoff to the Paseo Del Rio Holiday Festivities. Reserved seating is available along the parade route and tickets are sold through the Paseo Del Rio Association (210 227-4262). The parade along San Antonio’s River Walk features illuminated floats filled with costumed celebrants and celebrities.

Blessing of the Animals

December 5, 2009, noon to 6 pm
Market Square

Bring your animals on a leash.  The blessing begins at 1 pm.  Stay for the many activities for families with children, like petting zoo, face painting, Pancho Claus, strolling mariachis and more.

Holiday Boat Caroling

November 28-December 20, 2009, 6 30 pm-945  pm
River level by Chamber of Commerce

The sounds of Christmas fill the air as over 180 choral groups serenade the River Walk.  You hear all types of music as these members of school, civic, business and church organizations sing their songs to Heaven from boats cruising the San Antonio River.

La Gran Posada

Posada means “inn” in Spanish
December 20, 2009, beginning at 6 pm
Milam Park to San Fernando Cathedral

La Gran Posada is an reenactment of the search by Mary and Joseph for a birthplace for Jesus.  Marchers holding candles follow Mary and Joseph as they search for shelter, singing traditional Christmas songs and carols. The procession begins in Milam Park and ends at the San Fernando Cathedral.  After the procession and prayer, local musicians play in the cathedral.

Fiesta de las Luminarias

December 4-20, 2009, begins at dusk on Friday, Saturday and Sundays only

Over 6,000 luminarias line the San Antonio River, symbolically marking the lighting of the way for the Holy Family. This is an uplifting way to experience the Christmas season on the San Antonio River Walk without breaking the bank.

San Antonio River Walk | Historic Market Square| San Fernando Cathedral | San Antonio CVB

From Presidential Proclamation 2009:

On Veterans Day, we honor the heroes we have lost, andwe rededicate ourselves to the next generation of veterans bysupporting our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and CoastGuardsmen as they return home from duty. Our grateful Nationmust keep our solemn promises to these brave men and women andtheir families. They have given their unwavering devotion tothe American people, and we must keep our covenant with them.

Resources on Department on Veterans Affairs website:

• Teachers Guide
• Veterans Day History
• Poster Gallery
• VA Kids Site
• Take a Vet to School Day
• Veterans History Project
• Veterans Day Speakers