The 25th Annual Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza kicks off the holiday spirit with Serenata en el Rio: Join us at 5:30 p.m. as some of the finest student mariachi musicians and vocalists from across the nation perform at the Shops at Rivercenter, in the Mall Lagoon, surrounded by the thousands of Christmas lights that adorn the plaza. 

The experience is a refined version of Plaza Garibaldi in Mexico City where mariachi groups and vocalists gather around and perform for audiences. However, no tipping is expected, and the event is open to the public. 

Serenata en el Rio gives locals the chance to welcome mariachi groups and singers that participate in the largest and longest running mariachi festival in the United States. It’s a wonderful opportunity to listen and witness firsthand the immense growth of educational mariachi programs from across the country. Participants come from as far away as Las Vegas, Nevada and are delighted to perform for locals. 

It’s a beautiful evening filled with the spirit of Christmas you’ll want to experience with friends, family and loved ones.The Serenata en el Rio is an annual tradition of San Antonio’s 25th Annual Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza. The weeklong festival concludes with a stellar concert featuring the world renowned and Mexico City based Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan. Tickets to see Mariachi Vargas at the Lila Cockrell Theater are available through Ticketmaster.com or 1-800-745-3000.