Announcer: Welcome to "Joseph Rosendo's Travelscope," where you join us as we accept the world's invitation to visit.

Ha ha ha!

Rosendo: Today on "Travelscope," I spread Christmas cheer at cultural celebrations in San Antonio, Texas, at Switzerland's Christmas markets, and along the Venice, California, canals.

[Indistinct singing] Announcer: "Joseph Rosendo's Travelscope" is made possible by... EVA Air, premium economy class in its own separate cabin serves both business and leisure travel.

EVA Air, a Star Alliance member.

And No-Jet-Lag, jet lag prevention.

[Women singing in native language] Rosendo: Joining a local festival is a great way to get to know a place and its people.

On my worldwide travels, celebrating Christmas has given me the opportunity for rich cultural experiences, and that's true if it's Christmas close to home or halfway around the world.

I'm in Venice, California, for the annual holiday boat parade.

It's a funky and fun celebration along the Venice canals that highlights the offbeat and colorful character of this Southern California beach community.

We'll be back to capture the parade in its all of its weird and wonderful glory, but first let's go to another Christmas celebration with a watery theme along San Antonio's world-famous River Walk.

[Trumpet music] Deep in the heart of Texas, San Antonio is a festival town, and much of the celebrating takes place on its world-famous River Walk alongside the San Antonio River.

During Christmas, it's party central.

The festivities begin the Friday after Thanksgiving with the lighting of the oaks and sycamores.

The merrymaking is contagious.

During December, school, church, business, and neighborhood groups charter a river barge and fill the downtown with holiday cheer.

[Carolers sing] There are so many fun things that happen down here on the river and on the River Walk in San Antonio during Christmas.

And one of the highlights--for certainly you and your girls-- is the holiday caroling.

What's gonna happen here?

Woman: We're gonna get on a barge, and we're gonna float down the river and sing Christmas carols.

Let's go get 'em!

[Girls and Joseph cheering] All: ♪ You better watch out ♪ ♪ You better not cry ♪ ♪ You better not pout ♪ ♪ I'm telling you why, Santa Claus... ♪ ♪ What a bright time ♪ ♪ It's the right time... ♪ We're "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree"!

Hi, Mom!

What's your name?

Ashley.

Ashley.

Ashley, do you like singing Christmas carols?

I do.

It's beautiful out here tonight.

Choir: ♪ Light and life to all He brings... ♪ During Christmas, 6,000 luminarias glow along the San Antonio River Walk.

They line the walkways and symbolically light the way for the holy family on their search for lodging on that Christmas Eve night long, long ago.

[Choir continues singing] Rosendo: Las luminarias also light the way to the countless restaurants on the River Walk, where a weary caroler can wet his whistle.

[Indistinct chatter] At Christmas or in any season in San Antonio, it's always a pleasure to get a table alongside the river, a prickly pear margarita, and watch the boats go by.

Christmastime is a very busy time in San Antonio, and with all the people down on the river, it can get pretty wild and woolly sometimes.

Yet the River Walk is also a public park, approximately 5 miles long, where you can find the authentic beauty and peaceful serenity that's also part of the San Antonio River.

Close to 60% of San Antonians are of Hispanic heritage, yet during Christmas, everyone goes a little loco over tamales.

Besides at traditional family tamaladas, the delectable delicacy is served up at Tamales at Pearl, a holiday event held at the former brewery, now a dining and entertainment complex.

Yet tamales are not just a seasonal thing, they're popular all year-round because they're so, well, delicious!

Mmm.

They're delicious.

They stand up to their name.

Ha ha!

Well, muchas gracias and Feliz Navidad.

Y para usted, también.

Rosendo: Before Texas was part of the United States, San Antonians were shopping at Market Square.

Today, the 200-year-old market encompasses the produce and farmer's markets as well as El Mercado, the largest Mexican market outside of Mexico.

During the holidays, the shelves are filled with Christmas trinkets.

During Christmas in San Antonio, the annual blessing of the animals takes place here in Market Square.

Is that a rattler?

No.

It's a ball python.

OK.

It will just squeeze you a little bit.

Yeah.

Just a little.

It's very--it's very loving.

Rosendo, voice-over: Dogs and cats and who knows what will be here?

My kitties are going to be here with their picture on my phone.

And all of this is in honor of the animals that were present at the very first Nativity.

Blessed are you, O Lord, for the sake of our comfort, gave us domestic animals as companions.

And they're a source of life for many of us.

I'm with Deacon Tony Rivera.

You come down here every year to do this?

No.

This is my first time in doing this.

What do you think?

Rivera: I think it's a wonderful event.

It's a time to give thanks to God for all the blessings he gave us throughout the year.

And one of the things we mustn't forget is the animals.

Yes!

Rivera: And I've seen how pets, particularly the smaller ones that can go into hospitals and homes for the aging, bring life into people.

To me, that's a wonderful gift from God.

Thank you very much.

God bless you.

Thank you.

Rosendo: In 1941, Pete and Cruz Cortez started a little cafe that served los campesinos-- the farmers and workers--at the San Antonio farmer's market.

71 years later, Mi Tierra Café y Panadería is still serving up good Tex-Mex cuisine in an atmosphere where it's Christmas all year long.

Can you show me where you create all this magic?

Well, let me show you.

But before we do that, I'm gonna give you your powers to work in that kitchen there.

Whoa.

I hope you don't make me wash dishes.

Oh, well, that's part of it, as well.

Ah.

Joseph, this is where all the food is made.

Michael, I know Mi Tierra is called a café y panadería, which means that it's a café and a bakery.

Right.

But also dulces--candies.

Cortez: This right here is the pecan praline.

These are wonderful.

Very popular, very delicious.

Sugar-free, of course.

No.

I'm just kidding.

Ha ha!

And low-calorie.

Low-calorie.

That's right.

Rosendo: What's that green?

Cortez: We call that bandería.

The flag.

Verde, blanco, colorado, la bandera del soldado.

And this is a coconut bar.

Mmm!

Michael, this is great.

Thanks for showing me where everything comes out.

But, you know, one thing that's really missing is, where can I get a real homemade, handmade Christmas tamale and buñuelo?

Every year, my grandmother-- we get together, and we have a little tamalada, where we make tamales, buñuelos, hot chocolate.

The kids hit a piñata.

And guess what.

You're invited.

♪ Yo te seguiré queriendo... ♪ OK.

So now we've got the oil heating up for the buñuelo.

Oil for buñuelos.

And later we're going to be doing tamales.

We're doing tamales tonight.

Getting together as a family and talking about, you know, the people that aren't here.

Rosendo: Ha ha!

That's really what it's all about.

That sounds like my family.

That's the way my family works.

Yeah!

Exactly.

Rosendo: We're rolling out buñuelos.

Cortez: Buñuelos.

This is a flour-based sweet tortilla.

Rosendo: You know, I was told, now, back in the old days, the women would stretch the buñuelos out on their knee.

See?

See?

See?

She knows.

Oh, they must have been much tastier back then, huh?

[Laughter] So I'll pass it on to your brother Anthony.

Ah.

Just lightly put it on top.

Slide it on top.

The heat has to be probably perfect.

Perfect.

And you get them kind of a golden brown, right?

Anthony: We're gonna dip it into the cinnamon and sugar.

Rosendo: We don't want anybody to get a bad buñuelo.

Yeah.

Exactly.

Mmm.

It's perfect.

Rosendo: And what goes best with buñuelos?

Hot chocolate.

Cortez: Give it a couple whacks.

We got to break it down.

If you've had a hard day-- See, you can really get upset at the fact that chocolate has so many calories by just hitting it and beating it.

Ha ha!

There you go!

This makes me feel better and thinner already.

This is a molinillo, used to make hot chocolate froth up.

There you go.

I found a job for you at the restaurant, Joseph.

Fabulous.

Well, I already have the apron, so I'm halfway there.

Thanks, Michael.

That's right.

And, don't forget, this apron gives you super powers.

I've been having super powers all day.

This is Joseph, everybody.

Buenas noches.

Hola.

Hola, Joseph.

OK.

I'm gonna learn to do tamales.

OK. Cortez: These are the corn husks.

And this is the masa.

This is corn masa.

This is masa, made out of corn.

Made out of corn.

So I take about this much.

Yeah.

About a spoonful.

And what we're gonna do is we're gonna spread the bottom half of our corn husk.

Rosendo: OK. And right in front of us is, we have beans.

So we're gonna do a bean one?

Yeah, let's do a bean one.

OK. And what we do is you grab some frijoles.

Frijoles-- refried beans.

There you go.

Refried beans.

OK. And the same things?

You can spread them.

I like just to put a little dab.

OK. OK. And we can add cheese.

This is queso fresco.

Queso fresco?

Right.

OK.

Put that down the middle.

And here you go.

You can either make it spicy-- OK. or non-spicy.

Oh.

We got to have it spicy.

Of course!

Poquito caliente, I think.

Poquito caliente.

So here are some jalapeños for you.

Oh.

This is nice and spicy.

My grandmother says that's too much.

OK.

Hold on.

¿No?

¿Es mucho?

Nah, that's OK. That's OK. Mucho macho!

Ha ha!

There you go.

OK. What do we do here?

Now what we do is you're gonna roll it.

Yeah?

So you close that up.

Right.

And then the end there, you're gonna fold in.

OK. That's good.

All right.

So let's try another one.

So we keep doing more tamales.

OK. Quickly.

[Instrumental version of "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen" plays] Come back in 45 minutes, and we'll be doing the most important part of a tamalada, which is...?

Eating them.

Eating them!

Eating.

♪ Hey!

♪ It's kind of like a surprise, you know?

Like a little present.

Ooh, OK. Ooh, it's hot, hot.

Mmm.

Mmm.

And very spicy...

Very good.

and very nice.

I made this one, I think.

Thank you for letting me join your family here tonight.

Feliz Navidad.

Igualmente.

[Music continues] Women: ♪ Hey!

♪ Rosendo: While holiday cultural celebrations abound, in San Antonio, the true meaning of Christmas is never far away.

Except for the Alamo, San Antonio's 18th-century missions still serve the spiritual needs of its people.

At Mission San Jose's weekly mariachi mass, I share in the communal celebration.

In Mission Espada's historic chapel, I take the time to reconnect with the real spirit of Christmas.

[Music playing] In the heart of San Antonio, the San Fernando Cathedral is the center of religious life for the Catholic Mexican population.

On a December morning in 1531, Juan Diego, a Nahuatl Native American, saw a vision of the Virgin Mary on a hilltop near his village.

The Virgin instructed him to have the local bishop build a shrine in her honor at the site.

And as a sign, she told Juan to gather in his cloak the roses that were unseasonably blooming nearby.

Juan went to the bishop, and when he opened his cloak, the bishop discovered not only the roses, but the image of the Virgin Mary emblazoned on the cloth.

Our Lady of Guadalupe is Mexico's most revered religious and cultural symbol.

And here at the San Fernando Cathedral, la serenata, "the serenade," a celebration held on the eve of her feast day, has become a part of San Antonio's Christmas festivities.

[Cheering] [Chuckles] The Venice canals aren't as famous as San Antonio's River Walk.

The rest of the year, this is one of Los Angeles' most elegant and exclusive residential neighborhoods, but at this festive time, they open up the pathways to neighbors and visitors alike.

And the Christmas spirit is alive and well...

Girl: Merry Christmas!

Rosendo: as it is 6,000 miles away along the shores of Lake Geneva in Montreux, Switzerland.

When I travel, I love celebrating other people's holidays.

The special customs, foods, drinks, and holiday markets are all part of Christmas in Switzerland.

My Switzerland Christmas market adventure begins on Lake Geneva, in Montreux.

How long has it been going on here in Montreux?

16 years.

Now, the tradition of Christmas markets in Europe, though, dates way back.

Muller: For centuries, mostly in Germany.

And we tried to improve it.

Rosendo: We're going to be sampling a few of the Christmas markets.

Is it different in each town that has a Christmas market in Switzerland?

It's different depending on the quality of the stalls.

As you can see, the quality of the chalets are beautiful.

Rosendo: You know, what I love about Christmas markets, is that it's not like you go to the mall to buy some gifts for your Christmas list.

Yes, yes.

It's, you go to the Christmas markets to be with people...

True.

and I can't think of a more beautiful setting than here in Montreux, right here on the lake, with the mountains and everything.

It's spectacular.

Rosendo: I'm with David, and David has come all the way from France... Yeah.

which is over there-- On the other side.

Not too far--to show us how to roast chestnuts on an open fire.

Do you add anything to the fire?

Yeah.

I am adding some salt.

Here he goes.

Flares right out.

Creates a steam.

I've had some of the roasted chestnuts here in Switzerland...

Try this one.

but let's see how this one is.

Does the steaming make them taste different than the ones open grilled?

David: They are more tender.

Oh, well, they're nice and warm, so when it's cold outside, it's almost good to get chestnuts just to keep your hands warm.

Mmm!

You're right.

They're sweeter, and they're more tender.

Yeah.

Well, joyeux noel.

Joyeux noel.

Merci.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

Ciao.

[Women singing in native language] Rosendo: The undisputed queen of all Swiss cheese dishes is fondue, a magical marriage of flour, white wine, and at least two cheeses, including Gruyere.

It's a communal meal where, along with the fondue, you're sharing the Christmas market spirit.

Carlos, grab your weapon.

First things first.

We need bread, right?

Yup.

OK. Is there a perfect size?

Actually, the size is about-- Yeah.

Maybe a bit bigger.

OK. Maybe a little bit bigger.

Yup.

OK. And how about technique?

I dip into it, and I do a little 8.

So all the parts of the bread are covered.

Very clever.

OK. En guete.

En guete!

Which is Swiss for "Bon appétit."

Mmm!

What other variations do you have at home?

Well, my family always uses a little kirsch.

Rosendo: Now, kirsch is a cherry liqueur.

You take one bread... Yeah.

then you take the kirsch-- Yes.

and slightly, just slightly, dip it once... Once.

and then... and here you go.

Mmm!

Mmm!

That's good.

Mmm!

That's a good touch.

But only for grownups.

Only for grownups.

They grow up very early here in Switzerland.

Yum!

Rosendo: From Montreux, you can go from the palms through the pines to the peak at Rochers-de-Naye, where Santa Claus lives.

Just an hour from Montreux, but at close to 7,000 feet, a world apart, Rochers-de-Naye can only be reached by cogwheel train and offers stunning views of Lake Geneva and some of the giants of the Swiss and French Alps, like the Eiger and Mont Blanc.

At Christmastime, boys and girls from near and far come to deliver their wish list to Pere Noel--Father Christmas.

I'm here in Santa Claus' village, and here's his armoire.

Let's see what's in it.

Oh!

It's all the letters.

All the kids bring him letters and pictures.

I hope he'll see me anyway.

Ho ho ho!

So nice to see you.

Nice to see you, too.

I've known about you for many, many years now.

Yes, yes.

I remember you.

Do you remember me?

You have not been, every time, very good.

Not always very good, but I'm better now than I used to be.

OK, sure.

Are there a lot... of good little kids here in Switzerland?

Pere Noel: Yes.

Oh, wonderful.

They come from everywhere to see me-- Oh, yes?

Yes, all the countries of the world.

And you go see them, too.

Yeah, sure!

Absolutely.

When are you coming to the United States?

Uh, 24th, in the night.

What should we remember at Christmastime?

Oh, remember to be good with the childrens.

Ah.

They must go to school.

They must study well to have a good life... and to become good adults.

Well, we all need a little Christmas all throughout the year, just not now.

Thank you so much.

Thank you very much.

Good-bye.

Bye.

Bye, everybody.

Rosendo: See you on the 24th.

Pere Noel: Yes.

Absolutely, yeah?

Maybe I can bribe you and buy you a little hot wine.

Oh, with pleasure!

Rosendo, voice-over: While during the day, Montreux's Christmas market is a friendly gathering place, it really shines at night, when all of Montreux enjoys the warmth, glow, and tastes of the season.

[Speaking French] Merci.

Ah.

Dark chocolate-- my favorite.

Mmm!

Rosendo: Christmas is a festival of lights, a time to dispel all of the dark, so one of the best times to be at the Christmas markets of Switzerland is at night, when you can see all the lights of Christmas.

[Dogs barking] Rosendo: While Montreux, home of the famous jazz festival, is hip and lively, Lausanne, home of the International Olympic Committee, is noted for its ties to history and tradition.

Although people have lived alongside the lake at what we now call Lausanne since the Stone Age times, the old town has really been around since the sixth century.

It's where the historic landmarks of Lausanne are located, such as the cathedral and the town hall, the bishop's palace.

It's also where the Christmas market of Lausanne is located, in the Place Saint-Francois.

Well, if you come to a Christmas market in Switzerland, one of the things you have to share with people is some hot mulled wine.

So santé, santé...

Cheers.

Santé.

We're in the French-speaking part of Switzerland, so we say "Santé" here.

A little later, we'll be saying "Prosit."

And you are both-- Matthew and Melanie-- are from Lausanne.

Exactly.

And do you come to the Christmas market every year?

Every year.

Really?

It's a tradition.

Dominique, how many of these little chalets are there here?

There are about 50 chalets.

They have crafts and arts and clothing, jewelry, soaps-- really nice things to give as presents for Christmas.

Do you actually buy gifts for people here, or do you just come here to hang out?

Just for the hot wine.

Just for the hot wine.

That's what I thought.

Well, santé.

Santé.

Santé.

Rosendo: Since Christmas markets originated in German-speaking Europe in the 16th century, it's natural that Basel, located on the Rhine River and with suburbs in Germany, has one of Switzerland's oldest and liveliest markets.

While the Christmas market tradition is rather recent in the French part of Switzerland, here in Basel, in the German part of Switzerland, it's been going on for hundreds of years, so in these Christmas markets, you'll find a lot of the traditional things connected to Christmas, like the cookies and the gluhwein and even local breads.

Mmm!

That's lovely.

The best thing about Christmas--the food.

[Ringing] Schoggi.

Heisse Schoggi!

Hi!

Dark chocolate--noir?

Noir, yes.

What is Schoggi?

Schoggi?

Schoggi-Peter, huh?

Oh, it's Chocolate-Peter.

Chocolate.

Yes.

Oh, chocolate-Peter.

It's a very fine drink.

And the chocolate make... People happy?

Happy!

Yes.

Ha ha!

You're right.

Yes.

Is that why all the Swiss are so happy?

Yes-- All the time?

You know.

Yeah, of course.

Why not, yeah?

Why not!

Rosendo, voice-over: When you're in Basel, one of the things you must try is the leckerli.

Here's a little sample.

This is as big as they come.

And they are gingerbread and nuts and--mmm.

Quite good.

Let's go see how they're made.

The key ingredients of the 600-year-old leckerli pastry are flour, honey, nuts, nutmeg, cinnamon, and a sugar icing on top.

At Sutter Begg bakery, the leckerli has evolved into the leckerli torte, a culinary embarrassment of riches.

Rosendo: That's it.

It's done.

Man: Yup.

Now, here's a little version of it, it looks like, here.

This looks like a little baby version...

Yes, for one person.

perfect for eating.

Mmm!

This is great.

OK. Merry Christmas.

Thank you.

You, too.

Rosendo, voice-over: Close by the Rhine is the Johann Wanner Christmas House, where the art of glass-blown and hand-painted Christmas decorations reach celestial heights.

And I meet Mr. Wanner, an architect of Christmas dreams.

The passion for Christmas for most of us began when we were small.

Yeah.

Was it the same with you when you were children?

Yeah.

We all hardly could wait till the evening... Christmas Eve.

the evening of-- the Christmas Eve.

The bell was ringing, so we-- the door opened, and we went into this parlor.

It's kind of like this.

Like, it feels like this.

Ja, ja... You come in here, and it's like the same thing.

You walk into the door here in your shop, and it's like walking into a memory of Christmas, even memories that we maybe didn't have.

I'm living on this children's island still.

Ha ha!

Exactly.

Yeah.

And what's nice is that what you've done now allows all of us to have the same experience.

Yes.

Thank you so much.

Thank you for coming.

[Orchestra playing] Rosendo: It's easy to see why Christmas is a season of light.

You can spot the sparkle in the eyes of those making merry at the Basel Christmas market.

And why not celebrate when there are so many ways for friends to rejoice together?

[Indistinct conversations] Rosendo: Merry Christmas!

Group: Merry Christmas!

Christmas is a festive time of year, but it's about more than twinkling lights and a cup of good cheer.

It's when families and friends come together to express their faith, honor their heritage, and practice their traditions.

Till next time, this is Joseph Rosendo reminding you of the words of Mark Twain: "Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness."

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Happy New Year.

Announcer: "Joseph Rosendo's Travelscope" is made possible by... EVA Air, premium economy class in its own separate cabin serves both business and leisure travel.

EVA Air, a Star Alliance member.

And No-Jet-Lag, jet lag prevention.

For a DVD of today's show or any of Joseph's "Travelscope" adventures, call 888-876-3399 or order online at Travelscope.net.

You can also e-mail us at TV@Travelscope.net.

Rosendo: Now that we've celebrated Christmas together, learn more at Travelscope.net, where you can follow my worldwide adventures through my magazine, blog, podcast, and on social media.

Stay in touch, 888-876-3399 or TV@travelscope.net.

Ha ha ha!

I think that's good.

That's good.

[Festive music playing] Rosendo: And you can give me some of the background information, and then I-- ♪ ...bright time, it's the right time ♪ Merry Christmas!

Oh!