Tag: Holiday activities

Celebrate the Season: Holiday Activities at InterContinental San Antonio Riverwalk

Experience ‘Peppermint Peak,’ the exclusive holiday pop-up bar at High Praise Rooftop Bar. Photo: InterContinental San Antonio Riverwalk, used with permission.

Offering a unique holiday experience at every level, InterContinental San Antonio is excited to celebrate the season with its guests with offerings for every type of celebrator. Set on San Antonio’s iconic River Walk, the InterContinental San Antonio Riverwalk hotel blends timeless luxury with modern amenities. Offering a prime downtown location, exceptional dining, and world-class hospitality, the property is a standout destination for travelers and locals alike this Winter. (InterContinental San Antonio Riverwalk, 2024)

This December, escape the frosty temperatures at “Peppermint Peak” – the inaugural holiday pop-up bar at High Praise Rooftop Bar atop the newly-opened InterContinental San Antonio Riverwalk, an IHG Hotel.

At Peppermint Peak, visitors will be transported to a whimsical wonderland adorned with pink peppermint-themed holiday decor, twinkling lights, feathered festoons, and chalet-inspired comforts. Married with elevated fire-side s’more offerings, curated cocktails inspired by the season’s cinematic classics, and dueling DJs programmed by Mayhem Productions performing all of the holiday hits, those looking to indulge in merrymaking and festive delights can do so while enjoying sweeping views of Downtown San Antonio from Nov. 29, 2024, through Dec. 27, 2024.

Visitors 21 years of age or older can enjoy a limited-time menu of seasonally-inspired cocktails, including:

  • Cheer Up Dude (Inspired by “The Grinch”) – Brugal 1888, PX Sherry, Chocolate Bitters
  • Son Of A Nutcracker (Inspired by “Elf”) – Botanist Gin, Raspberry Syrup, Lemon, Foamer
  • Ya Filthy Animal (Inspired by “Home Alone”) – Susto Mezcal, Cointreau, Tajin Rim, Orange Juice, Lemon Juice
  • A Little Social Interaction (Inspired by “The Grinch”) – Au Green Watermelon Vodka, Lime Juice, Pineapple Juice
  • To Me, You Are Perfect (Inspired by “Love Actually”) – Don Q Coco Rum, St. Germain, Elderflower Liqueur, Prosecco, Passionfruit Puree
  • Hap Hap Happiest Cocktail (Inspired by “Christmas Vacation”) – Ghost Tequila, Raspberries, Agave Syrup, Cointreau, Simple Syrup, Lime Juice
  • I Think You Are Cute Espresso Martini (Inspired by “Rudolph”) – Absolut, Espresso, Simple Syrup, Kahlua Irish Cream
  • Hoping To Be Kissed (Inspired by “Love Actually”) – Jameson, Espresso, Heavy Whipped Cream, Flamed Cinnamon
  • Make Me International (Inspired by “The Last Holiday”) – Socorro Tequila, Cointreau, Strawberry Syrup, Lemon Juice, Demerara Syrup, Prosecco, Sugar Rim

Additionally, visitors with a sweet tooth can enjoy fireside indulgences such as the “S’more d’oeuvre,” a delectable s’more-inspired curation composed of dark chocolate, cranberry compote, vanilla & orange marshmallow, and black tea sable cookies, offering an elevated profile of the signature s’more designed to be enjoyed fireside at the rooftop pool. Other s’more delights will also be available for purchase.

A Winter Chalet Experience – As temperatures drop and the frosty adventures begin, InterContinental San Antonio is offering guests the option to upgrade their rooms to the ultimate Winter Chalet experience with the Suite Chalet and Petit Chalet in-room experiences.

The Suite Chalet add-on package is designed to bring warmth and coziness to any suite for a one-night winter-inspired escape. Step into your own cozy retreat on the San Antonio Riverwalk. Upgrade your reservation with the Suite Chalet experience that brings all the warm feelings and luxury of InterContinental. The Suite Chalet includes a welcome amenity of a seasonal hot toddy and gourmet snacks, cozy Pendleton blanket, portable blue tooth turntable with a curated selection of vinyl records and board game.

The Petit Chalet experience is an add-on tailored for young guests who wish to add elements of a Winter alpine retreat to their visit. A welcoming place for the tiniest travelers, the Petit Chalet includes an in-room popup tent, cozy blankets, pillows, a plush snowman, Magna-tiles game, a rocking chaise, festive décor, welcome amenity treat, and a teddy bear to take home.

Already available for purchase, the Winter Chalet experience add-ons can be added to any booking through Jan. 31, 2025.

The Nutcracker Ballet Tea: Dec. 15, 2024 – As the enchantment of the holiday season approaches, guests of all ages are invited to a Nutcracker Ballet-themed tea party on Sunday, December 15, 2024. The Nutcracker Tea will include a special meet-and-greet with cast members of Ballet San Antonio’s production of The Nutcracker, delicious teas, savory tea sandwiches and scones, and holiday-inspired treats created by James Beard Award-nominated Pastry Chef Sofia Tejeda at Deco Bar, a private river cruise to transport guests with tickets to and from the ballet, and complimentary parking at the hotel. For more information on the event visit here. *Tickets for The Nutcracker must be purchased separately. 

Chalet Day – Winter Solstice: Dec. 21, 2024 – To make the most of the shortest day of the year (Dec. 21, 2024), InterContinental San Antonio will offer guests early check-in and late check-out at no additional cost, based on availability. For the property’s inaugural Chalet Day, Deco Bar will offer an extended happy hour from 4p.m. to 7p.m., featuring snowflake cookie decorating, complimentary hot chocolate and warm cider upon arrival, a seasonal cocktail menu, and intention postcards for guests to set their sights on the year ahead.

Cavalier Christmas Lunch & Dinner: Dec. 25, 2024 – On Christmas Day, Cavalier’s Chef Andres Farias will offer a curated menu of holiday favorites for lunch and dinner at Cavalier, including a Roasted Mushroom Soup, Oven-Roasted Herb Prime Rib, and Chocolate Adorno (chocolate, cranberry mousse, orange curd, and vanilla sablé) for dessert. Reservations are available now.

Blue Santa Toy Drive: Now through Dec. 11, 2024 – In partnership with Cavender Toyota and the City of San Antonio Council District 1, InterContinental San Antonio is hosting a Downtown West toy drive benefiting the San Antonio Police Department’s Blue Santa. Now through Dec. 11, 2024, guests are welcome to make donations of new or gently used toys that can be presented to the red Toyota Tundra positioned at the entrance to the property. All donations will be presented to the San Antonio Police Department on Dec. 11, 2024.

InterContinental San Antonio Riverwalk
111 E. Pecan St.
San Antonio, TX 78205

Old West Christmas Light Fest in Boerne

outdoorchristmaslight
Old West Christmas Light Fest is now open through Christmas Day. Photo: Google

Holiday magic comes to life at Old West Christmas Light Fest in Boerne. Set in an Old West town, it is brimming with lights, music, games, activities and flavor. Experience holiday glow and some of the best Christmas lights in the San Antonio area in a true Texas setting where Santa and his Holly Jolly Herd of longhorns are ready to pull his sleigh across Texas. Delight in a synchronized light show set to music, play laser tag in the lights, escape holiday stress with family fun in the Old West’s Christmas Escape Rooms and snap sweet pictures in Candyland. Bring family, friends and camera: pictures with Santa are always free at Old West Christmas Light Fest. (Old West Christmas Light Fest, 2019)

Old West Christmas Light Fest is open from 6p.m. to 10 p.m., Thursday through Sunday evenings until Sunday December 15 then every night December 19 through 25, including Christmas Eve and Christmas night.

Hinojosa Family Lights has taken over the ranch this year. Come see the magic that features Christmas classics and surprise songs in a synchronized Old West Light Show. The show is included in admission to Old West Christmas Light Fest and runs continuously. Escape holiday stress in one of the Old West’s Christmas Escape Rooms. With two holiday-themed rooms, guests can make Christmas memories with friends and family while trying to beat the clock. Or save Christmas by playing Laser Tag in the Lights, electronically defending holiday fun surrounded by the glow of thousands of Christmas lights. There is also a Candyland Instagram room where guests can snap share-worthy shots all season long and holiday cooking decorating classes. Two special nights of romance will take place on December 8 and December 15 with “Romance Under the Lights” with a host of local romance writers greeting fans and getting in on the holiday fun. Fill your holiday gift list by shopping the Old West merchants and fill your belly with flavors from a variety of food trucks on site each night. No matter what you choose, a night at Old West Christmas Light Fest is one to remember. Every night features music, with beer and wine at the bar and hot cocoa and s’mores by the campfire. Santa is at his favorite ranch to hear holiday wishes through Christmas Eve and photos with Santa are free.

Tickets are available online and are $15 per person ages six and older and children five and under are free. Family 5-packs are available for $60. Members of the military, active duty, guard, reserves and all retired service members, as well as first responders and their immediate families receive a $5 discount. Season passes are $45 per person. Onsite parking is included.

Enchanted Springs Ranch
242 Hwy 46 W
Boerne, TX 78006

Take exit 540 off of I-10 and travel three miles west

Family fun at Old West Christmas Light Fest

oldwestchristmasfest
The Old West Christmas Light Fest is now open until December 30. Photo: Old West Christmas Light Fest, used with permission.

Old West Christmas Light Fest brings the holidays to life with drive-thru light displays and an Old West town filled with lights, music, food and fun and now it is at all-new location, Enchanted Springs Ranch, 242 Hwy 46 W in Boerne. Guests can enjoy dazzling lights, visit Santa, snap holiday photos and play games and other family friendly activities as Christmas Light Fest celebrates five years of bringing holiday magic to San Antonio and the Hill Country. (Old West Christmas Light Fest, 2018)

The 2018 event is open from 6p.m. to 10p.m., Thursday through Sunday evening until Sunday, December 16 and EVERY night December 20 to December 29 including Christmas Eve and Christmas night.

Spread throughout a 40-building Old West town brought to life with the magic of holiday lights, activities include drive-thru light displays, walk-around lights and experiences in a recreated Old West town, featuring a walk-through light tunnel, family games, a light maze for kids, a scavenger hunt, a mechanical bull ride, trampoline bungee jumping, cookie decorating, holiday movies, face painting, ornament decorating and more. There is live music every Saturday night and Santa is at his favorite ranch to hear holiday wishes through Christmas Eve. Photos with Santa are free.

Tickets are available online and are $15 per adult and $10 per child ages four and older. Children under four are free. Tickets at the gate are $17 per adult and $12 per child (tax included). A Family 5-Pack is available online only for $49. Members of the military—active duty, guard, reserves and all retired service members—as well as first responders and their families receive a $5 discount throughout the holiday season. Guests who bring a nonperishable item to donate to the San Antonio Food Bank and receive $2 off their ticket. Season passes are also available for $45 per person. Onsite parking is free.

Old West Christmas Light Fest
Enchanted Springs Ranch (exit 540 off of I-10)
242 Hwy 46 W
Boerne, TX 78006

November activities at Horseshoe Bay Resort

horshoebayresort
Horseshoe Bay Resort has a number of activities planned for the holiday season. Photo: Horseshoe Bay Resort, used with permission. 

Horseshoe Bay Resort is at the forefront of Texas’ luxury travel destinations, named by Condé Nast Traveller as one of the ‘Top Resorts in Texas and The Southwest.’ Just a short 90-minute drive from San Antonio, it features a variety of lakeside activities, kid-friendly amenities and dining outlets with spectacular views of Lake Lyndon B. Johnson, Horseshoe Bay Resort is the perfect place to cozy up for the holiday season and enjoy seasonal programming like a complimentary shuttle to the Marble Falls Walkway of Lights, Winter Wonderland, New Year’s Eve activities and more. (Horseshoe Bay Resort, 2018)

Upcoming events for November:
Thursday November 22 through Saturday November 24
• 6p.m. to 7p.m. – Marble Falls Walkway of Lights – watch more than two million lights transform Marble Falls Lakeside Park into a Winter Wonderland. Complimentary shuttles are available for overnight guests and club members.

Saturday, November 24
• 5p.m. to 9p.m. – Candy Cane Course – guests can enjoy a round of putting at the Whitewater Putting Course while surrounded by beautiful scenery decorated in holiday cheer. Regular rates apply.

• 6:30p.m. to 8p.m. – Letters to Santa – guests can take a memorable holiday photo and let the little ones hand deliver their letters to Santa. Enjoy a complimentary laser light show and candy cane s’mores.

Horseshoe Bay Resort’s everyday activities for November:
• 9a.m. to 5p.m. – Creative Play – at the Jungle Kid’s Club, children can create crafts including slime, suncatchers, dream catchers, mini-pumpkin decorating, edible crafts and more. Cost is $15 per child and all children must be accompanied by an adult.

• 11a.m. to 12p.m. – Birds of the Bay – guests can take a memorable photo with the exotic birds on property. A staff member will be on-site to share interesting bird facts.

• 11a.m. to 12p.m. – Tortoise connection – mingle with the tortoises on-property as guests learn unique facts. Guests may feed the tortoises a snack and take a picture to commemorate the occasion.

Horseshoe Bay Resort
200 Hi Circle North
Horseshoe Bay, TX 78657
(877) 611-0112