Celebrate the Holidays in Hill Country with JW Marriott Resort

JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa offers a nightly light display with thousands of twinkling lights synchronized to music, Elf School where participants learn the secrets of an elf’s life and become “certified JW elves” and a polar plunge into the resort’s one non-heated pool with prizes for the day’s wackiest plunge.

Nestled in the Texas Hill Country on the edge of San Antonio, which enjoys 300 days of sunshine a year, the season comes alive with experiences at the resort for all ages. Whether it is a getaway for couples or families during the holidays or home base for those visiting friends and families in the San Antonio area, there are decorations, food offerings and activities to delight the young and the young at heart.

Holiday rates offer significant savings and start at just $199, which is a 40% savings from high season rates. Visit www.jwhillcountryholidays.com for more information.

HILL COUNTRY HOLIDAY EXPERIENCES:
Saturday, November 22, 2014 thru Wednesday, December 31, 2014

* JW Illumination
Enjoy thousands of twinkling lights choreographed to joyful holiday sounds as you stroll through our outdoor wonderland with a cup of rich, hot cocoa. The perfect companion to a wintry night!
• When: Annual Lighting Ceremony – Saturday, November 22, 2014 at 5:30PM
o Nightly shows from 6:30PM to 10PM; 5 minute light show every 20 minutes
• Complimentary for guests and visitors

Friday, November 28, 2014 thru Wednesday, December 24, 2014

* Breakfast with Santa & Mrs. Claus ($)
Enjoy breakfast at 18 Oaks with none other than Santa, Mrs. Claus and the JW Elves.
• Cost: $35 Adults / $25 Children ages 4 – 12 (Tax & Gratuity included)
• When: Saturday mornings (Check experience schedule for times)
• Location: 18 Oaks – Reservations required at 210-483-6653

* Elf Tuck-in ($)
Our playful elves are ready to make a special visit with your child and tuck them into bed.
• Cost: $20 per child, ages 4-12. Includes a keepsake for each child.
• When: Friday & Saturday nights; 8pm to 10pm
• Location: Guest’s room – Reservations required at 210-483-6622* JW Sounds of the Season
• Angel Chorus – local school choirs to perform weeknights in December.
• Yuletide Carolers – Strolling carolers performing weekends in December.
• Radio Rudolph – Keep the holiday spirit with our simultaneous broadcast of the JW Illumination soundtrack on your guest room FM radio. Nightly, 6:30PM-10PM.

* Keep Calm and Plunge On Contest With Lifeguard Elves ($)
Freezing water + freezing weather = the perfect scenario for a Polar Bear! Or…for those who are brave enough to jump into the one pool we decided to not heat this winter. Prizes will be given for the wackiest plunge and for any selfie shared at #JWMARRIOTTSANANTONIO
• Cost: Complimentary to participate; $20 for commemorative T-Shirt
• When: Saturdays at 9am from November 22-December 31
• Location: River Bluff Water Experience – Adult Pool

* Kids’ Night Out ($)
While parents are away the kids will play! Range Riders Kids’ Club will be transformed into a
different fun filled themed party and dinner. From 6pm-10pm children will enjoy creative
activities and games, and receive a special keepsake.
• Cost: $65 per child with dinner included, ages 4-12.
• When: Check experience schedule for dates
• Location: Range Riders Kids’ Club – Reservations recommended

*Making of a Certified JW Marriott San Antonio Elf ($)
Come learn the secrets of the magical and mischievous lives of Santa’s elves AND all good girls and boys will be named honorary JW Elves for the 2014 holiday season.
• Cost: $35 includes holiday keepsake
• When: Saturdays from 4pm-5pm
• Location: Texas Library

* Santa’s Workshop
Write a special letter to Santa and he may just respond with a special note during your stay! Create a masterpiece depicting your favorite JW Hill Country holiday memory and enter the holiday art contest. Select artwork will be chosen for a complimentary one-night stay during the 2015 holiday season.
• Cost: Complimentary
o Meet with JW Elves
o Write a letter to Santa
o Enter the JW holiday art contest
• When: Check experience schedule for dates and times
• Location: Texas Library

* Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus ($)
Take your photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus!
• Cost: $25 per flash drive containing up to 5 photos
• When: Saturday nights
• Location: Texas Library
• Formal family portrait available by appointment only. Call 210-483-6647 for reservations.

* Holiday S’mores
Experience a real Texas tradition with a holiday twist. Gooey marshmallows, graham crackers and sweet peppermint bark chocolate! Regular chocolate will also be available.
• Cost: Complimentary
• When: Fridays & Saturdays; 5pm-6pm
• Location: North Fire Pit

* Story Time with the Elves
The North Pole has sent some expert story readers to share memorable stories with little listeners.
• Cost: Complimentary
• When: Friday & Saturday nights
• Location: Texas Library* Tinsel’s Treasures
Teaching children the Spirit of Giving during the holiday season is our JW Elves most favorite thing. Bring your children by Tinsel’s Treasures for a chance to select trinkets for someone very special to them.
• Cost: $5- $20
• When: Check experience schedule for dates and times
• Location: Outside Texas Library

The Hill Country and San Antonio offer rich cultural holiday experiences for everyone. A few highlights include:

Light the Way, November 22, 2014 – January 6, 2014: Nearly a million lights decorate the University of Incarnate Word campus.

Holiday Parade , November 28, 2014 at 7PM: For over 30 years, this spectacular one-hour parade along San Antonio’s River Walk has featured illuminated floats with celebrities, bands and lavishly-costumed participants.

La Gran Tamalada, December 14, 2014: At the annual tamal-making community party known as La Gran Tamalada, you’ll get hands-on experience from community tamaleras and enjoy San Antonio storytelling at its finest. Every holiday season, participants of all ages learn valuable methods and techniques in this informative and highly entertaining workshop at the historic Guadalupe Theater.

Hecho a Mano, December 5 – 7, 2014: A three-day festival that features an array of handcrafted specialty items that encompass both traditional and contemporary styles by mostly local and regional artists.

Fredericksburg, driving distance from the resort, is picture-perfect and known as the heart of the Texas Hill Country and offers German traditions, timeless holiday décor and four weeks of festive holiday entertainment during the holidays. Enjoy ice skating, marveling at the 30-foot Christmas tree and 26-foot German Christmas pyramid at Marktplatz.