By Mauri Elbel and Kristin Finan
If you’re looking for a family holiday getaway without putting too many miles on the sleigh, here are three nearby staycations that will have your whole crew feeling merry and bright come check out time. From breakfasts with Santa and indoor winter waterpark fun to a gingerbread decorating station and an ice skating rink overlooking Lady Bird Lake, these three resorts go all out for the holidays and include merry memories with the stay.
Make magical memories at the Four Seasons Hotel Austin this year. Photo by Kristin Finan
Four Seasons Hotel Austin
The holiday season is perfect for new traditions, and the Four Seasons Hotel Austin is brimming with opportunities to make magical memories. Back for a second year and open through Jan. 7 is the hotel’s Ice Rodeo, where you can slip into a pair of skates and take a spin around the 3,360-square-foot rink, which overlooks Lady Bird Lake. Prefer sipping to skating? Make a two-hour reservation at a rink-side cabin featuring food and drink add-ons such as champagne, specialty cocktails, shareable small plates, and tableside s’mores.
Want to update the ‘gram while you’re reveling in holiday fun? Never fear. The hotel is also home to a variety of innovative Texas-themed art installations, a stunning 30-foot Christmas tree, and a glittering 120-foot tunnel of stars. Inside, don’t miss the hotel’s annual gingerbread display, created by Executive Pastry Chef Amanda Pallagi-Naim and team, which this year represents classic holiday songs and is built into oversized ornaments. Want to give back while taking it all in? Sponsor an ornament; all proceeds will benefit Dell Children’s Medical Center.
Also available this year: a holiday pop-up lounge, “The Deck,” situated on the outdoor balcony of the Hotel Bar, Live Oak. Open from 1 p.m. to midnight daily, expect a decadent menu of martinis and oysters as well as winter-chic décor and cozy furnishings. Continue to indulge in the hotel’s lavish offerings with a visit to the spa, where three winter spa treatments – a Peppermint Bliss Cocoon Wrap, a Cosmic Winter Revival Ritual facial, and a Snowflake Serenity Massage – await haggard shoppers and travelers.
Info: https://www.fourseasons.com/austin/
Celebrate the holidays while splashing at America’s Largest Indoor Waterpark. Contributed by Kalahari Resort.
Kalahari Resorts & Conventions – Round Rock
If you’re looking for a family getaway over the holidays that’s guaranteed to keep boredom at bay during the winter break, thrill the kids with all of the wet and wild fun they can handle at America’s largest indoor waterpark. Just a jingle away, or a half-hour drive if you aren’t traveling by sleigh, Kalahari Resorts in Round Rock boasts 223,000 square feet of aquatic adventure including 30 waterslides, 20 pools and whirlpools, and rip-roaring attractions like the FlowRider. While your thrill-seekers brave the gravity-defying Stingray or stomach-dropping Screaming Hyena that releases riders through the roof (60 feet above the waterpark floor), more mellow-minded family members can splash in Coral Cove or wind down the lazy river.
But just beyond the indoor waterpark action and 80,000-square-foot Tom Foolerys Adventure Park boasting thrill rides, hundreds of arcade games, bowling, laser tag and more, you’ll find a resort completely festooned in the spirit of the season. From Christmas trees aglow with twinkling lights and adorned with shimmering ornaments to elephant-drawn sleighs draped with garland reins, the African-themed resort is all wrapped up in holiday cheer this time of year.
Capture festive family photos and snap seasonally-themed selfies at Kalahari Resort throughout the holidays. Photo by Mauri Elbel
Time your stay with the big man himself –– Santa Claus is coming to Kalahari for the first time. Resort guests and locals can join in a jolly Breakfast with Santa, including a build-your-own omelet station, glazed ham, fresh-cut fruit, Belgian waffle station with seasonal toppings, assorted baked sweets and more ($44 adults, $19 kids 4-12, free for children 3 and under), from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 10. While the kids fuel up at the hot cocoa station, mom and dad can sip something from the mimosa and Bloody Mary bar. After breakfast, enjoy a special visit with Santa to tell him how good you’ve been this year.
Need gift ideas? Give the gift of Kalahari this December –– the resort’s annual bonus gift card sale comes with a 10 percent bonus gift card on gift card purchases of $250-$999 and 20 percent on purchases of $1,000. The offer is valid online at: https://www.kalahariresorts.com/holiday-bonus-gift-card-sale/.
Info: www.kalahariresorts.com/texas
RELATED: 10 Magical Holiday Hotels
This year, Hill Country Christmas is merrier than ever with a slew of new holiday activities. Contributed by JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa
JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa
It’s officially the most wonderful time of year, and if you’re looking for an unforgettable way to experience the holidays with the family, look no further than the AAA 4-Diamond JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa. Already known for having one of the most spectacular holiday programs in the country, the resort this year is combining its beloved annual traditions with a host of new attractions as part of its magical new Hill Country Christmas celebration.
Held through Dec. 31 and open to both resort guests and the public, Hill Country Christmas features a variety of activities and attractions that will foster festive, family-friendly fun. New for 2023, the resort’s pavilion lawn has been transformed into a snowy playground with ticketed activities for all ages. Tickets are available for purchase at www.jwhillcountrychristmas.com and range from $12.99 to $39.99 for different activities, with bundle tickets available offering discounts on pricing.
RELATED: Experience the holidays at JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa
Zoom down Snow Flow Mountain, a multi-lane tubing hill made of real snow. Contributed by JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa
Among the resort’s new immersive holiday experiences and activities this year: Snow Flow Mountain, a multi-lane tubing hill made of real snow providing hours of alpine zooming and frozen fun for all ages; Snowball Build & Blast, an interactive snowball make-and-toss game where holiday enthusiasts can score points that help boost the power of the snow-making machine; Mrs. Claus’ Christmas Traditions, which is hosted by Mrs. Claus herself and includes a delightful retelling of the classic, “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,” complete with a sing-along of favorite holiday carols and Santa’s favorite cookies and iced-cold milk to share; Gingerbread Decorating Corner, which will be stocked with a bounty of sweets and treats where visitors can create a delectable delight to take home. While you’re there, keep an eye out for Nutmeg, JW Marriott’s very own gingerbread man; Holiday Pop-Up Shop, which will display all things merry and bright – from apparel, jewelry, and festive home decor to toys, ornaments, and collectibles; Secret Santa Scavenger Hunt, where young adventurers can decipher clues in hopes of solving the mystery and earning Santa’s Secret Service Badge.
Don’t want the festive fun to end? Book a stay at one of the resort’s spectacular Hill Country Winter Wonderland Suites, complete with a decorated Christmas tree, stockings over the fireplace, garland wreaths and a record player with holiday music.
