Houston families looking to trade the hustle and bustle of the holidays for a festive road trip may find their seasonal escape at Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Villas in San Antonio. Set on 300 acres in the Texas Hill Country, the resort is rolling out a holiday lineup packed with twinkling lights, Santa sightings, a Christmas market, cozy snow globe hideaways and activities designed for the whole family.

Snow Globe Hideaway

From Thanksgiving celebrations through the weeks leading up to Christmas, the resort will transform into a holiday destination for families, couples and friends looking to make new seasonal memories without traveling far from home.

The holiday fun begins November 20 with the opening of Tinsel Tavern, a festive pop-up bar decorated with thousands of lights, shimmering tinsel and Christmas trees. Throughout the season, visitors can enjoy Christmas karaoke, family crafts, ugly Christmas sweater contests and holiday-themed trivia. On December 19, the tavern will host Ho Ho Homicide, an interactive murder mystery that invites participants to take on North Pole characters, follow clues and solve a holiday whodunit.

Thanksgiving diners can choose between a holiday buffet at Springhouse Café and a more intimate dining experience at the resort’s signature restaurant, Antlers Lodge.

The resort’s official holiday kickoff arrives Friday, November 27, with its annual tree lighting celebration. Santa will make his entrance by horse-drawn carriage as artificial snow adds a wintery touch to the Texas landscape. Festivities include holiday music, carolers, photos with Santa, live reindeer, hayrides, marshmallow roasting and s’mores by the fire. Guests can also admire an oversized gingerbread house created by the resort’s culinary team.

Tree Lighting Ceremony

 

 

The tree lighting event is reserved for overnight resort guests, making it an option for Houston travelers planning a holiday weekend stay.

For groups looking for a cozy place to gather, the resort will offer private, life-size snow globe hideaways beginning November 27 on Aunt Mary’s Lawn. Each hideaway accommodates up to eight people and features plush seating, ambient lighting and festive decorations. Guests can add curated food options and board games for a private holiday hangout.

Shopping enthusiasts can head to the resort’s new 2.2-acre lagoon on Saturday, November 28, for a Christmas market featuring local artisans, food vendors and seasonal entertainment. It is an opportunity to browse distinctive gifts while enjoying the holiday atmosphere beside the water.

Families can also plan a breakfast date with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Antlers Lodge on November 28 and 29, followed by December 5, 12 and 19. Children can share their Christmas wishes, take holiday photos and enjoy breakfast together.

Starting November 28, local residents can purchase a daily holiday resort pass to experience select seasonal activities, including arts and crafts, the oversized gingerbread house, Tinsel Tavern, nightly s’mores by the fire and Christmas movies.

Additional weekend activities include S’mores with Santa on Friday evenings, December 4, 11 and 18, and S’mores with Goats on Saturdays, December 5, 12 and 19. Friday and Saturday evenings will also feature hayrides showcasing the resort’s holiday lights and decorations.

Whether it is a family getaway, a festive weekend with friends or a chance to enjoy a little holiday magic outside Houston, the resort offers plenty of ways to make the season memorable.

Plan your holiday escape: Tickets for select experiences and additional information are available at Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort & Villas Experiences. For overnight accommodations, visit the resort’s official website at Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Villas.