It’s October, so the holidays will quickly be upon us! This time of year, I commonly get asked about my recommendations for family-friendly resorts around the Hill Country that are great for staycations around the holidays. So I put together a list of the 3 best resorts in central texas for a family-friendly holiday staycation.
Let’s dive into what makes each of these resorts a top choice for families to celebrate the holidays.
1. Hyatt Lost Pines Resort and Spa
Nestled along the banks of the Colorado River, Hyatt Lost Pines is a true Texas getaway for families looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Although it’s only 30 minutes east of Austin, you immediately feel like you’re in a secluded Texas ranch retreat as soon as you pull onto the property.
- Outdoor Activities: Explore the great outdoors with horseback riding, hiking, and biking trails. You can also enjoy s’mores by the fire pit in the evenings.
- Kids’ Club: The Camp Hyatt program offers supervised activities for children, allowing parents to enjoy some well-deserved relaxation time.
- Dining Options: Family-friendly Mavericks Roadhouse is open for breakfast, lunch & dinner. Maude’s Bar & Terrace is great for parents wanting a casual meal while the kids get their wiggles out by running around the turf lawn. And the grab & go Emporium is perfect for a quick on-the-go coffee or snack.
- Holiday Happenings:
- Tree Lighting- November 29th at 6pm: Gather ‘round as the Lost Pines Christmas tree is lit. Santa and Mrs. Claus will make an appearance and be available for photos. Enjoy a wagon ride to admire the holiday lights, and watch a holiday-themed movie on the lawn.
- Breakfast with Santa & Mrs. Claus– Every Sunday in December | 8:30-11:30am
- Meet & Greet with Santa & Mrs. Claus– Every Friday and Saturday in December | 6pm to 8pm
- Storytime with Mrs. Claus- Tuesday, December 24 | 6pm
- Christmas Dinner– Wednesday, December 25 | 2pm to 8pm
2. JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa
This sprawling resort is located in the picturesque Texas Hill Country offering a luxurious getaway with plenty of family-oriented features. With close proximity to all the attractions San Antonio has to offer, the JW Marriott Hill Country is an easy getaway for families.
- Outdoor Activities: For parents looking for a little indulgence, the resort boasts a world-class golf course. Families can also explore the surrounding Hill Country with hiking and biking trails.
- Dining Options: Multiple restaurants provide diverse dining options, including kid-friendly menus and casual dining atmospheres.
- Kid’s Club: Activities range from arts and crafts to science experiments, ensuring your little ones are entertained while parents take some time to relax.
- Holiday Happenings:
- ICE! How the Grinch Stole Christmas- Nov. 23- Jan. 5: Classic characters and scenes from the beloved story are brought to life through colorful, grandiose ice sculptures. Kids will be thrilled to see Santa, Mrs. Claus, & Nutmeg the Gingerbread Man, plus the Grinch, Max, & Cindy-Lou Who. Activities include:
- Ice Tubing
- Snowball build & blast
- Mrs. Claus’ Christmas Traditions- storytime with “‘Twas The Night Before Christmas,” sing along to favorite holiday songs, and share a batch of Santa’s favorite snack – warm, freshly baked Christmas cookies and ice-cold milk
- Gingerbread decorating corner
- Photos with Santa
- Feast with the Grinch
3. Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa
Set amidst the beautiful golf courses and Hill Country landscape, Omni Barton Creek offers a mix of relaxation and stunning views, with the convenience of being only 30 minutes from downtown Austin.
Highlights:
- Outdoor Activities: The resort features scenic hiking and biking trails, as well as opportunities for birdwatching and lots of golf!
- Dining Options: Families can choose from multiple restaurants that feature a variety of cuisines, including Italian, steakhouse, and Texan fare.
- Kids’ Club: Omni’s Kids Club provides engaging activities designed for various age groups, ensuring that children are entertained and active.
- Holiday Happenings:
- Tree Lighting Ceremony– December 2nd at 6pm: Join us as we illuminate the holiday season with our enchanting tree lighting ceremony!
- Holiday in the Hills Light Trail- December 1st- January 3rd from 5pm-9pm: Experience the magic of the Texas Hill Country with a stunning light display. Enjoy a delightful journey through our illuminated trails, culminating in a round of glow-in-the-dark miniature golf at Santa’s Magical Toy Shop (weather permitting).
- Holiday in the Hills Snowdown– December 1st-31st (Thursdays-Saturdays) at 6pm & 7pm: A breathtaking show featuring dazzling lights and whimsical snowflakes. Capture the holiday spirit with beautiful photos by our sparkling tree and fire pits.
- Photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus– December 7, 14, & 21 from 9am-11am: A delightful brunch where you can meet Santa and Mrs. Claus! Capture joyful moments with a candid photo that will surely become a cherished memory.
- Reindeer Meet & Greet– December 7 & 14 from 5:30pm-7:30pm: Experience the holiday magic up close with Santa’s reindeer!
If you’re looking to stay local for the holidays this year, and want to celebrate with a Christmas staycation, Central Texas is home to some fantastic resorts. Whether you choose Hyatt Lost Pines for its true Texan atmosphere, the JW Marriott in San Antonio for it’s ICE adventure, or the Omni Barton Creek for it’s luxury hill country setting, each resort provides a unique experience that’s perfect for a memorable staycation. Pack your bags, grab the kids, and get ready for a delightful family getaway just a short drive from home!
Ready to book your holiday staycation? Contact us today!
Looking to travel outside of Texas for your holiday vacation? Check out our list of Top U.S. Destinations for you Holiday Getaway.