Lifestyle

Boerne Fires Up Your Christmas Spirit in a Big Way

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Tony Maples Photography

 

Getting the perfect Christmas gift for everyone on your shopping list can be difficult, but there’s a light at the end of the tunnel – several glittery, multi-colored ones in fact! In Boerne, more than 100 boutiques, one-of-a-kind shops, and art galleries are here to help you along the way. The Hill Country Mile is a holiday shopping destination that dreams are made of! With a number of events in the weeks leading up to Christmas, you’ll find a variety of artwork, handcrafted goods, unique holiday décor items, antiques, and delectable treats readily at your fingertips as Boerne sets the stage for holiday shopping at its best!

Boerne Fires Up Your Christmas Spirit in a Big Way

Photo: Visit Boerne Via Mike Farquhar

Officially kicking off the holiday season, coming up on November 23 and 24, the 19th annual Dickens on Main event is the premier shopping extravaganza for which many people make their lists (and check them twice!). Not only will you find amazing deals on the Hill Country Mile with Black Friday specials all day long, but in the evening, you and your friends or family will be treated to tidings of good cheer with live musical entertainment. Not to mention snow on Main Street, children’s activities (including a visit from Santa himself), and so much more! Dickens-era theatrical performances are scheduled as well as horse-drawn carriage rides, live ice sculpting shows, and a 60-foot snow slide! The fun continues through Saturday, November 24 when the fabulous shops and stores once again open their doors on the Hill Country Mile to feature an assortment of unique gifts and merchandise as well as food and handmade crafts, all part of this wonderful Boerne tradition.

Boerne Fires Up Your Christmas Spirit in a Big Way

Photo: Concert in the Cave: Sounds of the Season

If Christmas songs help you get into the holiday spirit, Cave Without a Name will be hosting Concert in the Cave: Sounds of the Season on Saturday, November 24, down in the Queen’s Throne Room! Holiday attire is welcome as Tinsel – an a cappella quartet – visits the Throne Room in the heart of this amazingly natural Hill Country setting. A variety of Christmas carols headline this event as Grammy-award-winning singers and classically-trained vocalists entertain the audience with their smooth, sophisticated, and distinguished style. The experience of hearing your favorite carols performed in this manner in the outstanding acoustics that Cave Without a Name provides makes this a memorable event. Tickets can be purchased in advance on the Cave Without a Name website for $30. Guests can also purchase tickets at the door for $35.

Boerne Helps You Get in the Spirit of the Season in a Big Way

Photo: Pexels.com

Gifts from the heart which are handcrafted in Texas are considered some of the most treasured by family and friends, and that’s just what you’ll find at Oma’s Christmas Craft Fair. Vendors at this event know that you value the workmanship of unique artisans, and you’re on the holiday hunt for genuine homemade and original items. Skilled in time-tested American folk art and homemaking techniques, the craftsmen and women at this event feature homemade jellies, hand-crafted clothing, authentically designed wood items, and ceramics, as well as embroidered, knitted, and crocheted items, plus so much more! Located at the Kendall County Fairgrounds, on Saturday, December 1, Oma’s Christmas Craft Fair will fill three large buildings with hand-made crafts. You’re sure to find the perfect gift! Visit the sale early to get your pick.

Boerne Fires Up Your Christmas Spirit in a Big Way

Photo: Visit Boerne

Also happening on December 1, the Weihnachts Parade (Christmas Parade) starts at 6 p.m.! Perhaps make plans for dinner following the craft fair visit and then stay to catch this long-standing Boerne Christmas tradition, now in its 32nd year! Up to 100 lit float/display entries will travel Main Street, traveling north to south, beginning at Frederick Street (near the Fire House) and ending at River Road. It’s a great way to wrap up the day in true holiday spirit.

Boerne Fires Up Your Christmas Spirit in a Big Way

Photo: Visit Boerne

If you’re a fan of the Boerne Market Days, you will love this next holiday-themed version. The annual Christmas Market Days on Main Plaza in downtown Boerne features a variety of great bargains to be found on such quality handmade items as art, crafts, collectibles, woodwork, stylish clothing and accessories, as well as vintage jewelry and antiques, Christmas décor, and so much more. Complemented by a great food variety and accompanied by music from local Texas musicians, this pet-friendly event will happen rain or shine on Saturday, December 8, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday, December 9, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Christmas Market has free admission and turns Main Plaza into a magically festive outdoor marketplace, blending Hill Country traditions with today’s modern culture. There will be countless vendor booths decorated in great holiday style, with everything from high-quality collectibles and charming remembrances of the past to modern products and displays, bringing enjoyment and wonder to shoppers. It’s a definitive Christmas gift one-stop-shop!

Boerne Fires Up Your Christmas Spirit in a Big Way

Photo: Pxhere

Speaking of great shopping at Main Plaza, Cowboy Christmas Market Days is a great Boerne extravaganza with a unique country twist! Happening Saturday, December 15,  from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, December 16, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., shoppers can finish their last-minute gift list in true Hill Country style. It’s a full weekend outdoor market where you can get your picture taken in the old jailhouse, dressed in period cowboy and old west character clothing while you shop for antiques, art, crafts, and collectibles. Featuring great food and Texas original music from local bands and singer/songwriters, this unique shopping event makes the holidays in the Hill Country that much more country-er!

Boerne Fires Up Your Christmas Spirit in a Big Way

Photo: Boerne Performing Arts

In looking for the ultimate Christmas musical experience, look no further than The Ten Tenors “Home for the Holidays,” capturing the essence of the season for the whole family! On Saturday, December 15 at 7:30 p.m., The Ten Tenors will perform at the Champion High School Auditorium giving a powerful live performance of Christmas classics in addition to rock and classical music which round out their colorful repertoire. There’s no other place this world-famous group would rather be during the holidays than here in the Texas Hill Country. Boerne is excited to host their contemporary performance for local fans. Tickets for this event range from $20 for students through $60 (depending on your choice of seating) and are available on the Boerne Performing Arts website, a link to which is provided here.

Boerne Fires Up Your Christmas Spirit in a Big Way

Photo: Christmas on the Ranch

And, if you’re still feeling the “Charlie Browniest” about the holidays even after all these fun-filled Boerne Christmas events, a visit to one (or both) of the two local Christmas light attractions will have you quickly cured! The Old West Christmas Light Fest is happening on select dates starting Thursday, November 22 through Sunday, December 30 at Enchanted Springs Ranch. Dazzling visitors in its fifth year now at a new location, the Christmas magic of this Boerne light attraction is bigger, better, and brighter than ever before! Boasting both a drive-thru and a walk-around light display over more than 40 old west buildings, this holiday stop pairs great food with family activities in a wonderful Hill Country ranch setting. Santa will also be on hand to see the good girls and boys so they can get holiday pictures taken by family and friends at no charge. Guests can play holiday games, eat, shop, decorate Christmas cookies, and have all kinds of old west Christmas fun making memories together. Plus, the fifth annual Christmas on the Ranch is happening at Don Strange Ranch in Boerne, featuring brand new displays, interactive carriage and hayrides, plenty of great food, and lots of good Christmas shopping to be had all in one place. Taking place November 23 through December 23, this event sees Santa visiting each night at this 3-million-light display that’s worthy of hosting you and yours for family fun this Christmas season. With a variety of movable displays, this is an event that’s sure to put the spirit of the season right where it’s supposed to be – in your heart, in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, and in wonderful Boerne!