Things to Do

Holidays in the Hill Country: Kerrville

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Holidays in the Hill Country: Kerrville

By Spring Sault

Along the banks of the Guadalupe River lies the historic town of Kerrville, where experiences like golfing with friends and family, going on a wine tour or a scenic Hill Country road trip and enjoying a ranch cookout aren’t reserved for special occasions. Some towns are lucky to have a river run through them, but Kerrville is such that its inhabitants seem to be equal parts artists and outdoor enthusiasts as a result, and every year during the holiday season, they roll out the red carpet to guests, folks coming back home, and their neighbors. Experience the local arts and attractions, the rich history and laid back charm, where the people are inviting, the food is delicious and the holidays aren’t as much a season as they are a feeling!

These are the Holidays in the Texas Hill Country – Kerrville:

1. Things to Do

Holidays in the Hill Country: Kerrville

Photo: hannu & hannele (Flickr)

The 7th annual Sleigh Bell Boutique takes place on November 20 and 21 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. respectively. The Inn of the Hills Hotel and Conference Centre, in the heart of Kerrville, hosts this event which is considered by many to be the Hill Country’s premiere boutique shopping experience. Vendors hail from throughout the state and surrounding areas with gift items, holiday décor, clothing, jewelry and much more. Even the big man himself will make an appearance! Breakfast With Santa will be held on Saturday, November 21, 2015 with two sittings – one at 8:30 a.m. and the following at 10:30 a.m. Tickets are $25 which includes a meal, picture with Santa, a visit to the Candy Shoppe, a special craft, and a take home treat bag! For reservations contact Katy Mosty by calling 210-843-8743 or via email at [email protected]. You can also contact Sandy Thomason at 707-845-4910 or via email at [email protected]

On November 27, 2015 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Kerrville hosts a Community Thanksgiving Meal that’s sure to warm your heart and fill you to the brim. Bring your family or even yourself out for a traditional dinner with all the trimmings, located at the Salvation Army Kroc Centre, at 201 Holdsworth Drive, and you can eat in or take-out, whichever you prefer. Should you require it, delivery can even be made possible by calling 830-257-3620, which is something this dinner can pride itself on; when the real meaning of Thanksgiving can get hidden in parades and colorful floats, football games and stuffing yourself silly, Kerrville brings it down to a level of hospitality and true heart that everyone can be thankful for.

2. Artisanal Shopping

Holidays in the Hill Country: Kerrville

Photo: kerrvilletexascvb.com

Beginning October 29, and running through and inclusive of November 28, is the 16th Annual Texas Furniture Makers Show; a juried exhibit and sale featuring the finest custom furniture makers in the state of Texas. The Kerr Arts and Cultural Centre, located at 228 Earl Garrett Street, in the heart of downtown Kerrville, invites you to experience this nationally renowned annual show including furniture and home accessories, exhibits, seminars and sales. You’ll be the greatest gift-giver of them all with your sleigh full of fine furnishings for home or office!

From November 12 to December 12, the Hill Country Arts Foundation (HCAF) will be hosting ARTMART at 120 Point Theatre Rd South, Ingram. If the ultimate in ‘hand-made’ gifts are what you yearn, your search is over. The HCAF was established in 1959, and with fifty-five years of service to the local community, they know their quality handicrafts and homemade gift offerings!

And the Hill Country Shopping Extravaganza takes place at Blue Sage Hall, December 12 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. featuring local area businesses, refreshments and holiday music to tap your toes to while you tackle your family and friends’ wish lists. For location and directions, call 832-316-8044 or visit www.bluesagehall.com. And remember…it’s not really shopping if you buy 10 items or less!

3. The Scene

Holidays in the Hill Country: Kerrville

Photo: jahnnanmalcolm.com

“Chaps! A Jingle Jangle Christmas”, a play set on a Christmas Eve in 1944 will be running at the HCAF Elizabeth Huth Coates Indoor Theatre Nov. 20 – Dec. 5 with numerous showings. It’s a Texas take on carols and cowboy tunes, combined with comedy and colorful performance! Visit the HCAF website for more details.

Also playing November 28 through December 19 at the VK Garage Theatre is the play described as a hysterical combination of every televised Christmas special, aptly entitled “Every Christmas Story Ever Told (and then Some)”. Scenes and script pay homage to the likes of A Charlie Brown Christmas, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, A Christmas Story, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, A Christmas Carol and It’s a Wonderful Life. Visit the Playhouse 2000 VK Garage Theatre website for play times and ticket pricing.

4. Our Stonehenge

Holidays in the Hill Country: Kerrville

Photo: yoranchhotel.com

And though it’s far from a stage, but still an excellent setting, did you know that Hill Country had its very own Stonehenge?! Stonehenge II (as it has been named) was created over twenty years ago as an art project by the late Al Shepperd (who was an HCAF patron) together with his neighbor Doug Hill, on property owned by Shepperd. This smaller version isn’t so small at all, standing ninety percent of the height and sixty percent of the width of the original (which is located in Salisbury, England). Taking full artistic freedom with the concept, Messrs. Shepperd and Hill added two 13-foot Easter Island head replicas! After Shepperd’s passing, the miniature mock megalith together with its Easter Island equals required a new place to call home, so in efforts to preserve them, the sculptures were relocated to their existing location alongside the Guadalupe River on the campus of the HCAF in Kerrville. Since its creation, Stonehenge II has been visited by thousands of tourists; some purposely seeking it out after hearing of its creation, making its appeal an international attraction, and in Kerrville, a holiday experience that will move you!

5. The Traditions and Festivities

Holidays in the Hill Country: Kerrville

Photo: Pinterest

The annual Holiday Lighted Parade and Courthouse Lighting Ceremony takes place at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 21, featuring more than one hundred parade entries and the official “flipping of the switch”, illuminating Hill Country’s tallest Christmas tree (measuring at approx. 45 ft. in height!) This, in conjunction with more than one hundred and forty thousand surrounding lights, in addition to those outlining historic downtown Kerrville buildings, Peterson Plaza and City Hall, will put a smile on your face and may even bring a tear to your eye (only happy ones though!)

And Father Time and Mother Nature many not be able to help you, but in Kerrville, you can always go to the Turn Back the Clock New Year’s Eve Dance and spin around the floor like a second hand, while you listen to the sounds of the Sentimental Journey Orchestra! Your evening’s journey back in time at the Inn of the Hills Hotel and Conference Centre includes candlelit seating at linen-draped tables, champagne toast, party favors and a tempting midnight buffet. Formal attire is the code of the evening with coat and tie for the gentlemen and black tie being optional. Sure to be a night to remember, seating is limited and reserved in advance. Please call 830-865-7595. Your evening awaits!