A ‘Tis the Season Holiday Guide

Fall 2024

Nov 6

Written By Nick Blevins

It’s fall, and it’s officially time to kick off the holidays!

By Berit Mason

**November 8th - December 24th**
*Traditional Santa at The Shops at La Cantera*

Kick off the holiday season with pictures with Santa! A classic Santa will be available for photos at The Shops at La Cantera from November 8th through December 24th. The event is closed on Thanksgiving, but pet nights will be available from November 11th to December 3rd.

**November 23rd - January 5th**
*ICE! at JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country & Spa*

*“ICE*! is a frozen attraction … bringing to light the whimsical world of Whoville,” says Director of Marketing & Public Relations Nina Shokrian.
“It will be ten scenes from the storybook, with elaborate ice sculptures bigger than life, in an area [kept at] 9°F. It has to stay at 9°F for the length of the season, November 23rd to January 5th.”
“The ice carving starts in October. We are hosting forty master carvers from China. They’ll carve the attraction in thirty days … from massive, [two million pound blocks of ice].”
The Chinese carvers will be on display at the resort, creating their sculptures.
*Tickets are on sale now. Guests even get complimentary parkas for ICE! For information and tickets, visit* *jwhillcountrychristmas.com*.

**Ongoing**
*Jewelry Tips*
*and Ideas from The*
*Jewelry Store*

Jewelry is a traditional holiday gift, but it’s one that requires some thought. Owner of The Jewelry Store, Oscar Villarreal Jr., offers do’s and don’ts in choosing the right piece.
“Look for how well the jewelry is made. Is it a nice, substantial weight?” The experienced jeweler says heavier pieces are the most durable and best made. Examine how smoothly the links move, another indicator of fine quality.
Villarreal sells lots of diamonds, with classical pieces like tennis necklaces, hoop earrings, or tennis bracelets remaining ever-popular.
He says when buying jewelry, a good return policy is a must.
“A man will come in and say, ‘I’ve got $1,500.00. What can I get?’ Because if she doesn’t like it, it will sit in a box somewhere.”
The Jewelry Store, located at 5603 Broadway, has a 30-day return policy, so verify return policies for expensive purchases.
*Visit* *atthejewelrystore.com* *to browse a selection of fine jewelry.*

**Ongoing**
*Helicopter Holiday Lights Tour with Leading Edge*

Leading Edge is a commercial helicopter service at Stinson Municipal Airport. For about $100.00 per person, certified pilots fly customers aloft, to view the twinkling holiday lights at the decked-out San Antonio River Walk at Christmas.
Pilot Mandy Leader says their passengers get a test ride first, to ensure they’re comfortable being in a helicopter.
“That is an introductory flight that will take you around the airport, to get used to it. Our River Walk tour will take you over downtown where you’ll see the Alamo. We do that same tour over the Christmas season, but downtown will be lit with Christmas lights, and it is really beautiful.”
Trips are under thirty minutes.
“You get to fly right past the Tower of Americas, and that is really cool,” she says. Pilots are certified and experienced, and Leading Edge has a great safety record.
*Book a tour at* *leadingedgehelicopter.com*.

**Ongoing**
Holiday Ornaments and Carolers
for the Majestic Empire Foundation
Scholarships

The Majestic Empire Foundation offers special holiday experiences, from hiring high school carolers for your event or office party, to purchasing exclusive keepsake hand-blown glass ornaments. All proceeds go towards scholarships for talented performing arts students in San Antonio.
Explore all the offerings and support their work and scholarship fund by visiting shop.themajesticempirefdn.org/collections/holiday-collection.

December

Artistic Animals at Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation

Support wildlife rescue efforts at Kendalia’s Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation with their “Artistic Animals” open house. Marvel at animal-created art from monkeys and bears, with proceeds benefiting the care of rescued animals. Visit wildlife-rescue.org for more details.