I was recently invited by a representative of the JW Marriott to attend the JW Illumination in San Antonio, Texas. This would be my first time to attend this event and since it was a family friendly event in San Antonio, I was very excited.
When my family and I arrived at the JW Marriott, the first thing that my 3 year old said was, “Mommy, this place is beautiful!” As I looked at the well trimmed landscape, the beautiful outside decor and the holiday ambiance, I had to agree with my daughter, it was absolutely gorgeous.
JW Illumination is a family friendly event in San Antonio that dazzles guests with over 250,000 lights choreographed to joyful holiday sounds in an outdoor wonderland. From November 22nd through December 31st the JW Marriott provides an amazing Hill Country Holiday Experience with events and activities such as a Gingerbread Craft Workshop, Storytime with the Elves, Kid’s Night Out, Breakfast with Santa and Mrs Claus and so much more.
Let me begin by saying that this event was amazing; from the hot chocolate that tasted like cookies to being able to pose for a picture in Santa’s sleigh to fun decorations throughout the hotel that allowed for cute pictures. I have to say, however, that one of my favorite parts of this event were Santa’s Elves. The JW Marriott Elves did a fantastic job at entertaining theirguests. They were fun, personable, entertaining, and the sweetest Elves I have ever met. In addition, they allowed my 3 year old to talk their ears off and they also gave her lot of hugs.
While we were enjoying the festivities, we decided that we needed to get some nourishment before we visited Santa and Mrs Claus. JW Marriott has quite a few eating establishments that provide a variety of food selections. Since we had our girls, we decided to try High Velocity; a fun family friendly sport’s bar. When we entered we were mesmerized by the wall of televisions; it was pure awesomeness. My husband ordered a cheeseburger and I ordered the fish tacos. Not only were the food prices affordable and the portions big but the food was so amazingly delicious. As my husband was eating his cheeseburger and taste testing my dish he kept saying, ‘This is the best food in San Antonio!’; I had to agree. The fish taco was seasoned beautifully and the crunch of the coleslaw added to its perfection. We will definitely be going back to the JW Marriott so that we can dine at High Velocity.
After dinner we went outside to experience the JW Illumination which includes over 250,000 lights choreographed to joyful holiday sounds in an outdoor wonderland. As my family sat by the fireplace and watched, my daughter explained the experience perfectly, ‘Mommy, this is magical!’.
After we watched the JW Illumination, which runs through December 31st, we went back inside to find Santa Claus. In my opinion, this was the best part of the night. As we entered the line we saw the Big Guy and his beautiful wife taking time to talk to each of the kids. Each child was special and no child was rushed and thankfully so because not every day do you get to talk to Santa Claus and Mrs Claus. As the girls waited for their turn to see Santa, the Elves, once again, entertained them and they talked one another’s ears off.
If you are planning on visiting in or around San Antonio this holiday season or if you live in or around San Antonio I encourage you to visit JW Holiday Illumination located at the JW Marriott in San Antonio, Texas. It is an experience that you and your family will remember forever.
Written by: Aimee Fauci
This what you were talking about! How freaking cool is this!! 🙂 Thank you for sharing!
This sounds like my kind of event! I’m such a little kid when it comes to holiday events, LOL. Looks like I may need to start planning a trip soon!
This looks like a fantastic place to take the kids. All the lights look so pretty. The food looks good to.
Everything looks really awesome! It’s nice that the elves let your little one take off their ears. 😉
That hotel & event look like TONS of fun! Dude, you even got to see Mrs. Claus!
What a cool event. I want to try that hot chocolate that is like cookies lol. Beautiful family
Sounds like such an amazing and fun event, I’m sure the kids love it like crazy!
It looks like a great place. Everyone seems to have had a blast!
Wow, this looks so much fun! My kids would love something like this.
Seems like everyone had a lot of fun!
I have been trying to get to San Antonio for a few years now with the kids. I never thought about going at Christmas time. Looks fun!
The hotel is so pretty and festive! That looks like a very real Mr. & Mrs. Clause. I bet the kids had a blast!
How much fun is that?! Wow. I have never been to San Antonio. Looks amazing.
I love J.W. Marriott! I’ve always wanted to visit San Antonio, and this seems like a fantastic event for the holidays!
It looks like you guys had a blast. That hotel is amazing, and the food looks great.
Looks like a really great fun time! My kids would absolutely love something like that they love all the lights and decos
What a fun photo of you sitting on Ms. Claus lap. This seems like a great holiday activity to enjoy with family.
First off, you have a beautiful family! Second, what a light display! Sounds like a fun event. I’ve pinned this for places to travel and see! Have yet to venture to Texas, but definitely on my bucket list!
Those lights look spectacular!! We want to visit Texas really bad… that may be our vacation choice next year. I get to choose where we will go for a month and I am flip flopping where I want to go.
What a fabulous event! Marriott does know how to host!
That looks like a fun hotel! I’ve never been to San Antonio but I hear from friends it is fabulous!!!!
Looks like a fun family event. Your cutie pies look like they had a good time.
This looks like such a fun time for families. I have friends in that area. I’ll definitely recommend this to them!
What an amazing event! Our family has owned timeshares with Marriott for years – we’ve always had wonderful experiences with the company!
What a great time! It was lovely to see San Antonio this way! You don’t necessarily think of it for Christmas but what an amazing trip that would be. I bet your children (big & small) had a really great time. I pin all of your San Antonio stuff for a future trip. I just don’t think it’s going to be the cross country trip we are planning for next year. We’ve had a small change of plans with itineraries!
SA on the Riverwalk during Christmas is always so amazing.
What a lovely place to visit 🙂 I love going and finding festive lights 🙂
What a fun place to spend an evening with the family! The lights are beautiful, as are your kids!
My husband would LOSE IT if I took him to that sports bar! He may never want to come back to Dallas! We’ve been looking to visit San Antonio and go to the San Marcos outlets. This is definitely going to be on my list of places to stay.
Wow. This looks like a great place to stay. Great pictures.
That looks like such an amazing hotel! when I’m in San Antonio next, I will definitely go there! Thanks for the post!
xoxo
Lauren
http://www.dressingdallas.com
I love SA! My hubby and I visited back in June and love it! I can only imagine it decorated for Christmas! Thanks for sharing the fun!!!
My kid loves lights, so this may be worth the drive for us, it’s really not too far from Austin.
This sounds like so much fun! We actually stayed here in July 2012, and has such a fabulous time. I’m not one to necessarily travel back to somewhere we’ve stayed before (vs trying out something new), but we always say we’d make an exception for San Antonio.
How fun! Looks like a great time for all!