This post is brought to you by Holidays in Boerne
San Antonio winters can be fantastic. Very (very!) rarely is there snow to shovel, ice to scrape, or heavy coats and boots to manage. Yet, come Christmas season, it’s not visions of sugar plums that dance in my head but visions of wintery Christmas scenes that are all too absent in the Hill Country area. Snow-tipped trees, crackling fires, peaceful snowfall and cozy sweaters fill my imaginary, non-Texas Christmas visions. Last year, my family made a new holiday tradition with our first visit to Dickens on Main in Boerne, and this South Texas family was thrilled to add snow, carolers, and more to our holiday season. In fact, Boerne will have us coming back throughout December as well, with lots more events taking place during the season!
Starting Thanksgiving Weekend — Friday, November 29 through Saturday, November 30 — Main Street in Boerne will be closed off to traffic for the evening hours so revelers can enjoy the free-admission, two-day holiday extravaganza. Boerne transforms its Hill Country Mile into the quintessential small town Christmas dream, which many say is “like being in a Hallmark movie!” But the small-town feels don’t have to end here—the City of Boerne and its retailers have three more weekends of fun planned—perfect if you want to finish shopping, soak up the lights or experience historic downtown without the crowds.
Planning on bringing your family to Dickens on Main this year? Here is a list of things you and your kids won’t want to miss!
Top Attractions for Kids at Dickens on Main
Free Family Photos
This one is more for mom than the kids, but I’m putting it first on the list so you plan to swing by the FREE photo station in Main Plaza hosted by our partners at Old West Christmas Light Fest. Additionally, the tree and gazebo in Main Plaza, along with numerous other surprise locations make for amazing photos—worthy of your holiday card!
Free Craft Table
These are not your “glue a foam star on a foam tree” type of crafts. These are crafts you will actually display in your home. Last year my son had his first experience with a hot glue gun as he crafted a Christmas tree ornament with wood, greenery, buttons, and twine. I’m proud to say that he handled the glue gun like a champ, and we gladly displayed his ornament on our tree for the whole holiday season. Plan to visit the Tiny Tim Village between 3:00–8:00 P.M. on Friday and Saturday to create free holiday crafts.
Photos and Visits with Santa
The Dickens on Main team has high standards when it comes to finding just the right Santa. Photos with Santa are available in Tiny Tim Village, check the website for times and details.
Live Performances
There are multiple performances both days. Carolers and other entertainers surprise and delight along the streets in Dickens-era clothing in the evening. In North Pole Village (Main Plaza), you’ll love the Friday night tree lighting at 6 p.m. followed by trumpeted carols and a main stage for live music to dance the night away.
Parking is free in the surrounding streets, and is easier to find earlier in the day. There is a lot of walking, so a stroller, extra snacks, and blankets/jackets are a great idea for little ones. The streets within the event are blocked off in the evening and the whole area feels both full and idyllic.
Celebrate throughout December in Boerne!
Weihnachts Parade
The annual parade takes place the first Saturday in December and rolls at 6 p.m. Get there early and bring a chair for a good old-fashioned parade with more than 100 lighted floats. Main Street closes again for this event and there are plenty of places to grab a drink or treat!
Toast to Olde Town
Taking place December 13-14, this event features live music up and down Main Street, special Father Christmas appearance, and a Christmas Market in Main Plaza. This is the perfect weekend for a date night break during the holiday shuffle!
KinderFest
Happening December 20-21, this event brings one last weekend of holiday fun to downtown, with a Santa scavenger hunt, more Father Christmas appearances, the Cookie Crawl (limited, ticketed event) and the Cowboy Christmas Market in Main Plaza!
For a full schedule of the season’s events, check out www.holidaysinboerne.com, where you’ll find details on every weekend and FAQs about Dickens on Main, and don’t forget to follow @dickensonmain on Facebook and Instagram!
