I must confess I can be cynical or maybe have some aversion to the holidays, particularly…read moreChristmas. Where the expectation is to be merry or to have faith in your fellow (wo)man. In life people aren't always on the ground making snow angels. Nor are Christmas Carollers going to come to your door to bid you good tidings. However, I'm slowly learning if you let your guard down ever so slightly, a beam of light can peek through. "Dickens on Main" in Boerne understands that the Christmas we celebrated as children is the same one we carry with us into adulthood. Me and my partner have been wanting to do it for years, but it's only available once a year. And at that, for two days. I will tell you the basics of it. It is a morning celebration that segues into a huge night extravaganza. It opens at 12pm but Main Street closes its streets from passage by vehicle at 4pm. We opted to go early before the streets were closed. When we arrived almost all parking was nonexistent. Businesses do offer a park and pay option but every lot was full. By sheer luck we were able to find free parking. Main Street is a succession of small local businesses. But during "Dickens on Main" it turns into an idyllic, winter wonderland. If you've ever watched a Hallmark Christmas movie and wished it could become a reality, this would be that opportunity. Garland is hanging everywhere. In every nook and cranny Christmas Spirit is prominent. They even have a snow machine that blows artificial snow onto festival-goers. The sidewalks are overflowing with people going into stores to shop. For example there are antique shops. Places that sell beauty products. A super expensive meat market. Jarred pickles. And of course my favorite shopping: three watering holes all within walking range. By in large the Main Courtyard is the piece de resistance. All things eventually converge here. It is decorated much like Main Street with: ornaments, candy canes and giant Nutcracker figurines. There are Dickensonian Carollers dressed in traditional Victorian fashion walking the grounds. Followed by the litany of vendors selling crafts, food or last minute gift ideas. All my senses the whole time were engaged and overwhelmed. It is alot to take in. While I enjoyed it I do have two critiques. Since the sidewalks are extremely narrow there was not a time where either I was in someone's space. Or vice versa. My suggestion would be to close Main Street to traffic all day and allow the overflow onto the streets. Secondly, they need to do what Wustfest does and offer shuttle bus service. Festival goers could pay a fee to park and be shuttled to the event. When we left at 4pm I saw people parking far and wide just to walk into the event. I definitely would recommend it to the person who wants to share a unique Christmas experience with family, friends or loved ones. Even "The Grinch" cannot escape its charms. "Dickens on Main" is a very special festival if Christmas is your thing. Me, I'm still waiting for a holiday created with craft beer in mind. Santa, I hope you're listening! I've been nice-kinda- sorta- most of the year.

My family and I visited Boerne 1-2 years ago and were told about Dickens on Main. The way it was…read moredescribed to us was .... An event that will make you feel like you're in a hallmark movie. After hearing that, I was sold and knew I had to attend. This year, I made it a point to get my family together for it and off we went. The weather wasn't ideal but the event itself was perfect and as expected! Main Street was shut down at 4PM so people could walk in the street, enjoy the fun and vendors (and also enjoy an adult beverage while shopping). The vendors were dressed up an in character, there were Carolers and tons of fun little food stands in the different "villages". We enjoyed food from some of the restaurants on the street (like a giant cinnamon roll from Richter Bakhaus) as well as vendor foods like the puffy funnel cakes. This is a fun family-friendly event that is great for a couple or for a family with kids! I will definitely be returning next year!

Second year! Went last year when it was super cold! This…read moreyear we went on a Friday at around 6 pm! We enjoyed all the activities! A lot of space for a toddler to run around too - not sure if bigger kids/teens will enjoy it, but they added laser tag and bullride for extra $$$ Santa and Grinch photos were free! Plus we found an Elf on the Shelf! We did grab some food to eat before coming in which I would recommend if you want to save some money. Overall, planning to check it again next year! Dont forget to keep an eye on their discounted tickets online and on IG!

Yee-Haw... This place is lit... UP!…read more Old West Christmas Lights is located on Hwy 46 just west of Boerne inside Enchanted Springs Ranch which is a known for private events and movie sets. Perfect venue for an Old West or Tex- Mex party no matter what time of year! It's just a short drive through lighting display, then you will be directed to park on the ranch land. Be sure to turn your radio on to their station for holiday tunes before you hit the light tunnel which is really cool. Corral the family for a short walk into the Old West town covered in lights for an evening of fun and adventure. Plenty of photo ops available everywhere you turn. Lots of children's activities including a scavenger hunt, hands on cookie and ornament decorating, face painting to just to name a few. One of the best activities as a family is making smores by the campfire... and there are several fires around the old west town to keep you warm just like in the old days. Oh I also found in one of the saloons, one of the best Santas that I have met! OWCLF offers food, drinks, smores kits, as well as vendors for your holiday shopping, so bring some cash with you. I've been to Old West Christmas Light Fest in 2018 & 2019 with different friends. Looking at reviews it was located here in 2017 as well. I tell everyone about it as I love the old west town, especially the Jersey Lilly reproduction (you gotta do your research on Judge Roy Bean, Law West of the Pecos). The one suggestion I would like to share with both OWCLF & ESR, please add some old west interactive characters. That is pretty much the only thing that was missing at this event. Yes, I would highly recommend this event, and actually have been doing for the last month, totally worth the drive out there, for sure. Happy Holidays in Hill Country!

Amazing Christmas lights, and it's free! There is a snow globe you can go into for pictures, and…read morethey have a prayer and thanks wall (you right down what you are thankful for or what you need prayers for and they will party for you). Highly recommended!!!

From the owner: Boerne Bright is a FREE walkthrough Christmas light experience with over 500,000 Christmas lights…read moresynced to your favorite Christmas music. Boerne Bright is the best way to celebrate the joy of the season with activities for kids, like our all-new Christmas Railway train ride. Boerne Bright is a FREE EVENT, open Fridays – Sundays, 6 – 9 PM from December 6 to December 29. On December 8, Boerne Bright is open 7:30 – 9 PM.

i was bored, scavenger hunt was the only thing keeping me from not falling asleep. if i were you,…read moreid go to the one right before this location

This is the Crumbling Castle's first year, and I believe a trip to the Castle will become a holiday…read moretradition for many in the years to come. Located off I-10, it's easy to find and access. For our visit, we took a leisurely and scenic drive through the backroads rather than the more direct and less scenic highway route. Set in a forested area, thousands (millions??) of lights and decorations draw you through a driving trail that will garner your Ooohs and Aaahs, with some Wows along the way. There's a story to follow, too, so be sure to pause and read the story along the way. There are characters and critters playing out various activities throughout the story, too. Super fun and well done! I would prefer that the story was introduced earlier, but it's a great display regardless. Tickets can easily be purchased online on their website. Cost is per vehicle, so grab your family and friends, and get away from holiday stress and add some holiday magic to your life!

Really enjoyed the live music and dancing at the beautiful outdoor venue. Had lots of fun the…read morenumerous times I visited. Would love to go back again. The Roundup is located just outside of Boerne, Texas. Very friendly owner and staff.

music is to loud and the drinks could be better Ian's I hope you close on the day you open not…read moreworth spending your money there.

This was a very family friendly venue, with nice, customer-service oriented folks, recommend a…read morevisit to see the animals.

Seriously amazing. They had cute photo ops, affordable pumpkins and fun little activities. We found…read morethem randomly and went back for the festival two weeks later. I will be back there again this year. My daughter and I can't wait!

After driving 30 minutes from San Antonio and then waiting another 45 minutes to enter the light…read moredisplay entrance, we were excited. The staff was nice, and mentioned that Santa's Village would be in the middle, we could stay as long as we liked, and we were encouraged to wear our mask and socially distance if we got out. There was also signage instructing us to tune to 98.7 FM. After that, we were forced to lower our expectations greatly. If you've seen the grand displays in Windcrest, driven through Santa's Ranch near San Marcos, or visited Santa's Wonderland near College Station, Don Strange's Christmas at the Ranch will leave much to be desired. As for Santa's Village, it was a barn type structure with many people gathered at the main entrance. For the safety of our family during Covid, we skipped the opportunity to see Santa, shop the vendor tables, or purchase food. The entire drive through the ranch took 20 minutes, and there wasn't a strong rhyme or reason to most of the displays - random Disney, Peanuts, and other characters and light displays mixed oddly with blowup displays or that lone video snowman display. Since we had our lights off, it was difficult to see the road after leaving Santa's Village, and the main entrance to enter the ranch was very narrow for most vehicles, especially the decked out pickup trucks. Once you're in, the line to enter the light display is pretty organized. I can't recommend visiting and paying $25 during Covid, yet maybe next year if things are back to normal.

The drive thru portion of the experience was lacking. Many lights were out, the displays were…read moreplaced rather far apart and even an inflatable was deflated and it looked like roadkill. The lights that were working were pretty - but we won't be back and it wasn't worth the trip out there or the money.

Musical Bridges Around the World is a nonprofit organization with the premise that music is an…read moreart-form and can serve as a conduit, to bring different cultures together. The challenge for them is to present their program in an approachable manner to the city. Fortunately for them this year's roster of artists were contemporary, hip and best conveyed their mission. The pros 2017: 1.) The eclectic selection of international artists. The performers I saw Zoe Keating, a Canadian looping based cellist and Indonesian jazz prodigy Joey Alexander totally represented the MBAW's message of inclusivity. 2.) The selection of venues. For example Zoe Keating's show was held at the historic Ursuline Chapel, a part of the Southwest School for the Arts. The combination of ambience, acoustics and the intimate seating lended to a very memorable show. 3.) Admission. Most of the shows were either free or a nominal fee was being charged. Without this net families might not be able to attend, due to the expense. The cons 2017: 1.) My only critique, which was the same as last year's : Some, not all patrons. There is an etiquette for every situation and every situation is unique. The thing that should be consistent is a basic common courtesy to your fellow (wo)man. And this begins with a respect for personal space. At a performance a patron stood right next to me(the show was a seating event)coughing, nudging me and disrupting the flow of the performance. In addition a family brought their children, who grew impatient and threw an outburst. I know these are minor glitches to be expected at a show. However I feel the niceties that we extend to people at any event should be reciprocated. I did enjoy MBAW this year. The selection of artists and venues best represented their message and can serve to reach the greater community. In the near future I'd like to see them stage shows in different venues or spaces across the city. Mozart in the Eastside at Dignowity Hills. "Swan Lake" in the Westside at Rosedale Park. Hey, why not?

From the owner: MBAW is celebrating its 15th season of one-of-a-kind, multicultural classical, jazz, and ethnic…read morefolk concerts, featuring world-class performers from around the world! We offer free concerts at the historic San Fernando Cathedral in the heart of downtown San Antonio, and ticketed concerts at McAllister Auditorium at San Antonio College. We also offer free educational outreach in-school concerts to at-risk kids in schools that lack funding for arts and music programs. Our specialty is in attracting performers from around the world and fostering collaborations among musicians, to create truly unique performances!

How can I not give 5 stars for something dedicated to our service members for their time and…read moresacrifice? Fallen military members from Kendall County are listed on the memorial and it initially honored all individuals from WWI; however, the monument now serves as acknowledgement of all recent wars as well. As many times as I've visited Boerne, I've seen quite a few events held within the confines of this park. Outside those events, it's fairly quiet and peaceful.

As a veteran, I always appreciate when I come across a well-kept veterans memorial. I like to come…read moreto Veterans Plaza just to reflect on those that have given some and those that have given all. Semper Fi. Thank you to all that have served and to those that continue to serve.

Magnificent fine art gallery in the heart of Boerne. A large…read morecollection of bronze sculptures as well as paintings of different mediums, statues, etc. They also have bronze sculptures by various artists on display throughout Main Street. Works from local and national artists. So many beautiful pieces. I spent an hour lost in the beauty of the gallery. Really an enjoyable experience taking in so much art.

I have loved this art gallery from the start. Truly a gallery of fine art both local artists and…read morenationally recognized artists and bronzes. But this review is for their framing department which is exceptional on several levels. I just received my newly framed antique map and it is incredible. From the moment I showed the framer and staff my find, to their suggestions for preserving, matting and framing materials to the final product that in itself is a work of art. Everything is exceptional and at a price I would say is less than the big box store with the coupons. What I have will grace my office but I believe will be handed down for years to come.