Ren Fest Returns

Hear ye! Texas Renaissance Festival reveals anticipated 2018 schedule plus new perks

Hear ye, hear ye! A beloved Texas tradition has scheduled its 2018 return. The Texas Renaissance Festival announced April 16 that this year's season will run from September 29 to November 25. The festival is looking to build on last year's momentum, which saw the second highest number of attendees ever — an eye-popping 644,917 — and a record number of weddings.

New this year is a season pass. For a flat fee ($199 until April 30, $299 starting May 1), purchases will receive access to all 19 days as well as preferred parking and free admission to the Saturday night TRF After Dark programming. That would cost almost $900 if purchased at the gate or $700 if bought online in advance. The truly devoted can add season-long camping access for an additional fee ($149 until April 30, $200 starting May 1).

Days at the event can be spent any number of ways, including shopping for arts and crafts or arms and armor, taking in the shows that range from comedians to jousting, or taking in the spectacle of historically (in)accurate costume choices. Getting a fortune read feels more authentic when it's delivered by someone in costume.

Regardless of one's agenda, food is always part of the plan. Diners can't go wrong with a classic turkey leg or sausage on a stick, but the vendors also offer a full range of internationally inspired fare like empanadas, souvlaki, and pierogi. Vegan and vegetarian options are available, too.

Here's the full lineup of this year's themed weekends:

September 29 and 30: Opening Weekend, Oktoberfest Weekend
October 6 and 7: 1001 Dreams Weekend
October 13 and 14: Barbarian Invasion Weekend
October 20 and 21: Pirate Adventure Weekend
October 27 and 28: All Hallows' Eve Weekend
November 3 and 4: Roman Bacchanal Weekend
November 10 and 11: Heroes and Villains Weekend
November 17 and 18: Highland Fling Weekend
November 23, 24, and 25: Celtic Christmas Weekend

Pirate Adventure Weekend is October 20 and 21.

Courtesy photo

Pirate Adventure Weekend is October 20 and 21.

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where to travel right now

Enjoy a winter staycation + 8 more Texas travel tips for December

Photo by Garrett Smith

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Winter has finally arrived in the Lone Star State, which means there is an abundance of fun-filled and holiday-themed vacation ideas and events to experience in December. Texans looking for ideas on where to travel can find them here, in our big monthly roundup of top tips around the state.

All around Texas

ICYMI: There are holiday happenings galore throughout Texas, and CultureMap has rounded up the best holiday light displays and happenings in San Antonio this winter. For those who will be traveling to other major cities in Texas, we've got you covered with the ultimate holiday light displays across Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and Austin, too.

In the Hill Country

It's never too late to get out into the Hill Country for a luxe glamping trip under the great Texas sky. Star Studded Nights, a 14-acre private glamping site in Valley Mills, has everything travelers need to enjoy a comfortable stay: Fully furnished (and temperature controlled) safari tents with plush bedding and ensuite bathrooms, a common area with a firepit and outdoor games, and a provisional store for any last-minute necessities or s'mores ingredients. Nightly rates begin at $229.

Across North Texas

The Adolphus in Dallas is ready to provide the coziest stays this winter, starting with the hotel's "Holiday Glow Package" that provides guests with a a $100 dining credit and an Adolphus Signature Holiday Candle, handcrafted in partnership with Dallas-based fragrance designer Niven Morgan. The package is valid for stays of two nights or more, and can be booked using the code "ES6" for stays from now until December 30. Rates at The Adolphus begin at $254 per night.

For those that want to ring in the New Year in style, The Ritz-Carlton Dallas, Las Colinas has a luxurious "Diamonds & Bowties" package that includes luxury accommodations, two Diamonds & Bowties New Year’s Eve Event Tickets featuring live entertainment from Jordan Kahn’s Manhattan Orchestra, a New Year’s themed amenity, complimentary valet parking, late checkout, and more. The package is valid for one-night stays on December 31, and includes two tickets to the hotel's Diamonds & Bowties New Year's Eve party. Rates start at $1,039.

We hear Santa can also visit hotels on Christmas night. Photo courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton Dallas, Las Colinas

Along the Gulf Coast

If a wintery camping trip is on the itinerary this month, South Padre Island is the place to be, according to online campsite marketplace Campspot. A recent survey by the website ranked South Padre Island the No. 5 best destination in the South for travelers seeking "nostalgia-driven escapes" that remind them of the "straightforward charm" of the 1980s. Nearby campgrounds that Campspot highlighted included Brownsville's 55-plus Winter Haven Resort, We RV Champions of Rio Hondo, and more.

In Austin

Guests who want to spend part of their happy holidays hanging by the pool at the Downright Austin can use the promo code "HOL" to get a holiday-themed welcome amenity, a $20 daily credit to the hotel's breakfast and lunch bar Morningbird, and a one-time $20 food and beverage credit for Morningbird or Swim Club, the cool new bar that is partially inside a drained and remodeled pool. And starting December 15, Swim Club will transform into a winter wonderland pop-up called Après Swim, complete with holiday-themed cocktails, bites, and various holiday events. Nightly rates at Downright Austin begin at $264 in December.

Houstonians traveling to Austin with their dogs are more than welcome to enjoy all the pet-friendly amenities the Hotel Van Zandt has to offer, including complimentary Yeti brand dog bowls, plush pet beds, and special dog guest door hangers. The hotel is additionally offering branded dog robes for purchase, so your furry best friend can relax in style. Hotel Van Zandt doesn't employ size, weight, or breed restrictions for dogs, and there is no extra charge for bringing Fido along for the stay. Room rates start at $195 a night.

The Omni Barton Creek Resort and Spa is all dolled up for Christmas with an impressive lineup of holiday offerings for guests and visitors alike. The resort boasts two luxurious experiences for December stays: An exclusive "Santa Suite" package with a 20 percent discount on stays in one of the whimsical holiday-themed suites, plus a $100 hotel credit; and a "Magical Memories" package that includes 20 percent off stays with a $25 food and beverage credit. The Santa Suite package is valid for stays through January 3, while the Magical Memories package is available through January 19. Room rates begin at $329 per night.

At home in San Antonio

December is the right time for a staycation: San Antonio's innovative culinary scene has earned the city a new title as one of the best places to travel in 2025, according to a recent report by Travel + Leisure. The publication's annual "Where to Go" list reviews nearly 120 notable places around the globe and chooses only 50 for its collection of best destinations. T+L named two recently opened hotels in its report: Kimpton Santo, a boutique hotel that repurposed 19th century schoolhouses, and the fully renovated InterContinental San Antonio RiverWalk.

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