BATTLE OF THE BRATS

2 Hill Country Oktoberfests battle for USA Today bragging rights

Oktoberfest Fredericksburg kicks off in early October.

Choosing between Fredericksburg's and New Braunfels' Oktoberfest celebrations may feel like weighing schnitzel over pretzels, but USA Today is asking its readers to do just that. The two Hill Country celebrations are going head-to-head (or, more accurately, kopf-an-kopf) as finalists in the publication's 10Best Awards.

The 10Best Awards, staggered throughout the year, highlight everything from local landmarks to family-friendly resorts. Earlier this year, Hemisfair's Yanaguana Gardens was named the seventh-best playground in the United States, and the Shops at La Cantera rang up an honor as the best shopping center.

The two parties, Oktoberfest Fredericksburg and Wurstfest, are two of 20 finalists in the very specific best Oktoberfest category. The other contenders are spread throughout the nation, from tiny Maine village Bass Harbor to ski destination Snowbird, Utah — neither of which sounds particularly German, but we're sure the lagers are still cold.

Wurstfest expects more than 200,000 revelers this year.Wurstfest/ Facebook

The final 20 were selected by an unnamed expert panel who were chosen for their devotion to German culture and heritage, love of events and entertainment, and — naturally — a hankering for beer. Voting ends at noon on Monday, September 8, so it's up to Central Texas locals to push Snowbird down the slopes.

Fredericksburg's annual celebration will be held October 3-5. It will feature five stages of oom-pah-pah music, games, and a selection of carnival snacks that range from flammkuchen to something called a German taco. Organizers expect up to 26,000 guests during the weekend bacchanal.

Meanwhile, New Braunfels Wurstfest expects a throng of over 200,000 dirndl and lederhosen-clad revelers during its November 7-16 run. Although it officially started as a celebration of sausage by the city's former meat inspector, it has grown into a multi-weekend tribute to Bavarian and Alpine culture.

Locals won't have to wait long to find out the results of the reader vote — and to (probably) experience some schadenfreude at the expense of the other contenders. The award will be announced on September 17.

usa today german heritage beer oktoberfest new braunfels fredericksburg hill country events

Holiday happenings

7 dazzling San Antonio holiday attractions the whole family will enjoy

JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa Ice!

Photo courtesy of JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa

Stroll through a winter wonderland during JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa's Ice!

Think San Antonio’s holidays are just tree lightings and mall Santas? This year, everywhere from posh Alamo City resorts and favorite family theme parks are decking their halls for immersive experiences packed with community events and tons of Christmas cheer.

Hyatt Regency San Antonio Riverwalk
The River Walk hotel is rolling out a Hotel Holiday pop-up on December 19 at the hotel’s Q Kitchen & Bar. Highlights include nightly themed activations, festive cocktails, and Yuletide bites between 5 pm and closing daily through Christmas Day.The celebration gets underway at 6 pm on December 19 when Santa Claus and his helper arrive at the bar, so guests can meet the jolly ol’ elf. Other events include a holiday food drive. For their generosity, donors will receive Santa’s Mug Mix, a boozy hot cocoa or coffee with a choice of spirits and access to a build-your-own drink topping station.

JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa
The far North Side retreat is putting on a Hill Country Christmas, where the star attraction is ICE! — a collection of fantastical scenes featuring thousands of holiday lights, and 2 million pounds of expertly hand-carved ice sculptures.The fun continues with activities starring classic holiday characters such as Santa, Frosty the Snowman, and Nutmeg the Gingerbread Man. Festivities include gingerbread making, building snowballs, storytime with Mrs. Claus, and tubing on a snowy hill. Admission ranges $31-$38.

An elven band performs at SeaWorld San Antonio.SeaWorld San Antonio/ Facebook

SeaWorld San Antonio
The aquatic theme park’s Christmas Celebration features millions of Christmas lights strung across the 12 landscapes that are spread over 250 acres. Guests can take photos with Santa, shop for gifts, and feast on goodies like snow-kissed Rice cereal treats and Santa’s Brisket Mac and Cheese. Mariachis and beloved holiday characters such as Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer greet visitors as they stroll through the park. And the RhythMotion Christmas Parade debuts with sea-themed floats, musicians, puppeteers, stilt walkers, dancers, lights, and more. The Christmas Celebration lasts through January 4, 2016, with event entry included in park admission.

Signia by Hilton La Cantera Resort and Spa
The swanky Northwest Side resort has opened its roller skating rink to the public for the holiday season. Now through December 27, locals can lace up their skates and enjoy holiday music, colorful lights, food, and drinks. Reservations are available at least every 75 minutes starting at 9:45 am. Admission is $30 and includes skate rental.

A not-so-little drummer boy at Six Flags Fiesta Texas.Six Flags Fiesta Texas./ Facebook

Six Flags Fiesta Texas
The annual Holiday in the Park is making sure the holidays are merry and bright with more than 2 million Christmas lights, 75,000-plus decorations, and hundreds of Christmas trees. The theme park also has 14 live shows, including a live nativity scene, a musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” and a sing-along with Looney Tunes characters like Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck. Other highlights include dazzling synchronized light displays, a meet-and-greet with DC Comics superheroes and villains, and seasonal treats. Families can make s’mores by an open fire, too. Holiday in the Park is open through December 23. See Fiesta Texas’ website for admission details.

St. Anthony Hotel
Aside from being able to experience the Christmas tree and bright lights across the street in Travis Park, visitors to the historic downtown hotel will have a chance to enjoy an afternoon tea with Santa. St. Nick will be on hand from 3:30-4:30 pm on December 20 to pose for photos with guests, who can also treat themselves to seasonal bites and take in the colorful decorations. Three different, curated tea experiences are available for purchase, including one ideal for children. Prices start at $55.

Thompson San Antonio - Riverwalk
This luxury downtown hotel is ringing in the season with the 12 Days of Thompson, a curated lineup of community events, culinary experiences, and guest activations. Highlights include a s’mores party on the Cenote pool deck, carols in the lobby, and complimentary festive treats such as holiday cocktails, hot cocoa, and Christmas Eve cookies through December 25.

hotels theme parks san antonio christmas events six flags fiesta texas seaworld san antonio la cantera resort & spa jw marriott san antonio hill country resort and spa st. anthony hotel thompson san antonio-riverwalk hyatt regency san antonio riverwalk holiday activations holidays