FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACT:  Jeffrey Siebert
830.608.8519
jsiebert (@) schlitterbahn.com
www.schlitterbahn.com/news

GENERAL INFORMATION
830.625.2351
schlitterbahn.com

 


Voted Best Christmas Event in Texas!
Schlitterbahn’s Hill Country Christmas received top honors
 according to Amusement Today’s annual Golden Ticket survey

NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas – Schlitterbahn’s Hill Country Christmas was honored this week by being voted the Best Christmas Event in Texas during the 2009 Golden Ticket Award ceremony hosted at LEGOLAND California, Carlsbad, CA.

Nicknamed the “Academy Awards of the Amusement Park Industry,” the Golden Ticket Awards are presented annually by Amusement Today, an industry trade magazine based in Arlington, Texas. The winners are determined by the results of an international survey conducted among hundreds of well-traveled enthusiasts and amusement park aficionados.

“We are excited to earn this new Golden Ticket distinction as having the Best Christmas Event in Texas,” stated Darren Hill, general manager for Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort.  “This holiday season our Hill Country Christmas event will return bigger, better and brighter. Not only will this year’s event truly capture the magic of Christmas morning every night, but visiting families will also be thrilled with the variety of new holiday attractions, shopping, food and shows that can all be enjoyed in one evening together.”

About the Event
Schlitterbahn New Braunfels, summer home to the world’s best waterpark, transforms the original Schlitterbahn into a dazzling evening spectacular blanketed with more than 1.5 million lights, new amazing attractions, new sensational shows, more festive food and unique shopping, making this a must-see holiday family tradition.

New & Improved Attractions:
Ice Skating – Bigger! – Experience twice the ice this season on a giant outdoor ice skating rink. Enjoy the majesty of real ice skating under the stars (skate rental is an additional fee).
Christmas in the Congo – New! – Rock around an African rainforest and jungle all the way.
Holiday Salute to the Troops – New! – Join Schlitterbahn in honoring America’s heroes with a Christmastime salute.

New & Improved Shows:
Christmas Reflections: A River of Lights Spectacular – Bigger & Brighter! – More than twice the lights in 2009! Be inspired by an innovative, immersive light show choreographed to new Christmas classics along the banks of the Comal River. Several shows nightly.
The Greatest Story Ever Told – New! – Experience the true meaning of Christmas brought to life in lights and music. Several shows nightly.
Home for the Holidays – New! – You’re invited to a gathering of family and friends as they sing and enjoy Christmas together. Several shows nightly.
Mrs. Claus’ StorytimeBetter! - Have a seat and enjoy a Christmas adventure in Mrs. Claus’ special storytime cottage. Several readings nightly.

Returning in 2009

Attractions:
Alpine Slide – Challenge a mountainous 24-foot-tall inflatable slide.
Bobsled – Sled Run – Slide down a giant hill on a fast and fun toboggan run.
Christmas Carousel – Take a ride around on this classic carousel and be transported back in time.
Candy Cane Lane Light Tunnel – Be mesmerized by chasing lights while walking through a series of illuminated arches.
Gingerbread Playland – Enjoy this whimsical toddler attraction filled with kid-friendly bouncing activities.
Merry Maze – Navigate through a holiday hay maze filled with twists and turns.
Reindeer Games – Race against fellow “reindeer” through a 40-foot-long inflatable obstacle course. Do you have what it takes to join Santa’s team?
Santa Meet-n-Greet – Meet the Jolly Old Elf himself (Santa available through Dec. 23).
Schatze’s Winter Wonderland – Kids of all ages are invited to play and meet Schlitterbahn’s beloved mascot Schatze, all decked out for the holidays.
Train Display – Bring back the memories of your childhood while enjoying the timeless tradition of a holiday train display.
Rudolph’s Reindeer Barn – Come hug and have your photo taken with the most famous reindeer of all.
Winter Wassail Hot Tub – Stay toasty warm this holiday season under the stars in a giant outdoor hot tub. Spirits available.

Shows:
Scrooge’s Haus – Season’s GREEDings… he’s back and he’s not happy about the holidays. Be sure to capture the fun and banter of Mr. Bah Humbug himself. Several shows nightly.
Holiday Illuminations – Hometown Square comes alive with dancing Christmas trees synchronized to festive holiday tunes. Several shows nightly.
Live Entertainment – An assortment of entertainment is presented throughout the park including Christmas carolers, street performers and bands.

Shopping:
Christmas Shoppe – Located in a beautifully restored 150-year-old Hill Country home, the Shoppe is filled with three floors of unique, designer collectibles elaborately displayed throughout holiday-themed rooms.

Schlitterbahn’s Hill Country Christmas event opens for weekend operation (Friday – Sunday) beginning Friday, November 20. The event is open daily December 18, 2009 through January 3, 2010 (except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day).  The park opens at 5pm. Closing times vary.

Ticket prices are $17.99 for general event admission and $15.99 for children, ages 3 – 11 and seniors 55 years or older. Tax is not included in the ticket prices. Discount tickets are available for advance purchase at schlitterbahnchristmas.com. Parking is FREE! Operating hours, dates and attraction availability are subject to change.

For more information, contact Schlitterbahn Waterparks’ corporate office in New Braunfels, Texas, at 830.625.2351 or visit the parks’ website at schlitterbahn.com.

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Editor's Note: Images and an electronic version of this release are available for media use at schlitterbahn.com/news