OMNI BARTON CREEK GUARANTEES THERE WILL BE ICE IN AUSTIN THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Ring in the Holidays at the Hill Country Resort’s Annual Gingerbread Competition and Holiday Lights & Ice Event

AUSTIN, Texas (November 04, 2015) — It seems like the holidays arrive earlier and earlier each year, but before holiday shoppers get swept away in the hustle and bustle, Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa invites merrymakers to start the holiday season with festive fun the whole family can enjoy. With the resort’s Eighth Annual Gingerbread Competition and Sixth Annual Holiday Lights & Ice, families will be creating memories that will last throughout the holidays and years to come - both benefiting Make-A-Wish® Central & South Texas.

Eighth Annual Gingerbread Competition

This year’s gingerbread competition features a classic “Winter Wonderland” theme. From spun sugar snowflakes, candy icicles or powdered snow-covered trees, every gingerbread house will be adorned with ornate, wintery decorations. Gingerbread enthusiasts interested in cooking up their best creations are encouraged to submit an entry form to win grand prizes, including:

• Adult Category: $750 prize check to winner + one-night stay at Omni Barton Creek and breakfast for two at Hill Country Dining Room

• Professional/Corporate Category: $750 prize check to winner(s) + one-night stay at Omni Barton Creek and breakfast for two at Hill Country Dining Room + $500 donation in their company’s name to Make-A-Wish Central & South Texas 
• Teen Category: $250 prize check to winner + complimentary ice skating passes for winner and four friends (good for one skating session during the 2015 Holiday Lights & Ice event)
• Youth Category: Private skating session for winner and 10 friends (good for one skating session based on availability during the 2015 Holiday Lights & Ice event. Must contact the Resort for reservations)
• Social Media People’s Choice Award: Dinner for two at 8212 Wine Bar & Grill (alcohol excluded) OR a round of golf for two on one of four championship courses (winner announced Monday, December 7)
• Honorable mention prizes will also be awarded

Noteworthy judges include:

• Kathrin Brewer, Make-A-Wish Central & South Texas, President & CEO
• Kristy Owen, Owner & Co-founder of 265 Things to Do in Austin Blog
• Jordan Steele and Taylor Ellison, KEYE’s “We Are Austin” hosts
• Chef Aimee Olson, Director of Education at Le Cordon Bleu Austin
• Jennie Shields, Chef Instructor at Le Cordon Bleu Austin

Entry forms must be completed and submitted by Sunday, Nov. 29, and gingerbread creations must be dropped off at the Pavilion at Omni Barton Creek between noon and 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 2. An awards ceremony will follow, complete with the holiday tree lighting ceremony and a dessert reception from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Twirl under the Twinkling Lights for a Good Cause

With a portion of proceeds benefitting Make-A-Wish Central & South Texas, the Holiday Lights & Ice event features a 4,000 square foot ice rink and a special “Winter Wonderland on Ice” kick-off production on Dec. 18 by Ice Couture, starring international dancers, show skaters and Austin’s very own Chaparral Ice Skaters. Local Austinites, resort guests and Barton Creek Country Club members are invited to skate on the resort’s indoor ice rink overlooking scenic hill country views and a display of twinkling lights. Holiday-inspired treats and hot beverages will be served along with ornament and gingerbread cookie decorating in Santa’s Workshop. The grand opening performance begins Dec. 18 at 6:30 p.m. at The Pavilion, and the first public skating session with Santa Claus follows at 7:00 p.m.

Ice Rink Session Times
December 19 – January 6
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
9:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.

Skate with Santa Claus during the following session times:
December 18
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
9:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.

December 19
3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

December 20
3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

December 23
3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

The ice rink is open to the public and tickets are available for purchase in the Holiday Shop located in the Canyons Room. A portion of proceeds will benefit Make-A-Wish® Central & South Texas.

• Skating Tickets: $25 Adult, $20 Child
• Season Pass: $150

For more information on the Gingerbread Competition, Holiday Lights & Ice, packages or special offers, guests may visit www.omnihotels.com/bartoncreek or call 1-800-336-6158. Travelers or media also can follow Omni Barton Creek at Facebook.com/OmniBartonCreek and Twitter.com/OmniBartonCreek.

About Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa
Austin’s leading golf destination, Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa treats active, discerning travelers to a welcoming and invigorating luxury experience set against a breathtaking Hill Country environment. Heralded as the No. 1 golf resort in Texas, Omni Barton Creek boasts four nationally acclaimed championship courses. The resort features 309 spacious and beautifully appointed guest rooms, a full-service Three Springs Spa, superior dining experiences in its Hill Country Dining Room and 8212 Wine Bar & Grill, and the industry’s finest meeting and wedding facilities. For more information on Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa, call 1-800-336-6158 or visit omnihotels.com/bartoncreek.