“We are excited to welcome guests to an area that is so rich in amenities for the business and leisure traveler,” said Jorge Landa, General Manager of the InterContinental Hotel – Medical Center. In addition to its namesake, the InterContinental Houston – Medical Center is just moments from top attractions that include Hermann Park, the Houston Zoo, the Museum District, NRG Park convention and sports complex, Rice University and Rice Village to name a few.”

The hotel features 18,000 square-feet of executive-level meeting and event space, attracting large-scale gatherings, weddings, and conferences, as well as high profile groups. The property is also the shooting location for popular television shows such as Married at First Sight on Lifetime. The catering menu, led by Executive Chef Harold Ortiz, draws from a “land-meets-sea” Mediterranean cuisine that varies from healthy to indulgent.

“Chef Ortiz has the expertise, creativity, and skill to execute the premier culinary experience guests have come to expect from the InterContinental Houston – Medical Center,” says Doug Kelly, the hotel’s Director of Sales & Marketing. “His experience at some of the best hotels on the IHG roster is proving this to be a seamless transition, and we we’re especially excited with his vision for Safina, which has become a dining destination unto itself.”

The InterContinental Houston – Medical Center has created an environment where feedback is welcomed and has seen improved guest engagement through targeted, open communication between visitors and staff members. The property motivates its team take input to heart, and to let guests know that such participation assists them in making improvements.

Encouraging honest guest reviews as part of an open dialog with their customers has led to more organic and helpful intel and has been a useful tool in driving exposure to potential business channels. At the height of the pandemic, the engaged communication between guests and staff members generated a wave of positive reviews on Tripadvisor, pushing the InterContinental Houston – Medical Center to the top 15 hotels recommended in the Greater Houston region in a matter of months – and ultimately the receipt of a Traveler’s Choice Award, bestowed to the top 10 percent of properties in the world for excellent service. In addition, the hotel has been named the best among InterContinental Hotels & Resorts in the U.S., Canada, and Caribbean in terms of guest satisfaction.

As a hospitality hub of the Texas Medical Center, the hotel is a popular destination for visiting patients and their friends and families, providing top tier service to guests, but with a revised and refined protocol for cleanliness. This methodology, called the IHG Way of Clean, included deep cleaning with hospital-grade disinfectants, face-covering requirements, minimizing or eliminating contact points in areas like check-in, and implementing procedures based on local authorities’ guidance, such as social distancing in public spaces and dining areas. It also prescribes to the IHG Clean Promise and the Houston Venues & Events Task Force Houston Clean pledge, the former partnering with industry leading experts to use science-led protocols and service measures by enhancing the IHG Way of Clean with enhanced protocols.

The property became the first hotel in the world to install the COVID-killing Integrated Viral Protection (IVP) Biodefense Indoor Air Protection Filtration System, developed by hotel owner Monzer Hourani in conjunction with scientists and engineers from M.I.T., Texas A&M University, University of Houston, and University of Texas – Medical Branch. The cutting-edge technology that greatly reduces the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 by cleaning the air every 15 minutes, eliminating 99.999 percent of all airborne coronavirus. Already a top stop for international clientele due to the strong pull of medical tourism, these actions further cemented the hotel as a premier destination in the Texas Medical Center for patients and medical staff alike.

“The attention to detail, personal interactions with our guests, an expertly curated food and beverage program and proximity to popular attractions and the world’s largest medical center make the InterContinental Houston-Medical Center a world-class hospitality destination,” said Jorge Landa. “It is our mission to provide a memorable stay at our property and our efforts are paying off with many repeat customers that have come to consider us their home away from home, with hundreds of positive reviews across hotel industry sites and publications.”

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TEXAS HOLIDAY PARADES

     Kick off the holidays with parades across the state. Dubbed the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade of Texas, the HEB Holiday Parade in Houston features hot air balloons, marching bands, cheerleaders and costumed characters. Further west, El Paso’s “uniquely Texan” Thanksgiving Day parade, the FirstLight Federal Credit Union Sun Bowl Parade will celebrate “80 Years Around the World” for its 80th annual celebration.

Too busy cranking out that turkey? Join over 150,000 spectators the day after Thanksgiving for the Holiday River Parade & Lighting Ceremony along the River Walk in San Antonio. Enjoy the Christmas music concert, the lighting of the River Walk and wave at Santa as his sleigh floats by.

Texas-sized Holiday Light Displays

     For those looking for bright lights, small towns and big cities alike, host multiple holiday light spectaculars that almost outshine Texas’ big and bright stars. Most hail the name “trail of lights,” including the 52nd annual Austin Trail of Lights. Grab family and friends to sit by a traditional Yule Log, ride the Ferris Wheel, write a letter to Santa and more!

Just a few hours south in Houston, stroll through the Houston Zoo Lights for magical lights and musical entertainment from carolers and local musical groups. While most zoo creatures will be fast asleep, you can visit animals in the Reptile House, Kipp Aquarium, Bug House or Carruth National Encounters.

     Outside of Houston, take a hay ride through the trail of lights at the biggest Christmas attraction in the state, Santa’s Wonderland in College Station, TX. Get the full experience with a visit with Santa in Santa’s Town, a nostalgic Texas Christmas Village. Capture the experience for your Instagram under the “God Bless Texas” light arch, next to the giant Texas flag light display or in the “Giant Texas Sized Snow Globe.”    

     If you’d rather stay within the warm comforts of your car, you can experience it all from the passenger seat while driving through the Gift of Lights at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, Texas or the San Antonio Christmas Lights Fest.

ONE-OF-A-KIND CELEBRATIONS

     The Lone Star State is also home to some unique celebrations. No stranger to beautiful displays, the Dallas Arboretum fills twelve Victorian gazebos with costumed characters, whimsical animals and winter scenes to bring The 12 Days of Christmas to life!

     The Trains at NorthPark also call the Big D home. Experience all the trimmings of holiday train travel in more than 4,000 square feet of train themed environments. Nearby in Grapevine, adults can hop aboard the Christmas Wine Train and embrace the holiday spirit with festive treats and of course, wine! For a Western cowboy holiday, visit Christmas in the Stockyards in Fort Worth, TX. The one-day event takes place on December 2 and has western heritage activities for the entire family.

TEXAS HOLIDAY AT THE BEACH

     Feeling more like a holiday beach bum than cowboy? Spend the holidays on the beaches of Galveston, Texas and be amazed by incredible ice sculptures at A Caribbean Christmas at Moody Gardens. The resort brings in a team of master ice carvers to sculpt two million pounds of ice into an undersea journey of tropical fish, eagle rays, turtles dolphins and more!

     Also in Galveston, “Surf with Santa” at Schlitterbahn Waterpark Galveston Island’s Holiday Splash! Open weekends and select weekdays from November 25 to December 31. The holiday extravaganza also features a Snow Globe Float, Bahn Borealis Light Show, Ornament Factory, holiday characters and reindeer games!

MEXICAN CHRISTMAS FIESTAS

     Luminarias, traditional Mexican Christmas lanterns, light the San Antonio River Walk for the Ford Fiesta De Las Luminarias. The century’s old tradition begins at dusk Friday, Saturday and Sunday from December 2-18.  Further north and along the border in El Paso, revel the Annual Posadas Celebration and Luminaria Lighting Festival. Posada, the Spanish for “inn” or “shelter,” is a traditional celebration recreating Mary and Joseph’s search for a place to stay in Bethlehem. The presentation is followed by live music, the traditional Christmas Piñata ceremony, cultural dance presentations and the lighting of over 5,000 luminarias.

TEXAS NEW YEAR HOEDOWNS

     Once you’ve made all your holiday stops, it’s time to ring in the new year, and what better place than the largest honky tonk in the world, Billy Bob’s in Fort Worth? This year the dance hall will feature two Texas-born acts, Eli Young Band and Green River Ordinance for New Year’s Eve at Billy Bob’s Texas.

    If you’re looking to celebrate riverside, you can enjoy live music, carnival games and rides and festival food at the annual Celebrate San Antonio New Year’s Eve celebration. The event takes place downtown and ends the night with a fireworks extravaganza.

     For the families, kids are welcome (more like encouraged) at the Children’s Museum of Houston annual Rockin’ New Year’s Noon Bash. Watch the New Year’s Eve Daytime Ball Drop after the countdown to noon after the New Year’s Noon Parade.

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PRESENT-DAY HISTORY

     Sponsored by the San Jacinto Museum of History Association, the festival is a full day of entertainment, vendors, food, family activities, cultural exhibits, games and fun set amidst living history: music and dancing on three stages featuring country-western bands, flamenco dancers, Native American presentations, square dancers and much more; 15+ food vendors; make-and-take activities and crafts for children; children’s train; petting zoo; medicine wagon show; birds of prey; weavers, spinners, blacksmiths and other demonstrators; and dozens of unique hand-crafted items for sale.

      The Official State of Texas Ceremony Commemorating the 182nd Anniversary of the Battle of San Jacinto will take place at 10a.m. on Saturday, April 21. This annual event will take place inside the monument at the Jesse H. Jones Theatre.

     “We are so proud to continue to present this festival with free admission, free shuttles and free parking, which would not be possible without our presenting sponsor H-E-B, as well as The Dow Chemical Company, Pasadena Strawberry Festival, City of Deer Park, City of La Porte and LyondellBasell,” says Larry Spasic, San Jacinto Museum of History President.  “Just as important are our partners who help us coordinate this event, including the City of La Porte, TPWD, the volunteers from San Jacinto College and Deer Park ISD, Clean Harbors, La Porte EMS and Hampton Inn Deer Park.”

YEAR-ROUND ATTRACTION

     The San Jacinto Monument is open all day year round except for Thanksgiving Day, and December 24th and 25th. Visitors can ride the elevator to the top for a panoramic view of the festivities, explore the special exhibit, watch a Texas history movie and tour the hundreds of museum pieces on display.

            There are modest admission fees for the elevator ride, movie and the special exhibit entitled “A Destined Conflict: The U.S. – Mexican War,” located inside the Monument. For more information, the public may visit www.sanjacinto-museum.org and Facebook, or call 281-479-2421.

The event is coordinated by the San Jacinto Museum of History Association with the assistance of Texas Parks & Wildlife and the San Jacinto Volunteers reenactors.

ENTERTAINMENT & EDUCATION

• Jake Worthington will headline the main stage. The La Porte native was named “Runner-Up” on Season 6 of the hit NBC TV Show “The Voice” in 2014.

• Fred Rusk & the Zydeco Hi-Steppers will perform on the main stage. This band has been serving the Houston/Louisiana and surrounding areas for 12 years and consist of 5 faithful Zydeco musicians that collaborate to bring the unique sound of a Funky Cajun-French gumbo.

• Danza Azteca Taxcayolotlwill perform a version of a Danza Azteca ceremony with a dozen dancers from around Texas dressed in colorful regalia, wearing headdress with beautiful long feathers, and utilizing natural instruments to compose traditional rhythms for ceremonial dancing. Through dance steps and drum beats, the dancers will be honor generations of indigenous traditions.

• Last Chance Forever, The Birds of Prey Conservancy will present interactive demonstrations of magnificent birds including hawks, owls, eagles, falcons and vultures.

• The High School for the Performing and Visual Arts Mariachiconsists of the following instruments:  violin, trumpet, vihuela, guitar, guitarra de golpe, guitarron and arpajalisciense.  The program was established in 1998 and has done performances throughout the state.

• Texas Snakes is a fun and hands-on educational show of many different species of non-venomous indigenous snakes of Texas for the children to view and touch.  Emphasis is on teaching about the environment and how reptiles provide their part for the balance of nature.

• Houston School of Irish Music prides itself on giving students a fun and enriching environment to play traditional Irish music. The school is comprised of the North Texas School of Irish Music, with branches in Allen, Texas, and Murphy, Texas, and the Houston School of Irish Music.

UPDATED INFORMATION

     All festival activities are updated regularly on the San Jacinto Museum of History website at www.sanjacinto-museum.org and facebook.com/sjbattlereenactment.

presents world class 3 ball juggling and amazing balance tricks while engaging the crowd in a relaxed and unobtrusive manner.

Camel Rides will be available for a small fee from 11am to 2pm. Camels played an important role in Texas history when the state hosted the U.S. Army’s camel experiment, a short-lived project that used camels to ferry supplies across west Texas and the Great American Desert from 1856 to 1866.

Gilbert Hernandez is a reenactor portraying his great grandfather, Santiago Tafolla. Tafolla was a Hispanic pioneer in Texas and part of the Texas Camel Experiment as well as the only known Hispanic in Texas to leavememoirs during the Civil War. Hernandez’s presentations consist of the story of the Texas Camel Connection, working with the camels as a Calvary soldier and a Government employee all during the 1850s and 60s.

Mixteco Ballet Folkloricoprovides Houston area youth with cultural activities that preserve Mexican customs, traditions and culture through the art of music and dance.

J.R. “Jack” Edmondson is a celebrated historian, author, and reenactor. An alumni of the University of Texas at Austin and Texas Christian University, he is best known for his educational portrayal of the illustrious General Sam Houston.

Charles Lara aka Black Beaver will reenact a Delaware Blanket Trader to teach festival goers about the Texas of the 1800s.

Dan Barth will use his Medicine Show Wagon to tell the tales of special 19th century cure-all elixirs, and entertain with a little magic.

Exhibit of TPWD’s popular Operation Game Thief, its wildlife crime-stoppers program offering rewards of up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction for a wildlife crime.  Begun in 1981 as a result of laws passed by the 67th Legislature to help curtail poaching, the program is highly successful.

North Harris County Dulcimer Societywill provide musical entertainment throughout the day.

Blacksmiths, weavers, spinners and other demonstrators will give visitors a full sense of how life was in the early 1800s.  Sutlers (civilians who sold provisions to military posts) will be on hand to sell or show their wares.

Texas Parks & Wildlife Department will offer archery classes for young people.

Visitors can also view the restored marshlands and look for otters, great blue herons, osprey, mottled ducks and American avocets.  The marsh is historically important because it barred the escape of many of General Santa Anna’s troops during the 1836 battle.

Representatives of the San Jacinto Descendants, the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, the Sons of the Republic of Texas, the Texas General Land Officeand theTexas Independence Trail Region will be on hand to share their history.

Texas Independence Square Dancers—square dancers from various groups throughout Texas—will demonstrate square dancing and give lessons.

Visitors can browse through the vendor area to admire unique hand-crafted items, Texas products and history-related items.

The Children’s Area—sponsored by The Dow Chemical Company and Deer Park ISD—includes:

A 55’ train complete with train whistle and Texan and American flags.

Make-and-take history activities and crafts created and overseen by Gifted/Talented specialists from Deer Park ISD.

Marsha’s Petting Zoo with sheep, goats and other friendly small animals.

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