December 4, 2019 356 PM
MARFA — The historic Hotel Paisano this year will have its first annual “Christmas at the Hotel Paisano: a GIANT Holiday Weekend,” general manager Vicki Barge announced in a news release.
The event runs from next Friday, December 13, through Sunday, December 15. The event kicks off starting at 4:30 on Friday with a cookie party in the hotel’s ballroom sponsored by Livingston Insurance.
The event, which is free to children ages 3 to 12, happens at 4:30, 5:30 and 6. Volunteers will serve refreshments and help children with “cookie creations,” Barge said.
Then, at 6:30 on Friday, “it’s the adults’ turn,” Barge said. A local artist will help adults create Christmas crafts, and Jett’s Grill will provide wine and other goodies.
That event costs $30. Those wishing to attend can reserve a spot by calling Hotel Paisano at 432-729-3669.
On Saturday, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., Hotel Paisano will open its holiday marketplace in the lobby. Artists and craftspeople will sell local goods.
The Marfa Chamber of Commerce will host a “Make Your Own S’mores” event and serve homemade hot chocolate by the fire pits in the courtyard. Porter’s is also sponsoring the event, and Marfa 4-H will be selling popcorn.
A local theater troupe, Dresden Collective, will offer entertainment between noon and 3 p.m. in an event sponsored by Big Bend Coffee Roasters. The collective will allow visitors to “participate in new theater experiences, either in the audience or as part of the show,” according to the hotel.
As part of the weekend-long event, Santa and Mrs. Claus will also be visiting Marfa on their way to the North Pole. The couple will be at the hotel’s fireplace on Saturday from 9-11 a.m., 1-3 p.m. and 4-6 p.m. The Marfa Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the visit.
At 6:30 p.m., the hotel will host a holiday dinner and dance in its ballroom. Chef Sara North will offer five courses paired with cocktails and wines chosen by Chase Myers, manager of Jett’s Grill.
Originally from Lubbock, North is an acclaimed chef who has studied cooking in Italy and often incorporates spicy southwestern ingredients and sauces. She’s won awards and accolades for her cooking, including as a featured chef in Fresh Magazine in 2017.
Seating is limited and reservations are required. Reservations for that meal can also be made by calling the hotel at 432-729-3669.
Big Night Quarter, an Austin-based jazz and blues band, will provide music — including the holiday classics. The band offers a unique mix of “true talent, soulful energy and polish,” Barge said.
The music is sponsored by a number of local businesses, including Marfa National Bank, Marfa Realty, Livingston Insurance, Big Bend Coffee Roasters and the Hotel Paisano.
The GIANT Holiday Weekend wraps up on Sunday morning as Jett’s Grill, with a “Breakfast with Santa!” from 8 until 11 a.m.
The restaurant is offering a special breakfast and brunch menu — including options for kids. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be in attendance.
