SAN ANTONIO – Unique, Ultra-Accessible™, fully-inclusive Morgan’s Wonderland will become a winter wonderland of special holiday entertainment, thousands of shimmering lights and festive decorations during “A Wonderland Christmas” on 13 select evenings beginning Friday, Nov. 26, and concluding Thursday, Dec. 23.
Morgan Hartman, namesake of the world-renowned theme park along with her parents – co-founders Gordon and Maggie Hartman, is scheduled to flip a switch at 6 p.m. on the 26th and illuminate a giant Christmas tree, officially launching A Wonderland Christmas.
The colorful potpourri that includes shows, strolling entertainers and holiday traditions will be presented from 4 to 9 p.m. on Nov. 26 and 27, and on Dec. 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23 at the world’s first theme park designed with individuals with special needs in mind and built for everyone’s enjoyment, said Jessica Lizardo, general manager. Morgan’s Wonderland also will be open during daylight hours Nov. 28 (11 a.m.-4 p.m.); Dec. 5 (11 a.m.-3 p.m.); and Dec. 12 (11 a.m.-3 p.m.).
A new, interactive magic and comedy show, “The Magic of Christmas,” will focus on friendship and inclusion as the best Christmas gifts of all. The 20-minute production will star popular puppet Hartman and his magician sidekick, The Astonishing Mr. Pitts.
In addition to regular Morgan’s Wonderland attractions and wheelchair-accessible rides, A Wonderland Christmas will offer a Christmas tree-lighting ceremony each evening, visits with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, strolling entertainers, a petting zoo on select evenings, complimentary cookies and hot chocolate and skating on a simulated ice rink. Pictures with Santa will be taken from 5 to 8:30 p.m. for a nominal charge.
Special entertainment and shows will vary each evening during A Wonderland Christmas, but there will be something for everyone, Lizardo said. “For families wanting to be immersed in the Christmas spirit, A Wonderland Christmas is definitely the place to be,” she added. “Morgan’s Wonderland is a truly beautiful place, and it takes on a special ambiance at night for special celebrations such as A Wonderland Christmas. Because it’s so colorful and lively, our guests take lots and lots of pictures to share with family and friends.”
Another holiday highlight will be the Snowball 5K/1K Run, Walk, Roll or Stroll at 7 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 18, at nearby Morgan’s Wonderland Sports. Proceeds will benefit Morgan’s Inclusion Initiative, the non-profit that coordinates planning, fundraising and communications for Morgan’s Wonderland and related ventures designed with individuals with special needs in mind and built for everyone’s enjoyment. To learn more, visit www.InclusionStartsHere.com.
Each Snowball registrant will receive a voucher good for free admission to A Wonderland Christmas on either Dec. 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 or 23. Complete details about how to register for the Snowball Run can be found at www.MorgansWonderland.com/Snowball/.
Regular Morgan’s Wonderland admission prices will be applicable throughout A Wonderland Christmas, and as always, those with special needs and children age 2 and younger will be admitted free of charge. The latest information about hours of operation and admissions is available at www.MorgansWonderland.com or at (210) 495-5888.
The final presentation of A Wonderland Christmas on Dec. 23 will mark the end of the 2021 season at Morgan’s Wonderland, which is located in Northeast San Antonio at 5223 David Edwards Drive, a half-mile west of IH 35 at the intersection of Wurzbach Parkway and Thousand Oaks Drive.
Ultra-Accessible™ refers to removing both physical and economic barriers that confront children and adults with special needs. This means that those with and without special needs can come together in a fully-inclusive environment for fun and a better understanding of one another.
