Christmas in San Antonio

By Dom Bewley
Published: July 18, 2024
Christmas in San Antonio

It's the most wonderful time of the year! Christmas, the biggest and best holiday, is once again upon us. Heading to San Antonio over the festive break? Wondering what Christmasy things to get up to while you're there? Good, because we've curated this list of the best reasons to visit San Antonio over Christmas! Read on, pick your faves, and go check them out.

Including:

  • Christmas cheer at Six Flags
  • Underground Carol Singing at the Natural Bridge Caverns
  • Get festive at Historic Market Square
  • Turn on the lights at San Antonio Botanical Gardens
  • See Santa at Christmas on the Ranch
  • and more!
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White (Christmas) knuckle thrills at Six Flags

Let's kick things off with a Christmas miracle of sorts. Your first thoughts of Christmas in San Antonio might not be of the theme park juggernaut Six Flags, but think again. Because from the end of November to the beginning of January, Six Flags transforms into a winter wonderland.

You'll discover dazzling light displays, live entertainment at every corner, and you've still got all those rides to try. But the jewel in Six Flags' Christmas bonanza is arguably 'The Majesty of Christmas', a stunning reenactment of the nativity, full of songs, animals, and angels literally flying through the air.

And, well, it doesn't get much more Christmasy than that!

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Let the songs ring out at the Natural Bridge Caverns

From the tops of Six Flags' tallest rides, we now descend deep into the Earth. While exploring caves might not sound like a particularly festive time, you'll find a rather unique Christmas experience down in San Antonio's famous Natural Bridge Caverns.

Thats' because carol singers who live in the caves dress themselves up over the festive period, ready to sing songs to unsuspecting explorers! Well, we assume they live there; otherwise, why sing there at all? And they're joined by everyone's favorite fat bearded man Santa, who you may well see spelunking down the cavern walls!

When you're done down in the depths, head up top to experience the Natural Bridge Caverns' outdoor playground, including a Christmasy maze, a 30-foot tall Christmas tree, and a walking trail with lots of lights. And if San Antonio's chill gets a bit much, sit down by the campfire and warm up! Easily one of the most unique things to do over Christmas in San Antonio.

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Go see the lights at Windcrest

In what has become a Christmas tradition in the city, the Windcrest neighborhood of San Antonio competes to see who has the best home decorations. Head there in early December, and you can admire every house you find. Head there a little later in the month, and the winners will already be picked! So, if you only want to see the best of the best, head to City Hall, pick up a map of the winners, and go see them for yourself!

For over six decades, the fun competition has stood the test of time, with winners outdoing one another every year! You've never seen anything like, it, so it's absolutely worth a visit if you're in San Antonio around Christmas time.

Need a quick and easy way to get around the map? Why not hire an E-bike? San Antonio's winters put many summers to shame, so breezing around on a bike might be just the thing. Burn some of those Christmas calories and get around Windcrest at your own pace. Nice.

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Down by the river

Another traditional San Antonio thing is to deck the river with decorations. Starting off life as a religious display to guide the holy family, it has since become a more general Christmas celebration. Now, the San Antonio River is lined with light-covered trees. Over 100,000 of the beauties, to be exact. So, if you want the perfect photo opportunity, head down there and take a walk!

There are plenty of restaurants, bars, and Christmas stalls along the way, should you need to refuel on your adventure. Or, if you fancy adding even more adventure to your trip, why not take a cruise river instead? Walking's great and all, but riding down the river on a boat with the lights surrounding you is something else entirely. Magical. Christmas magic, that's what it is.

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Christmas like a cowboy at Don Strange Ranch

If 100,000 Christmas lights just aren't enough lights for you, how about 4 million? Because if you head down to the Don Strange Ranch during the Christmas season, that's what you'll find. 4 million Christmas lights, and plenty more too.

Featuring a mile of lights to drive beneath, a host of Christmasy cowboy rides to try out, and a market full of stalls selling everything from eggnog to s'mores, you'll be all Christmas'd out by the end of it.

If you want to make a day of it and see more of San Antonio's old west side, why not take a tour of Texas Hill County and LBJ Ranch during the day, and then head to Don Strange Ranch at night when the lights are all the more spectacular? Yee-haw!

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Christmas, Mexico style, at Historic Market Square!

While many cities traditionally have European-themed Christmas markets, not San Antonio. Oh no. See, San Antonio was once part of Mexico, so they do things a little more southern here. It's still a Christmas market, but not one you've experienced before.

The usual suspects are still in full force - carol singing, Christmas stalls with food and drink, as well as places to buy small stocking fillers. It's just with a Mexican twist. A spicy twist, if you will.

So if you're around over the holiday season, go check it out!

Image of Lighting, Purple, Light, Electronics, LED, Urban,

Dazzling lights at San Antonio Botanical Gardens

And finally, because we all really like Christmas lights, why not treat yourself to the dazzling show at San Antonio's Botanical Gardens?

It's a one-of-a-kind display featuring a metric ton of Christmas lights. Lightscape is the real tour-de-force there; a corridor of lights that is sure to put the cheer in you!

And those were our picks of the best reasons to spend Christmas in San Antonio! If you're looking for more fun things to do during your vacation, check out Go City. With our Explorer Pass, you can see San Antonio's best bits at your own pace!

Dom Bewley
Go City Travel Expert

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San Antonio Zoo or Botanical Garden? Plan Your Best Day!

When you’re planning a trip to San Antonio, it’s not long before someone suggests the city’s beloved Zoo or its dazzling Botanical Garden. Both pack a punch when it comes to big experiences, but they’re adventures in totally different flavors. Whether you’re seeking close animal encounters, a peaceful garden stroll, excitement for the kiddos, or inspiration for your Instagram, San Antonio’s dynamic duo delivers in spades. Dive in as we compare experiences, atmosphere, food, accessibility, and more to help you tailor your perfect San Antonio day.  The Lowdown  Here’s a quick-fire comparison to give you the highlights of both the San Antonio Zoo and the San Antonio Botanical Garden:  San Antonio Zoo  Home to over 750 species and 3,500 animals  Set in historic Brackenridge Park, just north of downtown  Famous for immersive exhibits like Africa Live! and Amazonia  Interactive giraffe feeding and petting zoo, plus a carousel  Butterfly house and reptile house offer close-up encounters  Seasonal events like Zoo Boo and Zoo Lights turn things up a notch    San Antonio Botanical Garden  Features 38 gorgeous acres packed with themed gardens and pavilions  Standouts include the Texas Native Trail, Lucile Halsell Conservatory, and culinary garden  Visitor favorite: an epic family adventure garden with splash areas and nature play zones  World-class plant collection from desert succulents to tranquil Japanese-inspired spaces  Weekly classes, foodie events, and rotating art installations  Picture-perfect spots for relaxing, reading, or snapping photos  Sounds good, tell me more...  Okay, so which one is most impressive?  Honestly, it depends what you find impressive—size, activities, or pure “wow” factor! The Zoo feels lively and immersive: roaring lions, dazzling tropical fish, and close-up moments with exotic birds. You leave with the rush of sharing space with creatures from all over the planet.  The Botanical Garden, by contrast, wows with refinement and serenity. Its series of interconnected gardens feels a bit like a botanical world tour, with stunning architecture and dramatic plant displays. The walk-through desert house stands out: towering cacti reach for the ceiling while waterfalls tumble inside the rainforest dome. Both provide moments that’ll keep you talking for days.  Which one is more fun?  Younger visitors and animal lovers won’t want to miss the Zoo. There’s so much activity—feeding giraffes, hopping on the train, watching penguins chase toys. Special programs like behind-the-scenes tours and up-close animal meet-and-greets add a thrill, and the playground zones let kids burn off energy between exhibits.  The Botanical Garden is about gentle fun—think splashing in the adventure garden, spotting butterflies, and discovering kid-sized hideaways. It’s perfect for travelers who want to slow down, picnic, or simply soak up the sunshine in beautiful surroundings.  Which is more beautiful?  “Beautiful” is in the eye of the beholder, but there’s no question the Botanical Garden puts on a show for all the senses. Wide paths wind through fields of wildflowers, dramatic glass-conservatory domes glint in the sun, and blossom-filled trellises invite you to linger. Each area reveals a new palette: just when you’ve finished with cacti and agaves, you enter a Japanese pocket garden with placid water and arching maples.  The Zoo offers its own special beauty—in the sleek elegance of big cats, the vibrant feathers of tropical birds, and the lush tropical landscaping that creates a habitat for every creature. If your version of “beautiful” includes the sparkly-eyed gaze of a giraffe, there’s nowhere better.  Which has the better view?  For sweeping city views, the Botanical Garden is tough to beat. The hilltop vantage provides a lush foreground of garden splendor with the San Antonio skyline shimmering behind. The conservatory domes, reflecting pools, and fields of bluebonnets pop best during golden hour or early morning.  At the Zoo, the best views are more intimate—the underwater window into the hippo habitat, or the treetops of Africa Live!, where you might spot a lemur perched high above. The Zoo immerses you in animal habitats rather than expansive vistas, but there are leafy corners everywhere, and the Brackenridge Park setting is soothing and green.  How do I get there?  San Antonio Zoo: Located in Brackenridge Park, just north of downtown. The VIVA Culture bus (Route 11) stops right at the Zoo’s front gate, and various VIA Metropolitan Transit routes cover the area. Light rail isn’t in play here, but bikeshare drop-offs abound.  San Antonio Botanical Garden: Slightly farther east but still close to downtown, at 555 Funston Place. Bus 14 delivers you to the entrance, and plenty of free parking awaits if you’re driving. It’s a short Uber from the Pearl or River Walk if you’d like to skip the bus.  Best choice for families, couples or friends  Families: Kids absolutely glow at both. At the Zoo, they’ll love the carousel, playground, hands-on animal encounters, and seasonal events. The Botanical Garden’s Family Adventure Garden is packed with areas for climbing, splashing, and creative play, making it an easy win for kids who need to roam.  Couples: The Botanical Garden is our pick for quiet walks or a romantic escape. Peaceful trails, garden swings, and pretty viewpoints offer plenty of privacy for two. If you love to learn together, check out their culinary or gardening classes.  Friends: Both work, depending on what your group loves. The Zoo offers group programs and can be a hilarious bonding experience as you all try to spot every animal before closing. The Botanical Garden is ideal for a laid-back day, especially if you catch an outdoor concert or garden art exhibit.  I’ve got fidgety kids to entertain – which has more ‘hands on’ activities?  The Zoo pulls ahead here. In addition to animal feedings and up-close encounters, there’s the Kiddie Park, the Zootennial carousel, and reptile house to get hands-on with texture displays. Don’t forget train rides around the park—an activity unto itself.  The Botanical Garden’s Family Adventure Garden is no slouch: nature play areas, splash pads in summer, and “play in the dirt” zones offer hands-on fun, especially for kids under ten. Both venues make it easy for little hands to stay busy, but animal encounters at the Zoo are in another league for interactive fun.  What’s the accessibility like?  Zoo: The paths are mostly flat and paved, with accessible bathrooms throughout. Sensory bags are available at Guest Services to support neurodivergent visitors, and service animals (except in certain restricted areas) are welcome.  Botanical Garden: Excellent paved trails make most gardens easy to explore with strollers, wheelchairs, or mobility scooters (available for rent). Detailed maps highlight accessible routes, and plenty of shaded seating is dotted everywhere for quick rests.  Both score high on accessibility, but it’s always a good idea to check the latest updates online before your visit.  Best lunch spots nearby?  If adventure makes you hungry, there’s no shortage of great places to refuel:  Near the Zoo:  The Zoo’s own Beastro Café features kid-friendly fare and shaded patio dining with peeks of Brackenridge Park.  Smoke Shack BBQ (West Grayson Street): For stick-to-your-ribs Texan barbecue, their brisket sandwich is a hit. The vibe is relaxed, the sides are generous, and the smoked meats are rave-worthy.  The Pearl District (a short drive south): The Bottling Dept Food Hall lets you choose from gourmet burgers, ramen, and more—all in a cool urban setting with indoor and outdoor seating.  Near the Botanical Garden:  Rosella Coffee House (Avenue A): Light-filled, modern, and just a 7-minute drive from the gardens. Their avocado toast comes loaded, and the specialty lattes pair perfectly.  Smoke Shack’s Little Red Barn Steakhouse: Classic, family-friendly, and serving up huge steaks and fried shrimp in a retro Texan atmosphere.  Bakery Lorraine at the Pearl: If you make your way to the Pearl, this local fave does a stellar quiche and mouthwatering pastries. The Parisian-style décor and views of the plaza can’t be beat.  For budget bites, the Witte Museum Café (just west of the Zoo) is a good pick for sandwiches and salads.  Where are the best photo opportunities?  At the Zoo: Snap a selfie with the friendly giraffes during feeding time, or go wide-angle for shots of flamingos in their lagoon. The colorful carousel, jungle-themed playground, and animal statues near the entrance are fun for family pics. Late afternoon brings soft lighting and fewer crowds, perfect for animal photos.  At the Botanical Garden: Don’t miss sunrise shots from the Texas Hill Country overlook—morning mist + wildflowers = pure magic. The Lucile Halsell Conservatory is a must for dramatic architecture and reflections, while the Japanese Garden offers tranquil water features and sculptural bridges. Spring offers a riot of color when the roses and bluebonnets bloom.  Bring a macro lens for butterflies in summer, and keep an eye out for visiting art installations that always add an extra creative spark.  We’re finished and thirsty – is there a decent bar in the area?  Near the Zoo:  The Luxury (Grayson Street): Grab a drink from a giant retrofitted shipping container on the San Antonio River. Outdoor seating is shaded by oaks, with craft beers and local wines available. Try the michelada for a zesty Tex-Mex spin.  Bar 1919 (Southtown, a ten-minute ride): An atmospheric, speakeasy-inspired bar with a huge whiskey selection and creative cocktails like the Smoked Old Fashioned.  Near the Botanical Garden:  Sternewirth at Hotel Emma (in the Pearl District): High-end cocktails in an atmospheric, industrial-chic setting. Sip a “Three Emmas” for perfect balance and a slice of local lore.  Burleson Yard Beer Garden: Laid-back, family-friendly, and pet-friendly. The picnic table-filled yard is made for craft beers, frozen cocktails, and live music.  Any other good stuff nearby?  By the Zoo:  Brackenridge Park: Wander hiking trails, rent paddle boats, or scout out the whimsical Japanese Tea Garden—its stone bridges and shaded pagodas are a peaceful surprise right next to the Zoo.  Witte Museum: Dive into Texas history, science, and hands-on kids’ exhibits.    By the Botanical Garden:  San Antonio Museum of Art: Housed in a converted brewery, this spot features everything from ancient Greek pottery to Texas landscapes. Free family days pop up regularly.  DoSeum: San Antonio’s hands-on children’s museum, packed with interactive STEM and art play zones. Great pick for curious kids.  The Pearl District: Soak up local flavor in this repurposed brewery site, now a food, shopping, and culture hub. Farmers’ market on weekends is a don’t-miss for local eats, live music, and handmade goods.  Local tip: The stretch of the River Walk just north of downtown is quainter and quieter—ideal for a lazy stroll after a day exploring.    In summary, you can’t go wrong with either the San Antonio Zoo or the San Antonio Botanical Garden. Both offer unique adventures—exciting animal connections or serene plant journeys—and plenty of fun, learning, and great memories. Choose the one that matches your energy for the day…or go wild and experience both. San Antonio’s outdoors never disappoints!    Want more? Why not get adventurous in San Antonio, and discover how to beat the city's heat.  Step up your sightseeing with Go City®  We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.  See more, do more, and experience more with Go City®– just choose a pass to get started! 
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2 Days in San Antonio - A Weekend in San Antonio Itinerary

Spending a weekend in San Antonio and looking for things to do? We put together a list of the best things to do in San Antonio with limited time. Check out this popular 2 days in San Antonio itinerary. This Itinerary Includes: The Alamo (free!) CitySightseeing San Antonio Hop-Off Hop-On Bus Tour Pearl Brewery San Antonio Museum of Art The Riverwalk SeaWorld® San Antonio San Antonio Zoo Looking for some other itinerary options for your trip? We’ve also put together this popular 3 day San Antonio itinerary. Save on Attraction Admission Some of the attractions included in this itinerary are available on the San Antonio Explorer Pass. Choose as you go from many of the top San Antonio attractions and save up to 40% off combined admission vs. paying at the gate. Or, build your own pass and save up to 20% off. For all available passes, attractions, and prices - Learn more. Day 1 Stop #1: The Alamo (free!) Stop #2: CitySightseeing San Antonio Hop-On Hop-Off Tour This comprehensive San Antonio hop-on hop-off bus tour is the perfect introduction to San Antonio. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a resident who hasn't taken the time to see the sights yet, this tour provides a great overview of the city sights. Especially since the tour buses operate on 20-30 minute intervals, it's a very convenient and reliable way to get around to all of the most popular spots. The tour takes you to the best of San Antonio, from the Riverwalk to Southtown while professional guides provide informative and entertaining narration along the way. Enjoy the freedom to hop-on and off and explore any of the 18 stops as you go. Featured stops include: the Alamo, the Pearl Entertainment Complex, Veteran's Memorial Park, El Mercado, and more. Insider tip: Use your San Antonio Explorer Pass and get a 48-hour pass to this City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off tour to get around to the other attractions listed in this itinerary. Getting In: Hop On Hop Off San Antonio Bus Tour tickets are available as an option on the San Antonio Explorer Pass. Stop #3 - Pearl Brewery & Entertainment Complex Hop off at the very next stop: The Pearl Brewery, a culinary and cultural destination along the river, is the perfect spot to grab a bite to eat. It features a farmer's market, multiple restaurants, several boutique shops, a well-curated bookstore, and plenty of entertainment options year-round. This is a great place to stop and get a feel for genuine San Antonio culture, and to enjoy things that the locals love as well. Stop #4: San Antonio Museum of Art Stop #5 - The Riverwalk Finish out the remainder of the bus tour and hop off at the last stop: the Shops at Rivercenter Mall to explore the famous Riverwalk area where you'll end the day. Consider dining here at one of the many delicious restaurants, and then save some time later for browsing the shops and stalls of the waterfront merchants. Day 2 Stop #1: SeaWorld® San Antonio Stop #2: San Antonio Zoo Let's Recap So there’s your perfect 2 days in San Antonio weekend itinerary – packed with some of the best things to do in San Antonio. This itinerary includes all of the most popular things to do in San Antonio and provides a great, all-around overview of the city’s top attractions, landmarks, and historic sites. Use this itinerary as a starting point for planning your San Antonio itinerary and customize it from there; whether you’re a history buff, thrill-seeker, outdoor adventurer, or whatever type of traveler, San Antonio has it all. Save big when you plan your itinerary with the 4- Choice San Antonio Explorer Pass and choose from over 15 top attractions, tours, museums, and more – including popular day trips from the city, like a Natural Bridge Caverns Tour or the Texas Hill Country and Lyndon B. Johnson’s Ranch Tour. Remember, you can save on admission to many of these popular attractions and more with a San Antonio Explorer Pass.
Casey Makovich
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One Day in San Antonio Itinerary - Experience San Antonio in a Day for Under $100

Traveling to San Antonio with only one day to explore? It can be hard to decide what to do with such limited time in your schedule. Fortunately, we’ve put together a one day in San Antonio itinerary to help you make the most of your one day in this historic city. This one day itinerary includes: Six Flags Fiesta Texas The Alamo (free!) Battle For Texas: The Experience Go Rio San Antonio Cruise El Mercado (free!) Spending more than one day in San Antonio? Then take a peek at one of our sample 2-day and popular 3-day itineraries for longer stays, enjoy! Save on Attraction Admission Many of the popular attractions included in this itinerary are available on the San Antonio Explorer Pass. Choose as you go from top attractions and save up to 45% off combined admission vs. paying at the gate. With the 3-Choice San Antonio Explorer Pass, you'll get to enjoy a full day of fun! Remember, this one day in San Antonio itinerary is just one of many ways to experience the area. The San Antonio Explorer Pass® gives you the flexibility to create your own itinerary, so you can choose from many top attractions and create a vacation tailored to your interests. Stop #1: Six Flags Fiesta Texas Start your trip with a half day of entertainment and excitement at Six Flags Fiesta Texas - a part theme park/part water park destination. The park features six themed areas: Los Festivales Crackaxle Canyon Spassburg Rockville Fiesta Bay Boardwalk and KIDZOPOLIS No matter what your favorite type of theme park fun is, from classic carnival rides with varying thrill levels and high-speed roller coasters, to water pools and slides, you'll find it at Six Flags Fiesta Texas. In addition to all of the rides, the park hosts a variety of live shows and entertainment, several dining options, and even shopping venues. Our favorite ride is the Boomerang, a triple-loop coaster that thrill-seekers will adore. NEW! Coming in 2018 is the Wonder Woman Golden Lasso coaster, an exciting single-rail coaster that's among the first of its kind in the entire world! Getting In: Six Flags Fiesta Texas tickets are available as a Premium Attraction option on the San Antonio Explorer Pass. Stop #2: The Alamo (free!) Alamo Square, the famous site of the Battle of the Alamo, is the most visited historic landmark in the state Texas. Conveniently located in the heart of San Antonio, it's easy to visit and a San Antonio must-see attraction. The iconic building you'll see is a former Spanish mission-turned-fortress for the battle and stands today as a testament to those who fought and gave their lives in the Battle of the Alamo--it's also the place where Texian troops won independence and famously shouted “Remember the Alamo!” after months of fighting in 1836. Insider tip: Get acquainted with some of the tales and folklore surrounding The Alamo and learn some of its history by watching the Disney miniseries Davy Crockett from the 1950s and John Wayne’s film The Alamo from 1960 before your trip! Stop #3: Battle for Texas: The Experience After spending some time at The Alamo, walk over to Battle for Texas: The Experience, right in Alamo Plaza. This fully interactive exhibition is one of the best ways to learn about The Battle of The Alamo. You'll get to witness the spectacle and heroism of one of the most pivotal battles in U.S. history. See what life was like in 1836 Texas for the early settlers, learn about the tensions leading up to the Texas Revolution from both Texan and Mexican perspectives, and more through multi-media experiences and re-enactments. You'll even get to see some artifacts from the battle first-hand, including Santa Anna's uniform, Bowie knives, and some of Davy Crockett's personal possessions. This is a great educational experience for kids and adults alike, and is an excellent companion to a visit to the Alamo. Getting in: Battle for Texas: The Experience tickets are an included attraction option on the San Antonio Explorer Pass. Stop #4: Go Rio San Antonio Cruise After soaking up all of that Texan history, explore San Antonio's River Walk area and start with a relaxing, 30-minute cruise along the river. Each boat is operated by an experienced and knowledgeable tour guide who will talk about some of the area's unique history and culture. You'll also learn plenty of fun facts about Texas and the flourishing River Walk community. On this scenic river cruise, you'll pass under bridges and walkways, and alongside a vibrant, bustling riverfront area as your tour guide points out all the important sites. Getting in: Rio San Antonio Cruise tickets are an included attraction option on the San Antonio Explorer Pass. Stop #5: El Mercado (free!) For your last stop of the day, you'll want to pop by El Mercado, the largest Mexican market outside of Mexico and one of the top 10 outdoor markets in the US, according to Frommer’s. Home to over 100 locally owned shops and stores, El Mercado is one of the best places to go for authentic Mexican fare and music and to immerse yourself in one of the cultures that has had such a large influence on San Antonio. Admission to the market is free, although anything you purchase will not be covered by the Explorer Pass. Let’s Recap There you have it – our suggestions for how to make the most of your one day in San Antonio. Plan to add a few of the attractions above to your San Antonio itinerary to make the most of your trip to Texas. Remember, you can save on admission to your choice of popular attractions, like the ones included in this one day itinerary, and more with a San Antonio Explorer Pass.  
Casey Makovich

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