Amarillo area offers plenty of Christmas cheer with upcoming lighting events

Brianna Maestas, Amarillo Globe-News
Updated ·9 min read

For those looking for a way to get into the Christmas spirit this holiday season, Amarillo offers several magical views sure make their spirits - and the colder nights - bright.

Electric Light Parade

Center City Amarillo invites the community to enjoy its annual Electric Light Parade. On Friday, Dec. 1 beginning at 6 p.m., the parade will be held on Polk Street, beginning at 11th Avenue and traveling north down to 4th Avenue.

According to Center City's Executive Director Beth Duke, this year's theme will be a Tropical Hawaiian Christmas. Duke said they chose the theme in hopes to inspire a colorful and bright parade for the community to enjoy.

"We think this will be one of the most creative parades ever. It's also exciting because places like Six Car and Crush have upstairs seating for people to enjoy the parade. We just expect all of Polk street to be full of families," Duke said.

This year's parade will include approximately 70 floats, each decorated to light up or glow for viewers to enjoy. Santa will make a special appearance in his tropical attire.

Ruckus, the Sod Poodles mascot, greets the crowd on Polk Street during the 2022 Center City Electric Light Parade in downtown Amarillo. This year's parade will be held Dec. 1.
Ruckus, the Sod Poodles mascot, greets the crowd on Polk Street during the 2022 Center City Electric Light Parade in downtown Amarillo. This year's parade will be held Dec. 1.
More than 80 floats and vehicles were on display as they rolled down Polk Street during the 2022 Center City Electric Light Parade in downtown Amarillo, as seen in this file photo. This year's parade will be held Dec. 1.
More than 80 floats and vehicles were on display as they rolled down Polk Street during the 2022 Center City Electric Light Parade in downtown Amarillo, as seen in this file photo. This year's parade will be held Dec. 1.

This year's Electric Light Parade is sponsored by Xcel Energy, Golden Spread Electric Cooperative and Carpet Tech. The event is expected to have a crowd of as many as 12,000 people in attendance. Prizes will be given to parade float winners.

As a safety precaution, this year's parade will not include any candy being thrown or handed out. Parking will not be available on Polk Street in observation of the parade. Some business parking lots will also be blocked off for floats; those in the parade are expected to arrive and line up by 4:30 p.m.

Drivers are asked to be aware of pedestrians and added traffic before, during and after the parade.

The Electric Light Parade will also be streamed online and on air on ABC Channel 7. For more information, visit Center City online at https://centercity.org/lightparade/ .

The City of Amarillo said the city's official tree lighting ceremony with a message and countdown with the mayor and city councilmembers will immediately follow Friday's parade, between 7:30 and 8 p.m. outside the Amarillo Civic Center, located at 401 S. Buchanan.

The Hanging Pixel Garden will feature 4,000 pixels with over two hours of unique lighting patterns for the Tangled Lights light show at the Starlight Ranch in Amarillo though Dec. 30.
The Hanging Pixel Garden will feature 4,000 pixels with over two hours of unique lighting patterns for the Tangled Lights light show at the Starlight Ranch in Amarillo though Dec. 30.

Tangled Lights

As reported in the Saturday Globe-News e-edition, Starlight Ranch is kicking off its new Christmas light event this year, called the Tangled Lights interactive Christmas light show.

The light show will be available for viewing from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Starlight Ranch Event Center each Friday, Saturday and Sunday through the month of December and everyday from Dec. 15 through Dec. 23.

Each ticket will grant access to three stunning Christmas light shows, including the Main Show featuring more than 20,000 lights dancing to music; the Hanging Pixel Gardens, featuring 4,000 floor-to-ceiling pixels that dance to music continuously throughout the night; and Santa's Concert, an interactive show held at the Moon Palace.

The Tangled Lights Productions Main Show will run three times throughout the evening at 7, 8 and 9 p.m., with a 25-minute runtime.

Andrew Wilhelm speaks about bringing his childhood love of lights to the Tangled Lights light show to the Starlight Ranch in Amarillo though Dec. 30.
Andrew Wilhelm speaks about bringing his childhood love of lights to the Tangled Lights light show to the Starlight Ranch in Amarillo though Dec. 30.

Attendees will be able to enter the park from 6 to 8:45 p.m. Food and drinks including hot chocolate, Starlight Ranch Mini Putt, and merchandise will be available for purchase in the park.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit them online at https://tangledlightsproductions.ticketspice.com/tangled-lights-productions-starlight-ranch .

Spectators filled the campus square Thursday night for the lighting of the WT Christmas Lights in Canyon, Texas.
Spectators filled the campus square Thursday night for the lighting of the WT Christmas Lights in Canyon, Texas.

WT Festival of Lights

West Texas A&M University is spreading the Christmas joy beginning Wednesday, Nov. 29 with its Festival of Lights, held around the Buffalo Fountain on the Charles K. and Barbara Kerr Vaughan Pedestrian Mall in the heart of the WT campus in Canyon.

The event was free and open to the public and followed The Wendlers’ reception, held from 4 to 6 p.m. in Legacy Hall inside the Jack B. Kelley Student Center.

The Festival of Lights is the official lighting of the WT campus. According to WTAMU, the event will include the lighting of more than 115,000 bulbs all around campus. Lit buildings will include Old Main, the JBK, the Killgore Research Center, Cornette Library, the Engineering and Computer Sciences Building, and the Natural Sciences Building.

Speakers will include President Walter Wendler; Canyon Mayor Gary Hinders; WT Student Body President Filiberto Avila, a senior digital communication and media major from Spearman; and Ransom Collette, president of the Residence Hall Association and a junior mechanical engineering and mathematics major from Big Spring.

Leticia Parra and her dog Sasha enjoy some hot chocolate Thursday night at the WT lighting of the campus Christmas lights and winter carnival in Canyon.
Leticia Parra and her dog Sasha enjoy some hot chocolate Thursday night at the WT lighting of the campus Christmas lights and winter carnival in Canyon.
Mika Lion and Tearanee Lockhart show off the Christmas spirit of the WT Black Student Union Thursday night at the WT Festival of Lights and winter carnival in Canyon.
Mika Lion and Tearanee Lockhart show off the Christmas spirit of the WT Black Student Union Thursday night at the WT Festival of Lights and winter carnival in Canyon.

The event will also include a performance from the WT Chamber Singers, a visit from Santa Claus arriving in a Canyon Fire Department firetruck, a Petting Zoo, free handouts from Bucky, complementary cookies, hot chocolate and cider, and more.

Attendees are also encouraged to donate a new, unwrapped toy to Festival of Lights for the Hispanic Student Association’s Toy Drive. Donors will receive two tickets to any regular-season home WT basketball game this season.

Christmas in Canyon

Following WT's Christmas kick-off event, the Canyon Chamber of Commerce will host their Christmas in Canyon Parade of Lights events beginning at 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, including the Parade of Lights at 6:30 p.m. around the downtown square, followed by the lighting of the Canyon Christmas tree and fireworks.

The city of Canyon invites the community to enjoy their Christmas in Canyon event occurring all day Dec. 2 ending with their Parade of Lights at 4 p.m. held around the Canyon Downtown Square.
The city of Canyon invites the community to enjoy their Christmas in Canyon event occurring all day Dec. 2 ending with their Parade of Lights at 4 p.m. held around the Canyon Downtown Square.
The Canyon High School Marching Band gets the crowd in the Christmas Spirit during the 2022 Parade of Lights in Canyon.
The Canyon High School Marching Band gets the crowd in the Christmas Spirit during the 2022 Parade of Lights in Canyon.

The light parade will be held as the closing to a day full of events, each held in the town square, including a WTAMU pre-vet Santa Paws event from noon to 3 p.m.; a Visit with Santa hosted by the Canyon Lions Club from 4 to 6 p.m.; and performances by the Canyon ISD choirs from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Earlier that morning, attendees are invited to enjoy the Panhandle Plains historical Museum Christmas Open House from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the museum.

For more information about the day of events, visit the Canyon Chamber of Commerce online at https://business.canyonchamber.org/events/details/christmas-in-canyon-9096

Candy Cane Lane

Candy Cane Lane, located on Gainsborough Street spanning from Coulter Street to Bell Street, kicked off its 20th season Thanksgiving night with their inaugural snowball fight.

Following the event, the community can view the homes decorated with various Christmas lights, ornaments, and themes. The light viewing will be available now until Christmas day, with lights commonly turned on after nightfall and turned off around midnight.

According to Fred Harmon, also known as the Grinch Amarillo, he has played his role as the Grinch of Candy Cane Lane for years now and often can be seen walking around the second block of Gainsborough causing mischief and posing for photos.

"The wonder of Christmas is there; everybody enjoys it. It's not hugely expensive for us to do. It's our gift to the community. We don't ask for donations; we don't require that anyone participate. We do this because we want to, and we want to make people happy," Harmon said.

"We are just an average street, but one month out of the year, we get to create a little bit of magic and gift it to everyone. For one month, we are a special street, and that is amazing to be a part of," Harmon added.

Candy Cane Lane spreads holiday fun with their Christmas lights available for viewing every weekend through December and every evening the week of Christmas.
Candy Cane Lane spreads holiday fun with their Christmas lights available for viewing every weekend through December and every evening the week of Christmas.
Candy Cane Lane celebrates 20 years of spreading holiday cheer this Christmas season with their Christmas lights and more available for viewing throughout the month of December.
Candy Cane Lane celebrates 20 years of spreading holiday cheer this Christmas season with their Christmas lights and more available for viewing throughout the month of December.

Harmon said that over the years, he has seen families create a new tradition centered around the block, as his own family has created a tradition in preparing their home and portraying the Grinch each year.

Also on the block, children and adults will have the opportunity to speak to and take a photo with Santa. This year, there is also the possibility to see a few walking gingerbread and mischievous elves who like to sit on shelves hidden around the Lane.

According to Harmon, this event is held voluntarily by community members, so lighting themes and displays vary each year.

Lights will be available to be seen on both sides of the street. Viewers can drive and walk through Candy Cane Lane. Drivers are asked to be courteous of pedestrians, other vehicles and residences trying to exit their driveway.

For more information about Candy Cane Lane, visit them online at https://candy-cane-lane-holiday-park.business.site/ .

To stay informed and know when you can meet Santa or the Grinch, follow Candy Cane Lane on Facebook .

Bishop Hills

For another drive-through holiday light viewing destination, the community is invited to enjoy The Village of Bishop Hills Christmas Lights, held in the town of Bishop Hills located just 15 minutes away from downtown Amarillo.

This year, like many years previous, the lights will begin Dec. 1, and through Dec. 26, the lights will be available for viewing with extended hours, from 6 p.m. to midnight each evening. There will be also some surprise visitors some weeknights that you won’t want to miss, according to organizers.

The Bishop Hills Neighborhood is continuing its tradition of Christmas lights through Dec. 26.
The Bishop Hills Neighborhood is continuing its tradition of Christmas lights through Dec. 26.
The Bishop Hills Neighborhood is continuing its tradition of Christmas lights through Dec. 26.
The Bishop Hills Neighborhood is continuing its tradition of Christmas lights through Dec. 26.

As a part of the event, the Bishop Hills Activities Committee will be collecting monetary and eyeglass donations benefitting the Amarillo Downtown Lions Club.

The Downtown Lions Club, the world’s largest service organization, will be distributing candy and taking monetary and eyeglass donations nightly beginning at 6 until 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and midnight on Friday and Saturday nights. The local organization sponsors children to Texas Lions Camp, recycles eyeware, and participates in the Texas Ramp Project, among other service projects; learn more at https://amalions.clubexpress.com/ . This is the group's largest fundraiser of the year.

This event is open to the public. Donations are encouraged but not required. Viewers are asked to be mindful of residents exiting the property and other vehicles.

Maxwell's Christmas

The farm the Amarillo community has grown to know and love transforms into a magical Christmas wonderland, open from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. every weekend throughout the month of December and every day Dec. 15 though Dec. 23.

A giant Christmas tree of lights is one of the many sights to see at Maxwell's Magical Christmas event in Amarillo, as seen in this 2022 file photo.
A giant Christmas tree of lights is one of the many sights to see at Maxwell's Magical Christmas event in Amarillo, as seen in this 2022 file photo.
A couple admires the tunnel of Christmas lights at Maxwell's Magical Christmas in Amarillo.
A couple admires the tunnel of Christmas lights at Maxwell's Magical Christmas in Amarillo.

Maxwell's Pumpkin Farm transforms into Maxwell's Magical Christmas this holiday season, offering a magic carpet ride, lighted hayride trail, a walk though trail of lights, their Christmas Gift Market, photo opportunities with Santa and much more.

The farm will have additional holiday themed attractions as well as their crowd favorites such as their bunnyville, farm animals, apple cannons, playground, jump pad, and more.

For more information about Maxwell's Christmas or to buy tickets, visit them online at https://www.maxwellspumpkinfarm.com/ .

The Christmas in the Gardens event at the Amarillo Botanical Gardens features with a lighted walk through nature, as seen in this 2022 file photo.
The Christmas in the Gardens event at the Amarillo Botanical Gardens features with a lighted walk through nature, as seen in this 2022 file photo.

Amarillo Botanical Gardens Christmas display

The Amarillo Botanical Gardens is hosting its annual Christmas in the Gardens event starting on Thursday, Nov. 30, as well as on multiple dates throughout December, including the weekends of Dec. 1-3, Dec. 7-10 and a longer stretch closer to the holiday, Dec. 14-23.

Hours are 6 to 8:30 p.m., and admission is $10 for adults. Garden members and children under age 5 get in free.

The gardens said in a social media post that the display features more than 500,000 lights, photos with Santa Claus and The Grinch, refreshments and more. New additions this year include a 100-foot long gothic tunnel with 40,000 lights, the 12 Days of Christmas scavenger hunt, and a trio of animated singing trees.

For more, see their Facebook page, or https://amarillobotanicalgardens.org/ .

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Amarillo area spreads holiday cheer with Christmas light events