In the Christmas spirit? Your guide to festive attractions across Texas
In the Christmas spirit?
Here's your guide on festive holiday attractions across the state of Texas -- separated by region.
Central Texas-Hill Country
College Station, Santa's Wonderland
Santa's Wonderland in College Station is recognized as the World's Largest Christmas Park. This sprawling, festive wonderland promises to immerse visitors in the magic of the season with millions of dazzling lights, real Texas snow and ice, and other cheerful attractions spread across acres of holiday joy.
The outdoor Christmas celebration will run nightly through Dec. 30. Tickets are available online.
Johnson City, The Light Spectacular
Known as the “Twinkliest Town in Texas,” Johnson City welcomes the return of the Light Spectacular through Jan. 7. The free holiday lights display, with more than 2 million lights, is so large that NASA reported seeing it from space.
Located in the historic downtown square, the spectacle allows visitors to admire the lights while enjoying local food and drinks at restaurants nearby.
The display is free to the public. Visit the website for more information.
Marble Falls, Walkway of Lights
Open until Dec. 31, the Walkway of Lights at Lakeside Park showcases an incredible display of 2 million holiday lights, complemented by more than 350 beautifully illuminated sculptures.
The display is free to the public. Visit the website for more information.
Wimberley, Trail of Lights
Open until Dec. 26, the Trail of Lights at EmilyAnn Theatre offers a captivating experience. This walking trail winds through approximately 8 acres of enchanting lighted exhibits with special activities, including an appearance from Santa Claus, a train ride and local music entertainment through Saturday.
The display is free to the public. Visit the website for more information.
East Texas
Marshall, Wonderland of Lights
Ranked among the 10 most magical Christmas towns in Texas, the Wonderland of Lights in Downtown Marshall is a longtime holiday tradition for the East Texas town that began in 1987 when the local economy was suffering at its all-time worst.
George E. Smith, then Marshall News Messenger Editor, wrote in the newspaper: "Picture this: Marshall's square, every tree, every bush...the Harrison County Courthouse Museum...a Gigantic Christmas Tree...businesses around the square...decorated in tiny white lights. It could be a spectacle that would rival any other Christmas lighting scene in this area, think about it. We could make it happen." A few months later, a Marshall native living in France sent a check for $25,000 and a note that stated, "Have your wish."
Throughout the years, the festival has expanded to feature an outdoor ice skating rink, a vintage carousel, a train, and a collection of tiny houses forming Santa's Village.
Purchase tickets online.
Palestine, Polar Express Train Ride
The Palestine Depot sets the stage for a festive holiday experience with the Polar Express train ride. Adorned with lights, tinsel, garland and costumed characters, the adventure comes to life as each coach transforms into a lively musical performance while cocoa chefs serve hot chocolate and cookies.
Tickets are available on the Texas State Railroad website through Dec. 27.
North Texas
Celina, Miracle on 134th Street
Until Dec. 23, Miracle on 134th Street in Celina presents a festive array of holiday attractions. This includes a breathtaking display of 2 million lights, opportunities for meet-and-greets with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and encounters with a dozen characters and elves who populate Santa's expansive 8,500 sq. ft. workshop. Additionally, attendees can enjoy a complimentary train ride as part of the festivities.
Tickets are available online.
Fort Worth, Gift of Lights at Texas Motor Speedway
Transforming the Texas Motor Speedway into a radiant spectacle, the drive-through Gift of Lights experience promises to captivate visitors with a mesmerizing array of lighted characters and other festive symbols.
Tickets can be purchased online through Jan. 7.
Fort Worth, Lightscape at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden
Transforming the Fort Worth Botanic Garden into a luminous wonderland adorned with millions of lights, Lightscape 2023 promises an unparalleled holiday experience. This year, the event introduces an all-new Christmas village, providing visitors with an immersive atmosphere complete with crackling fire pits, s'mores, hot chocolate, holiday music and a short visit with Santa.
Tickets are available online through Jan. 1.
Grapevine, Christmas Capital of Texas
Earning its title as the Christmas Capital of Texas, Grapevine unfolds a winter wonderland with more than 400 holiday events scattered throughout the season. Notable among these festive offerings are the Polar Express Train Ride, the Peace Plaza Ice Rink, the Christmas at the Gaylord Texan, Snowland at Great Wolf Lodge, Christmas at the Palace Theatre and delightful holiday light food tours.
Visit the website for more information.
Panhandle-South Plains
Ransom Canyon
Located just east of Lubbock, this community is known for its unique architecture and is an area favorite for viewing unique Christmas light displays. According to the city's website, lights will be turned off at 11 p.m. every night.
Amarillo, Maxwell’s Magical Christmas
Maxwell’s Magical Christmas is open nightly through Dec. 23, featuring more than 20 holiday-themed attractions and more than a million lights. The farm also showcases lighted hayride through lighted tunnels, a trail of lights and a 50-foot pixel tree; new this year more light tunnels, new animal areas, a lighted gingerbread house and a chance to keep the Grinch from stealing Christmas by shooting him with glowing paintballs.
Tickets are available online.
Permian Basin-West Texas
Alpine, Christmas Cowboy Ball
Alpine's beloved annual Cowboy Christmas Ball makes its return Saturday, featuring live music from the renowned fiddler Doug Moreland. Whether you choose to dress up or down, all are welcome to dance the night away in the historic Granada Theatre. This family-friendly event offers free two-stepping lessons, ensuring that everyone can join in the festive fun.
Admission is free, but donations are encouraged. Visit the website for more information.
El Paso, El Paso Live WinterFest Ice Skating Rink
Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit at The Rink at WinterFest, a delightful outdoor ice-skating experience located at the El Paso Convention Center Plaza. Open through Jan. 1, this festive rink offers a perfect setting to celebrate the season with family and friends.
Throughout the week, The Rink will feature family-friendly programming, live entertainment, and local vendors, ensuring a vibrant atmosphere for visitors. Lace up your skates and glide across the ice during the 50-minute skating sessions, creating joyful memories in the heart of El Paso's WinterFest celebration.
Visit the website for more information.
Midland, Miss Cayce’s Christmas Wonderland
Since its opening in 1984, Miss Cayce’s Christmas Wonderland has become a local treasure, drawing customers from both near and far. From floor to ceiling, in every nook and cranny, the store is adorned with themed Christmas trees and vignettes, ranging from funky and fun to traditional elegance.
Open year-round, the holiday and home decoration store caters to every season and celebration from Valentine's Day to Christmas and everything in between – St. Patrick's Day, Easter, Mardi Gras, Spring, Summer, 4th of July, and Halloween.
Southern Texas
Corpus Christi, Christmas Tree Forest at the Art Museum of South Texas
This year, the enchanting theme at the 14th annual Christmas Tree Forest, "A Reading Wonderland," aims to kindle a love for reading while fostering critical thinking and creativity among students, teachers, and families in the Corpus Christi area. With the participation of 30 schools, each tree in the forest serves as a unique canvas bearing themes inspired by a diverse range of literature.
The trees come alive with the magic of famous children's books such as "A Bad Case of Stripes," "Cat in the Hat," and "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs." Additionally, culturally significant narratives take center stage with trees showcasing themes like "The Empanadas That Abuela Made," "Frida Kahlo and Her Animalitos," and "Sing With Me: The Story of Selena Quintanilla." These creative and thought-provoking displays not only celebrate the joy of the holiday season but also weave together the rich tapestry of literature and culture.
Visit the website for more information.
Houston, Zoo Lights
Zoo Lights has made a dazzling return to the Houston Zoo, offering a magical experience with flexible pricing and optional add-on vouchers for s'mores kits and comforting hot chocolate. Navigating through the spectacle is made easy with the Zoo Lights digital maps, allowing guests to seamlessly explore different areas of the zoo.
Visit the website for more information.
Houston, Galaxy Lights at Space Center
Embark on an extraordinary holiday adventure at Space Center Houston with Galaxy Lights, a space-themed holiday light show. The event goes beyond traditional holiday offerings, providing guests with a unique blend of science, technology and festive cheer. As you explore Galaxy Lights, treat yourself to a feast of festive treats and gather around cozy bonfires.
Tickets are available online through Jan. 7.
McAllen, South Pole of Texas
Step into the enchanting world of the South Pole Illuminated Festival, where a mesmerizing journey awaits with millions of lights, 100 giant lanterns, and a record-breaking digital Christmas tree that stands over 10 stories tall.
This magical festival unfolds in an illuminated oval park adorned with 24 new giant color-changing trees, creating an atmosphere complete with recreated snowfall and the whimsical Santa’s Castle. As guests embark on a walking journey through this dazzling display of lights. Guests will encounter a myriad of highlights, including photos with Santa, train rides, gingerbread house building, s'mores, a holiday food court, a NASA photo exhibit, the South Pole Artisan Market, and an exhilarating holiday carnival, among other delightful experiences.
The festival introduces the new South Pole & Beyond exhibit, featuring over 100 giant holiday and space-themed lanterns, further enhancing the immersive and festive ambiance. The South Pole Illuminated Festival promises not only a visual spectacle but a holistic holiday experience, inviting visitors of all ages to indulge in the magic of the season.
Tickets are available online.
This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: In the Christmas spirit? Your guide to festive attractions across Texas
