It's the most wonderful time of the year! Finals are finally over, and we still have plenty of time to indulge in the Christmas spirit. My favorite way to spread Christmas cheer (unfortunately isn't by singing loud for all to hear, wink wink), is by looking at Christmas lights in my hometown and in the cities nearby. There are so many places to see beautiful lights in Texas, and these are a few of my favorites.
Christmas Tour of Lights - Farmers Branch, Texas
When: November 25th-December 30th from 6:30-9:30 pm
Price: Free ($5 donation recommended)
The Christmas Tour of Lights is a drive-through experience that features a new path this year with over 500,000 twinkling lights.
Starbright Village - Odessa, Texas
When: November 30th-January 1st from 6:00-11:00 pm
Price: Free (donations welcome)
Starbright Village boasts the "largest display lights in the Permian Basin." See over 300,000 beautiful lights, and even visit Santa in Santa Land.
Santa's Wonderland - College Station, Texas
When: November 10th-January 7th from 6:00-11:00 pm
Price: $35 for adults and $30 for children (check out their Super Saver prices)
Santa's Wonderland is known as the "Texas family tradition", and features a wide range of Christmas lights and attractions. An amazing hayride tour for both college students and families.
The Riverwalk - San Antonio, Texas
When: November 23rd-January 1st, nightly
Price: Free (plus parking)
My personal favorite (seriously, I beg people to go with me every single year). Visit the historic Riverwalk in San Antonio for beautiful Christmas lights, a giant tree, and of course, the Alamo. If you're from San Antonio, check out the lights in Windcrest as well, they're amazing.
Houston Zoo Lights - Houston, Texas
When: November 14th-January 7th from 6:00-11:00 pm
Price: $11.95-$16.95 depending on the night
Houston Zoo Lights are one of Houston's premier Christmas attractions. They consistently make the "Top Lights in Texas" list, and are fun for the whole family.
Mini Santa Land - Spring Hill, Texas
When: November 10th-December 31st, nightly
Price: Free
Mini Santa Land is run by a local resident, and is a beautiful drive-through event that features over 2 million dazzling Christmas lights.
Candy Cane Lane - Corpus Christi, Texas
When: December 1st-December 31st, nightly
Price: Free
Candy Cane Lane features some of the most cheery homes in Corpus Christi. Tour this twinkling neighborhood in the south side of the city for decorations that are next level festive. They even have maps to guide you through, it's that big!
Santa's Ranch - New Braunfels, Texas
When: November 3rd-December 31st, from 6:00-11:00
Price: $28 per vehicle
At Santa's Ranch, you can drive through over a mile of beautiful Christmas lights and animated Christmas displays. There are many different sections including classic Christmas, dinosaurs, and sports!
Trail of Lights - Austin, Texas
When: December 9th-23rd, from 7:00-10:00 pm
Price: $3 general admission (plus parking)
The Austin Trail of Lights is becoming one of the most well known Christmas lights attraction in Texas. It boasts 40 different displays, and now has over 2 million lights!
There are countless places to view Christmas lights in Texas, and these are some of the biggest and most well known! Here's hoping you and your family get to visit one of these incredible attractions this season. Merry Christmas to all!